Matthew 20:33

KJV

They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.

KJV (with Strong's)

They say {G3004} unto him {G846}, Lord {G2962}, that {G2443} our {G2257} eyes {G3788} may be opened {G455}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They said to him, "Lord, open our eyes."

Berean Standard Bible

“Lord,” they answered, “let our eyes be opened.”

American Standard Version

They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 20:33 captures the direct and fervent plea of two blind men to Jesus as He journeys from Jericho to Jerusalem. Their concise request, "Lord, that our eyes may be opened," encapsulates their desperate physical need, their profound faith in Jesus' messianic authority, and their unwavering hope that He alone possesses the power to restore their sight, setting the stage for a powerful display of divine compassion and miraculous healing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter stages of Jesus' earthly ministry, specifically as He makes His final journey from Jericho towards Jerusalem, a path that will lead directly to His passion, death, and resurrection. Immediately preceding this encounter, Jesus has given His disciples His third prediction of His suffering and resurrection [Matthew 20:17-19](/matthew/20-17-19 "Matthew 20:17-19 - Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection Again"), followed by the ambitious request of James and John's mother for positions of power in His kingdom, which Jesus uses to teach about true greatness through servanthood [Matthew 20:20-28](/matthew/20-20-28 "Matthew 20:20-28 - The Request of James and John's Mother"). The healing of the blind men, therefore, serves as a poignant contrast: while some disciples are spiritually blind to the nature of Jesus' kingdom, these physically blind men possess profound spiritual insight, recognizing Jesus' true identity and power. The narrative begins with the men crying out to Jesus as "Son of David" [Matthew 20:30](/matthew/20-30 "Matthew 20:30 - The Blind Men Call on Jesus"), being rebuked by the crowd, yet persisting in their plea, leading to Jesus' compassionate response.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jericho was an ancient and significant city, serving as a key stop on the pilgrimage route from Galilee to Jerusalem. Blindness was a common affliction in the ancient world, often leading to a life of begging and social marginalization, as those affected were unable to work and were sometimes even viewed with suspicion or as suffering divine judgment. The act of begging by the roadside was a typical means of survival for the blind. The title "Son of David" was a highly significant messianic designation, linking Jesus directly to the royal lineage of King David and affirming Him as the promised Messiah who would restore Israel. The crowd's attempt to silence the blind men reflects a common societal tendency to dismiss or marginalize the needy and outcast, highlighting Jesus' counter-cultural compassion. Jesus' healing miracles were not merely acts of benevolence but powerful demonstrations of His divine authority, often fulfilling Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah, such as the opening of blind eyes [Isaiah 35:5](/isaiah/35-5 "Isaiah 35:5 - The Eyes of the Blind Shall Be Opened").
* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully articulates several core themes central to Matthew's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. **Faith and Persistence** are paramount, as the blind men, despite being rebuked by the crowd, continue to cry out to Jesus, demonstrating an unwavering conviction in His ability and willingness to help. Their direct and specific request in verse 33 is a testament to their profound trust. **Jesus' Compassion** is vividly displayed; He does not ignore the marginalized but stops His journey, engages with them personally, and responds to their suffering, embodying the very servanthood He had just taught His disciples. The theme of **Physical and Spiritual Sight** is also crucial; while the immediate request is for physical healing, the act of "opening eyes" frequently carries a deeper spiritual meaning in Scripture, symbolizing enlightenment, understanding, and recognition of God's truth. These blind men, in their spiritual perception, "see" Jesus' true identity more clearly than many of those with physical sight. Finally, their address to Jesus as "Lord" and "Son of David" underscores the theme of **Messianic Identity**, affirming His unique power and divine authority as the promised Savior.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **say (Greek, _légō'_):** G3004 - This primary verb means "to lay forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words...); by implication, to mean." In this context, it signifies a deliberate and direct utterance from the blind men to Jesus. Their words are not a casual remark but a purposeful and intentional plea, reflecting their earnestness and conviction in addressing Him.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** G2962 - Derived from a root implying supremacy, this noun denotes one "supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title)." The blind men's use of "Lord" is more than a polite address; it is an acknowledgement of Jesus' divine authority and sovereign power, recognizing Him as one who holds dominion and can command healing.
* **opened (Greek, _anoígō'_):** G455 - This verb, formed from ἀνά and a root meaning "to open," means "to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)." Here, it directly refers to the physical restoration of sight. However, its broader scriptural usage often extends to spiritual understanding, lending a subtle layer of meaning to the blind men's desire for both physical and spiritual clarity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They say unto him,"**: This phrase identifies the two blind men as the speakers and Jesus as the direct recipient of their words. It highlights their determined action in approaching Jesus, despite the crowd's attempts to silence them, underscoring their persistence and focus on Him alone.
* **"Lord,"**: This is the immediate and reverent address used by the blind men. By calling Jesus "Lord," they express not only respect but also a profound recognition of His divine authority and power, echoing their earlier cry of "Son of David" and demonstrating their faith in His messianic identity.
* **"that our eyes may be opened."**: This is the concise and specific request, articulating the precise outcome they desire. The Greek conjunction "that" (ἵνα, _hína_, G2443) indicates purpose or result, clearly stating the objective of their fervent plea: the restoration of their physical sight. It is a request born of desperate need and confident expectation in Jesus' ability to perform a miracle.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary techniques. **Direct Discourse** is prominent, as the blind men's exact words are quoted, lending immediacy and authenticity to their desperate plea and allowing the reader to experience the raw emotion and directness of their appeal. There is a powerful **Contrast** implicit in the scene: the physically blind men possess profound spiritual insight, recognizing Jesus' true identity and authority, while many of those with physical sight (including the crowd and even some disciples) remain spiritually blind to who Jesus truly is and the nature of His kingdom. The phrase "our eyes may be opened" carries significant **Symbolism** beyond mere physical healing; throughout Scripture, the opening of eyes often signifies spiritual enlightenment, understanding, and revelation. Thus, the physical healing foreshadows the greater spiritual transformation Jesus offers. Finally, an element of **Irony** is present, as those who are literally sightless are the ones who "see" Jesus most clearly, demonstrating a faith and perception that eludes many who are physically able to see.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 20:33 powerfully illustrates the accessibility of Jesus to those in genuine need and the transformative power of faith. The blind men's direct address to Jesus as "Lord" and their specific request for opened eyes underscores a foundational theological truth: God hears and responds to the cries of the afflicted, especially those who approach Him with humble, persistent faith. This encounter highlights Jesus' compassion as a central attribute of His ministry, demonstrating His willingness to interrupt His journey and engage personally with the suffering. Furthermore, the theme of "sight" extends beyond the physical, pointing to the broader spiritual blindness that afflicts humanity and Jesus' unique capacity to bring spiritual enlightenment and understanding, revealing the truth of God's kingdom.

* [Psalm 146:8](/psalms/146-8 "Psalm 146:8 - The Lord Opens the Eyes of the Blind")
* [Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - Opening Blind Eyes")
* [John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus Comes for Judgment and Sight")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The encounter in Matthew 20:33 serves as a profound model for our own spiritual lives. The blind men's unwavering persistence, despite the crowd's attempts to silence them, challenges us to examine the depth of our own faith and determination in seeking God. Do we allow obstacles, distractions, or even the discouragement of others to deter us from bringing our deepest needs before the Lord? Their specific and direct request for "opened eyes" encourages us to articulate our prayers clearly and with conviction, trusting that Jesus not only hears but cares deeply about our suffering. Moreover, this passage invites us to reflect on areas of our lives where we might be spiritually blind – perhaps to sin, to God's will, or to His presence – and to pray with the same earnestness for clarity and understanding, knowing that Jesus desires to grant us both physical and spiritual sight for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "blind spots" (spiritual, emotional, or relational) might I need Jesus to open my eyes to in my own life?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more persistent and specific prayer life, like the blind men in this passage?**
* **How does Jesus' compassion in this story encourage me to bring my greatest needs and vulnerabilities before Him?**

### FAQ
**Why do the Gospel accounts sometimes differ in details, such as the number of blind men healed at Jericho?**

Answer: The Gospel accounts, while consistent in their core theological message, sometimes present variations in minor details, which scholars generally attribute to different emphases, perspectives, or purposes of the individual authors. In this case, [Matthew 20:29-34](/matthew/20-29-34 "Matthew 20:29-34 - Jesus Heals Two Blind Men") mentions two blind men, while [Mark 10:46-52](/mark/10-46-52 "Mark 10:46-52 - Jesus Heals Bartimaeus") focuses on one named Bartimaeus, and [Luke 18:35-43](/luke/18-35-43 "Luke 18:35-43 - Jesus Heals a Blind Man Near Jericho") also mentions one, possibly as Jesus was *entering* Jericho. It's plausible that there were indeed two blind men, and Mark and Luke chose to highlight one prominent individual (Bartimaeus) for their narrative purposes, perhaps because he was well-known or his story particularly impactful. These variations do not undermine the historical truth or divine inspiration of the Gospels but rather demonstrate the complementary nature of their testimonies, each contributing to a fuller picture of Jesus' life and ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The healing of the blind men in Matthew 20:33 serves as a profound microcosm of Christ's broader redemptive work. Their plea for "opened eyes" foreshadows Jesus' ultimate mission to bring spiritual sight to a world blinded by sin and darkness. Just as He restored physical vision, Christ came to open the eyes of humanity to the truth of God, the reality of sin, and the path to salvation. He is the "light of the world" [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), who came to give sight to the spiritually blind, fulfilling prophecies like [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me"). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus conquered the spiritual blindness that separates humanity from God, offering a new covenant where the "eyes of our hearts" can be enlightened [Ephesians 1:18](/ephesians/1-18 "Ephesians 1:18 - Enlightenment of the Heart"). The blind men's recognition of Him as "Lord" and "Son of David" points to His messianic identity, which culminated in His reign as King, bringing true spiritual liberation and eternal vision to all who believe. His compassion for the physically blind is a tangible demonstration of His boundless grace for all who are spiritually lost, inviting them to come to Him and receive the true, lasting sight that leads to eternal life [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World").

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

Psalms 119:18

¶ Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

Ephesians 1:17

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

Ephesians 1:19

And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,