John 9

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.

Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?

He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.

They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.

And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.

Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.

Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.

But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.

And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?

His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:

But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.

These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.

Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.

Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.

He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?

He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?

Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.

We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.

The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.

Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.

If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.

They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?

And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.

And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?

Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

What does John 9:18 mean?

Explanation

John 9:18 captures a moment of disbelief among the Jewish community concerning a miraculous healing.

The verse speaks about a man who was born blind and whom Jesus healed by making clay, anointing his eyes, and instructing him to wash in the pool of Siloam.

The healing itself causes a division among the observers, some believe in the miracle, others doubt its validity.

The Jewish leaders, or Pharisees, are skeptical that the man had indeed been blind from birth and had his sight restored.

They went as far as summoning his parents to confirm the story, demonstrating their suspicion and their need for confirmation from what they deemed to be a more reliable source.

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Historical Context

John 9 is situated within the context of Jesus' public ministry, in a time when the Pharisees and Jewish leaders were increasingly scrutinizing Jesus' actions, especially his miracles, which often challenged their interpretations of the Law and authority.

This story reflects the socio-religious tension in 1st-century Judea, with Jesus' actions sparking controversy in a community heavily ruled by religious laws and customs.

Healing on the Sabbath, which Jesus did in this case, was particularly controversial since it was seen as violating the Sabbath rest.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse reveals the struggle between faith and skepticism.

The miracle was an outward sign of divine intervention and Jesus' authority as the Son of God.

Theological perspectives might point out that the Pharisees represent those who are spiritually blind, unable to recognize or accept the work of God performed in front of them.

Additionally, understanding why some remain in disbelief while others come to believe is a significant part of Christian theological discourse.

Practical Applications

The verse encourages individuals to examine how they respond to the extraordinary or unexpected works of God in their own lives.

Are we like the Pharisees, demanding additional proof even when presented with testimony, or do we approach such instances with faith and openness? In everyday life, this lesson can also apply to being open to others' experiences and testimonies and not being quick to doubt or judge.

Cross-References

John 9:1-7: This provides context for the verse in question, detailing the miracle of Jesus healing the blind man.
John 10:25-26: Jesus answered them, "I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

But ye believe not because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you."

John 12:37: "But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:"

Language Study

In the original Greek, two key words stand out:

"ἐπίστευσαν" (episteusan): Translated as "believe," this verb carries a deeper sense of putting one's trust or faith in someone or something.
"ἐγένηθη" (egenēthē): Translated here as "had been," this verb in the aorist passive indicative form indicating an action in the past, completed regarding the blind man's previous condition.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions, healing miracles were often attributed to gods or demigods. For instance, in Greek mythology, Asclepius was known for his healing powers.

However, the Christian narrative differs significantly in emphasizing that miracles are signs pointing to Jesus' divine nature and mission, rather than mere deeds of power.

Scientific Perspectives

Today, most blindness can't be cured through medicine or surgery, although certain conditions can be treated to improve vision.

A miraculous healing, such as the one recorded in John 9:18, doesn't have an explanation within current scientific understanding, as it represents a healing outside the observed natural order.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various perspectives on this verse:

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the unreasonableness of the Jews' unbelief, how they were biased against the evidence of the miracle, and the lengths they went to disprove it.
The MacArthur Study Bible notes the response as a typical example of unbelief, where even adequate evidence will not convince those whose hearts are hardened.
The Pulpit Commentary discusses how the questioning of the parents indicates the start of an "official investigation" into the matter, showing the seriousness with which the Jewish leaders viewed the situation.

John 9

John 9

What does John 9:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 9:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?