Matthew 9:27

KJV

¶ And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on us.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when Jesus {G2424} departed {G3855} thence {G1564}, two {G1417} blind men {G5185} followed {G190} him {G846}, crying {G2896}, and {G2532} saying {G3004}, Thou Son {G5207} of David {G1138}, have mercy {G1653} on us {G2248}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As Yeshua went on from there, two blind men began following him, shouting, "Son of David! Take pity on us!"

Berean Standard Bible

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”

American Standard Version

And as Jesus passed by from thence, two blind men followed him, crying out, and saying, Have mercy on us, thou son of David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following a series of powerful demonstrations of His authority, including the raising of Jairus' daughter, Jesus departs from a house in Capernaum. As He moves, two blind men, hearing of His presence and power, persistently follow Him, crying out with a profound plea for divine compassion and recognition of His messianic identity, addressing Him as "Son of David" and imploring Him to have mercy on them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 9:27 immediately follows Jesus' miraculous healing of a woman with a chronic hemorrhage and the raising of Jairus' daughter from the dead in Capernaum, as recounted in [Matthew 9:18-26](/matthew/9-18-26 "Jesus Heals and Raises the Dead"). This sequence of miracles underscores Jesus' comprehensive authority over sickness, death, and spiritual affliction. The departure of Jesus from the house signifies a continuation of His active ministry, moving from one point of need to another. The presence of the two blind men, who actively pursue Him, highlights the growing awareness of Jesus' power and the desperation of those seeking His intervention, setting the stage for another profound act of healing. This event is part of a larger section (Matthew 8-9) that showcases Jesus' authority through various miracles, confirming His identity as the promised Messiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Blindness in ancient Israel was not merely a physical affliction but often carried social stigma, sometimes being associated with sin or divine judgment, as seen in [John 9:2](/john/9-2 "Disciples Ask About Blindness and Sin"). Blind individuals were frequently marginalized and dependent on alms. The public crying out ("crying, and saying") was a common method for the poor and afflicted to draw attention and solicit help or charity, especially from a passing dignitary or healer. The title "Son of David" was a deeply significant messianic appellation, rooted in Old Testament prophecies (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David"); [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")). For these blind men to use this title indicates not only their desperate need but also a remarkable spiritual insight and belief in Jesus' identity as the long-awaited King and Deliverer of Israel, who was expected to bring healing and restoration.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes **Jesus' Authority and Compassion**, demonstrating His willingness and power to heal all manner of diseases and respond to human suffering, a theme pervasive throughout [Matthew's miracle accounts](/matthew/8 "Matthew 8 - Jesus' Miracles"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Faith and Recognition of Jesus' Identity**. The blind men's persistent pursuit and their specific address, "Son of David," reveal a profound faith and an accurate understanding of Jesus' messianic role, contrasting with the skepticism or misunderstanding often displayed by others, including religious leaders, as seen in [Matthew 12:23-24](/matthew/12-23-24 "Pharisees Accuse Jesus"). Thirdly, the plea for **Mercy and Divine Intervention** underscores the posture of humility and dependence required to receive from Jesus. This theme resonates with Jesus' teaching on seeking God's kingdom and righteousness, knowing that He cares for those who are humble and in need, as described in [Matthew 5:7](/matthew/5-7 "Blessed are the Merciful").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dabíd (Greek, _Dabíd'_):** Derived from the Hebrew word for David, this term signifies the Israelite king from whose lineage the Messiah was prophesied to come. When the blind men address Jesus as "Son of David," they are not merely identifying His ancestry but are making a profound theological statement, acknowledging Him as the long-awaited Messiah, the rightful heir to David's throne, who would bring salvation and restoration to Israel. This title is a direct appeal to His messianic authority and power to heal.
* **typhlós (Greek, _typhlós'_):** This adjective describes the physical condition of being "blind." In this context, it highlights the severe physical limitation of the two men, which would have rendered them dependent and marginalized in society. Their blindness also serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual blindness, a common theme in the Gospels, emphasizing the contrast between those who physically cannot see but spiritually perceive Jesus' identity, and those who physically see but remain spiritually blind to who He is.
* **eleéō (Greek, _eleéō'_):** This verb means "to compassionate," "to have mercy," or "to pity," often implying action motivated by deep compassion. The blind men's plea, "have mercy on us," is not just a request for sympathy but an urgent cry for active, divine intervention to alleviate their suffering. It acknowledges Jesus' capacity for profound pity and His power to act on that compassion, reflecting a deep understanding of His character as one who is moved by human distress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Jesus departed thence":** This phrase marks a transition in Jesus' ministry, indicating His movement from the house where He had just performed the miracle of raising Jairus' daughter. It emphasizes Jesus' continuous activity and accessibility as He moves through the region, encountering new opportunities for ministry and healing.
* **"two blind men followed him":** This detail is significant, highlighting the proactive and persistent nature of the blind men's faith. Despite their physical limitation, they did not wait passively but actively pursued Jesus, demonstrating their earnest desire for healing and their belief in His power. The number "two" provides corroboration for their testimony and plea.
* **"crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us":** This is the core of their appeal. "Crying" (κράζω, _krázō_) suggests a loud, urgent, and possibly desperate shout, indicating their profound distress and determination to be heard. Their address, "Thou Son of David," is a clear and public declaration of Jesus' messianic identity, a title that carries immense theological weight. The subsequent plea, "have mercy on us," is a direct and humble request for divine compassion and healing, acknowledging Jesus' authority and willingness to intervene in their suffering.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Messianic Title**, specifically "Son of David." This title is a powerful **Allusion** to Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, establishing Jesus' rightful claim to the Davidic throne and His role as Israel's promised deliverer. The blind men's use of this title demonstrates their **Spiritual Insight**, contrasting sharply with their physical blindness. Their "crying" is an example of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, conveying the urgency and desperation of their plea, making their presence known despite the surrounding crowd. The entire scene serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at Jesus' later encounters with other blind individuals (e.g., [Matthew 20:29-34](/matthew/20-29-34 "Jesus Heals Two Blind Men Near Jericho")) and His ongoing mission to bring sight, both physical and spiritual, to those who are lost.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 9:27 profoundly illustrates the intersection of human desperation and divine compassion, underscoring the necessity of faith in approaching Jesus. The blind men's immediate recognition of Jesus as the "Son of David" reveals a spiritual perception that transcends their physical limitation, highlighting a key Matthean theme: true sight is not merely physical but spiritual, discerning Jesus' true identity. Their persistent pursuit and urgent cry for mercy demonstrate a model of faith that actively seeks Jesus and humbly trusts in His power and willingness to heal. This encounter serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus is the compassionate Messiah, ever ready to respond to those who come to Him with genuine faith and a plea for His divine intervention, regardless of their physical or social standing.

* [Psalm 146:8](/psalms/146-8 "The Lord Opens the Eyes of the Blind")
* [Isaiah 35:5](/isaiah/35-5 "The Eyes of the Blind Shall Be Opened")
* [Luke 18:38-39](/luke/18-38-39 "Blind Man Cries Out to Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the two blind men in Matthew 9:27 offers a timeless invitation to all who find themselves in need of divine intervention. Their persistent pursuit of Jesus, despite their physical limitations and the potential obstacles of a crowd, challenges us to examine the depth of our own desire for Christ. Do we merely hope for His help, or do we actively and urgently seek Him out, crying out our needs with unwavering faith? Their address, "Son of David," is not just a historical title but a theological affirmation of Jesus' identity as the compassionate King who has the authority and power to bring healing and restoration to every area of our lives. This passage calls us to a posture of humility, acknowledging our need for His mercy, and to a confident expectation that He will respond. In our own moments of spiritual or physical blindness, we are encouraged to emulate these men, pressing through any barriers to reach the One who alone can grant us sight and wholeness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "blindness" in my life, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, am I actively bringing before Jesus?**
* **How persistent is my faith in pursuing Jesus when faced with significant challenges or needs?**
* **In what ways do I truly recognize and acknowledge Jesus' identity and authority as the "Son of David" in my daily life?**
* **What does it mean for me to "have mercy" on others, reflecting the compassion I seek from Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why did the blind men specifically call Jesus "Son of David"?**

Answer: The title "Son of David" was a highly significant messianic title in Jewish tradition, deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecies, particularly [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "God's Covenant with David") and [Isaiah 11](/isaiah/11 "The Branch from Jesse"). It identified Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the rightful heir to King David's throne, who was expected to usher in a new era of salvation, justice, and restoration, including the healing of the sick and the opening of blind eyes (as prophesied in [Isaiah 35:5](/isaiah/35-5 "The Eyes of the Blind Shall Be Opened")). By using this title, the blind men were not simply acknowledging Jesus' lineage but were making a profound theological statement, recognizing His divine authority and His unique role as the promised deliverer. Their use of this title demonstrated a remarkable spiritual insight into Jesus' identity, even though they were physically blind.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 9:27, with the desperate cry of the two blind men to Jesus as "Son of David," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is indeed the ultimate Son of David, the promised Messiah. The Old Testament prophecies consistently pointed to a Davidic king who would reign righteously and bring salvation (e.g., [Jeremiah 23:5-6](/jeremiah/23-5-6 "The Righteous Branch")). Jesus, through His miraculous acts like healing the blind, demonstrated His fulfillment of these prophecies, proving His messianic credentials not merely by lineage but by divine power. He is the one who opens not only physical eyes but also the eyes of the heart, bringing spiritual sight to those who are blind to God's truth ([John 9:39-41](/john/9-39-41 "Jesus Explains Spiritual Blindness")). The mercy they sought is ultimately found in Christ's atoning work, where His compassion led Him to the cross to offer salvation from the blindness of sin ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "God's Mercy and Grace")). Thus, the plea "have mercy on us" resonates with the universal human need for redemption, which is fully and perfectly met in Jesus, the compassionate Son of David, who brings light and life to all who believe ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "Jesus, the Light of 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

Matthew 15:22

And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, [thou] Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

Matthew 20:30

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.

Matthew 20:31

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.

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.

Mark 10:48

And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.

Matthew 11:5

The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

Luke 18:38

And he cried, saying, Jesus, [thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.