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 9:7 mean?

Explanation

John 9:7 narrates the conclusion of a miracle performed by Jesus Christ, where He restores the sight of a man who was born blind.

Jesus first makes mud with His saliva, applies it to the man's eyes, and then instructs him to go wash in the pool of Siloam.

The man complies and as a result, gains his sight.

This verse not only recounts a miraculous healing but also is loaded with symbolic significance.

"Siloam" is translated as "Sent," which reinforces the theological notion of Jesus as the one "sent" from God.

The act of washing and the subsequent restoration of sight can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment and cleansing from sin through faith and obedience to Jesus's instructions.

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Historical Context

The pool of Siloam was a real historical location in Jerusalem, likely used as a ritual bathing site.

It was situated at the southern end of the City of David, near the entrance to Hezekiah's Tunnel, and was a significant water source for the city's inhabitants.

During the time of Jesus, such pools played a key role in Jewish purification rituals.

The gesture of washing in the pool, therefore, would have been familiar to the contemporaries of Jesus as an act associated with cleansing and possibly also healing.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, John 9:7 is rich in symbolism. Jesus's instruction can be seen as an allegory of baptism, where the blind man's washing in the pool and being physically healed symbolizes the spiritual cleansing and rebirth of baptism.

Additionally, the name "Siloam" meaning "Sent" is often interpreted as a reference to Jesus Himself as the sent Messiah or to the apostolic mission of the church , sending followers as messengers of the Gospel.

This passage illuminates themes of obedience, faith, and the role of Jesus as a healer and as the light of the world.

Practical Applications

The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of faith followed by action.

Just as the blind man followed Jesus's command without question and was healed, so too are believers called to obey God's commands with trust and hope for spiritual renewal.

The story encourages individuals to take steps of faith even when the outcome is not immediately apparent.

It also speaks to the transformative power of following Jesus, which can bring clarity and purpose to life.

Cross-References

Isaiah 8:6: "Because this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly..."
John 9:11: "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."
John 9:25: "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."

Language Study

Go, Wash: The imperative form of these verbs indicates a command.

Compliance signifies trust and obedience.

Pool of Siloam: In the original Greek text, "Siloam" is spelled Σιλωάμ, translated from the Hebrew שִׁלֹחַ (Shiloach), which is linked to the Hebrew word שָׁלַח (shalach), meaning "to send".
Sent.: This is the interpretation of the name Siloam, providing a deeper significance that aligns with Jesus's role as being "sent" by God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The motif of washing to gain sight has parallels in various cultures and religions that emphasize purification and enlightenment.

In the Hindu tradition, bathing in sacred rivers is believed to purify both body and soul.

Similarly, in ancient Greek mythology, the use of water for purification and healing is a recurring element.

The act of the blind man washing and gaining sight resonates with these universal themes but is unique in showcasing the divine power and authority of Jesus.

Scientific Perspectives

While the narrative is primarily theological, scientifically, the event is considered a miracle since there is no natural explanation for the sudden restoration of sight to a man born blind.

Medical science cannot account for such an immediate cure of congenital blindness through washing in water, indicating that the event is beyond natural phenomena and must be understood within a framework of divine intervention or as a symbolic teaching rather than a historical account.

Commentaries

Commentators offer a range of insights on John 9:7:

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the simplicity of Christ's directions and the blind man's obedience despite the potential for skepticism.
The Pulpit Commentary discusses the significance of the name Siloam and how it typifies Jesus as the one 'sent' from God for the salvation of mankind.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible suggest that the miracle's purpose was to increase faith not only in the healed man but also in the observers, leading them to believe in Jesus's divine mission.

John 9

John 9

What does John 9:7 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 9:7 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?