King James Version

What Does Matthew 20:31 Mean?

Matthew 20:31 in the King James Version says “And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us,...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Matthew 20:31 · King James Version

Peace

Context

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?

33

They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And the multitude rebuked them (ὁ δὲ ὄχλος ἐπετίμησεν αὐτοῖς)—The verb epetimēsen (rebuked) carries strong censure; the crowd actively silenced the blind men, considering their cries inappropriate or annoying. Religious crowds often obstruct rather than assist those seeking Jesus. Because they should hold their peace (ἵνα σιωπήσωσιν)—The purpose clause reveals the crowd's intent to silence worship that inconvenienced them.

But they cried the more (οἱ δὲ μεῖζον ἔκραξαν)—The comparative adverb meizon (the more, greater) shows intensified desperation. Opposition increased their urgency rather than silencing them—genuine faith persists despite social pressure. Their repeated cry, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David, demonstrates that true worshipers cannot be quieted by religious gatekeepers. This echoes the Canaanite woman's persistent faith despite initial dismissal (Matthew 15:21-28).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern crowds viewed interruptions of important people as presumptuous, especially by marginalized beggars. Social hierarchy demanded that the poor not inconvenience the prominent. The crowd's rebuke reflects first-century honor-shame culture, where blind beggars occupied the lowest social stratum. Yet Jesus consistently elevated those society marginalized: women, children, lepers, tax collectors, and here, blind beggars whose faith surpassed the religiously respectable.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do religious crowds today still function as obstacles rather than conduits to Jesus?
  2. What does the blind men's persistence despite rebuke teach about the relationship between desperate need and genuine faith?
  3. When have you been silenced by religious gatekeepers, and how did you respond?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ὁ1 of 17
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 17

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὄχλος3 of 17

“the multitude”

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

ἐπετίμησεν4 of 17

“rebuked”

G2008

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

αὐτοῖς5 of 17

“them”

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

ἵνα6 of 17

“because”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

σιωπήσωσιν·7 of 17

“they should hold their peace”

G4623

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

οἱ8 of 17
G3588

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

δὲ9 of 17

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

μεῖζον10 of 17

“the more”

G3185

(adverbially) in greater degree

ἔκραζον11 of 17

“they cried”

G2896

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

λέγοντες12 of 17

“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

Ἐλέησον13 of 17

“Have mercy”

G1653

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

ἡμᾶς,14 of 17

“on us”

G2248

us

κύριε,15 of 17

“O Lord”

G2962

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

υἱὸς16 of 17

“thou Son”

G5207

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

Δαβίδ17 of 17

“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 20:31 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 20:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 19:13Colossians 4:2Genesis 32:25-29Matthew 7:7-81 Thessalonians 5:17Luke 11:8-10

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