Mark 10:51

And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and said {G3004} unto him {G846}, What {G5101} wilt {G2309} thou that I should do {G4160} unto thee {G4671}?{G1161} The blind man {G5185} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Lord {G4462}, that {G2443} I might receive my sight {G308}.

"What do you want me to do for you?" asked Yeshua. The blind man said to him, "Rabbi, let me be able to see again."

“What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Rabboni,” said the blind man, “let me see again.”

And Jesus answered him, and said, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And the blind man said unto him, Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.

Commentary

Context of Mark 10:51

This verse is central to the account of Jesus healing Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, as Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho on their way to Jerusalem. The narrative begins in Mark 10:46, where Bartimaeus persistently calls out to Jesus, despite the crowd's attempts to silence him. Jesus, hearing his cry, stops and commands that Bartimaeus be brought to Him. This particular verse captures the direct interaction between Jesus and the blind man, highlighting Jesus' compassionate engagement with an individual in need, even amidst the clamor of a multitude.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Personal Engagement and Compassion: Jesus doesn't just heal from a distance or with a general decree. He stops, calls Bartimaeus to Him, and directly asks him what he desires. This demonstrates Jesus' profound compassion and personal concern for individuals, regardless of their social standing or physical condition.
  • The Power of Clear Petition: Jesus' question, "What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?", is a direct invitation for Bartimaeus to articulate his deepest need. Bartimaeus's simple, focused request for sight is a powerful example of how believers should approach God with specific and heartfelt prayers.
  • Faith and Recognition: Bartimaeus's address of Jesus as "Lord" (Kyrie in Greek, signifying respect and acknowledging authority, and often used in prayer to God or a divine figure) coupled with his persistent crying out "Son of David" (Mark 10:47) indicates a profound faith and recognition of Jesus' unique identity and power. His spiritual sight, in acknowledging Jesus, preceded his physical healing.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "Lord" used by Bartimaeus is Kyrie (κύριε). While it can be a polite form of address like "Sir," in this context, especially given Bartimaeus's earlier cry of "Son of David" (a messianic title), it carries a deeper implication of acknowledging Jesus' divine authority and power to heal. The phrase "that I might receive my sight" translates the Greek hina anablepsō (ἵνα ἀναβλέψω), which literally means "that I may look up" or "regain my sight." It emphasizes the restoration of a lost faculty, not just seeing for the first time.

Practical Application

Mark 10:51 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It encourages us to approach Jesus with boldness and clarity regarding our needs. Just as Jesus stopped for Bartimaeus, He is attentive to our individual cries. This verse challenges us to consider: What is it that we truly desire from Jesus? Are we as clear and persistent in our prayers as Bartimaeus was? The story reminds us that Jesus is not only capable of meeting our physical needs but also deeply interested in our spiritual well-being, often using physical healing to demonstrate His power and draw people to a deeper faith. His question prompts us to examine our own hearts and articulate our deepest longings, trusting in His compassion and power to respond, just as Bartimaeus's faith led to his immediate healing in Mark 10:52.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 18:41

    Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.

  • Luke 18:43

    And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw [it], gave praise unto God.

  • Matthew 7:7

    Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

  • Mark 10:36

    And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?

  • 2 Chronicles 1:7

    In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.

  • Philippians 4:6

    Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

  • Matthew 6:8

    Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
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