18:38

So: This verse begins with a Greek conjunction that is often translated as “and.” Some English versions, such as the English Standard Version, translate it that way. The Berean Standard Bible and some other versions (NET Bible, New Living Translation (2004)) translate it as So in order to show that it introduces what the blind man did in response to what the people told him. Other versions, such as the New International Version and Good News Translation, do not translate this conjunction. Connect 18:38 to 18:37 in a way that is natural in your language.

he called out: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as called out means “to shout.” The context implies that he shouted like this so that Jesus would hear him. He was not shouting in an angry or impolite way.

Jesus, Son of David: The blind man used two terms of address for Jesus. He called him by his name, and he also addressed him as Son of David. In some languages it may be more natural to make the phrase Son of David a separate statement. For example:

⌊I know that you are⌋ ⌊the⌋ Son of David.

The Notes have included the article “the” because the blind man referred to a particular descendant of David. In many languages an article is not necessary.

Son of David: The phrase Son of David refers to a descendant of King David. The Jewish people used this phrase as a title for the Messiah. It does not refer to one of David’s own children. Jesus was born hundreds of years after King David died. David was a famous ancestor from the past.

In your translation try to avoid the impression that David was the birth father of Jesus. Some languages have a special term to refer to ancestors from the distant past. Refer to David in an appropriate way in your language. One way to translate the title is:

Descendant of King David

It may be helpful to add a footnote in your translation to give the information in the first paragraph of this note.

have mercy on me: The request have mercy on me indicates that the blind man was asking Jesus to pity him and help him. He wanted Jesus to show kindness and compassion to him. He specifically wanted Jesus to heal him, but he made that request later (18:41b). Other ways to say this are:

Be merciful to me!
-or-
Show compassion to me!
-or-
Pity me!

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