What does Luke 18:36 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 18:36 is taken from the story of the healing of a blind man near Jericho, as Jesus was passing through the city.

This particular verse focuses on the moment when the blind man, later named as Bartimaeus in the Gospel of Mark, realizes that there is a large crowd passing by but does not know the reason behind the commotion.

Being blind, he could not see what was happening, but he understood that something significant must be occurring because of the sounds of the multitude.

His reaction to inquire about the event signifies his inquisitiveness and desire to understand the world around him, despite his physical limitations.

Historical Context

This event occurs within the gospel narrative as Jesus is making His way to Jerusalem, where He would eventually be crucified.

During this time, it was not uncommon for rabbis and notable figures to attract crowds as they traveled, and miracles performed by Jesus often drew a lot of attention.

This healing takes place shortly before Jesus enters the city of Jericho and is mentioned only in Luke 18:35-43 and Mark 10:46-52.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse can be seen through several lens:

• Divine Providence: Some see this moment as divinely orchestrated so that the blind man's faith could lead to his healing.
• Human Dependency and Divine Response: The blind man's question symbolizes humanity’s dependency on others and on God for enlightenment and help.
• Jesus as Messiah: The blind man's ensuing recognition of Jesus as "Son of David" reflects the Messianic expectation of the time and Jesus' fulfillment of that role.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire modern readers to seek understanding and inquire about their circumstances with a sense of hope and expectation.

Blind Bartimaeus becomes a model of perseverance and faith, showing that physical limitations do not have to limit one's spiritual insights or the ability to engage with the world.

Cross-References

• Mark 10:46-52 - A parallel account of the blind man Bartimaeus.
• Matthew 20:29-34 - A similar account of Jesus healing two blind men as he left Jericho.
• John 9:1-12 - The story of Jesus healing the man born blind.

Language Study

Considering the original Greek language of the New Testament:

• "Hearing" (Greek: ἀκούω, akouo) often signifies not just the physical act of hearing, but also comprehending or understanding.
• "Multitude" (Greek: πλῆθος, plethos) refers to a large number of people, emphasizing the large crowd following Jesus.
• "Pass by" (Greek: παράγω, parago) can mean physically moving past a location but also signifies that Jesus' time of ministry on earth is moving towards its climax in Jerusalem.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many cultures and religious traditions, there is an archetype of a blind person who possesses wisdom or insight despite, or perhaps because of, their lack of physical sight.

For instance, in Greek mythology, Tiresias was a blind prophet of Apollo who was known for his wisdom.

This Bible verse contrasts to such myths by suggesting that physical sight is not necessary for spiritual insight.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern understanding of sensory perception recognizes that when one sense is impaired, others can become heightened. The blind man's reliance on his hearing underscores this adaptive aspect of human senses.

Moreover, contemporary disability studies advocate for seeing people with disabilities not just as individuals dealing with personal challenges but also as individuals who interact and engage fully with society.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer insights into this verse:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary notes that Bartimaeus was alert and took the opportunity to learn what the commotion was about, which shows his desire for healing.
• John Gill's Exposition of the Bible comments that the phrase "he asked what it meant" indicates the man's curiosity and desire for knowledge, which he applied by later calling out to Jesus.
• The Expositor's Greek Testament states that Bartimaeus's question sprung from a sense of something unusual occurring, with the subsequent verses showing his faith in Jesus which led to his healing.