And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.

MATTHEW 9:27KJV
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Matthew 9:27 (KJV)

What does Matthew 9:27 mean?

Matthew 9:27 describes how, as Jesus was leaving a place, two blind men began following him and loudly called out, asking him, "Thou Son of David, have mercy on us." The verse shows these men recognizing Jesus as the promised descendant of David and seeking his compassion for their need.

In this scene, Jesus is traveling, and two men who cannot see physically pursue him, showing both determination and faith. By calling Jesus "Son of David," they are using a title that points to the Messiah, the long-awaited king from David’s family line. Their plea for mercy is a direct request for help, highlighting their belief that Jesus has the power to heal them.

The Greek behind Matthew 9:27

  • "Son of David" (υἱὸς Δαυίδ, huios Dauid): This title is significant because it connects Jesus to the royal line of King David, often understood as a way of recognizing him as the Messiah. The blind men’s use of this title shows their faith in Jesus’s identity.
  • "Have mercy" (ἐλέησον, eleēson): The Greek word here means to show compassion or pity. The men are not just asking for a favor but are appealing to Jesus’s character as someone who cares for the suffering.
  • "Crying" (κράζω, krazo): This word means to shout or cry out loudly, suggesting urgency and desperation in their voices. It paints a vivid picture of their determination to get Jesus’s attention.

Why Matthew 9:27 matters

  • This verse highlights that even those who were physically blind could see who Jesus truly was, while many others with sight did not recognize him as the Messiah.
  • The persistence of the blind men shows the importance of faith and boldness in seeking help from Jesus, especially in desperate situations.
  • By calling Jesus "Son of David," the verse connects the story to Old Testament promises about the Messiah, helping readers see how Jesus fulfills those hopes.

Where else these words appear

“departed” Greek G3855 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
  • Mark 15:21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

“thence” Greek G1564 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Matthew 15:21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
  • Luke 9:4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

“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.

“men” Greek G5185 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 9:28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.
  • Mark 10:46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
  • 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.