Matthew 20 30

Matthew 20:30 kjv

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 20:30 nkjv

And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, "Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!"

Matthew 20:30 niv

Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

Matthew 20:30 esv

And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!"

Matthew 20:30 nlt

Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

Matthew 20 verses

Matthew 20 30 Meaning

Matthew 20:30 describes two blind men sitting by the road outside Jericho who, upon hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out loudly, acknowledging Him as Lord and Son of David, and pleading for His mercy. This verse highlights their desperate need, their spiritual discernment in recognizing Jesus' identity and authority, and their public, persistent faith despite social opposition. It sets the stage for Jesus' compassionate healing.

Matthew 20 30 Context

Matthew chapter 20 takes place as Jesus is on His final journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, leading up to His passion. Preceding this verse, Jesus has taught on humility and service (the greatest is the servant of all), rebuked the ambition of James and John (seeking places of honor in His kingdom), and for the third time explicitly predicted His suffering, death, and resurrection. This interaction with the blind men in Jericho immediately follows Jesus' teaching on true greatness and servitude (Mt 20:20-28), creating a stark contrast. The disciples, despite their closeness to Jesus, struggled with spiritual blindness regarding the nature of His kingdom and His imminent suffering. In contrast, the two physically blind men exhibit profound spiritual insight, recognizing Jesus' true identity as the "Son of David" and boldly appealing to His authority and mercy. Jericho, a significant city often mentioned in the Old Testament, was a bustling place at the time, especially with Passover approaching, providing a large audience for this display of faith and compassion.

Matthew 20 30 Word analysis

• And behold (καὶ ἰδοὺ, kai idou): This Greek phrase often introduces a sudden or striking event, drawing the reader's attention to something significant about to happen. It creates a sense of immediacy and revelation.
• two blind men (δύο τυφλοὶ, duo tuphloi): The presence of "two" provides corroboration or witness (Deut 19:15), emphasizing the certainty of the event. "Blind men" were often marginalized, dependent, and symbolic of spiritual darkness or those who cannot perceive divine truth (Jn 9:40-41). Their physical state mirrors humanity's spiritual need for sight.
• sitting (καθήμενοι, kathēmenoi): Denotes a static, waiting, or incapacitated state. Beggars typically sat by the roadside, indicating their helplessness and reliance on charity.
• by the way (παρὰ τὴν ὁδὸν, para tēn hodon): Indicates their position along the main thoroughfare. This was a strategic place for beggars, where crowds passed, offering potential for alms. It also signifies their exclusion from the main procession.
• hearing (ἀκούσαντες, akousantes): Their physical sense of hearing was crucial. This implies they had ears to hear Jesus' approach, both physically and perhaps metaphorically, as others had heard of Him. This is an active participle, suggesting an immediate response to the information.
• that Jesus was passing by (ὅτι Ἰησοῦς παράγει, hoti Iēsous paragēi): The knowledge of Jesus' presence was their catalyst. It conveyed a unique opportunity, a "day of visitation" (Lk 19:44).
• cried out (ἔκραξαν, ekraxan): From Greek krazo, meaning to scream, shout loudly, or vociferate. It suggests an intense, desperate, and urgent appeal, overcoming any inhibitions or attempts by the crowd to silence them (Mt 20:31). It indicates a powerful faith undeterred by obstacles.
• saying, Lord (λέγοντες Κύριε, legontes Kyriye): "Lord" (Kyrie) is a title of respect, authority, and often indicates a recognition of divine power or sovereignty. It expresses a personal submission and dependence upon Jesus.
• have mercy on us (ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς, eleēson hēmas): This is a plea for active compassion, based on one's pitiful state. It is not a request for justice but for unmerited favor. It acknowledges their need and His capacity to alleviate it.
• Son of David (Υἱὸς Δαυίδ, Huios Dauid): This is a significant Messianic title, identifying Jesus as the long-awaited King who would restore Israel (2 Sam 7:12-16, Isa 9:6-7). By using this title, the blind men reveal their deep theological understanding and faith in Jesus' divine lineage and redemptive purpose, displaying spiritual sight where many others, including some of the disciples, still lacked it. This recognition demonstrates a faith that aligns with the prophecies.

• "Two blind men ... sitting by the way": This phrase paints a picture of extreme vulnerability and dependency, highlighting their desperate situation. Their passive position implies an expectation or a resignation, transformed into urgent action upon Jesus' arrival.
• "hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out": This phrase emphasizes the transformative power of the Good News of Jesus' proximity. It was not just an ordinary person passing, but Jesus, prompting an immediate and fervent response born of conviction and hope. Their active, vocal response contrasts sharply with their otherwise passive state.
• "'Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!'": This collective cry reveals a unified faith and an extraordinary insight into Jesus' identity. The combination of "Lord" and "Son of David" affirms both His divine authority and His Messianic role. This double appeal for mercy signifies their comprehensive recognition of His power and their own profound need, appealing to His compassion as the prophesied King. This statement is a profound theological declaration in contrast to the spiritual blindness of others who should have known better.

Matthew 20 30 Bonus section

The location of this event, Jericho, is significant. It was a well-known city in the region, serving as a gateway to Jerusalem for those traveling from the north and east. This meant a large number of pilgrims would have been passing through, creating a broad audience for Jesus' arrival and the subsequent miracle. The act of sitting "by the way" was characteristic of beggars and the severely disabled in that society, underscoring their social marginalization. The Messianic title "Son of David" was not only a recognition of Jesus' royal lineage but also an eschatological hope. For these men to shout this title publicly in Jericho was a bold statement of their belief in Jesus as the one who would fulfill Israel's ancient promises. Their plea, while for physical healing, fundamentally demonstrated an appeal to Jesus as the embodiment of God's redemptive power and compassion for the outcast. Their cry was rooted in a theological conviction that Jesus was uniquely positioned to deliver them from their suffering, highlighting a central aspect of His ministry.

Matthew 20 30 Commentary

Matthew 20:30 introduces two men of humble stature and dire need, yet possessing profound spiritual insight. Their physical blindness paradoxically illuminates the spiritual blindness of many others around Jesus, including His own disciples who were still grasping for earthly power and recognition. The men's public, persistent cry of "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David" is a powerful expression of faith. It encapsulates both their deep need and their recognition of Jesus' dual identity—as Lord, possessing authority and compassion, and as the Son of David, the promised Messiah and King. This bold declaration, made despite societal stigma and a discouraging crowd (Mt 20:31), serves as a model of earnest supplication to Christ. It demonstrates that true sight is not merely physical, but spiritual, enabling one to perceive Jesus' true nature and appeal to Him directly for His life-transforming mercy.