What does John 9:31 mean?

Explanation

The verse John 9:31 comes from a story in which Jesus heals a man who was born blind, and it reflects a belief that God listens particularly to the righteous.

When the healed man is questioned by the Pharisees, he makes an argument about the nature of Jesus.

The man suggests that because Jesus healed him, Jesus must be from God.

He reasons that God does not hear from sinners, but rather hears from those who worship Him and do His will.

The man concludes that if Jesus were not from God, He wouldn't be able to perform such miracles.

Historical Context

John 9:31 occurs in the context of the Gospel of John in the New Testament, which was written sometime between 90 and 100 AD.

It reflects the Johannine community's understanding of Jesus and their theological positions in the late first century.

This particular verse is part of a narrative where Jesus performs a miracle on the Sabbath, which triggers a debate with the Pharisees about the nature of sin, religious authority, and Jesus' identity as they understood the law to forbid work on the Sabbath.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, John 9:31 brings up questions about the relationship between sin, worship, and divine response.

It suggests a view of God as one who is attentive to the faithful – those who adhere to His will. It can also be interpreted as a statement on the character of Jesus and the legitimacy of His works as divinely ordained.

This verse has been interpreted in various ways.

Some claim that this affirms the idea that God does not hear the prayers of unrepentant sinners, but only those of the devout. Others argue that while God's willingness to listen may vary, it does not mean that God completely shuts out those who are sinful.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, John 9:31 might encourage individuals to live lives of worship and obedience to God's will, with the idea that such a lifestyle facilitates a closer and more responsive relationship with God.

It serves as a challenge to examine one's own actions and intentions in the light of divine expectations.

Cross-References

• Psalm 66:18: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:"
• Proverbs 15:29: "The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous."
• Isaiah 59:2: "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."
• 1 Peter 3:12: "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil."

Language Study

The key terms in John 9:31 deserving attention concerning their original Greek meanings are:

• "heareth" (ἀκούει - akouei): in context, it means to listen or to attend to, suggesting a receptive attitude from God toward prayers and petitions.
• "sinners" (ἁμαρτωλοί - hamartoloi): this term generally refers to those who are errant from God's commands, living in a state of sin.
• "worshipper" (θεοσεβής - theosebēs): implies piety or someone who is devout and reverential toward God.
• "doeth" (ποιῶν - poiōn): refers to performing or engaging in actions, usually with a focus on compliance with God's will.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, the concept of gods being accessible to the devout is not unique to Judaism or Christianity.

Many cultures believed in a god or gods who favor the pious and may not heed the requests of those out of favor.

However, the unique aspect in the Abrahamic tradition is the emphasis on moral behavior as a measure of one's righteousness and the personal nature of the relationship between God and worshippers.

Scientific Perspectives

The statement in John 9:31 does not directly intersect with scientific inquiry, as it involves non-empirical subjects such as divine listening and the efficacy of prayer.

Modern psychology might explore the effects of belief in divine attentiveness on human behavior and cognition, but these analyses remain in the realm of human experience and do not prove or disprove the theological claims of the verse.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have interpreted John 9:31 in light of the broader theological narrative of the Gospel of John.

Some see it as reflective of the Johannine community's struggle with the Jewish religious authorities of the time.

Commentators like Matthew Henry and John Calvin see the blind man's declaration not necessarily as an absolute theological truth but as an expression of common Jewish beliefs of the era, which Jesus might have used to reveal a deeper spiritual truth about sin and divine agency.

Contemporary scholars point out that this sentiment illustrates the man's growing understanding of Jesus' divine nature, while also setting up the contrast with the Pharisees, who were blind to Jesus' true identity despite their religious knowledge and authority.