Devine Scripture

Matthew 20:34

What does Matthew 20:34 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 20:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 20:34 means

Moved with "compassion," Jesus "touched their eyes," and immediately "they received their sight, and followed him." This powerful act of healing demonstrates Jesus' divine authority over physical ailments and His deep empathy for human suffering. The restoration of sight is instantaneous and complete, leading to their immediate discipleship, as they chose to "follow him." This miracle serves as a visible sign of the kingdom's arrival and Jesus' identity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and straightway they received their sight, and followed him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and straightway they received their sight, and followed him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus, being moved with pity, put his fingers on their eyes: and straight away they were able to see, and went after him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having been moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes, and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus having compassion on them, touched their eyes. And immediately they saw and followed him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus, moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes had sight restored to them, and they followed him.

Context

This verse culminates the narrative of the healing of the two blind men, describing Jesus' compassionate action and the immediate result. His touch and their restored sight demonstrate His divine power, reinforcing His identity as the Son of David. Their subsequent decision to follow Him provides a powerful example of discipleship, contrasting with the disciples' earlier ambitions for status.

v.33They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.

v.34This passage

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 145:8

    Jehovah is gracious, and merciful; Slow to anger, and of great lovingkindness.

  • 1 Peter 3:8

    Finally, be ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded:

  • Hebrews 2:17

    Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

  • Matthew 8:15

    And he touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she arose, and ministered unto him.

  • Matthew 9:36

    But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd.

  • Psalms 119:67

    Before I was afflicted I went astray; But now I observe thy word.

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