Devine Scripture

Matthew 20:31

What does Matthew 20:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 20:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 20:31 means

The "multitude rebuked them, that they should hold their peace," demonstrating a common human tendency to silence those perceived as disruptive or unworthy. However, their efforts were in vain, as the blind men "cried out the more, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David." Their persistent and even amplified plea showcases their unwavering faith and desperate determination, refusing to be silenced by the crowd's disapproval.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the people gave them orders to be quiet; but they went on crying even louder, Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the multitude charged them that they might be silent, and they cried out the more, saying, `Deal kindly with us sir--Son of David.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the crowd rebuked them, that they might be silent. But they cried out the more, saying, Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David.

Context

Following the blind men's initial cry for mercy, this verse describes the crowd's attempt to silence them. This highlights both the crowd's attitude and the blind men's persistent faith, which they express with even greater fervor. This struggle for attention directly leads to Jesus' intervention, underscoring His compassion for the marginalized and overlooked.

v.30And 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.

v.31This passage

v.32And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I should do unto you?

Cross references

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

  • Luke 11:8

    I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will arise and give him as many as he needeth.

  • Luke 18:1

    And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint;

  • Matthew 7:7

    Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:17

    pray without ceasing;

  • 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.

  • Genesis 32:25

    And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was strained, as he wrestled with him.

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