And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.

MARK 10:49KJV
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Mark 10:49 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:49 mean?

Mark 10:49 describes how Jesus stopped and told the people around Him to call the blind man over. The people then encouraged the blind man, telling him to take heart, get up, and go to Jesus because Jesus was calling for him.

In this scene, Jesus is traveling with a crowd, and a blind man named Bartimaeus has been calling out to Him for help. While others had tried to quiet Bartimaeus, Jesus responds by pausing and specifically asking for the man to be brought to Him. The crowd, who had just been dismissive, now shifts and urges Bartimaeus to approach Jesus, showing a sudden change in their attitude.

The Greek behind Mark 10:49

  • The word for "comfort" is θαρσέω (tharseō), which means "take courage" or "be of good cheer." Here, the crowd is not just telling Bartimaeus to feel better, but to have confidence because Jesus Himself is calling him.
  • The Greek word for "rise" is ἐγείρω (egeirō), often used for standing up or even being raised up. In this context, it signals urgency and a new opportunity for Bartimaeus to respond to Jesus’ call.
  • The word for "called" is φωνέω (phōneō), which means "to call out" or "summon." The repetition of this word in the verse highlights that Jesus’ personal invitation is the turning point for Bartimaeus.

Why Mark 10:49 matters

  • Mark 10:49 shows that Jesus notices and responds to those who others might overlook or silence, highlighting His compassion and attentiveness.
  • The verse marks a shift in the crowd’s attitude, revealing how quickly people can change when Jesus takes action, and how His attention brings dignity to the marginalized.
  • This moment sets up the personal encounter between Jesus and Bartimaeus, emphasizing the importance of responding when called and the hope that comes from Jesus’ invitation.

Where else these words appear

“comfort” Greek G2293 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
  • Matthew 14:27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
  • Luke 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

“called” Greek G5455 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 20:32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
  • Luke 8:54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
  • John 9:18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.

“man” Greek G5185 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 9:27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.
  • Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
  • John 9:17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.

“rise” Greek G1453 · used in 135 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Mark 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
  • Acts 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;