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 9:39 mean?

Explanation

John 9:39 is part of a broader narrative where Jesus heals a man who was born blind.

In this verse, Jesus speaks about the purpose of His coming into the world, indicating that it has to do with judgment, but not in the conventional sense.

He suggests that His presence will have a polarizing effect: those who are spiritually blind, recognizing their need for Him, will be given sight, while those who believe they see will be shown to be blind.

The latter is a reference to spiritual arrogance or self-righteousness.

Essentially, Jesus is not referring to physical sight and blindness but rather spiritual perception and the ability to recognize the truth of God.

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Historical Context

This verse comes from the Gospel of John, which was written approximately between 90-100 AD.

John's gospel often emphasizes the divinity of Jesus and includes a series of miraculous signs to authenticate Jesus' mission.

The healing of the blind man acts as one of these signs, showcasing Jesus' power and further dividing public opinion about Him.

At that time, physical ailments like blindness were sometimes seen as punishment for sin, adding an additional layer of depth as Jesus upends common social and religious expectations.

Theological Insights

Interpretation of this verse varies among denominations and theologians.

In Catholic and Orthodox theology, this verse might be understood in terms of the sacrament of baptism, which they believe brings spiritual enlightenment and sight.

In Protestant theology, the emphasis might be more on the personal decision to follow Jesus, which brings about spiritual sight.

From a Calvinist perspective, this verse may be interpreted to reflect the doctrine of predestination, with God giving spiritual insight to the elect. On the other hand, an Arminian view might stress the responsibility of individuals to respond to Jesus' teaching to gain spiritual sight.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse serves as a reminder to individuals about the importance of humility and the recognition of one's spiritual need.

It encourages self-examination, warning against spiritual complacency and the danger of thinking we have all the answers.

It also suggests that following Jesus may require a reevaluation of preconceived notions about God, righteousness, and the world.

It may lead to a redefining of values and priorities in daily life.

Cross-References

John 9:11: "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."
Matthew 13:13: "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand."
2 Corinthians 4:4: "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."
Revelation 3:17-18: "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."

Language Study

The key terms in this verse from the original Greek text include:

"Judgment" (κρίμα, krima): Often signifies a decision or a verdict.

It implies discernment or making a distinction.

"See not" (οὐ βλέποντες, ou blepontes): More than physical sight, it implies perception or understanding.
"Might see" (βλέψωσιν, blepsōsin): Future tense, indicating a result or transformation.
"Made blind" (τυφλοὶ, typhloi): Could imply a state of being blinded, also used metaphorically for a lack of understanding or awareness.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, physical ailments were often linked to spiritual or moral failings.

Greco-Roman myths told of gods blinding mortals as punishment.

Similarly, in Jewish tradition, physical afflictions were sometimes tied to sin.

Jesus' approach breaks from these cultural norms by suggesting that physical blindness is not linked to sin, and that spiritual insight is not based on physical ability, but on recognizing one's need for divine intervention.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science recognizes that physical sight is a complex process involving the eyes and the brain.

While John 9:39 is not discussing physical sight in scientific terms, it can be related metaphorically to cognitive biases in psychology.

People often 'see' what they expect or want to see, and similarly, biases can 'blind' individuals to new or contradictory information.

This psychological phenomenon can have parallels in the spiritual 'sight' and 'blindness' that Jesus refers to.

Commentaries

Commentaries provide further insight into John 9:39:

Matthew Henry's Commentary: Emphasizes the spiritual awakening Jesus brings, suggesting that Jesus' works and doctrine shall bring to light the hidden things.
The MacArthur Bible Commentary: Reflects on the paradoxical judgment that saves and condemns, giving sight to the blind while blinding those who think they see.
The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: Offers insights into the link between the signs Jesus performed and spiritual truths, with physical healing pointing to deeper spiritual restoration.

John 9

John 9

What does John 9:39 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 9:39 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?