And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

MARK 10:47KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 10:47 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:47 mean?

Mark 10:47 describes a blind man who, upon hearing that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by, begins to cry out loudly, calling Jesus "Son of David" and begging for mercy. The verse shows the man's urgent hope and his recognition of Jesus as someone with the power to help him.

In this scene, the blind man (named Bartimaeus in the next verse) is sitting by the roadside as Jesus travels through Jericho. When Bartimaeus hears that it is Jesus, he shouts out, using a title that connects Jesus to King David, which often implied hope for a promised deliverer. His cry for mercy is both a plea for help and an act of faith, as he believes Jesus can change his situation.

The Greek behind Mark 10:47

  • Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous): This is the Greek form of "Jesus." The verse repeats his name twice, emphasizing that Bartimaeus is directing his plea specifically to Jesus and recognizes him personally.
  • υἱὸς Δαυίδ (huios Dauid): Meaning "Son of David," this title links Jesus to the royal line of King David and carries the idea of the expected Messiah. Bartimaeus’s use of this title shows he sees Jesus as more than just a teacher or healer.
  • ἐλέησόν (eleēson): This word means "have mercy." It is a strong request for compassion or help, not just pity. In the context, it suggests Bartimaeus is asking for real, practical help from Jesus.

Why Mark 10:47 matters

  • The verse highlights that even someone on the margins, like a blind beggar, can recognize who Jesus truly is and boldly seek his help.
  • Bartimaeus’s use of "Son of David" shows that some people saw Jesus as the fulfillment of ancient hopes for a savior, even before the disciples fully understood this.
  • The urgency and faith in Bartimaeus’s cry set the stage for the miracle that follows, showing how faith and persistence play a role in encounters with Jesus throughout Mark’s Gospel.

Where else these words appear

“Nazareth” Greek G3480 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
  • John 18:5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
  • Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

“mercy” Greek G1653 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
  • Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
  • Romans 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

“David” Greek G1138 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
  • Mark 11:10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.
  • Acts 2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

“out” Greek G2896 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • Mark 15:13 And they cried out again, Crucify him.
  • Acts 19:34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.