Son of Timaeus

“Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and His disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means ‘son of Timaeus’), was sitting by the roadside begging.”

Mark 10:46 (NIV)

THE QUESTION

A blind man sat by the road outside Jericho, calling out to Jesus until He stopped. Mark gives the man’s name, Bartimaeus. What does it mean?

A) Son of David

B) Son of thunder

C) Son of Timaeus ✓

D) Son of encouragement

A closer look

When Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more. Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” Throwing his cloak aside, Bartimaeus jumped to his feet, and Jesus asked him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” He received his sight and followed Jesus along the road (Mark 10:47-52).

“Bar” is the Aramaic word for “son of,” so his name simply told people whose son he was. You can hear the same word in older Bibles, where Jesus calls Peter “Simon Barjona,” Simon son of Jonah (Matthew 16:17).

If you chose “Son of David,” you were listening closely: that’s what Bartimaeus called Jesus as he cried out for mercy.

Bartimaeus called out to Jesus, and Jesus stopped for him. Near its end, today’s psalm gives the same promise in God’s own words: “He will call on Me, and I will answer him” (Psalm 91:15).

We hope this helped you grow in God’s Word today. Now head back to your email and tell us how you liked today’s devotional. 🙏