King James Version

What Does Mark 10:48 Mean?

Mark 10:48 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Mark 10:48 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

50

And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (ἐπετίμων αὐτῷ ἵνα σιωπήσῃ· ὁ δὲ πολλῷ μᾶλλον ἔκραζεν, Υἱὲ Δαυίδ, ἐλέησόν με, epetimōn autō hina siōpēsē; ho de pollō mallon ekrazen, Huie Dauid, eleēson me). The verb ἐπετίμων (epetimōn, imperfect tense) means "they were rebuking him," indicating repeated, ongoing attempts to silence Bartimaeus. The crowd—perhaps including disciples—considered his shouting inappropriate, embarrassing, or disruptive.

The phrase "but he cried the more a great deal" (ὁ δὲ πολλῷ μᾶλλον ἔκραζεν, ho de pollō mallon ekrazen) uses πολλῷ μᾶλλον (pollō mallon, "much more, far more intensely") to intensify the verb κράζω (krazō, "to cry out"). The more the crowd tried to silence him, the louder and more persistent Bartimaeus became. His desperation to reach Jesus overcame social pressure, embarrassment, and religious propriety.

This scene portrays a collision between religious respectability and desperate faith. The crowd represents those concerned with maintaining decorum, not disturbing the Teacher, keeping the marginalized in their place. Bartimaeus represents radical faith that refuses to be silenced, recognizing this may be his only opportunity for transformation. His persistence contrasts with the rich young ruler (10:17-22) who walked away when challenged.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Mediterranean society had strict social hierarchies and honor codes. Beggars occupied the lowest social stratum, expected to remain deferential and unobtrusive. Public shouting violated social norms—the crowd's rebuke reflects concern for maintaining social order and respecting Jesus' dignity. Yet Jesus repeatedly welcomed society's marginalized—lepers, tax collectors, sinners, women, children—while religious leaders objected (2:15-17; 10:13-14). Bartimaeus's persistence despite social pressure embodies the kind of shameless faith Jesus commends (Luke 11:5-8; 18:1-8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the crowd's attempt to silence Bartimaeus mirror contemporary pressure to keep faith 'private,' 'quiet,' or 'respectable' rather than urgent and desperate?
  2. What does Bartimaeus's intensified crying in response to rebuke teach about persevering in prayer despite discouragement, delayed answers, or opposition?
  3. When have you allowed social pressure, embarrassment, or concern for others' opinions to silence your desperate cries to Jesus?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

ἐπετίμων2 of 15

“charged”

G2008

to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid

αὐτῷ3 of 15

“him”

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

πολλῷ4 of 15

“a great deal”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἵνα5 of 15

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

σιωπήσῃ·6 of 15

“he should hold his peace”

G4623

to be dumb (but not deaf also, like 2974 properly); figuratively, to be calm (as quiet water)

ὁ7 of 15
G3588

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

δὲ8 of 15

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

πολλῷ9 of 15

“a great deal”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

μᾶλλον10 of 15

“the more”

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

ἔκραζεν11 of 15

“he cried”

G2896

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

Υἱὲ12 of 15

“Thou Son”

G5207

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

Δαβίδ,13 of 15

“of David”

G1138

david, the israelite king

ἐλέησόν14 of 15

“have mercy”

G1653

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

με15 of 15

“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 10:48 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 10:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 7:26-29Jeremiah 29:13Matthew 20:31Luke 11:5-10Matthew 19:13Luke 18:1-8

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