Matthew 20:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 20:31
31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
Chapter Context
Matthew 20 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, truth, creation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
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 21-34: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 20:31
31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
Analysis
And the multitude rebuked them (ὁ δὲ ὄχλος ἐπετίμησεν αὐτοῖς)—The verb epetimēsen (rebuked) carries strong censure; the crowd actively silenced the blind men, considering their cries inappropriate or annoying. Religious crowds often obstruct rather than assist those seeking Jesus. Because they should hold their peace (ἵνα σιωπήσωσιν)—The purpose clause reveals the crowd's intent to silence worship that inconvenienced them.
But they cried the more (οἱ δὲ μεῖζον ἔκραξαν)—The comparative adverb meizon (the more, greater) shows intensified desperation. Opposition increased their urgency rather than silencing them—genuine faith persists despite social pressure. Their repeated cry, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David, demonstrates that true worshipers cannot be quieted by religious gatekeepers. This echoes the Canaanite woman's persistent faith despite initial dismissal (Matthew 15:21-28).
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern crowds viewed interruptions of important people as presumptuous, especially by marginalized beggars. Social hierarchy demanded that the poor not inconvenience the prominent. The crowd's rebuke reflects first-century honor-shame culture, where blind beggars occupied the lowest social stratum. Yet Jesus consistently elevated those society marginalized: women, children, lepers, tax collectors, and here, blind beggars whose faith surpassed the religiously respectable.
Reflection
- How do religious crowds today still function as obstacles rather than conduits to Jesus?
- What does the blind men's persistence despite rebuke teach about the relationship between desperate need and genuine faith?
- When have you been silenced by religious gatekeepers, and how did you respond?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 19:13, Colossians 4:2