King James Version

What Does Luke 18:35 Mean?

Luke 18:35 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:”

Luke 18:35 · KJV

Context

33

And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

34

And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

35

And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:

36

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

37

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As he was come nigh unto Jericho (ἐν τῷ ἐγγίζειν αὐτὸν εἰς Ἰεριχώ, en tō engizein auton eis Ierichō)—Jericho, seventeen miles from Jerusalem, was the final stop before the arduous ascent. This sets the miracle just before Passion Week, creating theological symmetry: Jesus opens blind eyes before Jerusalem's leaders close theirs to His identity.

A certain blind man sat by the way side begging (τυφλός τις ἐκάθητο παρὰ τὴν ὁδὸν ἐπαιτῶν, typhlos tis ekathēto para tēn hodon epaitōn)—Typhlos (blind) describes both physical and spiritual condition. The imperfect tense ekathēto (he was sitting) suggests habitual, daily begging—this was his permanent station. Para tēn hodon (beside the road) positions him at the margins, literally and socially. Begging (epaitōn) was the only livelihood for disabled persons in antiquity. Mark and Matthew name him Bartimaeus; Luke's focus on anonymity emphasizes representative significance—he stands for all who sit in darkness awaiting the Light.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jericho's roads saw heavy Passover traffic as pilgrims journeyed to Jerusalem, making it a prime begging location. Blindness often resulted from disease, injury, or birth defects, with no medical remedy. The disabled were excluded from Temple service (Leviticus 21:18), reinforcing social marginalization.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does physical blindness in Scripture often symbolize spiritual blindness, and who are today's spiritually blind?
  2. What does the blind man's roadside position teach about meeting people where they are in their need?
  3. How does Jesus's attention to a nameless beggar demonstrate the Kingdom's reversal of social hierarchies?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ἐγένετο1 of 15

“it came to pass”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

δὲ2 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐν3 of 15

“that as”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ4 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐγγίζειν5 of 15

“was come nigh”

G1448

to make near, i.e., (reflexively) approach

αὐτὸν6 of 15

“he”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰς7 of 15

“unto”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἰεριχὼ8 of 15

“Jericho”

G2410

jericho, a place in palestine

τυφλός9 of 15

“blind man”

G5185

opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)

τις10 of 15

“a certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐκάθητο11 of 15

“sat”

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

παρὰ12 of 15

“by”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τὴν13 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁδὸν14 of 15

“the way side”

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

προσαιτῶν·15 of 15

“begging”

G4319

to ask repeatedly (importune), i.e., solicit

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 18:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 18:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 20:29-34Mark 10:46-52Luke 16:20-21John 9:81 Samuel 2:8Acts 3:2

Places in This Verse

Jericho 2Settlement · Modern: Tell el Alayiq · 31.85°N, 35.44°E5 verses across 3 books
View all places in Luke 18 →

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