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 9:25 mean?

Explanation

John 9:25 captures a crucial moment in the narrative where Jesus heals a man who was born blind, as described in the Gospel of John.

The verse records the response of the healed man to the Pharisees who were questioning the legitimacy of his healing on the Sabbath, and by extension, questioning Jesus' authority and righteousness.

The man's statement, "Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see," emphasizes his personal experience over theological debate.

Literally, it states a simple fact of his healing, but on a deeper level, it suggests a transformation that goes beyond the physical, the opening of spiritual sight, and a testimony to the power and divinity of Christ.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of John is thought to have been written between 90 and 100 AD.

It presents a narrative of Jesus' ministry, focusing on his miracles and divine teachings.

The healing of the blind man occurs in a period where Jesus is revealing himself as the Light of the World.

At this time, performing work on the Sabbath went against Jewish Law, and the Pharisees were the religious leaders upholding these laws.

Jesus healing the blind man on the Sabbath challenges these laws, causing conflict with the Pharisees who were also struggling to understand the identity of Jesus.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse highlights several key insights:

Testimony: It emphasizes the personal experience of the believer.

The healed man’s testimony is based on his encounter with Jesus.

This reinforces the concept of personal faith and witness in Christian life.

Jesus as Healer: The verse is often seen as evidence of Jesus' divine power to heal and perform miracles.
Spiritual Blindness: There is an implied comparison between physical and spiritual blindness.

The Pharisees are often portrayed as spiritually blind, while the healed man gains both physical and spiritual sight.

Judgment of Sin: The man's agnosticism towards Jesus being a sinner contrasts with the Pharisees' swift judgment.

It suggests a theme of humility and leaving judgment to God.

Practical Applications

John 9:25 can be applied in various ways:

Personal Testimony: Believers are encouraged to share their personal experiences of faith, emphasizing transformation rather than theological arguments.
Non-judgment: It encourages individuals not to judge others' spiritual states or relationship with God, focusing instead on one’s own journey.
Appreciating Miracles: It teaches to recognize and be grateful for the miracles and works of God in one's life, big or small.

Cross-References

John 9:1-7 – Provides the context of Jesus healing the blind man.
Mark 10:51-52 – Another instance where Jesus heals a blind man, Bartimaeus, emphasizing faith.
John 3:3 – Jesus speaks of being 'born again' to see the kingdom of God, which can be related to gaining new sight.
Psalm 146:8 – Describes God as the one who gives sight to the blind.
Isaiah 42:7 – A prophetic verse about opening blind eyes, which Christians attribute to Jesus' works.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text include:

"I know" (oida) – This word implies a clear understanding, emphasizing the man's certainty about his healing.
"Blind" (tuphlos) – Used in the New Testament not only for physical blindness but also for spiritual blindness or lack of perception.
"Now" (nun) – This word indicates a present reality, underscoring the immediate effect of Jesus' miracle on the man's life.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be made with other ancient stories of healing and sight:

Greco-Roman myths: Miracle workers such as Asclepius also performed healings, which sometimes included restoring sight.
Buddhism: The concept of gaining insight or "enlightenment" has some parallels with gaining sight in a spiritual sense.
Judaism: Miracles of healing in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) also serve as signs from God (e.g., Elisha's healing miracles).

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science understands blindness from a physiological standpoint and has developed medical interventions like cataract surgery or corneal transplants.

While these do not directly relate to the miraculous healing described, cases of people regaining sight after long-term blindness can offer insights into the emotional and psychological impact of suddenly being able to see – a process that can be life-changing but also requires significant adjustment.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries offer various perspectives on this verse:

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the simplicity and sincerity of the healed man's confession to the Pharisees and commends his courage.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary notes the indirect rebuke in the man's statement to the Pharisees, highlighting their spiritual blindness.
The New Bible Commentary discusses how the man’s testimony stands apart from theological debates, underscoring his acknowledgment of the miracle he experienced.

John 9

John 9

What does John 9:25 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 9:25 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?