New Testament
Luke 18:35
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting beside the road, begging.
Compare translations
And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:
What Luke 18:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Jesus nearing the city of Jericho, a significant location in His ministry. A blind man is introduced, sitting by the roadside and begging. This scene highlights the social and physical challenges faced by those with disabilities in biblical times. The blind man’s position by the road suggests he is dependent on the charity of passersby, illustrating the plight of marginalized individuals. His blindness symbolizes spiritual blindness as well, a theme prevalent in the Gospels. The act of begging indicates his desperation and need for help, setting the stage for a miraculous encounter with Jesus. This moment foreshadows the transformative power of Jesus, who often reached out to the needy and marginalized. The setting in Jericho, known for its rich history and significance, adds depth to the narrative, as it was a place where many would gather, providing a backdrop for the blind man's plea for mercy. This encounter not only reveals the compassion of Jesus but also invites readers to reflect on their own responses to those in need.
How to apply Luke 18:35 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and respond to the needs of those around us, especially the marginalized. It challenges us to be compassionate and to offer help to those who are suffering, just as Jesus did. We can reflect on our own attitudes towards those in need and strive to be more like Christ in our actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Blind Bartimaeus (Luke 18:35–43)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 18:35
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 18:35
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 18:35 teach about compassion?
Luke 18:35 highlights the importance of compassion by showing Jesus' interaction with a blind man in need. This verse encourages us to recognize the struggles of marginalized individuals and respond with kindness and support, just as Jesus did. It serves as a reminder that we should actively seek to help those who are suffering and extend our compassion to those who may feel invisible or overlooked.
Why is the blind man significant in this verse?
The blind man in Luke 18:35 represents not only physical blindness but also spiritual blindness, a recurring theme in the Gospels. His position by the roadside signifies his dependence on others and his desperate need for help. This encounter sets the stage for a miraculous healing, illustrating Jesus' power and compassion. The blind man's plight invites readers to reflect on their own spiritual awareness and the importance of seeking help.
How does this verse relate to themes of faith?
In Luke 18:35, the blind man's situation exemplifies faith in action. His begging by the roadside indicates his recognition of his need for assistance, which can be seen as a form of faith. He is positioned to receive help from Jesus, who is known for His miraculous works. This verse encourages us to have faith in our own lives, trusting that help and healing can come from Jesus, especially in our moments of desperation.
What can we learn about social issues from this verse?
Luke 18:35 sheds light on the social issues faced by individuals with disabilities during biblical times. The blind man's begging illustrates the marginalization and dependence on charity that many experienced. This verse prompts us to consider our own societal attitudes towards those in need and challenges us to advocate for and support marginalized communities, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.