Mark 10:49

KJV

And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} stood still {G2476}, and commanded {G2036} him {G846} to be called {G5455}. And {G2532} they call {G5455} the blind man {G5185}, saying {G3004} unto him {G846}, Be of good comfort {G2293}, rise {G1453}; he calleth {G5455} thee {G4571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua stopped and said, "Call him over!" They called to the blind man, "Courage! Get up! He's calling for you!"

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man. “Take courage!” they said. “Get up! He is calling for you.”

American Standard Version

And Jesus stood still, and said, Call ye him. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good cheer: rise, he calleth thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:49 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of blind Bartimaeus, showcasing Jesus' profound compassion and divine authority. Despite the surrounding noise and His own pressing journey toward Jerusalem, Jesus deliberately halts His procession to respond directly to the persistent cry of a marginalized individual. This verse beautifully illustrates how Jesus' authoritative command transforms the crowd from an obstacle into a messenger of hope, inviting Bartimaeus into the presence of the One who can grant him sight and solace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the broader narrative of Jesus' final journey from Jericho to Jerusalem, a path that culminates in His crucifixion and resurrection. Immediately preceding this, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, has been persistently crying out, "Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me!" ([Mark 10:47](/mark/10-47 "Mark 10:47 - Bartimaeus' Persistent Cry")). The crowd, annoyed by his disruptive shouts, attempts to silence him ([Mark 10:48](/mark/10-48 "Mark 10:48 - The Crowd's Rebuke")). Verse 49 represents a dramatic reversal, as Jesus' direct intervention not only acknowledges Bartimaeus but also re-directs the crowd's energy from suppression to invitation, highlighting Jesus' unique attentiveness to the needy and His sovereign control over circumstances. This incident serves as the final healing miracle recorded in Mark's Gospel before Jesus enters Jerusalem, underscoring its significance as a demonstration of His messianic power and compassion before His ultimate sacrifice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jericho was a significant city, strategically located on the main pilgrimage route from Galilee to Jerusalem. As Jesus passed through, He would have been accompanied by a large crowd of pilgrims. In ancient Jewish society, blindness was a severe disability, often associated with sin or divine judgment, leading to social marginalization and economic destitution. Blind individuals like Bartimaeus were typically reduced to begging for survival, often positioned at city gates or along busy roads where they could solicit alms. The title "Son of David" was a deeply significant messianic appellation, identifying Jesus as the long-awaited King from David's lineage who would restore Israel. Bartimaeus' use of this title indicates a profound theological understanding and desperate faith, recognizing Jesus' true identity despite his physical blindness.
* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' profound compassion and availability** to the marginalized and suffering. Even amidst a crucial journey towards His destiny, Jesus demonstrates His willingness to be interrupted by individual human need, a consistent motif throughout His ministry, as seen in His healing of the [woman with the issue of blood](/mark/5-25-34 "Mark 5:25-34 - Healing the Woman with a Hemorrhage"). Secondly, it highlights **the power of persistent faith** and the efficacy of crying out to Jesus, contrasting Bartimaeus' unwavering plea with the crowd's initial attempt to silence him. Thirdly, the verse showcases **Jesus' divine authority** not only over physical ailments but also over human will, as His single command transforms the crowd's disposition. Finally, it emphasizes **the transformative nature of Jesus' call**, as His personal invitation brings comfort, hope, and ultimately, restoration, echoing the broader call to discipleship found in passages like [Mark 1:17](/mark/1-17 "Mark 1:17 - Jesus Calls Disciples").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stood still (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate halt, a fixed position, or to cause to stand. In this context, it emphasizes Jesus' intentional cessation of movement amidst a journey to attend to Bartimaeus. It's not a casual pause but a purposeful act of stopping His entire procession, demonstrating His sovereign control and focused compassion, prioritizing the individual's desperate plea over the momentum of His journey or the expectations of the crowd.
* **Be of good comfort (Greek, _tharséō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "courage" or "boldness," this imperative verb means "to take courage," "to be bold," or "to cheer up." It's a command to overcome fear, anxiety, or despair. When used by Jesus, as here and in other contexts like [Matthew 9:2](/matthew/9-2 "Matthew 9:2 - Jesus Heals the Paralytic"), it serves as a powerful reassurance, inviting the recipient to shed their apprehension and embrace hope, knowing that Jesus is present and responsive.
* **rise (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb means "to waken," "to rouse," "to lift up," or "to raise." While literally commanding Bartimaeus to stand up, it carries deeper implications of being roused from a state of inactivity, obscurity, or even spiritual death. It is the same word often used for resurrection, suggesting a profound transformation from one state to another. Here, it signifies Bartimaeus' transition from a passive, marginalized beggar to an active participant in his own healing and, subsequently, a follower of Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus stood still":** This phrase highlights Jesus' deliberate and compassionate interruption of His journey. Despite the urgency of His mission to Jerusalem and the clamor of the crowd, He chooses to halt, demonstrating His attentiveness to the cry of a single, marginalized individual. This act underscores His sovereignty and His willingness to be moved by human need.
* **"and commanded him to be called.":** This is a powerful display of Jesus' authority. He doesn't just stop; He issues a direct command that shifts the entire dynamic. The crowd, which moments before was rebuking Bartimaeus, is now compelled by Jesus' word to facilitate his approach. This command transforms the crowd from an obstacle into a conduit for God's grace.
* **"And they call the blind man, saying unto him":** This clause shows the immediate obedience and transformation of the crowd. They respond to Jesus' command, turning from silencing Bartimaeus to actively summoning him. This demonstrates the compelling power of Jesus' word, which can even redirect human intentions and actions.
* **"Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.":** These words, spoken by the crowd but originating from Jesus' command, are filled with profound encouragement and hope. "Be of good comfort" (tharséō) is an imperative to shed fear and take heart, while "rise" (egeírō) is a call to action and a foreshadowing of the physical and spiritual restoration to come. The final declaration, "he calleth thee," is the ultimate source of comfort and motivation, signifying a personal, divine invitation that validates Bartimaeus' desperate cries and promises a direct encounter with the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 10:49 is rich in **Irony**, particularly in the crowd's sudden shift. Previously, they rebuked Bartimaeus for his persistence ([Mark 10:48](/mark/10-48 "Mark 10:48 - The Crowd's Rebuke")), but upon Jesus' command, they become the very messengers of hope, urging him to approach Jesus. This reversal highlights Jesus' transformative power, not only over individuals but also over group dynamics. There is also a strong **Contrast** between Jesus' deliberate stillness and the chaotic movement and noise of the crowd, emphasizing His calm authority amidst the tumult. The **Imperative Mood** is prominent in the commands "Be of good comfort" and "rise," which are not mere suggestions but authoritative calls to action, empowering Bartimaeus to respond. Finally, the narrative employs **Foreshadowing** through the command "rise." While a literal instruction to stand, it subtly anticipates Bartimaeus' subsequent spiritual "rising" into new life and discipleship after his sight is restored ([Mark 10:52](/mark/10-52 "Mark 10:52 - Bartimaeus Receives Sight and Follows Jesus")), linking physical healing to spiritual transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the nature of God's attentiveness and the power of His personal call. Jesus, embodying divine compassion, does not merely acknowledge Bartimaeus' cry from a distance but actively stops and commands his presence, demonstrating that no one is too insignificant or marginalized to capture the Lord's full attention. The message conveyed by the crowd—"Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee"—is a microcosm of the Gospel itself: an invitation to shed fear, embrace hope, and respond to the personal summons of Christ. This divine initiative transforms both the recipient and the surrounding community, turning those who once hindered into facilitators of grace. It underscores that true spiritual sight begins with hearing and responding to Jesus' voice, a call that promises not just physical healing but holistic restoration and purpose.

* [Matthew 9:9](/matthew/9-9 "Matthew 9:9 - Jesus Calls Matthew")
* [Psalm 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Lord Hears the Righteous")
* [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of All Comfort")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:49 offers profound insights into the character of Jesus and our own spiritual journey. Just as Jesus deliberately stopped for Bartimaeus, He continues to be attentive to the individual cries of His people today. We can take immense comfort in knowing that our Lord is never too busy, too distant, or too preoccupied with grander plans to hear and respond to our personal needs, fears, and desperate prayers. This passage encourages us to cultivate a persistent faith, crying out to Him with confidence, knowing that His call is always one of comfort, hope, and invitation to new life. Furthermore, it challenges us to consider our own role in the spiritual landscape. Are we, like the initially hindering crowd, sometimes obstacles to others approaching Jesus, or do we, like the transformed crowd, become agents of encouragement, sharing the good news that "He calleth thee"? This calls us to actively invite and facilitate others' encounters with Christ, recognizing that our words can carry the very comfort and hope that leads someone to their Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' immediate and deliberate response to Bartimaeus' cry challenge our assumptions about divine accessibility and the importance of individual prayers?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to "be of good comfort" and "rise" in response to Jesus' personal call, trusting in His presence and power?**
* **Considering the crowd's transformation, how can we, as believers, move from being potential hindrances to becoming active inviters, encouraging others to approach Jesus with their needs?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus "stand still" for a blind beggar?**

Answer: Jesus' act of standing still was a deliberate and profound demonstration of His compassion, authority, and the inversion of societal values. In a culture where the marginalized were often ignored, Jesus intentionally interrupted His journey, which was leading Him to His ultimate purpose in Jerusalem, to attend to a single, desperate individual. This act underscores that no one is too insignificant for His divine attention, and it highlights His willingness to be moved by human suffering, prioritizing an individual's need over the momentum of a crowd or the urgency of a schedule. It also asserts His authority, as His halt immediately commanded the attention and obedience of those around Him.

**What is the significance of the crowd's change of heart from silencing Bartimaeus to calling him?**

Answer: The crowd's transformation is highly significant. Initially, they tried to silence Bartimaeus, reflecting common societal attitudes towards beggars and those who disrupted order. However, upon Jesus' command to call him, their demeanor completely shifts. This change illustrates the powerful, transformative influence of Jesus' word and presence. It shows that Jesus not only responds to the needy but also has the power to redirect human intentions and actions. The crowd becomes an unwilling but obedient instrument of God's grace, turning from an obstacle to a facilitator, demonstrating that even those who initially hinder can be used by God to bring others to Christ.

**What does the phrase "Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee" truly convey?**

Answer: This phrase, spoken by the crowd at Jesus' behest, is packed with theological and emotional weight. "Be of good comfort" (Greek _tharséō_) is an imperative that means "take courage," "cheer up," or "be bold." It’s a direct command to shed fear, anxiety, and despair, inviting Bartimaeus into a state of hope and confidence. "Rise" (Greek _egeírō_) is a literal command to stand up, but also carries the spiritual implication of being roused from a state of passivity or spiritual darkness into active engagement and new life. The culminating declaration, "he calleth thee," is the ultimate source of comfort and motivation. It signifies a personal, divine invitation from Jesus Himself, validating Bartimaeus' persistent cries and assuring him of a direct, life-changing encounter with the One who holds all power and compassion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:49, with Jesus' compassionate halt and authoritative call to Bartimaeus, powerfully foreshadows the broader redemptive work of Christ. Bartimaeus, blind and marginalized, represents humanity's spiritual condition apart from God—lost in darkness, unable to see the truth, and often silenced by the world. Jesus, the true [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), deliberately steps into this darkness, interrupting the course of human history to address our deepest need. His command to call Bartimaeus, and the subsequent message "Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee," is the very essence of the Gospel: a personal, divine invitation to those who are spiritually blind ([2 Corinthians 4:4](/2_corinthians/4-4 "2 Corinthians 4:4 - Spiritual Blindness")) to come to Him for sight and salvation. This call is not merely an offer of physical healing but an invitation to new life, to be raised from spiritual death to life in Him, much like the [resurrection of Lazarus](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus"). Jesus, as the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-3-4 "John 10:3-4 - The Good Shepherd Calls His Own Sheep"), knows His sheep by name and calls them out of their former state into His glorious presence. Bartimaeus' immediate response and subsequent following of Jesus ([Mark 10:52](/mark/10-52 "Mark 10:52 - Bartimaeus Receives Sight and Follows Jesus")) illustrates the proper response to Christ's saving call, culminating in a life of discipleship that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the One who gave His life as a [ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 18:40

And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,

Matthew 20:32

And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?

Matthew 20:34

So Jesus had compassion [on them], and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

John 11:28

And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

Hebrews 2:17

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Psalms 86:15

But thou, O Lord, [art] a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

Psalms 145:8

The LORD [is] gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.