Mark 10:48
And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Ancient Mediterranean society had strict social hierarchies and honor codes. Beggars occupied the lowest social stratum, expected to remain deferential and unobtrusive. Public shouting violated social norms—the crowd's rebuke reflects concern for maintaining social order and respecting Jesus' dignity. Yet Jesus repeatedly welcomed society's marginalized—lepers, tax collectors, sinners, women, children—while religious leaders objected (2:15-17; 10:13-14). Bartimaeus's persistence despite social pressure embodies the kind of shameless faith Jesus commends (Luke 11:5-8; 18:1-8).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the crowd's attempt to silence Bartimaeus mirror contemporary pressure to keep faith 'private,' 'quiet,' or 'respectable' rather than urgent and desperate?
- What does Bartimaeus's intensified crying in response to rebuke teach about persevering in prayer despite discouragement, delayed answers, or opposition?
- When have you allowed social pressure, embarrassment, or concern for others' opinions to silence your desperate cries to Jesus?
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Analysis & Commentary
And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me (ἐπετίμων αὐτῷ ἵνα σιωπήσῃ· ὁ δὲ πολλῷ μᾶλλον ἔκραζεν, Υἱὲ Δαυίδ, ἐλέησόν με, epetimōn autō hina siōpēsē; ho de pollō mallon ekrazen, Huie Dauid, eleēson me). The verb ἐπετίμων (epetimōn, imperfect tense) means "they were rebuking him," indicating repeated, ongoing attempts to silence Bartimaeus. The crowd—perhaps including disciples—considered his shouting inappropriate, embarrassing, or disruptive.
The phrase "but he cried the more a great deal" (ὁ δὲ πολλῷ μᾶλλον ἔκραζεν, ho de pollō mallon ekrazen) uses πολλῷ μᾶλλον (pollō mallon, "much more, far more intensely") to intensify the verb κράζω (krazō, "to cry out"). The more the crowd tried to silence him, the louder and more persistent Bartimaeus became. His desperation to reach Jesus overcame social pressure, embarrassment, and religious propriety.
This scene portrays a collision between religious respectability and desperate faith. The crowd represents those concerned with maintaining decorum, not disturbing the Teacher, keeping the marginalized in their place. Bartimaeus represents radical faith that refuses to be silenced, recognizing this may be his only opportunity for transformation. His persistence contrasts with the rich young ruler (10:17-22) who walked away when challenged.