Definition: And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, [thou] Son of David.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 20:31. It’s a really powerful and important passage about Jesus and his followers. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Jesus is teaching his disciples (and the crowd) about what happens when they are in a hurry or restless. He’s highlighting that they weren’t to be disruptive . Here’s what it means, broken down: “And the multitude rebuked them…” – This means the people were angry and protesting with Jesus. They were upset about something happening. “…because they should hold their peace…” – Jesus was telling them to calm down. To stop being restless or agitated. "...but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, [thou] Son of David.” – This is the most important part! They were very upset and pleaded for forgiveness. They weren't just annoyed; they were begging for God’s help. What does "Have mercy on us, O Lord" mean? It means: Please forgive us, Lord. It expresses a deep desire for God to show compassion and understanding towards them. The word “thou” (you) adds a personal touch, suggesting a direct address to Jesus. The Context – Why is this important? This verse is part of a larger story about Jesus’s teaching about the importance of humility and obedience. It's saying: Jesus wants us to be calm and respectful. He isn’t angry with anyone; he’s setting a standard for how we should behave. We are all in need of forgiveness. Everyone makes mistakes, everyone is restless sometimes. Jesus is offering that forgiveness. In short: Jesus is telling his followers to be peaceful and to seek forgiveness from God. It's a call for humility, patience, and seeking grace. --- Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? For example, would you like to know: What the "multitude" represents (maybe they are the disciples)? Why it’s important in the Bible overall?