Bible Strands
Mark 10:51
“What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Rabboni,” said the blind man, “let me see again.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the blind beggar Bartimaeus immediately after the man discards his cloak and approaches him. Jesus initiates the exchange by asking the man what he desires.
The words — The Greek phrase τὶ σοι (ti soi) literally means "what to you," framing the request as a direct, singular inquiry. Jesus’ question uses the singular pronoun σοι, distinguishing it from the plural address in Mark 10:36.
The thread — This pattern of direct divine inquiry followed by a specific request appears in Luke 18:41 and echoes the covenantal promise in 2 Chronicles 1:7. The parallel structure highlights a consistent biblical motif of God inviting explicit petitions.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to articulate a specific need rather than offer vague devotion. It places the burden of clarity on the petitioner before any intervention occurs.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Luke 18:41 “What do you want Me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “let me see again.”
- Mark 10:36 “What do you want Me to do for you?” He inquired.
- 2 Chronicles 1:7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!”
- Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.
- Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
- Matthew 6:8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
- Matthew 23:7 the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.
- John 20:16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).