New Testament
Matthew 20:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The crowd told them to be quiet, but they only shouted louder: "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
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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.
What Matthew 20:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, two blind men are calling out to Jesus for help, despite being told by the crowd to be quiet. Their persistence in shouting for mercy shows their desperation and faith in Jesus as the 'Son of David,' a title that acknowledges Him as the Messiah. The crowd's rebuke highlights how society often discourages those in need from seeking help, but the blind men refuse to be silenced. Their louder cries demonstrate their determination and belief that Jesus can heal them. This moment illustrates the importance of faith and the willingness to overcome obstacles in pursuit of divine assistance. It also reflects the compassion of Jesus, who responds to those who earnestly seek Him, regardless of societal pressures. The blind men’s actions serve as a reminder that true faith often requires boldness and perseverance, especially when faced with opposition or doubt from others.
How to apply Matthew 20:31 to your life
When facing challenges or discouragement, we should be bold in our faith and persistent in seeking help from God. Like the blind men, we can overcome societal pressures and doubts by trusting in Jesus' ability to provide mercy and healing in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Blind Bartimaeus (Matthew 20:29–34)
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Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 20:31 mean?
Matthew 20:31 describes two blind men who, despite being told to be quiet by the crowd, cry out to Jesus for mercy. Their actions demonstrate their faith and determination to seek help from Jesus, acknowledging Him as the Messiah.
What is the significance of 'Son of David' in Matthew 20:31?
The title 'Son of David' in Matthew 20:31 signifies the blind men's recognition of Jesus as the promised Messiah from the lineage of King David. This acknowledgment reflects their faith in His ability to heal and save.
How does Matthew 20:31 relate to faith?
Matthew 20:31 shows that true faith often requires boldness and perseverance, as the blind men refuse to be silenced in their plea for help. Their unwavering cries exemplify the importance of seeking divine assistance, regardless of obstacles.
What lesson can we learn from Matthew 20:31?
From Matthew 20:31, we learn the importance of being persistent in our faith and seeking help from God, even when faced with discouragement. The blind men's determination serves as a reminder to trust in Jesus' mercy and healing.
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