40 Standing still, Jesus commanded him to be brought to him. When he had come near, he asked him,
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
And when he was come near - See the remarkable account of the negro and white man, related on Mark 10:50 (note).
And Jesus stood,.... He stood still; he made a full stop, and went no further, when, it is very likely, he was just over against him:
and commanded him to be brought unto him; either by the disciples, or by some of the multitude:
and when he was come near he asked him; the following question.
commanded, &c.--Mark (Mark 10:49) has this interesting addition: "And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise, He calleth thee"--just as one earnestly desiring an interview with some exalted person, but told by one official after another that it is vain to wait, as he will not succeed (they know it), yet persists in waiting for some answer to his suit, and at length the door opens, and a servant appears, saying, "You will be admitted--he has called you." And are there no other suitors to Jesus who sometimes fare thus? "And he, casting away his garment"--how lively is this touch, evidently of an eye-witness, expressive of his earnestness and joy--"came to Jesus" (Mark 10:49-50).
*More commentary available at chapter level.