Mark 10:48 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:48 mean?

Mark 10:48 describes how a crowd tried to silence a blind man who was loudly calling out to Jesus for help, but the man only shouted even more, asking Jesus—whom he called "Son of David"—to have mercy on him. The verse highlights both the crowd’s attempt to quiet the man and his persistent plea for compassion from Jesus.

In this scene, Jesus is passing by, and a blind beggar named Bartimaeus is calling for his attention. Many people in the crowd tell Bartimaeus to be quiet (to "hold his peace"), but instead of stopping, he raises his voice even more, urgently asking Jesus for mercy. The verse shows the determination of Bartimaeus and sets up the moment when Jesus responds to his faith and persistence.

The Greek behind Mark 10:48

• The word "charged" (ἐπετίμων, epetimōn) means to rebuke or sternly tell someone to stop. The crowd isn’t just politely asking Bartimaeus to be quiet—they are forcefully trying to silence him, which makes his persistence stand out even more.
• The phrase "hold his peace" comes from the Greek word σιγάω (sigaō), which means to be silent or to stop speaking. The crowd wants Bartimaeus to stop making a scene.
• "Cried" (ἔκραζεν, ekrazen) is a strong word that means to shout or cry out loudly, often with emotion or desperation. Bartimaeus isn’t just speaking; he’s urgently calling out for help.
• "Son of David" (υἱὲ Δαυίδ, huie Dauid) is a title for the Messiah, showing that Bartimaeus recognizes Jesus as the promised deliverer from the line of David. This is a significant confession of faith in the story.

Why Mark 10:48 matters

• Mark 10:48 clears up the idea that faith is always quiet or passive; Bartimaeus’s loud persistence is portrayed positively, even when others try to stop him.
• The verse highlights the contrast between the crowd’s attitude and Bartimaeus’s determination, showing that social pressure should not keep someone from seeking help or expressing faith.
• This moment connects to the larger passage by setting up Jesus’s response to Bartimaeus, emphasizing that Jesus listens to those who call out to him, regardless of others’ opinions.