Devine Scripture

Matthew 20:30

What does Matthew 20:30 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 20:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 20:30 means

Behold, "two blind men sitting by the way side" heard that Jesus was passing by and cried out, "Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David." Their cry is significant: they address Jesus as "Lord," acknowledging His authority, and "son of David," recognizing His Messianic identity. Despite their physical blindness, they possess spiritual insight into who Jesus is, articulating a profound faith and a desperate plea for His compassion.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And two blind men seated by the wayside, when they had the news that Jesus was going by, gave a loud cry, saying, Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and lo, two blind men sitting by the way, having heard that Jesus doth pass by, cried, saying, `Deal kindly with us, sir--Son of David.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And behold two blind men sitting by the way side heard that Jesus passed by. And they cried out, saying: O Lord, thou son of David, have mercy on us.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And lo, two blind men, sitting by the wayside, having heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out saying, Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David.

Context

This verse introduces the two blind men who will be miraculously healed, immediately following the geographical transition from Jericho. Their desperate cry, acknowledging Jesus as "Lord" and "son of David," demonstrates their faith and provides the catalyst for the subsequent interaction. Their plea for mercy dramatically contrasts with the disciples' earlier request for status.

v.29And as they went out from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.

v.30This passage

v.31And the multitude rebuked them, that they should hold their peace: but they cried out the more, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 4:18

    The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised,

  • Isaiah 29:18

    And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness.

  • John 9:1

    And as he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth.

  • Acts 2:30

    Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would set one upon his throne;

  • Psalms 146:8

    Jehovah openeth the eyes of the blind; Jehovah raiseth up them that are bowed down; Jehovah loveth the righteous;

  • Matthew 22:42

    saying, What think ye of the Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David.

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