King James Version

What Does Mark 10:51 Mean?

Mark 10:51 in the King James Version says “And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that... — study this verse from Mark chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.

Mark 10:51 · KJV


Context

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.

51

And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.

52

And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. made: or, saved thee


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? (Τί σοι θέλεις ποιήσω, Ti soi theleis poiēsō). This question mirrors exactly what Jesus asked James and John in verse 36. The parallel is intentional and devastating—James and John requested positions of glory; Bartimaeus requests healing from blindness. The same question exposes radically different heart conditions and spiritual understanding.

The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight (Ῥαββουνί, ἵνα ἀναβλέψω, Rabbouni, hina anablepsō). The title Ῥαββουνί (Rabbouni) is Aramaic, meaning "my master, my teacher"—an intensely personal, reverential address. Only here and in John 20:16 (Mary Magdalene addressing the risen Jesus) does this precise form appear. It expresses intimate devotion and submission.

The verb ἀναβλέψω (anablepsō) means "to look up, receive sight, see again." The prefix ἀνα- (ana, "up, again") suggests restoration—Bartimaeus may not have been born blind but lost sight through disease or injury. His request is humble, specific, and urgent—he asks for healing, not status. This contrasts with the disciples' ambition and demonstrates the humility Jesus requires: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The title 'Rabbouni' expressed deep respect and personal attachment. While 'Rabbi' was common for Jewish teachers, 'Rabbouni' was more intimate and reverential. Bartimaeus's use of this title shows he recognizes Jesus not merely as a miracle-worker but as Lord and Master deserving complete allegiance. His request for sight was both physical and spiritual—throughout John's Gospel, sight symbolizes spiritual illumination (John 9:1-41). Ancient medical knowledge couldn't cure most blindness, making Bartimaeus's request humanly impossible but divinely possible.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does comparing Jesus' question to James and John versus Bartimaeus expose the difference between selfish ambition and humble dependence?
  2. What does Bartimaeus's simple request 'that I might receive my sight' teach about bringing our genuine needs to Jesus rather than disguising selfish desires as spiritual requests?
  3. If Jesus asked you 'What do you want me to do for you?' would your answer reveal kingdom priorities or worldly ambition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

And

G2532

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

ἀποκριθεὶς2 of 18

answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

λὲγει3 of 18

and said

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

αὐτῷ4 of 18

unto 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

5 of 18
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς6 of 18

Jesus

G2424

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

Τί7 of 18

What

G5101

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

θέλεις8 of 18

wilt

G2309

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

ποιήσω9 of 18

thou that I should do

G4160

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

σοι10 of 18

unto thee

G4671

to thee

11 of 18
G3588

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

δὲ12 of 18
G1161

but, and, etc

τυφλὸς13 of 18

The blind man

G5185

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

εἶπεν14 of 18

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ15 of 18

unto 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

Ῥαββονί16 of 18

Lord

G4462

corresponding to g4461

ἵνα17 of 18

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἀναβλέψω18 of 18

I might receive my sight

G308

to look up; by implication, to recover sight


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 10:51 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 10:51 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study