New Testament
Luke 18:39
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
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.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
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!"
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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