Mark 10:51 kjv
And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
Mark 10:51 nkjv
So Jesus answered and said to him, "What do you want Me to do for you?" The blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight."
Mark 10:51 niv
"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
Mark 10:51 esv
And Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And the blind man said to him, "Rabbi, let me recover my sight."
Mark 10:51 nlt
"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked. "My Rabbi, " the blind man said, "I want to see!"
Mark 10 51 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Mk 10:46 | Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and His disciples... a blind beggar, Bartimaeus... was sitting by the roadside. | Sets the scene for Bartimaeus' call. |
| Mk 10:47 | And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" | Bartimaeus' initial recognition of Jesus. |
| Mk 10:52 | And Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." Immediately he received his sight and followed Him on the way. | Consequence of Bartimaeus' faith & discipleship. |
| Matt 9:27-31 | As Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him... Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." | Jesus heals blind, often asks about faith. |
| Matt 20:29-34 | And as they went out of Jericho... two blind men sitting by the roadside... Jesus stopped and called them, saying, "What do you want me to do for you?" | Parallel account, identical question by Jesus. |
| Lk 18:35-43 | As He drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging... Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him, and when he came near, He asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" | Parallel account, Jesus asks same question. |
| Jn 9:6-7 | ...He spat on the ground and made clay... "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam." | Another instance of healing the blind, requiring obedience. |
| Ps 146:8 | The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord raises those who are bowed down... | Prophetic nature of Messianic acts. |
| Isa 35:5 | Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened... | Prophecy of healing and restoration in Messianic age. |
| Isa 42:7 | To open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon... | Messiah's role in spiritual and physical liberation. |
| Jn 20:16 | Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to Him in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). | Only other NT instance of "Rabboni", showing deep reverence. |
| Ps 37:4 | Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. | God's willingness to grant righteous desires. |
| Jn 14:13 | Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. | Importance of specific, faith-filled prayer. |
| 1 Jn 5:14-15 | And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us... | Principle of effective prayer aligned with God's will. |
| Matt 16:15 | He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" | Jesus frequently asks questions to prompt declarations. |
| Jn 5:6 | When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to get well?" | Jesus' question isn't due to ignorance, but invitation. |
| Matt 15:14 | Leave them alone; they are blind guides. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit. | Contrast of physical vs. spiritual blindness, spiritual authority. |
| 2 Cor 4:4 | In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers... | Spiritual blindness caused by evil. |
| Eph 4:18 | They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them... | Condition of spiritual blindness apart from Christ. |
| Rev 3:17-18 | For you say, 'I am rich... and need nothing,' not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked... salve to anoint your eyes. | Rebuke to those who are spiritually blind to their true condition. |
| Acts 9:18 | Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. | Metaphorical and physical sight regaining (Paul's conversion). |
| Mk 8:22-25 | He took the blind man by the hand... "Do you see anything?"... "I see men... like trees walking." Then again He laid His hands... And he saw clearly. | Healing process sometimes involves multiple steps. |
| Matt 20:20-28 | Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to Him with her sons, and kneeling before Him she asked Him for something... "What do you want?" | Contrasts James and John's ambitious request with Bartimaeus' humble need. |
| Mk 8:34 | And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." | Defines true discipleship, fulfilled by Bartimaeus' following. |
| Lk 9:23 | If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. | Call to follow Jesus, implying leaving all else. |
Mark 10 verses
Mark 10 51 Meaning
Mark 10:51 portrays a pivotal exchange between Jesus and blind Bartimaeus in Jericho. Jesus, stopping amidst a throng, directly asks Bartimaeus what he desires. Bartimaeus, with profound respect conveyed by his address "Rabboni," articulates his specific need: "that I may receive my sight." This verse encapsulates Jesus' compassionate accessibility, Bartimaeus' fervent faith and focused request, and the significant spiritual insight underlying his plea, foreshadowing his subsequent immediate discipleship.
Mark 10 51 Context
Mark 10:51 takes place on Jesus' final journey from Jericho towards Jerusalem, leading up to the passion week. This chapter is significant for its teaching on the radical nature of discipleship, contrasting earthly ambition with heavenly values. Just prior to this interaction, Jesus had given His third prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection (Mk 10:32-34). Immediately following, James and John make a self-serving request for positions of glory in His kingdom (Mk 10:35-40), prompting Jesus' teaching on servant leadership (Mk 10:42-45), concluding that the Son of Man came to serve and give His life.Against this backdrop of spiritual misunderstanding by the very disciples closest to Him, Bartimaeus' cry for mercy and his subsequent specific request for sight stand in stark contrast. While the disciples struggled with spiritual blindness regarding the nature of Jesus' kingdom and their role, Bartimaeus, though physically blind, exhibited profound spiritual insight, recognizing Jesus as the "Son of David" (a messianic title) and seeking true healing and clarity of vision, leading to his immediate commitment to follow "on the way." The setting, a roadside near Jericho, emphasizes Jesus' willingness to stop for a marginalized individual amidst His momentous journey.
Mark 10 51 Word analysis
- And (Καὶ, Kai): A simple coordinating conjunction that links this direct interaction to the preceding events of Bartimaeus crying out and Jesus stopping for him. It indicates a continuation and progression of the narrative.
- Jesus (Ἰησοῦς, Iēsous): The divine Son of God and Christ, demonstrating His inherent compassion, authority, and responsiveness to human need, especially to those who are marginalized and exhibit faith. His stopping for a single blind beggar underscores His divine accessibility.
- answered (ἀποκριθείς, apokritheis): The aorist participle, indicating a completed action, and often suggesting a considered or decisive reply. In the Synoptic Gospels, it can introduce an important or solemn statement, highlighting Jesus' intentional engagement with Bartimaeus rather than a casual reply.
- and said (καὶ εἶπεν, kai eipen): A common biblical phrase that signifies the verbal act, reinforcing Jesus' direct communication. It emphasizes the active dialogue that ensues.
- to him (αὐτῷ, autō): Refers specifically to Bartimaeus, emphasizing the intensely personal nature of Jesus' address. Jesus directly engages the individual, making the moment unique to Bartimaeus.
- "What (Τί, Ti):" An interrogative pronoun, making it a direct question. This question is not born of ignorance on Jesus' part but serves as an invitation for Bartimaeus to articulate his desire, confirming his faith and allowing him to actively participate in his healing. It shifts the burden from passive reception to active request.
- do you want (θέλεις, theleis): From thelo, meaning "to will, to wish, to desire." It refers to Bartimaeus' own volition and deepest wish, underscoring personal longing. Jesus seeks to engage Bartimaeus' heart and specific faith.
- me to do (ποιήσω, poiēsō): From poieo, "to do, make, perform." It highlights Jesus' power and readiness to perform acts of healing and deliverance. It reveals His availability to intervene directly and powerfully.
- for you (σοι, soi): Dative case, indicating the benefit to the individual. It further emphasizes the personal and direct nature of Jesus' offer to Bartimaeus.
- And he (ὁ δὲ, ho de): Refers to Bartimaeus, signifying his immediate response.
- said (εἶπεν, eipen): Again, indicates the verbal articulation of Bartimaeus' response.
- to him (αὐτῷ, autō): Referring to Jesus. Bartimaeus addresses Jesus directly in his response.
- "Rabboni (Ῥαββουνί, Rhabbouni):" An Aramaic loanword, more emphatic and intimate than "Rabbi." It translates as "my great master" or "my teacher," signifying profound respect, deep personal attachment, and a recognition of Jesus' unique and preeminent authority. Used only here in Mark and by Mary Magdalene for the risen Jesus in John 20:16, it denotes a highly intimate and reverent relationship, acknowledging Jesus as the supreme, personal teacher and Lord. This title carries the weight of worship and profound esteem, setting Bartimaeus apart from many others.
- that I may receive my sight (ἵνα ἀναβλέψω, hina anablepsō):
- ἵνα (hina): A conjunction introducing a purpose or result clause, explicitly stating Bartimaeus' clear objective.
- ἀναβλέψω (anablepsō): From anablepo, meaning "to look up," "to regain sight," or "to see again." This term often implies a prior state of having sight, making the healing a restoration. More profoundly, it signifies spiritual illumination or the ability to truly perceive. Bartimaeus not only desired physical vision but also, implicitly, the ability to see Jesus in His true Messianic role and to "look up" to Him as his Master, leading to full comprehension and discipleship.
Words-group analysis:
- "And Jesus answered and said to him, 'What do you want me to do for you?'" This group of words portrays Jesus' profound compassion and purposeful engagement. It's not a dismissive question but an invitation for a specific, faith-driven request. This question empowers the marginalized Bartimaeus, elevating his dignity and agency in the interaction. It stands in contrast to the rich young ruler's generalized inquiry ("What must I do to inherit eternal life?"), revealing Jesus' personal approach to individual needs.
- "And he said to him, 'Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.'" This response demonstrates Bartimaeus' extraordinary faith and specific understanding. The honorific "Rabboni" signifies a depth of reverence and recognition that transcends a mere respectful address; it denotes personal mastery and deep devotion. His direct request for "sight" is clear, immediate, and all-encompassing, covering both his desperate physical need and, by extension, his readiness for spiritual illumination, perfectly aligning with Jesus' character as the "Light of the World." This articulation confirms his faith as Jesus later declares, "Your faith has made you well" (Mark 10:52).
Mark 10 51 Bonus section
- Significance of Bartimaeus' Name: Bartimaeus (Βαρτιμαῖος) is a Hellenized Aramaic name meaning "son of Timaeus." It is unusual for Mark's Gospel to name a recipient of a miracle, indicating his renown within the early Christian community, perhaps as a witness or early disciple, or to distinguish him as an eyewitness to Jesus' final journey. This detail enhances the historical credibility of the account.
- The Casting Off of the Cloak: Mark 10:50, just before this verse, mentions Bartimaeus throwing aside his cloak (τὸ ἱμάτιον, to himation) when called by Jesus. In ancient times, a cloak was often a beggar's most valuable possession, providing warmth and shelter, and could even serve as collateral for a loan (Ex 22:26-27). This action signifies his eagerness, radical trust, and abandonment of everything, including his past life and security as a beggar, to rush towards Jesus. It's a vivid picture of forsaking the old for the call of Christ, paralleling the rich young man's inability to leave his possessions.
- Contrasting Responses: Bartimaeus' interaction provides a powerful contrast to the disciples, especially James and John. While they were "spiritually blind" concerning Jesus' mission and their own ambition (Mark 10:35-45), Bartimaeus, despite physical blindness, "saw" Jesus truly, recognized His messianic identity ("Son of David," Mark 10:47-48), and sought the kingdom of God (spiritual sight). He then became a genuine disciple, immediately following Jesus "on the way" (Mark 10:52), signifying active discipleship on the road to Jerusalem.
Mark 10 51 Commentary
Mark 10:51 is a microcosm of divine compassion meeting specific, profound faith. Jesus' question, "What do you want me to do for you?", is not born of ignorance but is an empowering invitation, validating Bartimaeus' worth and agency. It's an encouragement for explicit prayer and a public declaration of need and faith. Bartimaeus' immediate and specific response, using the intimate and reverent title "Rabboni," demonstrates his exceptional spiritual insight and personal devotion to Jesus beyond that of a mere teacher. His petition for "sight" extends beyond physical vision, implying a desire for spiritual illumination and clarity, aligning with the messianic promise that the blind would see. This verse profoundly illustrates how specific faith and heartfelt earnestness move Jesus to immediate action, culminating in not just physical healing but spiritual transformation and discipleship.