Luke 18:36

What does Luke 18:36 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 18:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 18:36 means

Hearing the commotion of a large crowd passing by, the blind beggar, lacking sight, needed to ask what was happening. His inquiry shows his awareness of his surroundings and his natural curiosity. This question is crucial, as it leads him to discover Jesus's presence, setting in motion the events that lead to his healing. His blindness forces him to rely on others for information.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And hearing the sound of a great number of people going by, he said, What is this?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having heard a multitude going by, he was inquiring what this may be,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he heard the multitude passing by, he asked what this meant.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when he heard the crowd passing, he inquired what this might be.

Context

This verse immediately develops the scene introduced in verse 35. The beggar's question due to his blindness is a critical plot point, directly leading to his discovery of Jesus's identity and presence. This simple inquiry initiates his journey toward healing and reinforces his helplessness without external information.

v.35And it came to pass, as he drew nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:

v.36This passage

v.37And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 21:10

    And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, Who is this?

  • Luke 15:26

    And he called to him one of the servants, and inquired what these things might be.

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Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 18:36.