Definition: And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 10:48. It's a really powerful and emotional passage about someone who is feeling desperate and pleading for help. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Jesus is talking to a man (likely a leader or someone in authority) who is upset because he’s being asked to do something difficult, and he’s struggling with the request. He's feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Let's unpack the words: “And many charged him that he should hold his peace…” – This means people were saying that Jesus shouldn’t be upset or argue. They thought he was being unreasonable or difficult. “…but he cried the more a great deal…” – This is where it gets really important. Jesus cried out with a lot of emotion – maybe tears, pleading, or expressing his distress. “The more” emphasizes how intense his feelings were. “[Thou] Son of David…” - This is a very specific and significant part. "Son of David" refers to King David, who was a hugely important figure in the Old Testament Bible. It's a way of calling him by name – acknowledging his importance and perhaps even his authority. “…have mercy on me.” – This is the core of the verse. Jesus is begging for forgiveness and compassion. He’s asking for someone to show him understanding and kindness, especially because he's feeling burdened and overwhelmed. Overall Meaning: Essentially, Jesus is expressing his deep suffering and desperation in response to a difficult request. He’s pleading for someone to help him out of the pain and burden he’s experiencing. It’s a moment of raw emotion and vulnerability. Why it's important: This verse highlights Jesus' compassion and willingness to take on the burdens of others. It shows that even when we are feeling overwhelmed, we are not alone and that someone cares about us. It’s a powerful reminder of God's love and concern for humanity. --- To help me explain it better and tailor it to your needs, could you tell me: What’s the context of this verse in your reading? (e.g., are you studying a specific story or passage?) Are there any particular aspects of this verse that you'd like me to focus on (e.g., its symbolism, its meaning for Christians)?