Mark Chapter 10 · Verse 47
And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 17
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ναζωραῖος
of Nazareth
G3480
Ναζωραῖος
of Nazareth
Strong's:
G3480
Word #:
6 of 17
a nazoraean, i.e., inhabitant of nazareth; by extension, a christian
κράζειν
to cry out
G2896
κράζειν
to cry out
Strong's:
G2896
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγειν
say
G3004
λέγειν
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑιὸς
thou Son
G5207
ὑιὸς
thou Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
13 of 17
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
15 of 17
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Cross References
Mark 1:24Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.Revelation 22:16I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.Matthew 9:27And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.Matthew 26:71And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.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.John 7:52They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.
Historical Context
The title 'Son of David' carried political-messianic implications in first-century Judaism. Jewish expectation anticipated a Davidic messiah who would restore Israel's kingdom, defeat enemies, and reign from Jerusalem (Psalms of Solomon 17-18). Bartimaeus's public proclamation that Jesus is Son of David could be considered politically provocative—messianic claims threatened Roman authority and invited suspicion. Yet Bartimaeus boldly confesses Jesus' identity despite potential consequences, demonstrating faith that transcends fear of social or political repercussions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Bartimaeus's spiritual sight (recognizing Jesus as Messiah) contrast with the disciples' spiritual blindness despite their physical proximity to Jesus?
- What does Bartimaeus's refusal to be silenced teach about persistent, shameless dependence on Jesus' mercy regardless of social pressure?
- When have you held back from crying out to Jesus because of concern about others' opinions or social respectability?
Analysis & Commentary
And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me (ἤρξατο κράζειν καὶ λέγειν, Υἱὲ Δαυίδ Ἰησοῦ, ἐλέησόν με, ērxato krazein kai legein, Huie Dauid Iēsou, eleēson me). The verb κράζειν (krazein) means "to cry out loudly, shout"—Bartimaeus doesn't politely request but desperately cries out, refusing to be silenced or ignored.
The title "Son of David" (Υἱὲ Δαυίδ, Huie Dauid) is explicitly messianic, acknowledging Jesus as the promised descendant of David who would establish God's eternal kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 11:1-10). This is the only place in Mark where someone outside Jesus' inner circle uses this title publicly. Bartimaeus's spiritual insight contrasts dramatically with the physically-sighted disciples who remain spiritually blind to Jesus' messianic identity and mission.
The plea "have mercy on me" (ἐλέησόν με, eleēson me) uses the verb ἐλεέω (eleeō), meaning "to show compassion, mercy, pity." This is covenant language—the cry for divine mercy based on God's faithful love. Bartimaeus doesn't demand healing as a right but appeals to Jesus' compassion, recognizing his utter dependence and Jesus' sovereign power.