Luke 18:39

And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.

And {G2532} they which went before {G4254} rebuked {G2008} him {G846}, that {G2443} he should hold his peace {G4623}: but {G1161} he {G846} cried {G2896} so much {G4183} the more {G3123}, Thou Son {G5207} of David {G1138}, have mercy {G1653} on me {G3165}.

Those in front scolded him in order to get him to shut up, but he shouted all the louder, “Son of David! Have pity on me!”

Those who led the way admonished him to be silent, but he cried out all the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

And they that went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.

Commentary

Luke 18:39 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jesus healing a blind beggar near Jericho. This verse highlights the blind man's unwavering faith and determination despite external opposition, setting the stage for his miraculous healing.

Context

This verse is part of the account of Jesus' final journey towards Jerusalem before His crucifixion. As Jesus and His disciples approached Jericho, a blind man sat by the roadside begging (Luke 18:35). Hearing that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, he began to cry out for mercy. The crowd, likely eager to maintain order or perhaps thinking Jesus was too busy, attempted to silence him. This scene follows Jesus' teaching on prayer and humility, particularly the parable of the persistent widow in the same chapter (Luke 18:1-8), which foreshadows the blind man's own persistence.

Key Themes

  • Persistence in Faith and Prayer: The most striking theme is the blind man's refusal to be silenced. Despite being rebuked, his cries only grew louder, demonstrating a desperate and unyielding faith that Jesus alone could help him. This mirrors the teaching on persistence in prayer found earlier in Luke's Gospel.
  • Jesus as "Son of David": The blind man's repeated cry, "Thou Son of David, have mercy on me," is a profound declaration. This title, Huios Dauid (υἱὸς Δαυΐδ) in Greek, is a significant Messianic title, acknowledging Jesus as the promised King and heir to David's throne, who would bring salvation and justice. It signifies not just a request for healing, but a recognition of Jesus' divine authority and role.
  • Overcoming Obstacles: The crowd's rebuke represents an obstacle to accessing Jesus. The blind man's response teaches the importance of not allowing the opinions or actions of others to deter one's pursuit of God's grace and mercy.
  • Mercy and Compassion: The core of the blind man's plea is for "mercy." This plea is answered by Jesus, who stops and calls for him (Luke 18:40), demonstrating His boundless compassion for those who earnestly seek Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cried so much the more" (KJV) comes from the Greek pollō mallon ekrazen (πολλῷ μᾶλλον ἔκραζεν), which conveys a sense of intensifying, louder, and more fervent shouting. It emphasizes the blind man's passionate and desperate plea, highlighting his unwavering resolve in the face of opposition. The repeated use of "Son of David" (υἱὸς Δαυΐδ) is crucial, as it’s a direct address that connects Jesus to the prophecies of the Old Testament regarding the Messiah.

Practical Application

Luke 18:39 offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Don't Be Silenced: When seeking God, whether in prayer or in faith, do not let discouragement or the negative voices of others silence you. Your earnest cries to God are heard.
  • Persist in Prayer: Like the blind man and the persistent widow, we are encouraged to pray without ceasing and with unwavering faith, even when answers seem delayed or obstacles arise.
  • Boldly Declare Jesus' Identity: Acknowledge Jesus for who He truly is – the Son of God, the Messiah, our Lord and Savior. This recognition is foundational to receiving His mercy and grace.
  • Seek Mercy Earnestly: Recognize your need for God's mercy and approach Him with a sincere heart, confident in His willingness to respond to those who call upon Him.

This verse underscores that genuine faith, coupled with persistence, can overcome significant barriers and draw the compassionate attention of Jesus Christ.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 32:26 (5 votes)

    And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

  • Genesis 32:28 (5 votes)

    And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

  • Psalms 141:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ A Psalm of David. LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.

  • Matthew 26:40 (3 votes)

    And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

  • Matthew 26:44 (3 votes)

    And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

  • Luke 18:15 (3 votes)

    ¶ And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when [his] disciples saw [it], they rebuked them.

  • Luke 11:8 (3 votes)

    I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.