King James Version

What Does Luke 18:41 Mean?

Luke 18:41 in the King James Version says “Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.”

Luke 18:41 · KJV

Context

39

And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

40

And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,

41

Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.

42

And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.

43

And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? (Τί σοι θέλεις ποιήσω; Ti soi theleis poiēsō?)—Jesus's question seems obvious—a blind beggar wants sight. But thelō (to will, desire) requires articulation of desire, transforming vague hope into specific faith-request. The question dignifies the man: Jesus doesn't presume but asks, treating him as person with agency, not object of pity. This echoes God's question to Solomon (1 Kings 3:5: 'Ask what I shall give thee').

And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight (ὁ δὲ εἶπεν, Κύριε, ἵνα ἀναβλέψω, ho de eipen, Kyrie, hina anablepsō)—note the title shift: 'Son of David' (v. 38) becomes Lord (Κύριε, Kyrie), acknowledging divine authority. Anablepō (to look up, see again, recover sight) in the aorist subjunctive expresses purpose: 'in order that I may see.' The verb suggests both physical healing and spiritual enlightenment—he wants to see Jesus, not just see generally. His request is focused, faithful, and complete.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Mediterranean culture valued honor and shame; being asked rather than commanded was honorific. Jesus's question elevates the beggar from object to subject, from passive recipient to active participant in his healing. This dignifying approach contrasts sharply with patronizing charity that strips recipients of agency.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus require us to articulate specific requests rather than assuming He knows our needs?
  2. How does the progression from 'Son of David' to 'Lord' reflect deepening faith through encounter with Jesus?
  3. What does 'receiving sight' symbolize beyond physical healing for those who encounter Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
λέγων,1 of 11

“Saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Τί2 of 11

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

σοι3 of 11

“unto thee”

G4671

to thee

θέλεις4 of 11

“wilt thou”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ποιήσω5 of 11

“that I shall do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ὁ6 of 11
G3588

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

δὲ7 of 11

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν8 of 11

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Κύριε9 of 11

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἵνα10 of 11

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἀναβλέψω11 of 11

“I may receive my sight”

G308

to look up; by implication, to recover sight

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 18:41 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 18:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 20:21-221 Kings 3:5-15Philippians 4:6Romans 8:25

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