King James Version

What Does Mark 10:47 Mean?

Mark 10:47 in the King James Version says “And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on m... — study this verse from Mark chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

Mark 10:47 · KJV


Context

45

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

46

And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.

47

And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

48

And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

49

And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me (ἤρξατο κράζειν καὶ λέγειν, Υἱὲ Δαυίδ Ἰησοῦ, ἐλέησόν με, ērxato krazein kai legein, Huie Dauid Iēsou, eleēson me). The verb κράζειν (krazein) means "to cry out loudly, shout"—Bartimaeus doesn't politely request but desperately cries out, refusing to be silenced or ignored.

The title "Son of David" (Υἱὲ Δαυίδ, Huie Dauid) is explicitly messianic, acknowledging Jesus as the promised descendant of David who would establish God's eternal kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 11:1-10). This is the only place in Mark where someone outside Jesus' inner circle uses this title publicly. Bartimaeus's spiritual insight contrasts dramatically with the physically-sighted disciples who remain spiritually blind to Jesus' messianic identity and mission.

The plea "have mercy on me" (ἐλέησόν με, eleēson me) uses the verb ἐλεέω (eleeō), meaning "to show compassion, mercy, pity." This is covenant language—the cry for divine mercy based on God's faithful love. Bartimaeus doesn't demand healing as a right but appeals to Jesus' compassion, recognizing his utter dependence and Jesus' sovereign power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The title 'Son of David' carried political-messianic implications in first-century Judaism. Jewish expectation anticipated a Davidic messiah who would restore Israel's kingdom, defeat enemies, and reign from Jerusalem (Psalms of Solomon 17-18). Bartimaeus's public proclamation that Jesus is Son of David could be considered politically provocative—messianic claims threatened Roman authority and invited suspicion. Yet Bartimaeus boldly confesses Jesus' identity despite potential consequences, demonstrating faith that transcends fear of social or political repercussions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Bartimaeus's spiritual sight (recognizing Jesus as Messiah) contrast with the disciples' spiritual blindness despite their physical proximity to Jesus?
  2. What does Bartimaeus's refusal to be silenced teach about persistent, shameless dependence on Jesus' mercy regardless of social pressure?
  3. When have you held back from crying out to Jesus because of concern about others' opinions or social respectability?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀκούσας2 of 17

when he heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ὅτι3 of 17

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Ἰησοῦ4 of 17

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

5 of 17
G3588

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

Ναζωραῖος6 of 17

of Nazareth

G3480

a nazoraean, i.e., inhabitant of nazareth; by extension, a christian

ἐστιν7 of 17

it was

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἤρξατο8 of 17

he began

G756

to commence (in order of time)

κράζειν9 of 17

to cry out

G2896

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

καὶ10 of 17

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λέγειν11 of 17

say

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

12 of 17
G3588

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

ὑιὸς13 of 17

thou Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

Δαβὶδ14 of 17

of David

G1138

david, the israelite king

Ἰησοῦ15 of 17

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐλέησόν16 of 17

have mercy

G1653

to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)

με17 of 17

on me

G3165

me


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 10:47 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 Mark 10:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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