Matthew 20:30

KJV

And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, [thou] Son of David.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, two {G1417} blind men {G5185} sitting {G2521} by the way {G3598} side {G3844}, when they heard {G191} that {G3754} Jesus {G2424} passed by {G3855}, cried out {G2896}, saying {G3004}, Have mercy {G1653} on us {G2248}, O Lord {G2962}, thou Son {G5207} of David {G1138}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Two blind men sitting by the side of the road heard that he was passing by and shouted, "Son of David! Have pity on us!"

Berean Standard Bible

And there were two blind men sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

American Standard Version

And behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 20:30 presents a poignant scene where two blind men, seated by the roadside near Jericho, hear of Jesus' approach. Recognizing His messianic identity, they cry out with persistent faith, appealing to Him as "Lord, Son of David" for mercy. This desperate plea sets the stage for a powerful display of Jesus' compassion and miraculous power, underscoring the spiritual insight of those often marginalized.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This event immediately follows Jesus' third prediction of His Passion and resurrection ([Matthew 20:17-19](/matthew/20-17-19 "Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection Again")) and the request of James and John's mother for positions of honor in the kingdom ([Matthew 20:20-28](/matthew/20-28 "The Request of James and John's Mother")). The healing of the blind men serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' true messianic authority and His servant leadership, contrasting with the disciples' worldly ambitions. It also directly precedes Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, highlighting His compassion for the needy on the eve of His ultimate sacrifice. The narrative flows seamlessly into [Matthew 20:31-34](/matthew/20-31-34 "Jesus Heals Two Blind Men"), where the crowd rebukes the men, but Jesus stops to heal them.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jericho was a significant city, strategically located on the main road from Galilee to Jerusalem, making it a common stopping point for pilgrims. As such, it was a place where beggars, including the blind, would congregate by the roadside, relying on the charity of passersby. Blindness in ancient society often led to extreme poverty and social ostracization, as there were few means of support or medical intervention. The mention of "two blind men" by Matthew, while Mark (10:46) and Luke (18:35) focus on one (Bartimaeus), is not a contradiction but a complementary detail, emphasizing the scope of Jesus' healing. The large crowd following Jesus indicates His widespread popularity and the public nature of His ministry, making the men's cry a bold act of faith amidst many onlookers.

* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, it highlights **desperate faith and persistence**, as the blind men, despite their physical limitations and the crowd's attempts to silence them ([Matthew 20:31](/matthew/20-31 "The Crowd Rebukes the Blind Men")), refuse to give up their plea for mercy. Their unwavering cry demonstrates a profound spiritual insight into Jesus' identity and power. Second, it showcases **Jesus' profound compassion and accessibility**. Despite His urgent journey to Jerusalem and the surrounding throng, Jesus stops to attend to the cries of the marginalized and overlooked, embodying the very servant leadership He taught His disciples in [Matthew 20:25-28](/matthew/20-25-28 "Jesus Teaches About Servant Leadership"). Finally, the men's address to Jesus as "O Lord, [thou] Son of David" is a pivotal moment of **messianic recognition**. This title, deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy, explicitly acknowledges Jesus as the promised Messiah, the rightful heir to David's throne, and the one empowered by God to bring deliverance and healing. This recognition is a testament to their spiritual sight, contrasting sharply with the physical blindness they endure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **blind men (Greek, _typhlós'_):** From a root meaning "opaque" or "smoky," this word describes someone physically without sight. Figuratively, it can also refer to spiritual blindness, an inability to perceive spiritual truth. In this context, the physical blindness of the men serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual blindness prevalent among many who encountered Jesus, including some of His own disciples.
* **cried out (Greek, _krázō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to croak" or "screaming," indicating a loud, urgent, and often desperate vocalization. It implies a strong, public appeal, not a quiet whisper. This word emphasizes the intensity of the men's plea, reflecting their deep need and unwavering determination to get Jesus' attention.
* **Son (Greek, _huiós'_):** Apparently a primary word, meaning "a son," used broadly for kinship.
* **David (Hebrew, _Dabíd'_):** Of Hebrew origin, referring to David, the Israelite king.
* **Son of David (Greek, _huiós Dabíd'_):** This is a highly significant messianic title. By addressing Jesus as "Son of David," the blind men are not merely acknowledging His lineage but are proclaiming their belief in Him as the long-awaited Messiah, the one through whom God's promises to King David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David")) would be fulfilled. This title carries profound theological weight, signifying Jesus' royal authority and His role as the deliverer of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side,"**: The opening "And, behold" (καὶ ἰδοὺ) serves to draw the reader's immediate attention to a significant event about to unfold. The scene is set with two men, physically sightless, positioned in a common place for beggars – "by the way side" (παρὰ τὴν ὁδόν), indicating their marginalized status and reliance on public charity. Their static position contrasts with Jesus' dynamic movement.
* **"when they heard that Jesus passed by,"**: This clause highlights the men's acute hearing, compensating for their lack of sight, and their immediate awareness of Jesus' presence. The verb "passed by" (παράγω) suggests Jesus was moving along, perhaps quickly, making their immediate action crucial. Their hearing is the catalyst for their faith-filled response.
* **"cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, [thou] Son of David."**: This is the core of their plea, demonstrating both desperation and profound spiritual insight. "Cried out" (ἔκραξαν) signifies a loud, persistent, and urgent call. Their request, "Have mercy on us" (ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς), is a humble acknowledgment of their need and Jesus' power to alleviate it. Crucially, they address Him as "O Lord" (Κύριε), recognizing His authority, and "Son of David" (υἱὸς Δαυίδ), a direct and unambiguous messianic title. This address reveals their belief in Jesus as the promised deliverer and healer, demonstrating a spiritual perception that many with physical sight lacked.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several powerful **Literary Devices** in this verse. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the physical blindness of the two men serves as a potent metaphor for spiritual blindness. While they cannot see with their eyes, they possess a profound spiritual insight, recognizing Jesus' true identity as the "Son of David" – a messianic title – something many of the seeing crowds and even the disciples struggled to fully grasp. This creates a powerful **Irony**: those who are physically blind are spiritually sighted, while many who can see physically remain spiritually blind to who Jesus truly is. The urgent cry itself, "cried out," functions as a form of **Exclamation**, conveying the desperate, unyielding nature of their faith and their immediate need, cutting through the noise of the crowd and capturing the reader's attention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 20:30 powerfully underscores the theological truth that true spiritual sight often resides not with the outwardly privileged, but with the humble and desperate. The blind men's recognition of Jesus as "Son of David" is a profound Christological statement, affirming His royal lineage and messianic authority, yet it is uttered by those on the margins of society. This passage highlights God's particular compassion for the vulnerable and marginalized, demonstrating that Jesus is accessible to all who cry out to Him in faith. It teaches that persistent, humble prayer, rooted in a correct understanding of who Jesus is, is heard and answered by a compassionate Lord who delights in showing mercy.

* [Mark 10:46-52](/mark/10-46-52 "The Healing of Blind Bartimaeus")
* [Luke 18:35-43](/luke/18-35-43 "The Healing of a Blind Man Near Jericho")
* [Psalm 145:18](/psalm/145-18 "The Lord Is Near to All Who Call on Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene of the two blind men crying out to Jesus offers profound lessons for every believer. Like these men, we are often spiritually blind, unable to fully perceive God's truth, His will, or our own desperate need for His grace. This passage serves as a powerful invitation to acknowledge our spiritual deficiencies and to cry out to Jesus with the same urgency and unwavering faith. It reminds us that our Lord is not distant or unconcerned, but actively "passing by," ready to hear and respond to the cries of those who recognize His authority and seek His mercy. Their persistence, even when rebuked by the crowd, teaches us the vital importance of not giving up in prayer, trusting that God hears the desperate and faithful heart. Our spiritual sight, like their physical sight, is a gift from Him, and we are called to continually seek His face, trusting Him to open our eyes to His glorious truth and purpose for our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel spiritually blind, and how can you cry out to Jesus for clarity and insight?**
* **What obstacles or "crowds" in your life might be trying to silence your cries for mercy or hinder your pursuit of Jesus?**
* **How does the blind men's persistent faith challenge your own approach to prayer and seeking God's intervention?**
* **What does it mean for you to acknowledge Jesus as "Lord" and "Son of David" in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why does Matthew mention two blind men, while Mark and Luke mention only one?**

Answer: The Gospel accounts are complementary, not contradictory. Matthew's focus on "two blind men" (as in other instances where he mentions two, e.g., the demon-possessed men in [Matthew 8:28](/matthew/8-28 "Jesus Heals Two Demoniacs")) simply broadens the scope of the miracle, emphasizing that Jesus' compassion and power extended to multiple individuals. Mark (10:46) and Luke (18:35) highlight a specific individual, Bartimaeus, perhaps because he was well-known in the early Christian community or because his story provided specific details for their narrative purposes. All three accounts agree on the essential elements: blind men crying out to Jesus as "Son of David" near Jericho, and Jesus' compassionate response.

**What is the significance of the title "Son of David"?**

Answer: The title "Son of David" is profoundly significant as a messianic designation. It directly links Jesus to the covenant God made with King David in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David"), promising an eternal dynasty and kingdom through his lineage. By calling Jesus "Son of David," the blind men are acknowledging Him as the long-awaited Messiah, the rightful heir to David's throne, and the one who would bring salvation and deliverance to Israel. This title implies not only His royal authority but also His divine mission and power to perform miraculous works, such as healing. It is a declaration of faith in Jesus' identity as the Christ.

**Why did the blind men cry out so loudly and persistently?**

Answer: Their loud and persistent crying out stemmed from a combination of desperation, faith, and urgency. As blind beggars, they were marginalized and dependent on the charity of others; this was a unique opportunity to encounter Jesus, their only hope for healing. Their "cried out" (Greek: `krázō`) suggests a deep, urgent plea, reflecting their unwavering belief that Jesus had the power to heal them. Despite the crowd's attempts to silence them (as seen in [Matthew 20:31](/matthew/20-31 "The Crowd Rebukes the Blind Men")), their persistence demonstrates a determined faith that refused to be deterred, knowing that their spiritual and physical well-being depended on capturing Jesus' attention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The healing of the two blind men in Matthew 20:30-34 is a powerful prefigurement of Jesus' ultimate mission as the Christ. These men, physically blind and marginalized, represent humanity's spiritual condition apart from God – unable to see the truth, lost in darkness, and dependent on divine mercy. Jesus, by stopping His journey to Jerusalem (where He would ultimately lay down His life), demonstrates His profound compassion and His primary purpose: to bring light to those in darkness. He is the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), who came to open the eyes of the spiritually blind, fulfilling prophecies such as [Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42:7 "Isaiah 42:7 - Opening Blind Eyes"). Just as He restored their physical sight, He offers spiritual sight, enabling us to perceive God's kingdom, His truth, and His will. This act of mercy foreshadows the ultimate act of mercy on the cross, where Jesus, the "Son of David," secured redemption for all who, like these blind men, cry out to Him in faith for mercy, allowing us to see the glory of God in the face of Christ ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - The Light of the Gospel")). Through His sacrifice, He opens our hearts to understanding, illuminating the "eyes of your understanding" ([Ephesians 1:18](/ephesians/1-18 "Ephesians 1:18 - Enlightenment of the Heart")) to comprehend the hope of His calling.

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

Matthew 21:14

And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

Mark 10:46

¶ And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.

Matthew 21:9

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

Matthew 22:42

Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, [The Son] of David.

Acts 2:30

Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

Isaiah 42:18

¶ Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.

Isaiah 59:10

We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if [we had] no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night; [we are] in desolate places as dead [men].