Luke 18:38
What does Luke 18:38 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 18:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 18:38 means
Recognizing his unique opportunity, the blind man cried out with intense desperation, addressing Jesus as "Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me." Calling Jesus "Son of David" is a Messianic title, indicating his belief in Jesus's special identity and divine authority. His plea for mercy, not just a cure, acknowledges his need for profound grace beyond mere physical healing. His faith is evident in his direct and bold appeal.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he said in a loud voice, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he cried out, saying, `Jesus, Son of David, deal kindly with me;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he cried out, saying: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he called out saying, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.
Context
This verse captures the blind man's desperate and faith-filled cry, immediately after learning Jesus was passing by (verse 37). His use of the Messianic title, "Son of David," highlights his spiritual insight even in physical blindness. This powerful plea sets up the conflict with the crowd and ultimately leads to Jesus's intervention, making his faith a central component of the narrative.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 22:16
I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright, the morning star.
- Psalms 62:12
Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth lovingkindness; For thou renderest to every man according to his work.
- Jeremiah 23:5
Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.
- Luke 18:39
And they that went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.
- Matthew 22:42
saying, What think ye of the Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David.
- Matthew 15:22
And behold, a Canaanitish woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a demon.
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