Matthew 20:31

KJV

And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, [thou] Son of David.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the multitude {G3793} rebuked {G2008} them {G846}, because {G2443} they should hold their peace {G4623}: but {G1161} they cried {G2896} the more {G3185}, saying {G3004}, Have mercy {G1653} on us {G2248}, O Lord {G2962}, thou Son {G5207} of David {G1138}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The crowd scolded them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord! Son of David! Have pity on us!"

Berean Standard Bible

The crowd admonished them to be silent, but they cried out all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

American Standard Version

And the multitude rebuked them, that they should hold their peace: but they cried out the more, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 20:31 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, highlighting the persistent faith of two blind men who, despite being silenced by the surrounding multitude, intensified their cries for mercy. Their desperate plea, recognizing Jesus as "O Lord, thou Son of David," underscores their profound understanding of His messianic identity and divine authority, ultimately leading to their healing and serving as a powerful testament to the transformative power of unwavering faith in the face of opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem, immediately following His third prediction of His passion, death, and resurrection ([Matthew 20:17-19](/matthew/20-17-19 "Matthew 20:17-19 - Jesus Predicts His Death Again")). It directly continues the account of two blind men introduced in [Matthew 20:29-30](/matthew/20-29-30 "Matthew 20:29-30 - Two Blind Men Cry Out"), who, upon hearing Jesus was passing by, began to cry out for mercy. The crowd's attempt to silence them in Matthew 20:31 sets up a dramatic contrast with the blind men's determined faith, culminating in Jesus' compassionate response in the subsequent verses ([Matthew 20:32-34](/matthew/20-32-34 "Matthew 20:32-34 - Jesus Heals the Blind Men")). This episode serves as a practical illustration of the principles of humility and servanthood that Jesus had just taught His disciples in [Matthew 20:20-28](/matthew/20-20-28 "Matthew 20:20-28 - Greatness in the Kingdom of God"), where He emphasized that true greatness lies in serving others, not in being served.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jericho, a prominent city near the Jordan River, serving as a gateway to Jerusalem. As Jesus and His disciples were departing Jericho, they would have been accompanied by a large crowd, likely pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. Blindness was a common affliction in ancient Israel, often leading to a life of poverty and begging, as there were no effective medical treatments. Blind individuals were frequently marginalized and dependent on the charity of others. The act of sitting by the wayside and crying out for alms was a common practice for the destitute. The crowd's rebuke of the blind men reflects a cultural inclination to maintain order and perhaps a belief that such public displays were disruptive or unseemly, especially in the presence of a respected teacher like Jesus. Their attempt to silence the men also highlights a lack of understanding or empathy for the men's desperate need, contrasting sharply with Jesus' immediate compassion.

* **Key Themes:** This passage contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **faith and perseverance**, as the blind men refuse to be deterred by the crowd's opposition, demonstrating an unwavering belief in Jesus' ability to heal. Their persistent crying out, despite rebuke, models the kind of earnest and unceasing prayer encouraged elsewhere in Scripture, such as in [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow"). The repeated address, "Son of David," reinforces the theme of **Jesus' messianic identity** as the promised King from David's lineage, a central theological thread throughout Matthew, which often emphasizes Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (e.g., [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). Furthermore, the narrative underscores Jesus' **compassion and accessibility** to the marginalized and suffering, a recurring motif in His ministry (e.g., [Matthew 9:35-36](/matthew/9-35-36 "Matthew 9:35-36 - Jesus Has Compassion on the Crowds")), contrasting His welcoming nature with the crowd's dismissive attitude.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rebuked (Greek, _epitimáō_):** This verb, derived from "upon" and "to honor/value," literally means "to tax upon" or "to lay a charge upon." In this context, it signifies a strong censure, admonition, or even a prohibition. The multitude was attempting to silence the blind men by forcefully commanding them to be quiet, implying disapproval of their behavior or a desire to control the interaction with Jesus.
* **Cried (Greek, _krázō_):** This primary verb describes a loud, often desperate, vocalization. It can mean to "croak" or scream, but generally refers to calling aloud, shrieking, exclaiming, or entreating. The use of this word emphasizes the intensity and urgency of the blind men's plea, indicating a profound and uninhibited expression of their dire need and faith, escalating beyond mere speaking.
* **Son of David (Greek, _huiós Dabíd_):** This title is profoundly significant. "Son" (_huiós_) denotes not just physical progeny but also a strong connection, representation, or inheritor of qualities. "David" (_Dabíd_) refers to the Israelite king. Together, "Son of David" is a widely recognized messianic title, linking Jesus directly to the covenant God made with King David in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"), promising an eternal kingdom through his descendant. The blind men's use of this title indicates their belief that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah, the rightful King, possessing the authority and power to bring about their deliverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the multitude rebuked them":** As Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed. When the two blind men began to cry out to Jesus, this multitude, perhaps annoyed by the disruption or feeling protective of Jesus' time and space, took it upon themselves to silence the men. Their "rebuke" was an authoritative attempt to compel the blind men to cease their cries, reflecting a desire for order or a lack of compassion for the men's desperate situation.
* **"because they should hold their peace":** The reason for the multitude's rebuke was their expectation that the blind men should remain silent. The phrase "hold their peace" (Greek, _siōpáō_) implies a command for muteness or stillness. The crowd believed the men were being unruly or disrespectful by their loud pleas and sought to enforce quiet, perhaps to maintain a more solemn or orderly procession.
* **"but they cried the more, saying":** In stark contrast to the crowd's command, the blind men did not comply. The conjunction "but" (Greek, _dé_) introduces a strong opposition. Instead of being silenced, they intensified their cries, demonstrating remarkable persistence and an unyielding determination. The phrase "the more" (Greek, _meîzon_) emphasizes the increased volume and fervor of their pleas, indicating that the rebuke only fueled their desperation and resolve.
* **"Have mercy on us, O Lord, [thou] Son of David.":** This is the substance of their intensified cry. "Have mercy" (Greek, _eleéō_) is a plea for compassionate intervention, acknowledging their state of need and Jesus' power to alleviate it. The address "O Lord" (Greek, _kýrios_) signifies respect and recognition of Jesus' authority and mastery. Crucially, the addition of "[thou] Son of David" is a direct and profound recognition of Jesus' messianic identity. By using this royal title, they were not merely asking for pity but appealing to Jesus as the promised King, the one with divine authority to heal and restore, demonstrating a faith that saw beyond their physical blindness to Jesus' true nature.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 20:31 masterfully employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Contrast** is prominent, highlighting the stark difference between the unfeeling multitude, who seek to silence the suffering, and the persistent, faith-filled blind men. This also sets up a contrast with Jesus' ultimate compassion, which stands apart from the crowd's reaction. **Irony** is also present, as the physically blind men possess a deeper spiritual insight into Jesus' identity as the "Son of David" than the seeing crowd, who fail to recognize or respect His true nature and mission. Their spiritual blindness is juxtaposed against the physical blindness of those who can truly "see" who Jesus is. Furthermore, the intensified crying of the blind men, despite being rebuked, serves as a powerful instance of **hyperbole** or **escalation**, emphasizing their unwavering determination and the urgency of their plea, making their faith all the more striking.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The unwavering persistence of the two blind men in Matthew 20:31 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of faith and prayer. Despite external opposition from the multitude, their desperate need and deep-seated conviction regarding Jesus' identity compelled them to cry out "the more." This act underscores the biblical principle that true faith is not easily deterred but perseveres in the face of obstacles, trusting in God's power and compassion. Their recognition of Jesus as "Son of David" is a significant theological insight, affirming His messianic lineage and divine authority, which is a cornerstone of Christian theology. This episode illustrates that access to divine mercy is often granted to those who earnestly and persistently seek it, regardless of their social standing or physical condition, revealing Jesus' heart for the marginalized and His ultimate authority over all infirmities.

* [Luke 18:38-39](/luke/18-38-39 "Luke 18:38-39 - Bartimaeus Cries Out")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")
* [Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Call on the Name of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 20:31 offers a powerful and enduring lesson for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine the depth and resilience of our own faith. In a world often filled with distractions, discouragement, and voices that seek to silence our spiritual earnestness, the blind men's example calls us to an unyielding persistence in seeking God. Their desperate cry, intensified by the very attempts to quiet them, reminds us that our greatest breakthroughs often come when we press into God most fervently, refusing to let societal pressures, personal doubts, or even the well-meaning but misguided advice of others deter us from the source of our hope. This passage encourages us to cultivate a faith that is not merely intellectual assent but a profound, vocal, and active pursuit of Jesus, acknowledging His full authority and compassion as the "Son of David" who alone can bring healing, deliverance, and true mercy into our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "multitudes" or external voices in your life try to silence your faith or discourage you from seeking God earnestly?**
* **How does the blind men's persistence inspire you to be more tenacious in your prayers or spiritual pursuits?**
* **In what ways do you recognize Jesus as "Lord" and "Son of David" in your own life, and how does that recognition shape your approach to Him?**
* **Are there areas of your life where you need to "cry out the more" for God's mercy and intervention, despite potential opposition or discomfort?**

### FAQ
**Why did the multitude rebuke the blind men?**

Answer: The multitude likely rebuked the blind men for several reasons. They may have viewed the men's loud cries as disruptive to the orderly procession of Jesus and His disciples, especially as they were nearing Jerusalem for the Passover. There could have been a desire to protect Jesus from what they perceived as an annoyance or an attempt to control access to Him. Additionally, in that culture, public displays of desperation, while common for beggars, might have been seen as unseemly or disrespectful in the presence of a revered teacher. Ultimately, their actions reflect a lack of compassion and a failure to understand the profound spiritual need that drove the blind men's cries, contrasting sharply with Jesus' own response.

**What is the significance of the blind men calling Jesus "Son of David"?**

Answer: The title "Son of David" is highly significant because it is a direct and explicit recognition of Jesus' messianic identity. In Jewish tradition, the Messiah was prophesied to be a descendant of King David, who would restore the kingdom of Israel ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). By calling Jesus "Son of David," the blind men were not merely asking for a handout; they were declaring their belief that Jesus was the long-awaited King, the one with divine authority to bring healing, justice, and salvation. This demonstrates a remarkable spiritual insight, especially given their physical blindness, and highlights a central theme in Matthew's Gospel: Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.

**How does this passage relate to the concept of prayer?**

Answer: This passage provides a powerful illustration of persistent and earnest prayer. Despite being told to "hold their peace," the blind men "cried the more." This teaches us that effective prayer often requires unwavering determination and a refusal to be silenced by external pressures or internal doubts. It emphasizes that God hears the cries of the desperate and that our access to Him is not dependent on the approval of others. The blind men's example encourages believers to approach God with boldness and sincerity, confident that He is merciful and attentive to the needs of those who call upon Him in faith, as seen in [Luke 18:1](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow") and [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 20:31 offers a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, revealing Jesus not merely as a compassionate healer but as the long-awaited "Son of David," the promised Messiah-King. The blind men's persistent cry, acknowledging Jesus' messianic title, foreshadows His ultimate work as the one who brings spiritual sight to the spiritually blind. Just as He opened their physical eyes, His mission, culminating in His death and resurrection, was to open the eyes of humanity to the truth of God's kingdom and to deliver them from the blindness of sin ([John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus Came for Judgment")). His willingness to stop and respond to their desperate plea, despite the crowd's attempts to silence them, exemplifies His divine compassion and accessibility, contrasting sharply with the world's tendency to marginalize the needy. This act of mercy on the road to Jerusalem, where He would ultimately offer Himself as the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), underscores that His kingship, though rooted in David's lineage, is one of humble service and sacrificial love, culminating in the ultimate act of mercy on the cross, providing spiritual healing and eternal life for all who cry out to Him in faith ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confess and Believe")).

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 19:13

¶ Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put [his] hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

Colossians 4:2

¶ Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Matthew 7:7

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

Matthew 7:8

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Luke 18:1

¶ And he spake a parable unto them [to this end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Luke 18:8

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing.