And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.

LUKE 9:38KJV
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Luke 9:38 (KJV)

What does Luke 9:38 mean?

Luke 9:38 describes a man from the crowd urgently calling out to Jesus, begging Him to pay attention to his son, who is his only child. The verse highlights the father's desperation and the unique importance of his son to him.

In this scene, the man is speaking directly to Jesus, addressing Him as "Master" and pleading for help. The setting is public, with a crowd present, and the man's cry interrupts what is happening. The detail that the son is his "only child" adds emotional weight, showing the depth of the father's concern and the seriousness of his request.

The Greek behind Luke 9:38

  • διδάσκαλε (didaskale, "Master"): This word means "teacher" or "master," showing the man's respect for Jesus' authority and ability to help.
  • ἐπιβλέψαι (epiblepsai, "look upon"): This verb means more than just "look at"—it carries the sense of "pay attention to" or "show concern for," emphasizing the father's plea for Jesus' compassionate attention.
  • μονογενής (monogenēs, "only child"): This word means "only one of its kind" or "unique." The use here stresses that the son is irreplaceable to the father, deepening the sense of urgency and loss.

Why Luke 9:38 matters

  • The verse clears up that the father's plea is not just for any child, but for his only son, which would have been especially significant in that culture for inheritance and family legacy.
  • Luke 9:38 sets the emotional tone for the miracle that follows, highlighting the desperation and faith that often bring people to Jesus.
  • The verse connects to a broader theme in Luke's Gospel, where Jesus responds to those who come to Him with sincere need, regardless of their social status or situation.

Where else these words appear

“out” Greek G310 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
  • Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.

“look” Greek G1914 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 1:48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
  • James 2:3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

“child” Greek G3439 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 7:12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
  • John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
  • John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

“beseech” Greek G1189 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
  • Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
  • Acts 26:3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.