Mark 10:47 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

NIV: When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

NASB: And when he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!'

CSB: When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

NLT: When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!'

KJV: And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

NKJV: And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

In Hebrew, Jesus' name—Yeshua—was common. Not many people of that era were referred to with family names. Rather, they were often differentiated by what they did, like Simon the tanner (Acts 9:43), or where they are from, like Mary Magdalene (Mark 15:40). Despite what some mistakenly assume, Jesus' last name is not "Christ." He didn't have a family or "last" name. Bartimaeus knows that this is "the" Jesus when he hears that this is the one from Nazareth.

Jesus is obviously not David's literal son, as David lived a thousand years before. "Son of David" refers to the promise God made David that the king would have an heir who would reign over Israel forever (2 Samuel 7:12–16); God also promised to "raise up for David a righteous Branch," the Messiah, who will rescue Israel from her enemies (Jeremiah 23:5–6). Jesus is descended from David on both His mother Mary's side (Luke 3:23–38) and His adopted father Joseph's side (Matthew 1:1–16).

On previous occasions, when Jesus is identified as the Son of God or the Messiah, He tells the speakers to stay quiet (Mark 1:24–25; 3:11–12; 8:29–30). With Bartimaeus, He does not. We don't know if Bartimaeus really thinks Jesus is the Messiah or if he's trying to get Jesus' attention with such an honorific. It is interesting to note that directly after Bartimaeus calls Jesus the Son of David, Jesus is welcomed in Jerusalem like a king (Mark 11:1–10).

"Mercy" is from the Greek root word eleeō and means "to give aid to something that is in need." Bartimaeus exemplifies the meaning of "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3). He knows there is nothing about him that warrants Jesus' attention. He has faith that Jesus' favor is not something he can or must earn. He just needs to ask.

Mark 10:46–52 describes Jesus traveling through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem and the cross. He is stopped by a blind man who wishes to be healed. The first account of Jesus healing a blind man comes directly after Jesus accuses the disciples of spiritual blindness (Mark 8:14–26). This, the last of Jesus' healing miracles in Mark, directly follows James and John's spiritually blind request for positions of power in Jesus' kingdom. Luke 18:35–43 records a similar event, possibly the same one; Matthew 20:29–34 mentions that Bartimaeus has a friend who is also healed.

In this passage, Jesus again confronts the Pharisees by clarifying God's views on marriage and divorce. He reminds the disciples not to dismiss the spiritual perspective of children. This chapter also records Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler, who becomes an object lesson in why wealth makes it hard for people to rely on God. After this, Jesus deftly sets aside an arrogant request from James and John, and again predicts His impending death. Just prior to the triumphal entry of chapter 11, Jesus is sought out by Bartimaeus, whom He heals of blindness.

In between chapters 9 and 10, Jesus resumes His public teaching as He travels to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles (Luke 9:57—18:14; John 7—10). We meet Him here across the Jordan in Perea and follow as He makes His way west again to Jericho. This chapter surrounds a third prophecy of Jesus' death (Mark 10:32–34) with lessons on His value for those others often dismiss: women (Mark 10:1–12), the powerless (Mark 10:13–16), those who value God more than the world (Mark 10:17–31), servant-hearted leaders (Mark 10:35–45), and those with bold faith (Mark 10:46–52). Next is the triumphal entry and the beginning of Passion Week.

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.