King James Version

What Does Matthew 20:30 Mean?

Matthew 20:30 in the King James Version says “And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.

Matthew 20:30 · KJV


Context

28

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

29

And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.

30

And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.

31

And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.

32

And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Two blind men sitting by the way side (δύο τυφλοὶ καθήμενοι παρὰ τὴν ὁδόν)—The typhloì (blind men) represent humanity's spiritual condition; kathēmenoi (sitting) suggests helpless resignation to their state. Their roadside position was strategic for begging from pilgrims. When they heard that Jesus passed by (ἀκούσαντες ὅτι Ἰησοῦς παράγει)—Hearing, akousantes, precedes seeing; faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17).

Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David (Ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς, κύριε υἱὸς Δαυίδ)—Their cry employs the Messianic title huios Dauid (Son of David), acknowledging Jesus as the promised heir to David's throne. 'Lord' (kyrie) can mean 'sir' or 'master,' but combined with 'Son of David' indicates Messianic recognition. Ironically, blind men see what sighted disciples miss: Jesus's true identity. Their persistent faith contrasts sharply with the disciples' ambitious blindness in verses 20-24.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Blindness was common in the ancient Near East due to untreated infections, trachoma, and glaucoma. Blind beggars positioned themselves at city gates and along pilgrimage routes for maximum alms. The Messianic title 'Son of David' reflected Jewish expectation based on 2 Samuel 7:12-16, Isaiah 9:6-7, and Jeremiah 23:5-6. Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46) was one of these two men, suggesting his later prominence in the early church.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why can blind beggars see Jesus's true identity while the sighted disciples remain blind to it?
  2. What does their persistent crying out despite opposition teach about the nature of saving faith?
  3. How does the title 'Son of David' reflect both correct theology and potentially misguided political expectations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

And

G2532

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

ἰδού,2 of 19

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

δύο3 of 19

two

G1417

"two"

τυφλοὶ4 of 19

blind men

G5185

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

καθήμενοι5 of 19

sitting

G2521

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

παρὰ6 of 19

side

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

τὴν7 of 19
G3588

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

ὁδόν,8 of 19

by the way

G3598

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

ἀκούσαντες9 of 19

when they heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ὅτι10 of 19

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Ἰησοῦς11 of 19

Jesus

G2424

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

παράγει12 of 19

passed by

G3855

to lead near, i.e., (reflexively or intransitively) to go along or away

ἔκραξαν13 of 19

cried out

G2896

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

λέγοντες,14 of 19

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

Ἐλέησον15 of 19

Have mercy

G1653

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

ἡμᾶς,16 of 19

on us

G2248

us

κύριε,17 of 19

O Lord

G2962

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

υἱὸς18 of 19

thou Son

G5207

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

Δαβίδ19 of 19

of David

G1138

david, the israelite king


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 20:30 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 Matthew 20:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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