Matthew 20 34

Matthew 20:34 kjv

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

Matthew 20:34 nkjv

So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.

Matthew 20:34 niv

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Matthew 20:34 esv

And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.

Matthew 20:34 nlt

Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.

Matthew 20 verses

Matthew 20 34 Meaning

Matthew 20:34 presents Jesus' divine compassion manifesting in a powerful act of healing and resulting in immediate discipleship. Confronted by two blind men crying out for mercy, Jesus, moved with profound empathy, physically touched their eyes, instantly restoring their sight. This miraculous intervention not only alleviated their physical suffering but also led them to immediately follow Him, demonstrating that encountering the Christ often leads to a transformative response of devotion and commitment. The verse underscores Jesus' messianic power, His merciful character, and the personal encounter as a catalyst for genuine faith and discipleship.

Matthew 20 34 Context

Matthew 20:34 concludes an account of Jesus healing two blind men on His journey from Jericho. This episode immediately follows the request of James and John's mother for her sons to sit at Jesus' right and left hand in His kingdom (Mt 20:20-28), which highlighted their lack of understanding about His impending suffering and the true nature of leadership as service. In stark contrast, these blind men, marginalized and humble, correctly identify Jesus as the Son of David—a messianic title—and earnestly cry out for mercy. Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem for His crucifixion and resurrection is approaching, making every act and teaching highly significant in revealing His Messiahship and the call to discipleship. This miracle occurs at Jericho, a significant city marking Jesus' final approach to Jerusalem.

Matthew 20 34 Word analysis

• So: This word connects the divine action directly to the blind men's plea and the surrounding context of human need and faith, indicating cause and effect or direct consequence. It implies that Jesus' subsequent action was a response to their persistent cries for mercy.

• Jesus: Refers to the Lord, God incarnate. His name signifies "the Lord saves" (Mt 1:21). The actions of healing and compassion reveal His divine nature and mission as the Savior. His personal involvement underscores that He is the source of all spiritual and physical restoration.

• had compassion (ἐσπλαγχνίσθη - esplanchnisthē): From the Greek verb splagchnizomai, meaning "to be moved in the bowels, to feel pity, have compassion." This word signifies a deep, visceral empathy—a gut-wrenching pity that leads to action. It is one of the strongest words in Greek for "compassion" and is used frequently in the Gospels to describe Jesus' profound mercy towards those suffering (e.g., the leper, the grieving widow, the hungry crowds). It shows His divine empathy for human affliction.

• and touched (ἥψατο - hēpsato): From the Greek verb haptomai, meaning "to fasten oneself to, touch, cling to." Jesus often used touch in healing, signifying not only His power but also His willingness to bridge physical and social barriers, particularly with the sick and outcasts. In a society where certain touches could render one ritually unclean (e.g., touching a leper or a corpse), Jesus’ touch signifies His authority over all such limitations and His unreserved care. It's an intimate act demonstrating His personal connection to the afflicted.

• their eyes: The specific organs afflicted with blindness. This direct address emphasizes the nature of the miracle: restoring function to the specific impaired part of the body. Their spiritual blindness will also be addressed.

• and immediately (εὐθέως - eutheōs): From the Greek adverb eutheōs, meaning "straightway, at once." This word emphasizes the instantaneous nature of the miracle. The healing was not a gradual process or a slow recovery, but an immediate divine act, demonstrating the absolute power and authority of Jesus over sickness and natural limitations.

• their eyes received sight (ἀνέβλεψαν - aneblepsan): From the Greek verb anablepō, meaning "to look up, to receive sight again, regain sight." This phrase explicitly states the miracle's outcome. The men were not simply alleviated; their full sight was restored, enabling them to see their Lord and the world around them for the first time or again. This reflects a physical and often symbolic spiritual transformation.

• and they followed him (ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ - ēkolouthēsan autō): From the Greek verb akoloutheō, meaning "to follow, accompany." This signifies an act of discipleship. Upon receiving physical sight, their first act was to follow Jesus. This shows that true healing, for many, also leads to spiritual clarity and a desire to be near Christ. It implies not just walking behind Him physically, but embracing His way and His teachings, becoming His disciples. This stands in contrast to the earlier disciples who struggled with their motives.

• Jesus had compassion, and touched their eyes: This phrase emphasizes the motive behind Jesus' action—deep, empathetic love—and the method He employed—a direct, personal, and powerful touch. It showcases both His character and His authority.

• immediately their eyes received sight: This phrase highlights the divine speed and efficacy of Jesus' power. The outcome was not delayed, affirming His direct command over physical ailments.

• they followed him: This phrase underscores the transformation that occurs from physical healing to spiritual allegiance. It’s a complete response, moving from receiving a gift to following the Giver.

Matthew 20 34 Bonus section

This incident, while sharing elements with parallel accounts in Mark (Bartimaeus, one man) and Luke (a blind man entering/leaving Jericho), distinctly features two blind men in Matthew. This harmonizes with Matthew's characteristic grouping of miracles (e.g., two demon-possessed, two lepers). The act of physical touch, a hallmark of Jesus' healings, here confirms His empathy, readiness to engage with those often marginalized, and His direct authority. In Jewish society, blindness was often seen as a curse or judgment (though Jesus explicitly challenged this notion in John 9), adding layers to the societal significance of their healing and restoration into the community. Their cry for "mercy" and use of "Son of David" reveals a deep, if unarticulated, faith that connected Jesus to His messianic role, even if they couldn't fully comprehend it. Their response to follow Him validates the miracle not merely as an event, but as a catalyst for a life devoted to the Savior.

Matthew 20 34 Commentary

Matthew 20:34 distills the essence of Jesus' ministry: divine compassion leading to miraculous restoration and culminating in committed discipleship. Moved by profound pity (splagchnizomai), Jesus initiates a personal connection through touch (haptomai), instantly restoring what was lost. This miracle is not just a display of power, but an intimate act of mercy fulfilling ancient prophecies (Isa 35:5-6). The "immediately" highlights God's unfettered power. Crucially, the outcome transcends mere physical healing; the men’s immediate decision to "follow Him" signifies genuine conversion and dedication. In contrast to the disciples’ recent ambition for worldly status, these once-blind men exemplify true humility and an immediate, pure-hearted response to the Lord's mercy. This sequence underscores that encountering Jesus' transforming power leads to a life of allegiance, walking His path. It serves as a practical example of sight (physical and spiritual) leading to following.