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 9:38 mean?

Explanation

The verse John 9:38 in the King James Version (KJV) captures a pivotal moment of faith and worship.

It is the climax of an event where Jesus heals a man who had been blind from birth.

This healing becomes a subject of controversy, attracting the scrutiny of religious leaders.

After a series of interrogations by the Pharisees and the subsequent ejection of the healed man from the synagogue, Jesus reveals his identity to him as the Son of God.

In response, the man professes his belief in Jesus and performs an act of worship.

The literal action is clear: the man affirms his faith in Jesus and demonstrates it through worship.

However, the deeper meaning reflects a personal encounter with grace leading to a transformative recognition of divine authority, prompting a surrender to the worshipped figure of Jesus Christ.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of John, believed by scholars to have been written toward the end of the 1st century AD, often focuses on presenting Jesus as the divine Logos, the Christ, and the Son of God.

The account of healing the blind man takes place within the broader context of Jesus’ ministry in Judea, as captured in the Gospel of John.

During this period, there was a prevailing belief among Jews that suffering was directly related to sin.

The healing serves not only as a demonstration of Jesus' miraculous power but also as an illustration of spiritual enlightenment, which stands in contrast to the physical and spiritual blindness displayed by the Pharisees.

Theological Insights

This verse carries deep theological implications across different Christian doctrines.

Within the realm of Christology, the verse emphasizes the divinity of Jesus.

The man's declaration affirms Christ as Lord, acknowledging his divine authority.

From a soteriological perspective, it illustrates the concept of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Ecclesiologically, the man's ejection from the synagogue and subsequent worship of Jesus represent a break with established religious authority and a move towards the nascent Christian community.

Different denominations might view this verse through various doctrinal lenses, but the core insight of recognizing and worshipping Jesus as divine is universally recognized.

Practical Applications

John 9:38 can be applied in daily life as:

An encouragement for individuals to express faith in moments of revelation and understanding.
A reminder of the importance of worship as a response to recognizing Jesus' authority and role in one's life.
An impetus for spiritual growth, moving from knowledge about Jesus to a deeper, transformative relationship characterized by belief and worship.

Cross-References

John 20:28: "And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God."
Mark 10:52: "And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.

And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way."

John 4:24: "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of the New Testament, important words in this verse are:

"Lord" (κύριος, kyrios): Commonly used to denote someone with authority or as a title for God, carrying connotations of sovereignty and divinity.
"Believe" (πιστεύω, pisteuō): Implies faith, trust, and confidence in the truth of Jesus' identity.
"Worshipped" (προσκυνέω, proskyneō): While often used to describe physical acts of bowing or prostration, it also represents deep reverence and the acknowledgment of divinity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The act of worship in ancient religions often implied submission to a deity.

In polytheistic cultures, individuals would worship multiple gods in hopes of favor and blessings.

The exclusive worship of a single deity by the healed man signifies a departure from polytheistic practices, aligning more with the Judaic monotheistic tradition.

However, the nature of Jesus’ worship in Christianity is unique, representing both a continuity with Jewish monotheism and its transformation through the acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the healing of blindness is understood through medical intervention or natural biological processes. The miraculous healing in John 9:38 does not have a scientific explanation but is rather viewed by believers as a testament to Jesus' supernatural power.

The verse's emphasis on faith and worship does not intersect distinctly with scientific disciplines but is relevant in discussions about the relationship between science and religion, particularly in the context of miracles.

Commentaries

According to various Bible scholars and commentaries:

Matthew Henry's commentary suggests the man's belief and worship signal his obedience and gratitude to Jesus, indicating an internal transformation after his physical healing.
The Pulpit Commentary bases on the contrast between the blind man's growing insight into Jesus' identity and the willful spiritual ignorance of the Pharisees.
Biblical scholars like William Barclay note that the worship of Jesus is a key aspect of his divine status, with the blind man's worship serving as a significant acknowledgment of Jesus as more than just a prophet.

John 9

John 9

What does John 9:38 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 9:38 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?