And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.

MARK 10:46KJV
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Mark 10:46 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:46 mean?

Mark 10:46 describes Jesus arriving at Jericho and, as he leaves the city with his disciples and a large crowd, a blind man named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, is sitting by the roadside begging. This verse sets the scene for a significant encounter between Jesus and Bartimaeus, highlighting the man’s need and his position as an outsider.

The verse is part of a narrative where Jesus is traveling with his followers and is surrounded by many people. Bartimaeus is introduced not only by name but also by his condition—he is blind and dependent on begging for survival. This detail prepares the reader for the interaction that follows, where Bartimaeus will call out to Jesus for help, making his story stand out in the flow of events as Jesus moves toward Jerusalem.

The Greek behind Mark 10:46

  • Βαρτιμαῖος (Bartimaios, “Bartimaeus”): The name is given in both its Aramaic form (“son of Timaeus”) and then explained in Greek, which is unusual and draws attention to the man’s identity and possibly his reputation.
  • τυφλός (tuphlos, “blind”): This word emphasizes Bartimaeus’s physical condition, which is central to the story and to understanding his desperation and hope.
  • ἐπαιτῶν (epaitōn, “begging”): The Greek word for “begging” points to Bartimaeus’s social status—he is not just blind but also poor and dependent on the charity of others, underlining his vulnerability.

Why Mark 10:46 matters

  • Mark 10:46 introduces Bartimaeus in a way that highlights both his need and his faith, setting up a contrast between the crowd and this marginalized individual who will soon seek Jesus’s attention.
  • The verse connects to the broader theme in Mark of Jesus’s concern for those on the margins—Bartimaeus is physically blind and socially excluded, yet he becomes a key figure in this passage.
  • By specifying the location (Jericho) and the presence of a large crowd, the verse emphasizes the public nature of what is about to happen, making Bartimaeus’s actions and Jesus’s response more striking in context.

Where else these words appear

“begging” Greek G4319 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 18:35 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:
  • John 9:8 The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

“Jericho” Greek G2410 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 20:29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
  • Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
  • Luke 19:1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.

“went” Greek G1607 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
  • Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
  • Acts 25:4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

“great” Greek G2425 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Luke 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
  • Acts 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.