Luke 9:38

And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.

And,{G2532} behold {G2400}, a man {G435} of {G575} the company {G3793} cried out {G310}, saying {G3004}, Master {G1320}, I beseech {G1189} thee {G4675}, look {G1914} upon {G1909} my {G3450} son {G5207}: for {G3754} he is {G2076} mine {G3427} only child {G3439}.

Suddenly a man in the crowd shouted, “Rabbi! Look at my son, I beg you, because he’s my only child!

Suddenly a man in the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, for he is my only child.

And behold, a man from the multitude cried, saying, Teacher, I beseech thee to look upon my son; for he is mine only child:

Commentary

Luke 9:38 captures a moment of intense human need and desperate hope, as a father cries out to Jesus for the life and well-being of his only son.

Context

This verse occurs immediately after Jesus, Peter, James, and John descend from the Mount of Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36). They are met by a large crowd, and amidst the throng, a man pushes forward with an urgent plea. The disciples who remained below the mountain had apparently been unable to help the man's son, setting the stage for Jesus' intervention (this inability is mentioned in the subsequent verses, Luke 9:40).

Key Themes

  • Desperate Need: The man's cry highlights a situation beyond human ability to resolve, driving him to seek divine intervention.
  • Parental Love: The phrase "mine only child" underscores the depth of the father's love and his particular anguish over his son's suffering. This detail, specific to Luke's account, emphasizes the preciousness of the child.
  • Seeking Jesus: The man's action demonstrates faith (or at least hope) that Jesus possesses the power to heal and deliver where others could not.
  • Recognition of Authority: Addressing Jesus as "Master" (KJV) indicates a level of respect and acknowledgement of His teaching and authority.

Linguistic Insights

The term translated "Master" in the KJV here is epistata (ἐπιστάτα) in Greek. This word is used exclusively in Luke's Gospel when people, particularly disciples or those seeking help, address Jesus. It signifies a leader, commander, or one in authority, similar to "teacher" but perhaps with a stronger connotation of respect for authority and position. Luke uses this term to emphasize Jesus' unique role and authority.

Reflection and Application

This verse speaks powerfully to the human condition of facing overwhelming problems, particularly those affecting our loved ones. The father's action is a model of bringing our most profound needs directly to Jesus, the ultimate authority and source of help. His plea for his "only child" resonates with any parent's deepest fears and hopes. It reminds us that no problem is too great for Jesus, and we are encouraged to approach Him with the same urgency and trust, even when other avenues have failed. This story, leading into the healing account, reinforces the truth that with God, all things are possible.

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Cross-References

  • Zechariah 12:10 (2 votes)

    And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn.

  • Luke 7:12 (2 votes)

    Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

  • John 4:47 (2 votes)

    When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

  • Luke 8:41 (2 votes)

    And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:

  • Luke 8:42 (2 votes)

    For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

  • Genesis 44:20 (1 votes)

    And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.

  • Matthew 15:22 (1 votes)

    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.