Luke 18:41
Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.
Original Language Analysis
λέγων,
Saying
G3004
λέγων,
Saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
2 of 11
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
θέλεις
wilt thou
G2309
θέλεις
wilt thou
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
4 of 11
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ποιήσω
that I shall do
G4160
ποιήσω
that I shall do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
5 of 11
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
9 of 11
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Historical Context
Ancient Mediterranean culture valued honor and shame; being asked rather than commanded was honorific. Jesus's question elevates the beggar from object to subject, from passive recipient to active participant in his healing. This dignifying approach contrasts sharply with patronizing charity that strips recipients of agency.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Jesus require us to articulate specific requests rather than assuming He knows our needs?
- How does the progression from 'Son of David' to 'Lord' reflect deepening faith through encounter with Jesus?
- What does 'receiving sight' symbolize beyond physical healing for those who encounter Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? (Τί σοι θέλεις ποιήσω; Ti soi theleis poiēsō?)—Jesus's question seems obvious—a blind beggar wants sight. But thelō (to will, desire) requires articulation of desire, transforming vague hope into specific faith-request. The question dignifies the man: Jesus doesn't presume but asks, treating him as person with agency, not object of pity. This echoes God's question to Solomon (1 Kings 3:5: 'Ask what I shall give thee').
And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight (ὁ δὲ εἶπεν, Κύριε, ἵνα ἀναβλέψω, ho de eipen, Kyrie, hina anablepsō)—note the title shift: 'Son of David' (v. 38) becomes Lord (Κύριε, Kyrie), acknowledging divine authority. Anablepō (to look up, see again, recover sight) in the aorist subjunctive expresses purpose: 'in order that I may see.' The verb suggests both physical healing and spiritual enlightenment—he wants to see Jesus, not just see generally. His request is focused, faithful, and complete.