Luke 18:35
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 18:35
35 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:
Chapter Context
Luke 18 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, salvation, love. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-43: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 18:35
35 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:
Analysis
As he was come nigh unto Jericho (ἐν τῷ ἐγγίζειν αὐτὸν εἰς Ἰεριχώ, en tō engizein auton eis Ierichō)—Jericho, seventeen miles from Jerusalem, was the final stop before the arduous ascent. This sets the miracle just before Passion Week, creating theological symmetry: Jesus opens blind eyes before Jerusalem's leaders close theirs to His identity.
A certain blind man sat by the way side begging (τυφλός τις ἐκάθητο παρὰ τὴν ὁδὸν ἐπαιτῶν, typhlos tis ekathēto para tēn hodon epaitōn)—Typhlos (blind) describes both physical and spiritual condition. The imperfect tense ekathēto (he was sitting) suggests habitual, daily begging—this was his permanent station. Para tēn hodon (beside the road) positions him at the margins, literally and socially. Begging (epaitōn) was the only livelihood for disabled persons in antiquity. Mark and Matthew name him Bartimaeus; Luke's focus on anonymity emphasizes representative significance—he stands for all who sit in darkness awaiting the Light.
Historical Context
Jericho's roads saw heavy Passover traffic as pilgrims journeyed to Jerusalem, making it a prime begging location. Blindness often resulted from disease, injury, or birth defects, with no medical remedy. The disabled were excluded from Temple service (Leviticus 21:18), reinforcing social marginalization.
Reflection
- How does physical blindness in Scripture often symbolize spiritual blindness, and who are today's spiritually blind?
- What does the blind man's roadside position teach about meeting people where they are in their need?
- How does Jesus's attention to a nameless beggar demonstrate the Kingdom's reversal of social hierarchies?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Samuel 2:8, John 9:8