And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

LUKE 18:39KJV
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Luke 18:39 (KJV)

What does Luke 18:39 mean?

Luke 18:39 describes how the people leading the way tried to silence a blind man who was calling out to Jesus, but the man shouted even louder, asking Jesus, whom he called "Son of David," to have mercy on him. This verse shows the persistence of someone in need, even when others try to quiet him.

In this scene, Jesus is traveling, and a blind beggar hears that Jesus is passing by. The people at the front of the crowd (likely those closest to Jesus or guiding the group) rebuke the blind man, telling him to be quiet. Instead of giving up, the man raises his voice even more, calling Jesus by a title that recognizes him as the Messiah ("Son of David") and begging for mercy. This moment highlights both the crowd's attempt to control access to Jesus and the blind man's determination and faith.

The Greek behind Luke 18:39

  • The word "rebuked" (ἐπετίμων, epetimon) often means to strongly warn or scold. Here, it shows the crowd's forceful attempt to stop the blind man from calling out.
  • "Hold his peace" comes from the Greek word σιγάω (sigaō), meaning to be silent or keep quiet. The crowd is not just asking politely but insisting that the man stop making noise.
  • "Cried" (ἔκραζεν, ekrazen) is a word used for loud, urgent shouting. The blind man's response is not timid; he raises his voice with even more intensity.
  • "Son of David" (υἱὲ Δαυίδ, huie Dauid) is a messianic title, showing that the blind man recognizes Jesus as the promised descendant of David, which adds weight to his plea for mercy.

Why Luke 18:39 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that only certain people could approach Jesus; it shows that even those whom others try to silence can reach out to him.
  • The strong words for both the crowd's rebuke and the man's shouting highlight the tension between social barriers and personal faith.
  • In the wider passage, this moment sets up Jesus' response, where he stops and listens to the blind man, showing his openness to those in need regardless of others' opinions.

Where else these words appear

“peace” Greek G4623 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 20:31 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.
  • Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
  • Mark 14:61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

“before” Greek G4254 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
  • Matthew 28:7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
  • Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

“mercy” Greek G1653 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
  • 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.
  • Romans 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

“rebuked” Greek G2008 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
  • Mark 8:30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
  • Luke 8:24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.