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 9:36 mean?

Explanation

John 9:36 records a conversation between Jesus and a man who had been blind since birth, whom Jesus had miraculously healed.

The verse says, "He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?" This question is asked by the formerly blind man in response to Jesus' inquiry about whether he believes in the Son of God.

The man's question indicates both his ignorance of Jesus' identity and his willingness to believe.

The word "Lord" here is a sign of the man's respect and suggests that he senses something special about Jesus, although he does not yet fully understand who he is.

The phrase "that I might believe on him" implies a genuine desire for faith and guidance.

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Historical Context

At the time of this event, Jesus was performing many miracles and teaching in Judea, creating a buzz about his identity and mission.

The healing of a man born blind was remarkable and unprecedented, leading to a division among the Jewish leaders about whether Jesus was from God or a sinner.

The man had been interrogated by the Pharisees and ultimately cast out of the synagogue for defending Jesus.

In this historical and religious context, the man's question is significant as it exemplifies a search for spiritual truth amidst conflicting views about Jesus' authority and identity.

Theological Insights

This verse offers a rich theological insight into the nature of faith and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.

From the perspective of Christian theology, the man's request to know who to believe in points to a universal human quest for a connection with the divine.

It also highlights the importance of Jesus' identity as the Son of God in Christian faith.

The underlying message is that faith comes from an encounter with Jesus and a personal recognition of his divine nature, not just from adherence to religious tradition or authority.

Practical Applications

The verse has practical relevance in encouraging individuals to seek personal encounters with the divine and to be open to the transformative power of faith.

In daily life, this means being open to questioning, learning, and changing one's perspectives when faced with evidence of the divine at work, similar to the openness displayed by the man born blind.

It also serves as a reminder to look beyond established doctrines and to engage with one's faith on a personal level, fostering a relationship with God that is based on experience and trust.

Cross-References

John 4:19: "The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet."
John 11:27: "She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world."
Acts 8:34-37: "And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? ...

And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

Romans 10:9: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

Language Study

Important key words in the original language of this verse (Greek) are as follows:

"Lord" (κύριος, kyrios): Often used as a title of respect or authority, it is also used to denote God or Jesus as divine in the New Testament.
"Believe" (πιστεύω, pisteuō): To have faith in, trust, or commit to.

In the context of the New Testament, it frequently means to put one's faith in Jesus.

"Him" (αὐτόν, auton): Refers to the person in whom the man should believe, later revealed to be Jesus.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this account to other ancient religious narratives, one may find parallels in stories where individuals seek enlightenment or truth from divine or semi-divine figures.

For instance, in some Greco-Roman myths, seekers approach gods or oracles to gain knowledge or understanding.

In these stories, as in John 9:36, there is an acknowledgment of the seeker's lack of understanding and a yearning to believe in something greater.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse invites reflection rather than direct scientific commentary, as it deals with belief and faith, which are outside the scope of scientific inquiry.

However, modern psychology could provide insight into the human process of belief formation, the impact of personal encounters on belief systems, and the cognitive aspects of faith and religious experiences.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries provide interpretations of this verse that emphasize its significance in understanding Jesus' identity and mission.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes the simplicity and sincerity of the man's faith.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary discusses the progressive revelation of Jesus' identity to the blind man.

The New Bible Commentary highlights the contrast between the man who was physically blind and is now seeing (both physically and spiritually) and the religious leaders who remain spiritually blind.

These commentaries often see the verse as a turning point in the blind man's spiritual journey, leading to his profession of faith.

John 9

John 9

What does John 9:36 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 9:36 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?