Matthew 20:34

So Jesus had compassion [on them], and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

So {G1161} Jesus {G2424} had compassion {G4697} on them, and touched {G680} their {G846} eyes {G3788}: and {G2532} immediately {G2112} their {G846} eyes {G3788} received sight {G308}, and {G2532} they followed {G190} him {G846}.

Filled with tenderness, Yeshua touched their eyes; and instantly they received their sight and followed him.

Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes, and at once they received their sight and followed Him.

And Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and straightway they received their sight, and followed him.

Commentary

Matthew 20:34 KJV presents a powerful illustration of Jesus' divine character and miraculous power, culminating in the immediate restoration of sight to two blind men near Jericho.

Context

This verse concludes an encounter that begins as Jesus and His disciples are leaving the city of Jericho, accompanied by a large crowd (Matthew 20:29). Two blind men, often identified with Bartimaeus from Mark's account, are sitting by the roadside. Despite being rebuked by the crowd, they persistently cry out to Jesus, calling Him "Son of David" and imploring Him for mercy. Their bold and persistent plea grabs Jesus' attention, leading Him to stop and respond to their desperate need.

Key Themes

  • Divine Compassion: The opening phrase, "So Jesus had compassion on them," highlights a core aspect of His ministry. His healing acts were not merely displays of power but arose from a deep, heartfelt empathy for human suffering. This profound pity, often translated from the Greek word splagchnizomai, signifies being moved in one's innermost being, a visceral response to distress.
  • Immediate Healing Power: Jesus' touch brings instant and complete restoration. The phrase "immediately their eyes received sight" underscores the supernatural nature of the miracle, demonstrating His authority over physical infirmity. This miraculous healing is a testament to His divine identity and power to transform lives.
  • Faith and Response: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the blind men's persistent cries for mercy, addressing Jesus as "Son of David," reveal their faith in His messianic identity and ability to heal. Their subsequent action—"and they followed him"—is the natural and profound response to experiencing His grace and power, symbolizing a commitment to discipleship.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "compassion" used here, splagchnizomai (σπλαγχνίζομαι), is a strong term often translated as "to be moved in the bowels" or "to have pity from the gut." It conveys a deep, visceral empathy, indicating that Jesus' compassion was not merely an intellectual understanding of their plight but a profound emotional and spiritual response that compelled Him to act. This same deep compassion is seen throughout the Gospels when Jesus encounters suffering.

Practical Application

Matthew 20:34 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us of Jesus' unwavering compassion for those who are hurting, both physically and spiritually. It encourages us to approach Him with persistent faith, knowing that He hears and responds to our cries. Furthermore, the blind men's act of following Jesus after their healing serves as a powerful model for us: once we experience His transformative touch, whether it's salvation, healing, or guidance, our natural response should be to commit ourselves to following Him wholeheartedly. This verse assures us that Jesus continues to be moved by our needs and possesses the power to bring light to our darkness.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 26:18 (6 votes)

    To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

  • Hebrews 4:15 (6 votes)

    For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.

  • Hebrews 4:16 (6 votes)

    Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

  • Psalms 119:67 (5 votes)

    ¶ Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

  • 1 Peter 3:8 (5 votes)

    ¶ Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:

  • Mark 7:33 (5 votes)

    And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

  • Matthew 8:15 (5 votes)

    And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.