Matthew 20:32

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} stood still {G2476}, and called {G5455} them {G846}, and {G2532} said {G2036}, What {G5101} will ye {G2309} that I shall do {G4160} unto you {G5213}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua stopped, called them and said, "What do you want me to do for you?"

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want Me to do for you?” He asked.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 20:32 vividly portrays Jesus' profound compassion and deliberate attentiveness to human suffering. As He journeys towards Jerusalem, Jesus interrupts His path to respond directly to the persistent cries of two blind men, demonstrating His willingness to engage personally with those in need and inviting them to articulate their deepest desire, thereby underscoring His accessible authority and the transformative power of His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Matthew's narrative, immediately following Jesus' third prediction of His passion and resurrection, and a pivotal teaching moment on servant leadership. In [Matthew 20:25-28](/matthew/20-25-28 "Matthew 20:25-28 - Jesus Teaches Servant Leadership"), Jesus contrasts the worldly pursuit of power with His own mission: "the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." The encounter with the blind men serves as a powerful, immediate illustration of this principle. Despite the crowd's attempts to silence the men ([Matthew 20:31](/matthew/20-31 "Matthew 20:31 - The Crowd Rebukes the Blind Men")), Jesus actively intervenes, showing that His path to Jerusalem is not merely geographical but also deeply relational, marked by compassionate service to the marginalized. This act foreshadows His ultimate act of service on the cross, providing spiritual sight to a blind world.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jericho, a significant city on the main route from Galilee to Jerusalem, especially for pilgrims traveling for Passover. Blindness was a common and debilitating affliction in ancient Israel, often leading to social ostracization and reliance on begging. While not always true, it was sometimes mistakenly associated with divine judgment for sin, which further marginalized those afflicted. The title "Son of David" ([Matthew 20:30](/matthew/20-30 "Matthew 20:30 - The Blind Men Cry Out to the Son of David")), used by the blind men, was a potent messianic title, acknowledging Jesus' lineage and rightful claim to Israel's throne, and implicitly, His power to heal and restore, a power traditionally associated with the coming Messiah. The crowd's attempt to silence the men reflects a common social dynamic where the desperate and marginalized were often ignored or suppressed.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 20:32 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **Compassion and Accessibility of Jesus**, demonstrating His profound empathy for the suffering and His willingness to interrupt His journey to engage with their cries. This aligns with themes seen throughout Matthew, such as Jesus' healing ministry to the sick and outcast ([Matthew 9:35-36](/matthew/9-35-36 "Matthew 9:35-36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). Secondly, it underscores the **Nature of True Authority and Servant Leadership**, contrasting Jesus' humble service with the disciples' earlier dispute over greatness. Jesus' action here is a living parable of His teaching in [Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). Thirdly, the scene emphasizes the **Importance of Persistent Faith and Articulated Prayer**, as the blind men's unwavering cries, despite opposition, lead to Jesus' direct intervention. This reinforces Jesus' teaching on seeking and asking in [Matthew 7:7-8](/matthew/7-7-8 "Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask, Seek, Knock"). Finally, the encounter implicitly points to **Divine Sovereignty and the Power to Heal**, as Jesus' question "What will ye that I shall do unto you?" presupposes His ability to grant their request, culminating in their miraculous restoration of sight in the subsequent verses.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jesus (Greek, _Iēsoûs'_):** This is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name "Jehoshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." The presence of Jesus' name here emphasizes that it is He, the incarnate Son of God, who personally and compassionately engages with the suffering. His identity is intrinsically linked to salvation and deliverance, which He demonstrates through His actions.
* **stood still (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate and decisive halt, not a casual pause. It implies a conscious choice to stop movement and attention. Jesus, despite being on a critical journey to Jerusalem, intentionally ceases His progression to make time and space for the marginalized, prioritizing their immediate need over His physical trajectory. This highlights His intentionality and availability.
* **called (Greek, _phōnéō'_):** Meaning "to emit a sound" or "to address in words or by name," this word indicates a distinct, audible summons. Jesus doesn't merely acknowledge the men; He actively calls them to Himself, inviting them into direct communion. This is an act of invitation and accessibility, drawing them out of the crowd and into His personal presence.
* **will ye (Greek, _thélō'_):** This verb denotes a determination or choice stemming from subjective impulse, a wish or preference. Jesus' question, "What *will ye* that I shall do unto you?" invites the blind men to express their deepest desire, not merely a passive acquiescence. It emphasizes their agency and the importance of their active participation in articulating their need and faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus stood still":** This clause signifies a profound and deliberate act of compassion. Jesus, despite being on a significant journey to Jerusalem with a large crowd following, intentionally halts His progress. This physical cessation of movement underscores His spiritual attentiveness and willingness to prioritize the immediate needs of the suffering over His own agenda or the momentum of the crowd. It is an active demonstration of His servant heart.
* **"and called them":** Following His halt, Jesus takes the initiative to summon the blind men. This act of "calling" is an invitation, drawing the marginalized and previously rebuked individuals directly into His presence. It signifies His personal engagement, offering them a direct audience and validating their persistent cries, in stark contrast to the crowd's attempts to silence them.
* **"and said":** This simple connective introduces Jesus' direct address to the men. It highlights the verbal nature of the interaction, emphasizing that Jesus is not merely acting but also communicating, inviting dialogue and a personal response from those He is about to minister to.
* **"What will ye that I shall do unto you?":** This question is central to the verse. Though Jesus undoubtedly knew their need, He prompts them to articulate their desire. This serves multiple purposes: it affirms their dignity, requires an act of faith and vocalization from them, and sets the stage for a specific request and a miraculous response. It emphasizes Jesus' desire for active participation and clear communication in the divine-human encounter, even when He knows all things.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 20:32 employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, highlighting the difference between the crowd's indifference and attempts to silence the blind men versus Jesus' immediate and compassionate engagement. This contrast underscores Jesus' unique character and mission. **Irony** is also present: the "seeing" crowd attempts to prevent the "blind" men from approaching the source of true sight. Furthermore, Jesus' question, "What will ye that I shall do unto you?", functions as a form of **Interrogative Rhetoric**. While seemingly obvious, this question is not for Jesus' information but for the men's articulation of faith and desire, drawing them into an active role in their healing. Finally, the entire scene functions as **Symbolism**, where physical blindness represents spiritual blindness, and Jesus' act of granting physical sight points to His ultimate power to grant spiritual insight and salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 20:32 reveals a profound theological truth about the character of God as revealed in Jesus Christ: He is not distant or indifferent to human suffering, but intimately involved and actively responsive. Jesus' willingness to stop, call, and directly engage with the marginalized blind men demonstrates divine compassion that transcends social barriers and human expectations. This encounter foreshadows His ultimate mission to bring light to those in darkness, not just physically but spiritually, by addressing the deepest human need for salvation and restoration. It underscores that true divine power is manifested not in aloofness, but in humble, accessible service and a deep desire to meet the needs of His creation, inviting them to articulate their faith and receive His grace.

* [Psalm 145:18](/psalms/145-18 "Psalm 145:18 - The Lord is near to all who call on Him")
* [Luke 18:35-43](/luke/18-35-43 "Luke 18:35-43 - Jesus Heals a Blind Man Near Jericho")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 20:32 offers profound encouragement and a powerful challenge for contemporary believers. It reminds us that Jesus is never too busy or too far removed to hear our cries. Just as He "stood still" for the blind men, He remains attentive to our needs, sorrows, and prayers today. This verse invites us to approach Him with boldness and persistence, articulating our deepest desires, even when they seem obvious or our faith feels weak. It teaches us that our vocalized prayers are not merely informative for God, but transformative for us, deepening our dependence and trust. Furthermore, this passage calls us to embody Christ's compassion in our own lives. In a world often rushing past those in need, are we willing to "stand still"—to pause our busy schedules, to truly see, hear, and engage with the suffering around us? Do we, like Jesus, invite others to articulate their needs, offering a listening ear and a helping hand? This verse challenges us to cultivate a heart that is sensitive to the cries of the marginalized and to actively participate in God's redemptive work by extending compassion and practical help.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "journey" or "agenda" in my life might I need to "stand still" from to truly see and respond to the needs of others?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to persistently cry out to Jesus, even when others or my own doubts try to silence me?**
* **What specific "desire" or "need" am I hesitant to articulate to Jesus, and how can this verse encourage me to voice it in faith?**
* **How can I be an instrument of Jesus' compassion, actively "calling" and engaging with those who are marginalized or suffering in my community?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus ask the blind men what they wanted if He already knew they were blind and needed healing?**

Answer: Jesus' question, "What will ye that I shall do unto you?", was not born out of ignorance but out of intention. Firstly, it affirmed the dignity of the blind men, giving them agency and a voice in their own healing process, rather than treating them as passive recipients. Secondly, it required them to articulate their faith and desire, making their request specific and personal. This act of vocalizing their need was an expression of their dependence and trust in Jesus' power. It also served as a public declaration of their faith, which could strengthen their own belief and serve as a testimony to the surrounding crowd. This aligns with Jesus' consistent pattern of inviting people to participate actively in their own healing or spiritual transformation, as seen in other accounts like the healing of the paralytic in [Mark 2:9-11](/mark/2-9-11 "Mark 2:9-11 - Jesus Heals the Paralytic").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 20:32 beautifully foreshadows and embodies the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, the Son of God, "stood still" not only for two physically blind men but, more profoundly, for a spiritually blind humanity. His journey to Jerusalem culminated in His ultimate "standing still" at the cross, where He halted the relentless march of sin and death. Just as He "called" the blind men to Himself, He continually calls all humanity to come to Him for salvation and spiritual sight, echoing His invitation in [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"). His question, "What will ye that I shall do unto you?", finds its deepest resonance in the gospel's offer of spiritual healing. The greatest "doing" Jesus accomplished for us was not merely restoring physical sight, but giving His life as a ransom for many ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), thereby opening the eyes of our hearts to God's truth and grace. Through His sacrifice and resurrection, He offers to do for us what we could never do for ourselves: grant forgiveness, reconcile us to God, and bestow eternal life, transforming our spiritual blindness into glorious light, as promised in passages like [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World") and [2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts").

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

Ezekiel 36:37

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet [for] this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do [it] for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.

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 20:21

And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

Acts 10:29

Therefore came I [unto you] without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?