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 9:4 mean?

Explanation

John 9:4 carries a message of urgency and responsibility, where Jesus emphasizes the necessity to perform God's work while one has the opportunity, that is, "while it is day." In this context, "day" symbolizes the time when one is able to act, contrasting with "night," which represents a time when action is no longer possible.

The urgency of the statement is clarified by the notion that night will inevitably come, a period figuratively understood as the end of life or the closure of opportunities to make a difference.

In a broader sense, it speaks to the limited nature of human life and the urgency to fulfill one's purpose before that opportunity is gone.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Gospel of John, which was written sometime between 90 and 110 AD.

John's narrative is rich with symbolic language and theological motifs distinct from the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).

At this point in the Gospel, Jesus has just healed a man born blind, and he is addressing not only his disciples but a broader audience that includes Pharisees, who were skeptical of his ministry.

The cultural and historical context includes the Jewish religious landscape of the time, which was marked by various sects and a strict adherence to the Law of Moses.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse carries several nuances:

It reflects the Johannine theme of light versus darkness, often used to portray spiritual enlightenment against ignorance or evil.
Some Christian theologians interpret "day" as the period of grace provided by Jesus' presence and ministry on Earth, with "night" referring to the time after his departure.
The verse may also be interpreted Christologically, emphasizing Jesus' role in fulfilling the works of God and setting an example for believers to follow.
Different denominations and traditions within Christianity may focus on aspects such as predestination, free will, or the concept of "working out" one's salvation with a sense of urgency.

Practical Applications

John 9:4 can be practically applied by:

Encouraging believers to be active in their faith and pursue good works as a reflection of their beliefs.
Serving as a reminder of the transience of life and an impetus to use time wisely for impactful and positive contributions.
Motivating people to prioritize their life goals and spiritual calling, recognizing the fleeting nature of opportunities.

Cross-References

John 12:35 - "Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you.

Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you..."

John 11:9 - "Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world."
Ephesians 5:16 - "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
Galatians 6:10 - "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text include:

"Works" (ἔργα, erga): Referring to deeds or tasks.
"Sent" (ἀπέσταλκέν, apestalken): Connotes being commissioned or authorized for a specific purpose.
"Day" (ἡμέρα, hēmera) and "night" (νύξ, nux): These terms are used both literally and metaphorically within the Johannine literature to convey themes of light, opportunity, and the absence thereof.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions and myths:

The Epic of Gilgamesh, for example, reflects on the brevity of life and the quest for immortality.
In Greek mythology, the theme of seizing the day (carpe diem) is present in stories that encourage making the most of one's life.
In Judaism, the concept of doing God's work is closely associated with following the Law and performing mitzvot (good deeds).

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, interpreting the notion of "day" and "night" could align with the understanding of circadian rhythms and the natural human productivity cycle.

Modern research in time management and psychology often stresses the importance of acting within one's peak periods of energy and alertness, akin to the metaphorical "day" when one can work most effectively.

Commentaries

In the view of experts and biblical scholars:

Some interpret this passage as an expression of Christian existentialism, emphasizing the individual's duty to God's calling.
Others point to the eschatological reading, considering the "night" as the coming of end times, implying the importance of working before the final judgment.
Some commentaries focus on the communal aspect, understanding the verse as an encouragement for the Christian community to unite in purpose before Jesus' return.
It is also seen as asserting Jesus' own awareness of his mission and the limited time he has to fulfill it during his earthly ministry.

John 9

John 9

What does John 9:4 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 9:4 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?