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 10:49KJVWhat 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.