And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.

MARK 10:51KJV
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Mark 10:51 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:51 mean?

Mark 10:51 shows Jesus asking a blind man what he wants Jesus to do for him, and the man replies that he wants to receive his sight. This verse highlights a direct and personal exchange, where Jesus invites the man to state his need plainly.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a blind man named Bartimaeus, who has been calling out to him for help. Instead of assuming what Bartimaeus wants, Jesus asks him to express his desire. Bartimaeus responds by addressing Jesus as "Lord" and clearly stating his wish to see. This moment emphasizes both the compassion of Jesus and the faith and clarity of the man’s request.

The Greek behind Mark 10:51

  • κύριε (kyrie, "Lord"): The blind man addresses Jesus with a term that shows respect and recognition of authority. In Greek, this word can mean "sir" or "master," but in this context, it often carries a deeper sense of reverence.
  • ἀναβλέψω (anablepsō, "receive my sight"): This Greek word means "to regain sight" or "to look up." The man's request is not just for physical healing but for restoration—to be able to see again, which adds depth to his plea.

Why Mark 10:51 matters

  • Mark 10:51 makes it clear that Jesus does not force help on anyone but invites people to express their needs directly, showing respect for their dignity and agency.
  • The verse highlights the faith of Bartimaeus, who not only believes Jesus can help but also boldly asks for what he most desires.
  • This exchange sets up the miracle that follows and shows the personal attention Jesus gives to individuals, even in a crowd.

Where else these words appear

“Lord” Greek G4462 · used in 2 verses

  • John 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

“sight” Greek G308 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
  • Mark 10:52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
  • Luke 21:1 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

“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.