Blind Bartimeus
Blind Bartimeus - meaning Summary
A Blind Man's Plea
Longfellow retells the Gospel episode of Blind Bartimeus, who waits at Jericho, cries out to Jesus despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, and asks to have his sight restored. The poem contrasts physical blindness and spiritual insight, using Bartimeus’s persistent plea and Christ’s response to urge readers with eyes to awaken to deeper vision. The repeated Greek refrains suggest liturgical weight and communal memory.
Read Complete AnalysesBlind Bartimeus at the gates Of Jericho in darkness waits; He hears the crowd;--he hears a breath Say, "It is Christ of Nazareth!" And calls, in tones of agony, The thronging multitudes increase; Blind Bartimeus, hold thy peace! But still, above the noisy crowd, The beggar's cry is shrill and loud; Until they say, "He calleth thee!" Then saith the Christ, as silent stands The crowd, "What wilt thou at my hands?" And he replies, "O give me light! Rabbi, restore the blind man's sight. And Jesus answers, '(GREEK)' (GREEK)! Ye that have eyes, yet cannot see, In darkness and in misery, Recall those mighty Voices Three, (GREEK)! (GREEK)! (GREEK)!
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