New Testament
Matthew 20:32
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus stopped and called out to them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.
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And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
What Matthew 20:32 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus encounters two blind men who are calling out to him for help. He stops and asks them a direct question: "What do you want me to do for you?" This moment highlights Jesus' willingness to listen and respond to the needs of individuals. It shows that he values personal requests and is attentive to the cries of those in need. The blind men respond by asking for their sight to be restored, demonstrating their faith in Jesus' ability to heal. This interaction emphasizes the importance of faith and the power of Jesus to transform lives. It also illustrates that Jesus is not just a distant figure but is actively engaged with people, ready to help those who seek him. The question he poses invites us to reflect on our own needs and desires, encouraging us to approach him with our requests, trusting in his compassion and power to act in our lives.
How to apply Matthew 20:32 to your life
When faced with challenges, we should bring our needs directly to Jesus, just as the blind men did. This verse encourages us to express our desires and trust in his ability to help us. Remember, Jesus is always listening and ready to respond to our prayers.
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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Jesus
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 20:32 mean?
Matthew 20:32 captures a moment when Jesus encounters two blind men who are seeking help. He stops to ask them what they want, demonstrating his willingness to listen and respond to individual needs.
What is the significance of Jesus asking, 'What do you want me to do for you?' in Matthew 20:32?
This question highlights Jesus' attentiveness to personal requests and his desire to engage with those in need. It emphasizes the importance of faith and encourages individuals to express their needs directly to him.
What can we learn from the blind men in Matthew 20:32?
The blind men in this verse show us the importance of faith and persistence in seeking help. Their request for sight restoration illustrates their belief in Jesus' healing power and encourages us to approach him with our own needs.
How does Matthew 20:32 relate to prayer?
Matthew 20:32 encourages us to bring our requests to Jesus in prayer, just as the blind men did. It reminds us that Jesus is always listening and ready to respond to our needs.
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