Luke 18:38
And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐβόησεν
he cried
G994
ἐβόησεν
he cried
Strong's:
G994
Word #:
2 of 8
to halloo, i.e., shout (for help or in a tumultuous way)
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 8
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
υἱὲ
thou Son
G5207
υἱὲ
thou Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
5 of 8
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
Matthew 9:27And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.Luke 18:39And 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.Matthew 15:22And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.Romans 1:3Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
Historical Context
Messianic expectation was intense in first-century Judaism, with various claimants and movements. The 'Son of David' title carried political danger—acknowledging Jesus as such could be seen as seditious against Rome. The beggar's public confession thus carries risk, but desperation overcomes caution.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the blind beggar's confession surpass that of the seeing, educated religious leaders in theological insight?
- What does crying out for mercy rather than demanding rights teach about approaching God?
- When have you felt desperate enough to risk public embarrassment to get Jesus's attention?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me (ἐβόησεν λέγων, Ἰησοῦ υἱὲ Δαυίδ, ἐλέησόν με, eboēsen legōn, Iēsou huie Dauid, eleēson me)—Boaō (to cry out, shout) suggests loud, desperate calling. The blind man's theological confession is stunning: Son of David (υἱὲ Δαυίδ) was a Messianic title rooted in 2 Samuel 7:12-16 and Isaiah 11:1-10. He recognizes what seeing religious leaders refuse to acknowledge—Jesus is the promised Davidic King.
Have mercy on me (ἐλέησόν με)—the aorist imperative eleēson demands immediate action. Eleos (mercy, compassion) is covenant language; the beggar appeals not to casual charity but to Messiah's divine obligation to restore Israel's broken ones. His cry echoes Psalm 6:2, 41:4, 51:1—the lament tradition where sufferers claim God's hesed (steadfast love). Unlike the rich ruler who addressed Jesus as 'Good Master' but walked away (18:18-23), this poor beggar calls Him 'Son of David' and won't be silenced.