Matthew 20 31

Matthew 20:31 kjv

And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.

Matthew 20:31 nkjv

Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, "Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!"

Matthew 20:31 niv

The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

Matthew 20:31 esv

The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!"

Matthew 20:31 nlt

"Be quiet!" the crowd yelled at them. But they only shouted louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

Matthew 20 verses

Matthew 20 31 Meaning

Matthew 20:31 reveals the contrasting reactions to the persistent plea of two blind men. While the surrounding crowd attempts to silence them, viewing their outcry as an unwelcome disturbance, the blind men intensify their fervent appeal to Jesus, addressing Him as "Lord" and "Son of David," and begging for mercy. This verse highlights the tension between societal expectations and the desperate cry of faith, ultimately demonstrating the unwavering resolve of those seeking Christ's intervention despite opposition.

Matthew 20 31 Context

Matthew 20:31 takes place as Jesus is departing Jericho, on His final journey towards Jerusalem (Matthew 20:29). Immediately preceding this verse, two blind men are introduced, sitting by the road, who hear that Jesus is passing by and begin to cry out for mercy, using the messianic title "Son of David" (Matthew 20:30). This particular healing event follows Jesus' teaching on servant leadership and the "first shall be last" principle (Matthew 20:20-28), and a third prediction of His passion and resurrection (Matthew 20:17-19). The event occurs at a critical juncture of Jesus' ministry, symbolizing both His divine compassion and the escalating spiritual conflict with the unbelieving elements, particularly as He approaches His crucifixion in Jerusalem. The city of Jericho, ancient and symbolically significant, sets the stage for a dramatic display of faith.

Matthew 20 31 Word analysis

• And the crowd (Ὁ δὲ ὄχλος - ho de ochlos):
  • ὁ (ho): The definite article, pointing to a specific, perhaps familiar, crowd that consistently follows Jesus, sometimes supportive, often misunderstanding, and prone to societal pressures.
  • ὄχλος (ochlos): Refers to a multitude, throng, or populace. In the Gospels, crowds often serve as a backdrop or even a hindrance. Here, they represent conventionality, order, and perhaps annoyance with perceived "disruptions" from the marginalized. Their attempt to silence highlights social exclusion and their lack of immediate compassion compared to Jesus.
• rebuked (ἐπετίμησεν - epetimēsen):
  • Strong verbal action meaning "to warn, censure, admonish, or rebuke." It is often used of Jesus rebuking demons or diseases.
  • The crowd's use of this authoritative word against the blind men is ironic; they claim authority to silence desperate pleas, much like how many in society try to quiet the suffering or those outside the norm. This word emphasizes their strong desire for the blind men to cease.
• them (αὐτοῖς - autois):
  • Refers to the two blind men mentioned in Matthew 20:30.
• that they might be silent (ἵνα σιωπήσωσιν - hina siōpēsōsin):
  • ἵνα (hina): A conjunction indicating purpose, "in order that, that they might."
  • σιωπήσωσιν (siōpēsōsin): From siōpaō, meaning "to be silent, keep still, cease speaking." The crowd actively sought to impose quietude, perhaps seeing the shouting as disrespectful, unseemly, or inconvenient for Jesus' procession.
• But they (οἱ δὲ - hoi de):
  • A strong contrastive conjunction ("but") setting the blind men apart from the crowd, highlighting their distinct, determined action. It marks a shift from the crowd's intent to the blind men's resolve.
• cried out (ἔκραζον - ekrazon):
  • From krazō, meaning "to cry aloud, shout, scream." The imperfect tense indicates continuous or repeated action, emphasizing their persistence despite the crowd's rebuke. It conveys urgency, desperation, and an unwavering belief that their only hope lay in appealing directly to Jesus. This is not just speaking, but a fervent, uninhibited vocalization.
• all the more (μᾶλλον - mallon):
  • An intensifier, meaning "more, rather, even more." They did not merely continue shouting; they increased the volume and intensity of their cry in direct defiance of the crowd's efforts to silence them. This signifies extraordinary resolve and a deep conviction that Jesus was their only recourse.
• saying (λέγοντες - legontes):
  • Introduces the content of their amplified cry.
• "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" (Κύριε, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς, υἱὲ Δαυίδ - Kyrios, eleēson hēmas, huie Dauid):
  • Κύριε (Kyrie): "Lord," an address of respect, authority, and often, deity. Acknowledges Jesus' divine power and dominion.
  • ἐλέησον (eleēson): "Have mercy!" from eleeō, signifying active compassion, help extended to the needy from someone superior. It's a plea for profound pity and saving intervention.
  • ἡμᾶς (hēmas): "On us," indicating a collective plea from both blind men.
  • υἱὲ Δαυίδ (huie Dauid): "Son of David," a widely recognized messianic title in Jewish tradition. By using this title, the blind men implicitly (or explicitly, given cultural understanding) acknowledge Jesus as the promised Messiah, the legitimate heir to David's throne, endowed with divine authority and power, including the ability to perform miraculous healing. This demonstrates their remarkable spiritual insight, which ironically surpassed that of the physically sighted crowd and many religious leaders. Their faith was anchored in the prophetic promises fulfilled in Jesus.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And the crowd rebuked them that they might be silent": This phrase captures the hostile, oppressive, and unsympathetic response of the general public toward those deemed undesirable or inconvenient. It underscores how physical sight does not guarantee spiritual discernment or compassion. The crowd attempts to maintain an illusion of order, suppressing a desperate plea for divine intervention, reflecting a common human tendency to avoid discomfort or disruption caused by suffering.
• "But they cried out all the more": This pivotal clause demonstrates extraordinary faith and tenacity. Despite facing direct opposition and attempted suppression from a larger group, the blind men's plea intensified. It's a powerful illustration of persistent prayer in the face of adversity, suggesting that genuine faith will not be deterred by external obstacles but rather inflamed by them. Their spiritual perception allowed them to see Jesus' true identity and power, enabling them to ignore the physically "seeing" but spiritually blind crowd.
• "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!": This collective cry is profound. It encapsulates a multifaceted understanding of Jesus:
  • As "Lord" (Kyrios), implying authority and possibly divine nature.
  • As a source of "mercy" (eleeō), recognizing His compassion and power to alleviate their suffering.
  • As "Son of David" (huios Dauid), openly declaring their belief in Him as the long-awaited Messiah, a truth often dimly perceived or denied by others. This messianic confession, coming from marginalized individuals, serves as a poignant contrast to the skepticism and unbelief prevalent among the Jewish leadership. It’s an act of profound faith that taps into Jesus’ identity and purpose.

Matthew 20 31 Bonus section

The Messianic title "Son of David" holds deep theological significance. Its use by the blind men is not merely an expression of hopeful expectation but a declaration of Jesus' legitimate claim to the throne of Israel and His role as the deliverer (2 Sam 7:12-16, Ps 89:3-4). The fact that the blind, often marginalized figures in society, are the ones vocally proclaiming this truth contrasts sharply with the widespread skepticism or outright rejection from the religious elite of the day, who were expected to recognize their Messiah. This represents a polemic against the "blindness" of the Jerusalem religious establishment. Their lack of insight was both physical (in not perceiving Him in their midst) and spiritual (in not accepting His true identity). The blind men's persistent cry forces Jesus' attention, underscoring the truth that those who truly yearn for Christ and persistently pursue Him will find Him, regardless of human obstacles or perceived unworthiness. This episode reinforces Jesus' consistent responsiveness to genuine faith, often bypassing societal conventions.

Matthew 20 31 Commentary

Matthew 20:31 provides a profound snapshot of the spiritual landscape surrounding Jesus' ministry. The central tension lies between the two blind men's unwavering faith and the crowd's short-sighted impatience. The crowd, likely accustomed to a certain decorum around religious figures, embodies the world's desire for order over the disruptive claims of faith and need. Their "rebuke" (epetimēsen) reveals a self-appointed authority to dictate behavior, ironically mimicking the way Jesus Himself rebukes spiritual forces. Yet, this earthly rebuke falls powerless against the divine will and desperate faith.

The blind men, devoid of physical sight, possess profound spiritual insight. They recognize Jesus not merely as a healer but as "Lord" and "Son of David"—titles signifying His divine authority and messianic identity. Their continued "crying out all the more" despite being told to "be silent" exemplifies biblical importunity. It’s a bold refusal to let societal norms or human opinion prevent them from reaching their only hope. Their faith, far from being a quiet, private matter, is loud, public, and persistent.

This verse emphasizes that God often responds to desperate, unhindered pleas. It reveals that the physically sighted can be spiritually blind, while those with physical blindness can perceive the deepest truths of Christ's identity. Jesus often challenges human social barriers, privileging genuine faith, however unpolished its expression, over societal decorum.

Examples for practical usage:

• Persistence in prayer: When facing trials, do not let others' discouragement or a perceived lack of immediate results silence your fervent prayer.
• Overcoming discouragement: Even if a community or institution tries to "silence" a cry for help or spiritual truth, continue to seek God's mercy and help.
• Spiritual insight vs. outward appearance: Recognize that true understanding of Christ often resides not in the popular or prominent, but in the humble and earnestly seeking.