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“Jesus Heals Two Blind Men”· Matthew 20:29–34
Translation
King James Version
So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
Complete Jewish Bible
Filled with tenderness, Yeshua touched their eyes; and instantly they received their sight and followed him.
Berean Standard Bible
Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes, and at once they received their sight and followed Him.
American Standard Version
And Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and straightway they received their sight, and followed him.
World English Bible Messianic
Yeshua, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received their sight, and they followed him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Iesus mooued with compassion, touched their eyes, and immediatly their eyes receiued sight, and they followed him.
Young's Literal Translation
and having been moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes, and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
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Historical interpretation
Nine Centuries of Reception
12 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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Or; Those that believed rebuked them that they should not dishonour Him by styling Him merely Son of David, but should rather say, Son of God, have mercy on us.
Or; Jesus does not pass on, but stands still, that by His standing His goodness may not pass by, but as from an abiding fount mercy may flow forth upon them.
Figuratively, Jericho is taken to be the world, into which Christ came down. They who are in Jericho, know not how to escape from the wisdom of the world, unless they see not Jesus only coming out of Jericho, but also His disciples. This when they saw, great multitudes followed Him, despising the world and all worldly things, that under His guidance they may go up to the heavenly Jerusalem. The two blind men we may call Judah and Israel, who before the coming of Christ were blind, not seeing the true word which was in the Law and the Prophets, yet sitting by the wayside of the Law and the Prophets, and understanding Him only as after the flesh, they cried to Him who was made of the seed of David according to the flesh.
We also now sitting by the wayside of the Scriptures, and understanding wherein we are blind, if we ask with desire, He will touch the eyes of our souls, and the gloom of ignorance shall depart from our minds, that in the light of knowledge we may follow Him, who gave us power to see to no other end than that we should follow Him.
Or, They bid them hold their peace, not from reverence for Christ, but because they were grieved to hear from the blind what they denied, namely, that the Lord was the Son of David.
Wherefore doth He ask them? Lest any one should think that when they wish to receive one thing, He giveth them another thing. For indeed it is usual with Him on every occasion, first to make manifest and discover to all the virtue of those He is healing, and then to apply the cure, for one reason, that He might lead on the others likewise to emulation; and for another, that He might show that they were enjoying the gift worthily. This, for instance, He did with respect to the Canaanitish woman also, this too in the case of the centurion, this again as to her that had the issue of blood, or rather that marvellous woman even anticipated the Lord's inquiry; but not so did He pass her by, but even after the cure makes her manifest. Such earnest care had He on every occasion to proclaim the good deeds of them that come to Him, and to show them to be much greater than they are, which He doth here also.
Then, when they said what they wished, He had compassion on them, and touched them. For this alone is the cause of their cure, for which also He came into the world. But nevertheless, although it be mercy and grace, it seeks for the worthy.
But that they were worthy is manifest, both from what they cried out, and from the fact that, when they had received, they did not hasten away, as many do, being ungrateful after the benefits. Nay, they were not like this, but were both persevering before the gift, and after the gift grateful, for "they followed Him."
But let us keep to the things set before us, and let us listen to these blind men, who were better than many that see. For neither having a guide, nor being able to see Him when come near to them, nevertheless they strove to come unto Him, and began to cry with a loud voice, and when rebuked for speaking, they cried the more. For such is the nature of an enduring soul, by the very things that hinder, it is borne up.
But Christ suffered them to be rebuked, that their earnestness might the more appear, and that thou mightest learn that worthily they enjoy the benefits of their cure. Therefore He doth not so much as ask, "Do ye believe?" as He doth with many; for their cry, and their coming unto Him, sufficed to make their faith manifest.
Hence learn, O beloved, that though we be very vile and outcast, but yet approach God with earnestness, even by ourselves we shall be able to effect whatsoever we ask. See, for instance, these men, how, having none of the apostles to plead with them, but rather many to stop their mouths, they were able to pass over the hindrances, and to come unto Jesus Himself. And yet the evangelist bears witness to no confidence of life in them, but earnestness sufficed them instead of all.
These then let us also emulate. Though God defer the gift, though there be many withdrawing us, let us not desist from asking. For in this way most of all shall we win God to us. See at least even here, how not poverty, not blindness, not their being unheard, not their being rebuked by the multitude, not anything else, impeded their exceeding earnestness. Such is the nature of a fervent and toiling soul.
How much soever you humble yourself, you cannot descend so far as did your Lord.
(Hom. lxvi.) Christ suffered them to be forbidden, that their desire might be the more evidenced. Hence learn that though we be repulsed, yet if we come to God with earnestness, of ourselves, we shall obtain that we ask. It follows, And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I should do unto you?
But as before this bounty they had been persevering, so after the receiving it they were not ungrateful.
(Verse 34.) But Jesus, having mercy on them, touched their eyes: and immediately they saw, and followed him. He touches their eyes and provides as an artist what nature had not given. Or certainly what weakness had taken away, he restores with mercy. And immediately they saw, and followed him. Those who were previously sitting in Jericho, contracted and blind, had heard that he was passing by, and now they follow Jesus, not so much with their feet as with their virtues.
Jesus stood still, because they being blind could not see their way. About Jericho were many pits, crags, and abrupt precipices; there fore the Lord stands still, that they might come to Him.
He commands that they be called to Him that the multitude may not withhold them; and He asks them what they would, that by their answer, their necessity may be made apparent, and His power be shown in their healing.
The Creator bestows what nature had not given; or at least mercy accords what weakness had withheld.
They then who had sat shut up in Jericho, and knew only to cry with their voice, afterwards follow Jesus, not so much with their feet as in their virtues.
By the two blind men are generally understood the Pharisees and Sadducees.
(Quæst. Ev. ii. 28.) Jesus therefore, the same who said, To him that knocketh it shall be opened, hearing them, stands still, touches them, and gives them light. Faith in His temporal incarnation prepares us for the understanding of things eternal. By the passing by of Jesus they are admonished that they should be enlightened, and when He stands still they are enlightened; for things temporal pass by, but things eternal stand still.
As the proof of the husbandman's industry lies in the abundance of his crop, so the fulness of the Church is the evidence of an industrious teacher; so it is here said, And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. No one was deterred by the toilsomeness of the journey, for spiritual love feels no fatigue; no one was kept away by the thought of sufferings, for they were going into possession of the kingdom of heaven. For he who has in very deed tasted the reality of heavenly good, has nothing to attach him to earth. In good season these blind men come before Christ, that having their eyes opened, they may go up with Him to Jerusalem as witnesses to His power. They heard the sound of the passers by, but saw not their persons, and having nothing free about them but their voice, because they could not follow Him with their feet, they pursued Him with their voice; When they heard that Jesus passed by, they cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
For they saw how mean their clothes, and considered not how pure their consciences. See the foolish wisdom of men! They think great men are hurt when they receive the homage of the poor. What poor man dare salute a rich man in public?
They were rather encouraged than repelled by this rebuke. For so faith is quickened by being prohibited; and hence is secure in dangers, and in security is endangered; whence it follows, But they cried out the more, saying, Have mercy upon us, Son of David. They cried out at the first because they were blind, now they rather cried out because they were forbidden to come to the Light.
Or; He asks them on account of their faith, that whereas they who were blind confess Christ to be the Son of God, those who had their sight might be put to shame for their esteeming Him only man. They had indeed called Christ Lord, and they had spoken true; but by calling Him the Son of David, they obliterated this their good confession. For indeed by a misuse of words men are called Lords, but none is truly Lord, but God only. When therefore they say, O Lord, thou Son of David, they thus misapply the term to Christ, as esteeming Him man; had they only called Him Lord, they would have confessed His Godhead. When then He asks them, What would ye? they no longer style Him Son of David, but only Lord; They say unto Him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. For the Son of David cannot open the eyes of the blind, but the Son of God can. So long then as they cried, O Lord, thou Son of David, their cure was delayed; as soon as they said, Lord, only, healing was shed upon them; for it follows, And Jesus had compassion upon them, and touched their eyes, and straightway they saw. He touched them carnally as man, He healed them as God.
On being healed they rendered a high service to Christ; for it follows, And they followed him. For this the Lord requires of thee, according to the Prophet, that thou be careful to walk with the Lord thy God. (Mic. 6:8).
Some interpret that the two blind men are the Gentiles; one sprung from Cham, the other from Japhet; they sat by the way-side, that is, they walked hard by the truth, but they could not find it out; or they were placed in reason, not having yet received knowledge of the Word.
Accordingly Jesus touched the eyes of the Gentile mind, giving them the grace of the Holy Spirit, and when enlightened they followed Him with good works.
He sees and follows who puts into practice the good that he understands. But he sees and does not follow who indeed understands the good, but disdains to do good works. If therefore, dearest brothers, we now recognize the blindness of our pilgrimage, if by believing in the mystery of our Redeemer we sit by the wayside, if by praying daily we seek light from our Creator, if having been illuminated after our blindness we now see that same light through understanding, let us follow in our works the Jesus whom we perceive in our mind. Let us observe where he walks, and by imitating hold to his footsteps. For he follows Jesus who imitates him.
But Jericho, which is interpreted 'the moon,' denotes the infirmity of our changefulness.
But recognizing the rumour of Christ, they desired to be made partakers of Him. Many spake against them; first the Jews, as we read in the Acts; then the Gentiles harassed them by persecution; but yet they might not deprive those who were preordained to life of salvation.
. The blind men knew of the Lord by His fame, and so they seized the opportunity when they heard that He was passing by on the way. They believed that Jesus, of the seed of David according to the flesh, was able to heal them, and as their faith was exceedingly fervent, they did not fall silent when they were rebuked but cried out all the more. Therefore Jesus does not ask them if they have faith, but rather, what it is they want, so that no one would think that He gave them something other than what they desired. He shows that they were not shouting out to ask for money, but for healing. By His touch He heals them, that we may learn that every member of His holy flesh was also a life-creating member of God. And if Luke and Mark say that there was one blind man, this does not conflict, for they mentioned what was most noteworthy. Another explanation is that Luke says that He healed a blind man before He entered Jericho, but Mark, after He left Jericho. But Matthew in his succinctness included both in one account. Understand the blind men as the Gentiles who were healed in passing. For Christ did not come, in the first place, for the Gentiles but for the Israelites. Just as the blind men by hearing learned of Jesus, so too the Gentiles by hearing believed. Those who rebuked the blind men, telling them not to shout the name of Jesus, are the persecuting tyrants who attempted to shut the mouth of the Church, but She all the more confessed the name of Christ. Therefore She was healed and sees ever more clearly the light of the Truth, and follows Christ, imitating His life.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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Summary
Matthew 20:34 vividly portrays Jesus' profound compassion and miraculous power, culminating in the instantaneous restoration of sight to two blind men outside Jericho. This pivotal moment not only demonstrates Jesus' divine authority over physical infirmity but also highlights the transformative power of His grace, eliciting an immediate response of discipleship from those He healed.
Context
Literary Context
This verse concludes a significant encounter that unfolds as Jesus and His disciples are departing from Jericho, en route to Jerusalem for the final time before His passion. Immediately preceding this, Jesus has made His third explicit prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection to His disciples (Matthew 20:17-19). This prediction is followed by the ambitious request of James and John's mother for her sons to sit at Jesus' right and left hand in His kingdom, revealing the disciples' continued misunderstanding of the nature of His messianic reign (Matthew 20:20-28). Against this backdrop of spiritual blindness among His closest followers, Jesus encounters two physically blind men whose persistent faith and clear recognition of His messianic identity stand in stark contrast, setting the stage for a powerful display of His compassion and power.
Historical & Cultural Context
Jericho, an ancient and strategically important city, was a common stop for pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem, especially during Passover. Blindness was a widespread affliction in the ancient world, often leading to a life of begging and social marginalization. People with disabilities were frequently perceived as being under a curse or suffering for their sins, though Jesus directly challenged this notion in other encounters (e.g., John 9:1-3). The blind men's cry, "Son of David," was a deeply significant messianic title, acknowledging Jesus' lineage and His rightful claim as the promised King of Israel. Their public and persistent appeal, despite the crowd's attempts to silence them, reflects both their desperate need and their profound faith in Jesus' unique identity and power to heal.
Key Themes
This passage powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores Jesus' Messianic Authority and Identity, as He is recognized and addressed as the "Son of David" (Matthew 20:30), a title affirming His royal lineage and role as Israel's deliverer. Secondly, the passage highlights Jesus' Divine Compassion, a recurring motif throughout His ministry where He is moved by the suffering of others (Matthew 9:36). Thirdly, it exemplifies the power of Faith and Persistent Prayer, as the blind men's unwavering cries for mercy, despite opposition, are ultimately rewarded (Matthew 15:21-28). Finally, the men's immediate act of following Jesus after their healing serves as a profound illustration of True Discipleship, demonstrating that a genuine encounter with Christ's transformative power leads to a committed life of following Him (Matthew 4:19-22).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This powerful Greek verb (G4697) literally means "to be moved in one's bowels" or "to have pity from the gut." It signifies a deep, visceral, and heartfelt empathy that compels action, rather than mere intellectual understanding or detached sympathy. Jesus' compassion here is not a superficial emotion but a profound, internal yearning that drives Him to intervene in human suffering.
The verb (G308) implies not merely "to see" but "to look up" or "to recover sight." This suggests that the men were not born blind but had lost their sight, making the restoration a recovery. The nuance emphasizes the miraculous reversal of a physical affliction, highlighting Jesus' power to restore what was lost.
This term (G190) means "to be in the same way with" or "to accompany," specifically in the context of being a disciple. It denotes a commitment to walk with, learn from, and adhere to Jesus' teachings and way of life. Their immediate following signifies a profound transformation not only physically but also spiritually, leading to a new life of discipleship.
Verse Breakdown
"So Jesus had compassion on them"
This opening phrase reveals the fundamental motivation behind Jesus' action. His healing is not a mere display of power, but an overflow of His deep, visceral empathy for human suffering. The Greek word for compassion (splanchnízomai) conveys a profound, gut-level pity that moves Him to act on behalf of the blind men.
"and touched their eyes"
The physical touch is significant. It demonstrates Jesus' willingness to engage directly with the marginalized and afflicted, breaking social barriers. More importantly, it serves as the conduit through which His divine power is transmitted, initiating the miraculous healing. This personal interaction underscores the intimate nature of Jesus' ministry.
"and immediately their eyes received sight"
The adverb "immediately" (euthéōs) emphasizes the instantaneous and complete nature of the miracle. There is no gradual improvement or partial healing; the restoration is total and undeniable. This instantaneous effect highlights Jesus' absolute authority over physical infirmity and the supernatural reality of His power.
"and they followed him."
This concluding phrase signifies the profound and appropriate response to experiencing Jesus' transformative power. Having received physical sight, the men immediately commit to spiritual sight, choosing to become disciples. Their act of following symbolizes a radical reorientation of their lives, moving from begging by the roadside to walking in the path of the Messiah.
Literary Devices
Matthew 20:34 employs several powerful literary devices. Divine Intervention is central, as Jesus' direct action is the sole cause of the miraculous healing, underscoring His unique authority and power. The narrative also makes rich use of Symbolism, where physical blindness represents spiritual ignorance or separation from God, and the restoration of sight symbolizes spiritual enlightenment, salvation, and the ability to perceive God's truth. The immediate sequence of events—compassion leading to touch, leading to sight, leading to following—creates a strong sense of Cause and Effect and Narrative Progression, demonstrating the logical and spiritual trajectory of an encounter with Christ. Furthermore, there is a subtle Irony in the narrative: while the physically blind men correctly identify Jesus as "Son of David" and receive sight and salvation, the disciples, though physically seeing, remain spiritually blind to the true nature of Jesus' kingdom and His impending suffering, as evidenced in the preceding verses.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Matthew 20:34 beautifully encapsulates core theological truths about God's character and the nature of salvation. It reveals Jesus as the compassionate Son of God, whose empathy for human suffering is not passive but actively expressed through powerful, life-altering intervention. The healing of the blind men is not merely a physical cure but a profound spiritual metaphor for the light that Christ brings into a world darkened by sin and ignorance. Their immediate act of following Him underscores that true spiritual sight leads to discipleship, a life reoriented around the one who brings light and life. This passage affirms that God is attentive to the cries of the marginalized and possesses the ultimate power to transform lives, inviting all who are spiritually blind to come to Him for true vision and purpose.
Reflection and Application
Matthew 20:34 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, inviting us to reflect on Jesus' character and our own response to His grace. Firstly, it reassures us of Jesus' unwavering compassion for those who are suffering, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. His visceral empathy reminds us that we can approach Him with our deepest needs, knowing He is moved by our cries. Secondly, the blind men's persistent faith, despite being rebuked by the crowd, challenges us to persevere in prayer and trust, even when circumstances or others discourage us. Their unwavering belief in Jesus' identity as the "Son of David" teaches us the power of a faith that sees beyond immediate obstacles. Finally, their immediate act of following Jesus after receiving their sight serves as a powerful model for discipleship. Once we experience Jesus' transformative touch—whether through salvation, healing, or guidance—our natural and profound response should be a wholehearted commitment to following Him, allowing His light to guide our path. This passage assures us that Jesus continues to be moved by our needs and possesses the power to bring light to our darkness, calling us to a life of committed discipleship.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jesus touch their eyes?
Jesus' touch was a common method He used in His healing ministry, serving multiple purposes. It demonstrated His personal engagement and compassion, breaking through social barriers that often isolated the sick. The touch also served as a physical conduit for His divine power, visibly and tangibly initiating the miraculous healing. It underscored that the healing came directly from Him, emphasizing His authority and intimate connection with those He healed.
What is the significance of the word "immediately" in this verse?
The word "immediately" (Greek: euthéōs) is crucial because it emphasizes the instantaneous and complete nature of the miracle. The healing was not a gradual process or a partial recovery but an instant, undeniable transformation. This highlights Jesus' absolute authority over physical ailments and underscores the supernatural power at work, leaving no room for doubt about the divine source of the restoration. It showcases the efficiency and perfection of God's power.
Why did the blind men follow Jesus after they were healed?
Their act of following Jesus was a profound and natural response to experiencing His transformative power and recognizing His true identity. Having received physical sight, they also gained spiritual insight, understanding that Jesus was the Messiah, the "Son of David," who had brought light into their darkness. Their immediate decision to follow Him signifies a commitment to discipleship, a reorientation of their lives from begging by the roadside to walking with and learning from the Lord. It is the ultimate expression of gratitude and faith.
Is this story the same as the healing of Bartimaeus found in Mark and Luke?
Yes, this account in Matthew 20:29-34 is widely considered to be a parallel to the healing of Bartimaeus found in Mark 10:46-52 and Luke 18:35-43. While Mark and Luke specifically name one blind man, Bartimaeus, and focus on his story, Matthew mentions two blind men. This difference is not a contradiction but a common feature of the Gospels, where one evangelist might highlight a prominent individual while another includes a broader detail. The core elements—Jesus leaving Jericho, blind men crying out, Jesus' compassion, immediate healing, and the men following Him—remain consistent across all three Synoptic accounts.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Matthew 20:34 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' identity as the Light of the World and the one who opens not only physical eyes but also spiritual eyes. The physical healing of the blind men foreshadows the deeper spiritual healing and enlightenment that Jesus offers to all humanity. Just as He brought literal sight to those in darkness, He came to deliver those who are spiritually blind, bound by sin and ignorance, into the glorious light of God's truth. This is powerfully articulated in passages like John 8:12, where Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." His mission, as prophesied in Isaiah 61:1, and quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:18, includes "recovery of sight to the blind." The compassion Jesus shows for the physically blind is a tangible manifestation of His divine love for all who are lost and in need of spiritual vision. Ultimately, His work on the cross and resurrection provide the means for humanity's eyes to be opened to the truth of salvation, allowing us to see God's glory and respond, like the blind men, by following Him into eternal life, as described in 2 Corinthians 4:6 and Ephesians 1:18.