Matthew 20:33
They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
Original Language Analysis
λέγουσιν
They say
G3004
λέγουσιν
They say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 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
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 8
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
3 of 8
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἀνοιχθῶσιν
may be opened
G455
ἀνοιχθῶσιν
may be opened
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
5 of 8
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
Historical Context
Blindness in Scripture often symbolizes spiritual inability to perceive God's truth (Isaiah 6:10, 42:7; John 9:39-41). Jesus frequently healed the blind as a Messianic sign fulfilling Isaiah 35:5 ('Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened'). This healing, strategically placed before Jesus's triumphal entry (21:1-11), demonstrates that true disciples see Jesus's identity while crowds remain blind to His mission. The blind men's subsequent 'following' suggests they joined the pilgrim procession into Jerusalem.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the simplicity of 'that our eyes may be opened' contrast with the complexity of worldly ambition seen in verses 20-24?
- What does the passive voice ('may be opened') teach about human inability and divine grace in salvation?
- How does the blind men's immediate following of Jesus after healing (v. 34) challenge superficial Christianity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened (Κύριε, ἵνα ἀνοιχθῶσιν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ἡμῶν)—The blind men's request is specific, humble, and acknowledges dependence. That our eyes may be opened (ἵνα ἀνοιχθῶσιν)—The subjunctive aorist passive anoichthōsin recognizes that only Jesus can open their eyes; they cannot do this themselves. The passive voice implies divine action—only God can give sight, physically and spiritually.
Verse 34 records Jesus's immediate healing: 'Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.' Their healing contrasts with the disciples' persistent blindness (v. 24). Physical sight leads to discipleship—'they followed him.' The blind men's progression models salvation: hearing about Jesus (v. 30), crying out for mercy (v. 30), persisting despite opposition (v. 31), receiving His call (v. 32), confessing need (v. 33), experiencing His compassion (v. 34), and following Him (v. 34).