New Testament
Luke 18:39
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The people at the front of the crowd told him to be quiet, but he shouted even louder, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
Compare translations
And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.
What Luke 18:39 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a blind man is calling out to Jesus, recognizing Him as the 'Son of David,' a title that signifies Jesus' messianic role. Despite the crowd's attempts to silence him, he persists in shouting for mercy. This illustrates his desperation and faith in Jesus' ability to heal him. The crowd's rebuke highlights how society often discourages those who are marginalized or in need. However, the blind man's determination serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and persistence in seeking help. His cry for mercy is not just a plea for physical healing but also a recognition of Jesus' authority and compassion. This moment emphasizes that true faith often requires overcoming obstacles, including the disapproval of others. The blind man's unwavering call for mercy ultimately leads to his healing, showcasing the transformative power of faith and the willingness to reach out to Jesus, regardless of the circumstances or societal pressures.
How to apply Luke 18:39 to your life
This verse encourages us to be persistent in our prayers and requests for help, even when faced with discouragement from others. It reminds us that faith can empower us to overcome societal pressures and seek the mercy and healing we need from God.
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 18:39
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 18:39
Related Bible verses
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 18:39 mean?
Luke 18:39 describes a blind man calling out to Jesus for mercy, despite being told to be quiet by the crowd. This shows his faith and determination to seek help, highlighting the importance of persistence in prayer.
What is the significance of 'Son of David' in Luke 18:39?
The title 'Son of David' in Luke 18:39 signifies the blind man's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. It reflects his understanding of Jesus' authority and role in bringing healing and salvation.
What can we learn from the blind man's actions in Luke 18:39?
The blind man's actions in Luke 18:39 teach us about the importance of persistence in seeking help, especially when faced with discouragement. His determination to call out for mercy illustrates how faith can drive us to overcome obstacles.
Why did the crowd rebuke the blind man in Luke 18:39?
The crowd rebuked the blind man in Luke 18:39 likely because they viewed him as a nuisance or felt that he should not disturb Jesus. This reflects societal tendencies to silence those who are marginalized or in need.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.