New Testament
Matthew 20:33
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"Lord," they said, "we want to see."
Compare translations
They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
What Matthew 20:33 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, two blind men approach Jesus, expressing their desire to regain their sight. Their plea, "Lord, we want to see," highlights their faith in Jesus' ability to heal. They recognize Him as Lord, indicating their belief in His authority and power. This moment illustrates the desperation and hope of those in need, as well as the importance of faith in seeking help. The blind men are not just asking for physical sight; they are also symbolically seeking spiritual enlightenment. Their request is a reminder that true vision goes beyond physical sight and involves understanding and recognizing the truth of who Jesus is. This encounter emphasizes Jesus' compassion and willingness to respond to those who earnestly seek Him, showcasing His role as a healer and savior. The verse encourages believers to approach Jesus with their needs, trusting in His ability to transform their lives, both physically and spiritually.
How to apply Matthew 20:33 to your life
When facing challenges or limitations, we should approach Jesus with our needs, just as the blind men did. This teaches us to express our desires and trust in His power to bring about change in our lives, both physically and spiritually.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew 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 (Matthew 20:29–34)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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 Matthew 20:33
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 Matthew 20:33
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 20:33 mean?
Matthew 20:33 depicts two blind men asking Jesus to heal them, showing their faith in His ability to restore their sight. Their plea highlights both their physical need and their recognition of Jesus' authority as Lord.
What is the significance of the phrase 'Lord, we want to see' in Matthew 20:33?
The phrase 'Lord, we want to see' signifies the blind men's faith and desperation for healing. It reflects their belief in Jesus' power to change their circumstances and symbolizes a deeper desire for spiritual understanding.
How does Matthew 20:33 relate to faith?
Matthew 20:33 relates to faith by showing how the blind men trust in Jesus' ability to heal them. Their request demonstrates that faith involves recognizing one's needs and believing in Jesus' power to address them.
What can we learn from the blind men in Matthew 20:33?
We can learn the importance of approaching Jesus with our needs, just as the blind men did. Their example teaches us to express our desires and trust in His ability to bring about change in our lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.