King James Version

What Does Matthew 20:32 Mean?

Matthew 20:32 in the King James Version says “And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 20:32 · KJV

Context

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.

34

So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

Read Matthew 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jesus stood still (στὰς ὁ Ἰησοῦς)—The aorist participle stas signals an abrupt halt; Jesus, resolutely marching toward Jerusalem and the cross (v. 17), stops for marginalized beggars. This demonstrates His priorities: human need trumps schedule. And called them (ἐφώνησεν αὐτούς)—The verb ephōnēsen (called, summoned) indicates personal initiative; Jesus doesn't wait for them to find Him but summons them to Himself.

What will ye that I shall do unto you? (Τί θέλετε ποιήσω ὑμῖν;)—This question mirrors the one Jesus asked James and John through their mother (v. 21): 'What would you like Me to do?' The contrast is devastating. James and John wanted thrones; the blind men want sight. The disciples sought glory; the beggars sought mercy. Jesus exposes the difference between carnal ambition and genuine need, between self-serving requests and dependent faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Passover pilgrimage was highly structured and time-sensitive. Pilgrims needed to arrive in Jerusalem before the feast began, creating urgency. Jesus's willingness to stop demonstrates His incarnate accessibility—the infinite God makes Himself available to finite, broken humanity. Mark 10:49 adds that Jesus commanded the crowd to call the blind men, showing His authority over those who would obstruct access to Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus's willingness to stop His journey to the cross for two beggars reveal about God's heart?
  2. How does Jesus's identical question to the ambitious disciples (v. 21) and desperate beggars (v. 32) expose the condition of our hearts?
  3. When has Jesus 'stood still' in your life despite your unworthiness to interrupt His purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

“And”

G2532

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

στὰς2 of 12

“stood still”

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ὁ3 of 12
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 12

“Jesus”

G2424

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

ἐφώνησεν5 of 12

“and called”

G5455

to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation

αὐτοὺς6 of 12

“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

καὶ7 of 12

“And”

G2532

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

εἶπεν8 of 12

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Τί9 of 12

“What”

G5101

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

θέλετε10 of 12

“will ye”

G2309

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

ποιήσω11 of 12

“that I shall do”

G4160

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

ὑμῖν12 of 12

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

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 20:32 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 20:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 36:37Philippians 4:6Matthew 20:21Acts 10:29

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