Matthew 9:27
And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παράγοντι
departed
G3855
παράγοντι
departed
Strong's:
G3855
Word #:
2 of 16
to lead near, i.e., (reflexively or intransitively) to go along or away
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
when Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
when Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 16
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἠκολούθησαν
followed
G190
ἠκολούθησαν
followed
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 16
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
τυφλοὶ
blind men
G5185
τυφλοὶ
blind men
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
9 of 16
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
κράζοντες
crying
G2896
κράζοντες
crying
Strong's:
G2896
Word #:
10 of 16
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 #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἐλέησον
have mercy
G1653
Ἐλέησον
have mercy
Strong's:
G1653
Word #:
13 of 16
to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)
Cross References
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.Matthew 11:5The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.Matthew 17:15Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.Mark 11:10Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.Mark 9:22And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.John 7:42Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?Luke 7:21And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.Matthew 21:9And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.Matthew 1:1The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.Matthew 21:15And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
Historical Context
The title 'son of David' identified Jesus as the prophesied Messiah from David's line who would restore Israel. The blind calling Jesus this title while the seeing Pharisees rejected Him ironically demonstrates spiritual blindness among the religious leaders versus faith among the outcast.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the blind men's persistence in seeking Jesus challenge your prayer life?
- What spiritual blindness might be hindering your recognition of Jesus?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The two blind men's cry 'Thou son of David, have mercy on us' uses the messianic title 'son of David,' showing they recognized Jesus' identity despite physical blindness. Their pursuit—following Him 'crying'—demonstrates persistent faith. Their repeated plea for mercy shows understanding that healing is grace, not entitlement. Physical blindness didn't prevent spiritual insight into Jesus' identity.