King James Version
John 9
41 verses with commentary
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The man's congenital blindness—'blind from his birth'—establishes that his condition was incurable by natural means, making the miracle's authenticity undeniable. His blindness also serves Jesus' teaching purpose: just as this man was born physically blind, all humanity is born spiritually blind. John's Gospel emphasizes sight/blindness as metaphors for spiritual perception, and this miracle becom...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **And as Jesus passed by.**—Better, *And. as He was passing by.* The words are immediately connected with those of the preceding verse, “and went out of the Temple.” It was then, as He was leaving the Temple to escape the fury of His enemies who had taken up stones to cast at Him, and was passing by. the place where the blind man was, that His eye fell upon him. The day was the Sabbath of the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**30-32. sought to take ... none laid hands--**their impotence being equal to their malignity.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Christ give sight to one born blind.(1-7)
The account given by the blind man.(8-12)
The Pharisees question the man that had been blind.(13-17)
They ask concerning him.(18-23)
They cast him out.(24-34)
Christ's words to the man that had been blind.(35-38)
He reproves the Pharisees.(39-41)
**Verses 1-7**
Christ cured many who were blind...
Read full commentary →And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
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KJV Study Commentary
'And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?' The disciples assume suffering results from specific sin—either the man's (possibly prenatal sin) or his parents'. This reflects common but faulty theology. While sin brought suffering into the world, individual suffering doesn't always trace to individual sin. Job's friends made this erro...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Who did sin, this man, or his parents?**—The disciples noticed that He looked at the man, and it may be that He halted as He was walking by. Their attention is directed to the sufferer, and with suffering they connect the idea of sin. They ask a question which may have come to them many times before, and which has in various forms come to men’s hearts many times since. Some of them may have ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**33-34. Yet a little while, &c.--**that is, "Your desire to be rid of Me will be for you all too soon fulfilled. Yet a little while and we part company--for ever; for I go whither ye cannot come: nor, even when ye at length seek Him whom ye now despise, shall ye be able to find Him"--referring not to any penitential, but to purely selfish cries in their time of desperation.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Christ give sight to one born blind.(1-7)
The account given by the blind man.(8-12)
The Pharisees question the man that had been blind.(13-17)
They ask concerning him.(18-23)
They cast him out.(24-34)
Christ's words to the man that had been blind.(35-38)
He reproves the Pharisees.(39-41)
**Verses 1-7**
Christ cured many who were blind...
Read full commentary →Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
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KJV Study Commentary
'Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.' Jesus denies the sin-suffering causation the disciples assumed. This man's blindness wasn't punishment but opportunity—for God's works to be displayed. Suffering can have purpose beyond punishment. God uses difficulties for His glory. This reframes suffering from divine punish...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents.**—The answer is, of course, to be understood with the limitation of the question, “that he was born blind.” Neither his special sin nor theirs was the cause of the blindness. Our version does not give quite accurately the form of the answer. It should be, *Neither did this man sin, nor his parents.* Their question sought to estab...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**33-34. Yet a little while, &c.--**that is, "Your desire to be rid of Me will be for you all too soon fulfilled. Yet a little while and we part company--for ever; for I go whither ye cannot come: nor, even when ye at length seek Him whom ye now despise, shall ye be able to find Him"--referring not to any penitential, but to purely selfish cries in their time of desperation.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Christ give sight to one born blind.(1-7)
The account given by the blind man.(8-12)
The Pharisees question the man that had been blind.(13-17)
They ask concerning him.(18-23)
They cast him out.(24-34)
Christ's words to the man that had been blind.(35-38)
He reproves the Pharisees.(39-41)
**Verses 1-7**
Christ cured many who were blind...
Read full commentary →I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
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KJV Study Commentary
'I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.' Jesus expresses urgency. His 'day' of earthly ministry is limited; 'night' (death, arrest, end of public ministry) approaches. While opportunity exists, He must work. This models faithful stewardship of time. 'The works of him that sent me' emphasizes mission consciousness. Jesus worked with deadl...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day.**—The better reading is probably that which has *we,* instead of “I,” and perhaps also that which has *us,* instead of “me”; but this latter change is not so well supported by MS. authority. The clause would read then, *We must work the works of Him that sent Me* (or *us*)* while it is day.* He identifies the disciples with Himself ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**35-36. Whither will he go, &c.--**They cannot comprehend Him, but seem awed by the solemn grandeur of His warning. He takes no notice, however, of their questions.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Christ give sight to one born blind.(1-7)
The account given by the blind man.(8-12)
The Pharisees question the man that had been blind.(13-17)
They ask concerning him.(18-23)
They cast him out.(24-34)
Christ's words to the man that had been blind.(35-38)
He reproves the Pharisees.(39-41)
**Verses 1-7**
Christ cured many who were blind...
Read full commentary →As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
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KJV Study Commentary
'As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.' This repeats the claim from 8:12. Jesus' physical presence on earth is a period of illumination. His departure wouldn't end the light (believers become light—Matthew 5:14) but changes its expression. While He's bodily present, He is the Light directly. The healing of a blind man demonstrates this—the Light brings sight to those in darkne...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.**—Better, *when I am in the world.* The thought is that the two things necessarily co-exist. He is the true Light, and this true Light cannot be in the world without shining in its darkness. (Comp. Note on John 1:5.) The thought is here closely connected with His teaching in the Temple but a short time before (John 8:12, “I am the Li...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**35-36. Whither will he go, &c.--**They cannot comprehend Him, but seem awed by the solemn grandeur of His warning. He takes no notice, however, of their questions.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Christ give sight to one born blind.(1-7)
The account given by the blind man.(8-12)
The Pharisees question the man that had been blind.(13-17)
They ask concerning him.(18-23)
They cast him out.(24-34)
Christ's words to the man that had been blind.(35-38)
He reproves the Pharisees.(39-41)
**Verses 1-7**
Christ cured many who were blind...
Read full commentary →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, anointed: or, spread the clay upon the eyes of the blind man
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KJV Study Commentary
The spittle and clay mixture recalls Genesis 2:7 where God formed man from dust, suggesting Christ as Creator now re-creating. Unlike other healings, Jesus uses this method deliberately—the clay itself had no power, but obedience to Christ's word brings healing. Some scholars note clay on Sabbath was considered 'kneading' (forbidden work), making this act a deliberate challenge to pharisaical lega...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **And he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay.**—The words “blind man” are omitted in some of the older MSS. The marginal rendering, *and He spread the clay upon the eyes of the blind man* (or, *upon his eyes*)*,* is to be preferred.
The details given in this and the next verse are evidently to be regarded as part of the sign. They impressed themselves as such upon the eye-witnesse...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**37-39. the last day, that great day of the feast--**the eighth (Le 23:39). It was a sabbath, the last feast day of the year, and distinguished by very remarkable ceremonies. "The generally joyous character of this feast broke out on this day into loud jubilation, particularly at the solemn moment when the priest, as was done on every day of this festival, brought forth, in golden vessels, water ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Christ give sight to one born blind.(1-7)
The account given by the blind man.(8-12)
The Pharisees question the man that had been blind.(13-17)
They ask concerning him.(18-23)
They cast him out.(24-34)
Christ's words to the man that had been blind.(35-38)
He reproves the Pharisees.(39-41)
**Verses 1-7**
Christ cured many who were blind...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
The command to wash in Siloam (Hebrew 'Shiloach', meaning 'sent') creates a theological parallel: the blind man is sent to Siloam, as the Son is sent from the Father. Obedience brings sight—the man had no guarantee of healing, yet he obeyed. This illustrates Naaman's healing (2 Kings 5), where washing in Jordan brought cleansing. John emphasizes 'he went...and came seeing', showing complete obedie...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Go, wash in the pool of Siloam.**—Comp. Notes on John 5:2 (“Bethesda”), and on Luke 13:4 (“the tower in Siloam”). The locality is almost without doubt that now known by the Arabic form of the same name, the *Birket Silwân,* which is in the lower Tyropæon valley, between the Temple mountain and Mount Zion. It is about a quarter of a mile from the present city wall, but in the time of our Lord...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**37-39. the last day, that great day of the feast--**the eighth (Le 23:39). It was a sabbath, the last feast day of the year, and distinguished by very remarkable ceremonies. "The generally joyous character of this feast broke out on this day into loud jubilation, particularly at the solemn moment when the priest, as was done on every day of this festival, brought forth, in golden vessels, water ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Christ give sight to one born blind.(1-7)
The account given by the blind man.(8-12)
The Pharisees question the man that had been blind.(13-17)
They ask concerning him.(18-23)
They cast him out.(24-34)
Christ's words to the man that had been blind.(35-38)
He reproves the Pharisees.(39-41)
**Verses 1-7**
Christ cured many who were blind...
Read full commentary →The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
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KJV Study Commentary
'The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?' The healing creates identity confusion. Those who knew him can't quite believe the transformation. 'Is not this he' expresses uncertainty—he looks the same but is radically different. Transformation through encountering Christ produces similar reactions—people recognize conti...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **They which before had seen him that he was blind.**—The better reading is, *that he was a beggar.* The persons are the neighbours, who from living near him knew all about him, and those who used to see him at the spot where he sat begging. Both classes, of course, knew that he was blind.
**Is not this he that sat and begged?**—Better, *Is not this he that sitteth and beggeth?* The tenses are...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**37-39. the last day, that great day of the feast--**the eighth (Le 23:39). It was a sabbath, the last feast day of the year, and distinguished by very remarkable ceremonies. "The generally joyous character of this feast broke out on this day into loud jubilation, particularly at the solemn moment when the priest, as was done on every day of this festival, brought forth, in golden vessels, water ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
Those whose eyes are opened, and whose hearts are cleansed by grace, being known to be the same person, but widely different in character, live as monuments to the Redeemer's glory, and recommend his grace to all who desire the same precious salvation. It is good to observe the way and method of God's works, and they will appear the more wonderful. Apply this spiritually. In th...
Read full commentary →Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.
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KJV Study Commentary
'Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.' Opinions divide—some recognize him, some think he merely looks similar. The man himself ends the debate: 'I am he.' Personal testimony resolves external confusion. He knows his own identity and experience. No one can deny what he knows—he was blind, now he sees. Self-witness is most powerful.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9)**He is like him.**—The more probable reading is, *No; but he is like him.* It is not that these speakers agree with some hesitation with those who assert the identity. They oppose to it their own opinion, that it is a case of resemblance only. He himself sets the question at rest by declaring that he is the same person.
The verse, and indeed the whole narrative, is one of the many striking ins...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40-43. Many ... when they heard this ... said, Of a truth, &c.--**The only wonder is they did not all say it. "But their minds were blinded."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
Those whose eyes are opened, and whose hearts are cleansed by grace, being known to be the same person, but widely different in character, live as monuments to the Redeemer's glory, and recommend his grace to all who desire the same precious salvation. It is good to observe the way and method of God's works, and they will appear the more wonderful. Apply this spiritually. In th...
Read full commentary →Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?
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KJV Study Commentary
The people ask the healed man how his eyes were opened - seeking natural explanation for supernatural healing. His response is simple and factual: Jesus made clay, anointed my eyes, I washed and received sight. This straightforward testimony to Christ's work demonstrates effective witness - simply telling what Jesus did without embellishment or theological complexity. Reformed evangelism values su...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **How were thine eyes opened?**—They wonder at the change wrought in him, and seek to know how it happened. The question is important if we adopt the better reading, *beggar,* for “blind,” in John 9:8, as showing that they knew he had been blind, the moment they knew that he was the same person who used to sit and beg.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40-43. Many ... when they heard this ... said, Of a truth, &c.--**The only wonder is they did not all say it. "But their minds were blinded."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
Those whose eyes are opened, and whose hearts are cleansed by grace, being known to be the same person, but widely different in character, live as monuments to the Redeemer's glory, and recommend his grace to all who desire the same precious salvation. It is good to observe the way and method of God's works, and they will appear the more wonderful. Apply this spiritually. In th...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
'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.' The man recounts the facts: Jesus made clay, applied it, commanded washing, the man obeyed, and received sight. His testimony is simple, factual, and powerful. He doesn't explain the mechanism or defend the theology...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **A man that is called Jesus.**—Some of the better MSS. read, “*The* Man that is called Jesus,” implying that He would be known to the blind man and his friends. They can hardly have failed to hear of His teaching at the feast.
**Made clay, and anointed mine eyes.**—He gives the details in order, omitting the spitting on the ground, which he had not seen.
**And I received sight.**—The Greek w...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40-43. Many ... when they heard this ... said, Of a truth, &c.--**The only wonder is they did not all say it. "But their minds were blinded."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
Those whose eyes are opened, and whose hearts are cleansed by grace, being known to be the same person, but widely different in character, live as monuments to the Redeemer's glory, and recommend his grace to all who desire the same precious salvation. It is good to observe the way and method of God's works, and they will appear the more wonderful. Apply this spiritually. In th...
Read full commentary →Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.
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KJV Study Commentary
When asked where Jesus is, the man doesn't know. This reveals that receiving sight from Jesus doesn't immediately produce complete knowledge about Him. Spiritual understanding grows over time. The man's later development - from calling Jesus 'a man' (v. 11) to 'a prophet' (v. 17) to 'Lord' (v. 38) - illustrates progressive illumination that accompanies regeneration.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **I know not.**—He had not returned to our Lord (John 9:7), who was passing by when He spoke to him (John 9:1), and by the time the man had gone to the pool and had returned would have gone beyond his knowledge.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40-43. Many ... when they heard this ... said, Of a truth, &c.--**The only wonder is they did not all say it. "But their minds were blinded."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
Those whose eyes are opened, and whose hearts are cleansed by grace, being known to be the same person, but widely different in character, live as monuments to the Redeemer's glory, and recommend his grace to all who desire the same precious salvation. It is good to observe the way and method of God's works, and they will appear the more wonderful. Apply this spiritually. In th...
Read full commentary →The Pharisees Investigate the Healing
They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.
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KJV Study Commentary
'They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.' The neighbors take the matter to religious authorities. Perhaps they sought explanation or validation. Perhaps they sensed the Sabbath implications (verse 14). Whatever the motive, the formerly blind man now faces inquisition. His healing becomes a theological controversy rather than a celebration.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **They brought to the Pharisees.**—More exactly, *They bring* . . . The present tense speaks of what they did, as the writer thinks of it in actual occurrence. Their question in the previous verse, and the fact stated in the following verse, seem to indicate that they did this in the spirit of opposition to our Lord. They may have been influenced also, as the parents were, by the agreement of...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**44-49. would have taken him; but, &c.--**(See on Joh 7:30).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-17**
Christ not only worked miracles on the sabbath, but in such a manner as would give offence to the Jews, for he would not seem to yield to the scribes and Pharisees. Their zeal for mere rites consumed the substantial matters of religion; therefore Christ would not give place to them. Also, works of necessity and mercy are allowed, and the sabbath rest is to be kept, in order to...
Read full commentary →And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.
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KJV Study Commentary
'And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.' John notes the Sabbath timing. Jesus deliberately performed a healing that violated Pharisaic Sabbath rules. Making clay was considered 'kneading' (forbidden work). This wasn't ignorance but intentional confrontation of man-made traditions that obscured God's mercy.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **And it was the sabbath day**—*i.e.,* most probably, the last day, that great day of the feast of John 7:37. Nothing has taken place which makes it necessary to suppose any interval, and though the discourses seem long, they would have occupied but a short time in delivery. The whole narrative follows in unbroken order, which makes it difficult to suppose that a week intervened.
**When Jesus...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**44-49. would have taken him; but, &c.--**(See on Joh 7:30).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-17**
Christ not only worked miracles on the sabbath, but in such a manner as would give offence to the Jews, for he would not seem to yield to the scribes and Pharisees. Their zeal for mere rites consumed the substantial matters of religion; therefore Christ would not give place to them. Also, works of necessity and mercy are allowed, and the sabbath rest is to be kept, in order to...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
The Pharisees ask again how he received sight, revealing their skepticism despite clear testimony. The man patiently repeats his testimony - a model for persistent witness in the face of skepticism. His consistency ('He put clay... I washed and do see') demonstrates the certainty that comes from personal experience of Christ's power.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Then again the** **Pharisees also asked.**—As the neighbours and acquaintances had done before (John 9:10).
**He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes.**—The answer is the same as before, but briefer. It is that of a man who is answering against his will (comp. John 9:27) and does not care to say more than he is obliged to.
**And do see.**—This differs from “I received sight” (John 9:1...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**44-49. would have taken him; but, &c.--**(See on Joh 7:30).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-17**
Christ not only worked miracles on the sabbath, but in such a manner as would give offence to the Jews, for he would not seem to yield to the scribes and Pharisees. Their zeal for mere rites consumed the substantial matters of religion; therefore Christ would not give place to them. Also, works of necessity and mercy are allowed, and the sabbath rest is to be kept, in order to...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
'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.' Opinion divides among the Pharisees themselves. Some see Sabbath violation as proof of sin; others see the miracle as proof of divine power. The division shows that evidence doesn't automatically p...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day.**—See Note on John 9:14, and reference there. Here the truth of the miracle is granted, but it is urged that the power by which it is wrought cannot be of God, because it was exercised on the Sabbath day. The inference is, that it was done by the influence of the power of evil.
**Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do s...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**44-49. would have taken him; but, &c.--**(See on Joh 7:30).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-17**
Christ not only worked miracles on the sabbath, but in such a manner as would give offence to the Jews, for he would not seem to yield to the scribes and Pharisees. Their zeal for mere rites consumed the substantial matters of religion; therefore Christ would not give place to them. Also, works of necessity and mercy are allowed, and the sabbath rest is to be kept, in order to...
Read full commentary →They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.
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KJV Study Commentary
'They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.' The Pharisees turn to the man for his assessment. His answer—'He is a prophet'—represents growing understanding. He began knowing Jesus as 'a man' (verse 11); now he recognizes prophetic authority. By chapter's end, he will worship Jesus as Lord (verse 38). Faith grows through ex...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **They say unto the blind man again.**—The question is not asked by either of the parties, for this must have been noted, but by the assembly generally. They who questioned him in John 9:15, question him again now. They have differed among themselves, and they ask what impression the fact of the miracle had left upon him who was the object of it, with regard to the person of Him who had perfo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**44-49. would have taken him; but, &c.--**(See on Joh 7:30).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-17**
Christ not only worked miracles on the sabbath, but in such a manner as would give offence to the Jews, for he would not seem to yield to the scribes and Pharisees. Their zeal for mere rites consumed the substantial matters of religion; therefore Christ would not give place to them. Also, works of necessity and mercy are allowed, and the sabbath rest is to be kept, in order to...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
The Jews' refusal to believe the miracle demonstrates willful unbelief. They call the man's parents to testify, seeking loopholes to deny the obvious. This illustrates that unbelief is ultimately moral, not intellectual - no amount of evidence convinces those determined not to believe. Jesus' earlier words prove true: some see and become blind (v. 39).
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **But the Jews did not believe.**—Better, *The Jews therefore did not believe.* The words are connected, as an inference, with those which precede. Because of this explanation of the fact, they are driven to the expedient of disbelieving the fact itself. The designation of those who take this position is remarkable. The substantive is not unexpressed, as in John 9:17, nor is it “the Pharisees...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**44-49. would have taken him; but, &c.--**(See on Joh 7:30).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-23**
The Pharisees vainly hoped to disprove this notable miracle. They expected a Messiah, but could not bear to think that this Jesus should be he, because his precepts were all contrary to their traditions, and because they expected a Messiah in outward pomp and splendour. The fear of man brings a snare, Pr 29:25, and often makes people deny and disown Christ and his truths and w...
Read full commentary →And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?
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KJV Study Commentary
The parents are asked three questions: Is this your son? Was he born blind? How does he now see? The interrogators hope to catch contradiction or find alternative explanation for the miracle. Truth-seekers investigate to discover; unbelievers investigate to deny. Their questioning reveals their hardened hearts.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Is this your son, who ye say was born blind?**—The “ye” is emphatic; *ye* say he was born blind, as opposed to us, for we do not believe it. There are three questions. Is this your son? Do ye still say that he was born blind? which is incredible, as he now possesses the faculty of sight (John 9:32). If you do, how do you account for the fact that he now sees?
**How then doth he now see?**—T...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**50-53. Nicodemus--**reappearing to us after nearly three years' absence from the history, as a member of the council, probably then sitting.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-23**
The Pharisees vainly hoped to disprove this notable miracle. They expected a Messiah, but could not bear to think that this Jesus should be he, because his precepts were all contrary to their traditions, and because they expected a Messiah in outward pomp and splendour. The fear of man brings a snare, Pr 29:25, and often makes people deny and disown Christ and his truths and w...
Read full commentary →His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:
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KJV Study Commentary
The parents carefully confirm what they know personally: this is their son, born blind. Their caution reflects fear of excommunication (v. 22). They give minimal testimony, refusing to explain the healing. Fear of man proves a snare (Prov 29:25), preventing full witness. Yet even their limited testimony confirms the miracle's reality.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **We know that this is our son . . .**—The two earlier questions of matter of fact they can answer with certainty. They know, as none besides themselves can know, that he was their son, and they know the painful truth that he was born blind.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**50-53. Nicodemus--**reappearing to us after nearly three years' absence from the history, as a member of the council, probably then sitting.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-23**
The Pharisees vainly hoped to disprove this notable miracle. They expected a Messiah, but could not bear to think that this Jesus should be he, because his precepts were all contrary to their traditions, and because they expected a Messiah in outward pomp and splendour. The fear of man brings a snare, Pr 29:25, and often makes people deny and disown Christ and his truths and w...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
The parents deflect questions about the healing itself, directing inquirers to their son. 'He is of age' means he can testify for himself. Their fear limits their witness, but at least they don't deny the miracle. This contrasts with their son's growing boldness - as the chapter progresses, he becomes more forthright while they remain fearful.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **But by what means he now seeth.**—Better, *but how he now seeth.* The answer is in the exact words of the question, which is not seen in our version. They will not pass beyond the plain matters of fact of which they were certain.
**Or who hath opened his eyes.**—They pass here to a fourth question, which was not asked, but which they see to be the real point which the Pharisees are aiming a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**50-53. Nicodemus--**reappearing to us after nearly three years' absence from the history, as a member of the council, probably then sitting.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-23**
The Pharisees vainly hoped to disprove this notable miracle. They expected a Messiah, but could not bear to think that this Jesus should be he, because his precepts were all contrary to their traditions, and because they expected a Messiah in outward pomp and splendour. The fear of man brings a snare, Pr 29:25, and often makes people deny and disown Christ and his truths and w...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
'These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess him to be Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.' The parents' evasion stems from fear. Excommunication from the synagogue meant social, economic, and religious exclusion. The cost of confessing Christ was tangible and severe. Fear of man produces compromise; the paren...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **For the Jews had agreed already.**—This does not imply a formal decree of the Sanhedrin, but an agreement on the part of the leaders which they had made known to the people, and which they would have had little difficulty in carrying into effect. The word rendered “agreed” occurs again in the New Testament only twice. It expresses the covenant made with Judas, in Luke 22:5, and the agreemen...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**50-53. Nicodemus--**reappearing to us after nearly three years' absence from the history, as a member of the council, probably then sitting.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-23**
The Pharisees vainly hoped to disprove this notable miracle. They expected a Messiah, but could not bear to think that this Jesus should be he, because his precepts were all contrary to their traditions, and because they expected a Messiah in outward pomp and splendour. The fear of man brings a snare, Pr 29:25, and often makes people deny and disown Christ and his truths and w...
Read full commentary →Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
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KJV Study Commentary
John explains the parents' fear: Jews had agreed to excommunicate anyone confessing Jesus as Messiah. This reveals the cost of discipleship - social, religious, and economic exclusion. Synagogue excommunication meant being cut off from Jewish community, affecting business, social standing, and family relationships. Yet the man will choose Christ over security.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) See Note on John 9:21.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-23**
The Pharisees vainly hoped to disprove this notable miracle. They expected a Messiah, but could not bear to think that this Jesus should be he, because his precepts were all contrary to their traditions, and because they expected a Messiah in outward pomp and splendour. The fear of man brings a snare, Pr 29:25, and often makes people deny and disown Christ and his truths and w...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
'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.' The phrase 'Give God the praise' demands truthful testimony while simultaneously telling him what conclusion to reach. They 'know' Jesus is a sinner—predetermined conclusion seeking confirmation. Religious authority attempts to override personal experience with institutional ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **Then again called they the man that was blind.**—He had not been present during the interview with his parents. They now wish him to believe that they have ascertained from his parents either that he was not their son, or that he was not really born blind. It is useless for him, therefore, to persist in his belief that a prophet had given him the power to see.
**Give God the praise.**—Bette...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 8 Joh 8:1-11. The Woman Taken in Adultery.
**1-2. Jesus went unto the Mount of Olives--**This should have formed the last verse of the foregoing chapter. "The return of the people to the inert quiet and security of their dwellings (Joh 7:53), at the close of the feast, is designedly contrasted with our Lord's homeless way, so to speak, of spending the short night, who is early in the morn...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-34**
As Christ's mercies are most valued by those who have felt the want of them, that have been blind, and now see; so the most powerful and lasting affections to Christ, arise from actual knowledge of him. In the work of grace in the soul, though we cannot tell when, and how, and by what steps the blessed change was wrought, yet we may take the comfort, if we can say, through gra...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
'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.' This is one of the Bible's great testimonies. The man refuses to debate theology he doesn't understand but maintains what he knows from experience. 'One thing I know'—his certainty is experiential, not theoretical. They cannot argue him out of what he has experienced.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not.**—The words, “or no,” are added to the text, but rightly complete the meaning. He, like his parents, will confine himself to matters of fact coming under his own certain knowledge. They had declared authoritatively that they knew this Man to be one whose life was characterised by sin. He is convinced that this cannot be so (John 9:31; John 9:33), bu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 8 Joh 8:1-11. The Woman Taken in Adultery.
**1-2. Jesus went unto the Mount of Olives--**This should have formed the last verse of the foregoing chapter. "The return of the people to the inert quiet and security of their dwellings (Joh 7:53), at the close of the feast, is designedly contrasted with our Lord's homeless way, so to speak, of spending the short night, who is early in the morn...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-34**
As Christ's mercies are most valued by those who have felt the want of them, that have been blind, and now see; so the most powerful and lasting affections to Christ, arise from actual knowledge of him. In the work of grace in the soul, though we cannot tell when, and how, and by what steps the blessed change was wrought, yet we may take the comfort, if we can say, through gra...
Read full commentary →Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?
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KJV Study Commentary
The frustrated Pharisees ask again what Jesus did and how He opened the blind man's eyes. Their repeated questioning reveals desperation to discredit the miracle. The man's response (v. 27) will show growing impatience with bad-faith inquiry. Honest investigation seeks truth; dishonest investigation seeks ammunition.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Then said they to him again.**—Failing to establish their denial of the fact, they repeat their questionings as to the means used. They hope, it may be, to detect some difference in the accounts, or something which they can construe into a charge against our Lord; or, perhaps, as some have suggested, their repeated questions are merely to gain time or cover their retreat. His honest boldnes...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-6. scribes and Pharisees--**foiled in their yesterday's attempt, and hoping to succeed better in this.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-34**
As Christ's mercies are most valued by those who have felt the want of them, that have been blind, and now see; so the most powerful and lasting affections to Christ, arise from actual knowledge of him. In the work of grace in the soul, though we cannot tell when, and how, and by what steps the blessed change was wrought, yet we may take the comfort, if we can say, through gra...
Read full commentary →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?
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KJV Study Commentary
The man's bold response shows his growing confidence and perception of their hardened hearts. His question 'will ye also be his disciples?' is probably sarcastic - he knows they won't believe regardless of evidence. His courage demonstrates how experiencing Christ's power emboldens witness, even at risk of persecution.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **I have told you already, and ye did not hear.**—The man becomes weary of this cross-questioning, the purpose of which is sufficiently clear to him. His first answer was in the fewest possible words (John 9:15, compared with John 9:7), and even these he will not repeat. There is some difficulty about the meaning of the word “hear” in the two clauses of this verse. When the man says “Ye did n...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-6. scribes and Pharisees--**foiled in their yesterday's attempt, and hoping to succeed better in this.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-34**
As Christ's mercies are most valued by those who have felt the want of them, that have been blind, and now see; so the most powerful and lasting affections to Christ, arise from actual knowledge of him. In the work of grace in the soul, though we cannot tell when, and how, and by what steps the blessed change was wrought, yet we may take the comfort, if we can say, through gra...
Read full commentary →Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.</strong> The Pharisees' response to the healed blind man's testimony escalates to personal attack. <strong>They reviled him</strong> (ἐλοιδόρησαν αὐτὸν/<em>eloidorēsan auton</em>)—the verb λοιδορέω (<em>loidoreō</em>) means to abuse verbally, insult, or speak contemptuously. Unable to refute his logic, the...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **Then they reviled him.**—The Greek word occurs only here in the Gospels. The other passages where it occurs in the New Testament are Acts 23:4, 1Corinthians 4:12, and 1Peter 2:23. It expresses the passionate outburst of their anger, which was excited by his question, and finds vent in heaping reproaches upon him.
**Thou art his disciple.**—They cast his own reproach back upon himself, but i...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-6. scribes and Pharisees--**foiled in their yesterday's attempt, and hoping to succeed better in this.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-34**
As Christ's mercies are most valued by those who have felt the want of them, that have been blind, and now see; so the most powerful and lasting affections to Christ, arise from actual knowledge of him. In the work of grace in the soul, though we cannot tell when, and how, and by what steps the blessed change was wrought, yet we may take the comfort, if we can say, through gra...
Read full commentary →We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.</strong> The Pharisees' statement reveals profound irony—they claim certainty about Moses but ignorance about Jesus, yet their very certainty betrays ignorance while the blind beggar, in confessed limitation, grasps truth.<br><br><strong>We know that God spake unto Moses</strong> (ἡμεῖς οἴδαμεν ὅτι Μωϋσεῖ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **We know that God spake unto Moses.**—Better, *We know that God hath spoken unto Moses.* “He was commissioned,” they would say, “by God, and received a revelation from God which remains to us.” They would press here, as before, the authority of the great Lawgiver, which to every Israelite was final. They will not, therefore, accept this Man as a prophet. Their words have tacit reference also...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-6. scribes and Pharisees--**foiled in their yesterday's attempt, and hoping to succeed better in this.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-34**
As Christ's mercies are most valued by those who have felt the want of them, that have been blind, and now see; so the most powerful and lasting affections to Christ, arise from actual knowledge of him. In the work of grace in the soul, though we cannot tell when, and how, and by what steps the blessed change was wrought, yet we may take the comfort, if we can say, through gra...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
'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.' The man turns the tables—the marvelous thing isn't the healing but their blindness. They claim religious expertise yet can't identify the source of miraculous power. His irony exposes their absurdity. Common sense sees what religious sophistication misses.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **Why herein is a marvellous thing.**—Several of the better MSS. read more emphatically, *the marvellous thing.* He again puts two contradictory positions—their assertion that they knew not by what authority Jesus did these things (whence He was), and the evident fact that He had opened his eyes. He cannot reconcile their statement with what he knows to be true, and he states his wonder in th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. He that is without sin--**not meaning sinless altogether; nor yet, guiltless of a literal breach of the Seventh Commandment; but probably, he whose conscience acquits him of any such sin.
**cast a stone--**"the stone," meaning the first one (De 17:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-34**
As Christ's mercies are most valued by those who have felt the want of them, that have been blind, and now see; so the most powerful and lasting affections to Christ, arise from actual knowledge of him. In the work of grace in the soul, though we cannot tell when, and how, and by what steps the blessed change was wrought, yet we may take the comfort, if we can say, through gra...
Read full commentary →Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
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KJV Study Commentary
'Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.' The man uses their own theology against them. They taught that God doesn't answer sinners' prayers. Therefore, if Jesus performed this miracle, He must be righteous. The man's logic is devastating: either reject your theology or accept Jesus' righteousness. They choose neither.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31) **Now we know that God heareth not sinners.**—What they should have known, but asserted that they did not, he proceeds to declare. The argument of this and the two following verses may be stated in syllogistic form, thus:—(1) God heareth not sinners, but only those who worship Him and do His will. (2) That God heareth this Man is certain, for such a miracle could be performed only by divine p...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. again he stooped down and wrote--**The design of this second stooping and writing on the ground was evidently to give her accusers an opportunity to slink away unobserved by Him, and so avoid an exposure to His eye which they could ill have stood. Accordingly it is added.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-34**
As Christ's mercies are most valued by those who have felt the want of them, that have been blind, and now see; so the most powerful and lasting affections to Christ, arise from actual knowledge of him. In the work of grace in the soul, though we cannot tell when, and how, and by what steps the blessed change was wrought, yet we may take the comfort, if we can say, through gra...
Read full commentary →Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
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KJV Study Commentary
'Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.' The man escalates his argument. This isn't just any miracle—it's unprecedented. No prophet, no rabbi, no one in history had healed congenital blindness. The uniqueness of the miracle demands unique explanation. Ordinary categories don't fit; only divine power suffices.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32) **Since the world began was it not heard.**—Literally, *from the world-age was it not heard.* The phrase is a reminiscence of Isaiah 64:4. (Comp. also Note on Luke 1:70.)
**The eyes of one that was born blind.**—This differentiates the miracle from the others in cases of blindness, and still more from all ordinary cures of maladies of the eyes. The man expresses what was simply true, that no ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. they ... convicted ... went out one by one ... Jesus was left alone--**that is, without one of her accusers remaining; for it is added.
**the woman in the midst--**that is, of the remaining audience. While the trap failed to catch Him for whom it was laid, it caught those who laid it. Stunned by the unexpected home thrust, they immediately made off--which makes the impudence of those impure...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-34**
As Christ's mercies are most valued by those who have felt the want of them, that have been blind, and now see; so the most powerful and lasting affections to Christ, arise from actual knowledge of him. In the work of grace in the soul, though we cannot tell when, and how, and by what steps the blessed change was wrought, yet we may take the comfort, if we can say, through gra...
Read full commentary →If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
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KJV Study Commentary
'If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.' The man's logic reaches its climax. The miracle proves divine authorization. Someone who performs unprecedented healing must be 'of God.' The man's conclusion is simple, logical, and inescapable—unless one refuses to accept the evidence.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(33) **If this man were not of God.**—His argument meets each of their assertions. His general assumption, admitted as a universal truth (John 9:31), had denied their assertion that this Man was a sinner. His conclusion now denies their assertion, “This Man is not of God” (John 9:16).
**He could do nothing**—*i.e.,* nothing of this kind, no miracle such as this, much less this miracle itself.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. Woman, &c.--**What inimitable tenderness and grace! Conscious of her own guilt, and till now in the hands of men who had talked of stoning her, wondering at the skill with which her accusers had been dispersed, and the grace of the few words addressed to herself, she would be disposed to listen, with a reverence and teachableness before unknown, to our Lord's admonition. "And Jesus said ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-34**
As Christ's mercies are most valued by those who have felt the want of them, that have been blind, and now see; so the most powerful and lasting affections to Christ, arise from actual knowledge of him. In the work of grace in the soul, though we cannot tell when, and how, and by what steps the blessed change was wrought, yet we may take the comfort, if we can say, through gra...
Read full commentary →They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. cast: or, excommunicated him
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KJV Study Commentary
'They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.' Unable to answer his logic, they attack his person. 'Born in sins' returns to the sin-causing-blindness theology Jesus rejected (verse 3). Their argument: you were born sinful, we're educated teachers, don't lecture us. Then they excommunicate him—the penalty the parents feared.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(34) **Thou wast altogether born in sins.**—Their reproach now takes the most malignant form, and shrinks not from casting in his teeth the calamity of his birth as the mark of special sin. “Thou didst come into the world,” these words mean, “bearing the curse of God upon thy face. Thou hast said that God heareth not sinners. Thy life in its first moments bore the marks of some fearful crime.”
**A...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-34**
As Christ's mercies are most valued by those who have felt the want of them, that have been blind, and now see; so the most powerful and lasting affections to Christ, arise from actual knowledge of him. In the work of grace in the soul, though we cannot tell when, and how, and by what steps the blessed change was wrought, yet we may take the comfort, if we can say, through gra...
Read full commentary →Jesus Reveals Himself to the Man
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?
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KJV Study Commentary
'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?' Jesus seeks the excommunicated man. Those cast out by religious authorities are found by Christ. Jesus' question moves from miraculous healing to personal faith. The man experienced Jesus' power; now he's invited to trust Jesus' person. Healing was the beginning; faith is the...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(35) **Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him.**—There is no hint of time or place. We may naturally suppose that this seeking and finding on the part of our Lord followed immediately on the expulsion by the Pharisees. His parents had. for fear of the Pharisees, forsaken him; and they who should have been as the shepherd of this sheep of the flock of Israel, had thrust h...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Joh 8:12-59. Further Discourses of Jesus--Attempt to Stone Him.
**12. I am the light of the world--**As the former references to water (Joh 4:13, 14; 7:37-39) and to bread (Joh 6:35) were occasioned by outward occurrences, so this one to light. In "the treasury" where it was spoken (see on Joh 8:20) stood two colossal golden lamp-stands, on which hung a multitude of lamps, lighted after the eveni...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 35-38**
Christ owns those who own him and his truth and ways. There is particular notice taken of such a suffer in the cause of Christ, and for the testimony of a good conscience. Our Lord Jesus graciously reveals himself to the man. Now he was made sensible what an unspeakable mercy it was, to be cured of his blindness, that he might see the Son of God. None but God is to be worshipp...
Read full commentary →He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
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KJV Study Commentary
'He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?' The man's response shows willing but uninformed faith. He wants to believe but needs to know who the Son of God is. His question combines humility (I don't know), willingness (that I might believe), and respect (Lord). This is the posture of genuine seeking.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(36) **Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?**—For “Lord” it would be better to read *Sir,* as in John 4:11; John 4:19; John 5:7, *et. al.* The man does not express by it more than the reverence to a prophet or teacher. He recognises Him by the voice which he had heard before, and now for the first time sees Him. He is ready to believe on the Messiah whom all expected, and he feels that th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-19. bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true--**How does He meet this specious cavil? Not by disputing the wholesome human maxim that "self-praise is no praise," but by affirming that He was an exception to the rule, or rather, that it had no application to Him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 35-38**
Christ owns those who own him and his truth and ways. There is particular notice taken of such a suffer in the cause of Christ, and for the testimony of a good conscience. Our Lord Jesus graciously reveals himself to the man. Now he was made sensible what an unspeakable mercy it was, to be cured of his blindness, that he might see the Son of God. None but God is to be worshipp...
Read full commentary →And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
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KJV Study Commentary
'And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.' Jesus reveals Himself as the Son of God. The man has 'seen' Him—with the eyes Jesus opened. The conversation they're having is with the very Son of God. Jesus' self-identification moves the man from general belief in the Son of God to specific faith in Jesus as that person.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(37) **Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.**—The answer reminds us of that to the woman of Samaria, “I that speak unto thee am He” (John 4:26); but here both the sense of sight and that of hearing are appealed to as conveying knowledge to the mind. There is a special fitness in the emphasis thus laid upon the seeing Him, in the case of one whose very power to see was witn...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-19. bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true--**How does He meet this specious cavil? Not by disputing the wholesome human maxim that "self-praise is no praise," but by affirming that He was an exception to the rule, or rather, that it had no application to Him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 35-38**
Christ owns those who own him and his truth and ways. There is particular notice taken of such a suffer in the cause of Christ, and for the testimony of a good conscience. Our Lord Jesus graciously reveals himself to the man. Now he was made sensible what an unspeakable mercy it was, to be cured of his blindness, that he might see the Son of God. None but God is to be worshipp...
Read full commentary →And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
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KJV Study Commentary
'And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.' The man's response is faith and worship. 'Lord, I believe' is confession; worship is appropriate response to revealed deity. This is the chapter's climax—the blind man now sees physically and spiritually. His progression is complete: from 'a man called Jesus' to 'prophet' to 'Lord' worthy of worship.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(38) **And he said, Lord, I believe.**—The title is repeated, but now with the deeper meaning. His half-faith has passed into full conviction. The spiritual education has led him step by step from “the Man that is called Jesus” (John 9:11) to the confession that He is “a prophet” (John 9:17), and that He is “of God” (John 9:33), to the belief that He is the Messiah. It is. the course of a plain ma...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-19. bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true--**How does He meet this specious cavil? Not by disputing the wholesome human maxim that "self-praise is no praise," but by affirming that He was an exception to the rule, or rather, that it had no application to Him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 35-38**
Christ owns those who own him and his truth and ways. There is particular notice taken of such a suffer in the cause of Christ, and for the testimony of a good conscience. Our Lord Jesus graciously reveals himself to the man. Now he was made sensible what an unspeakable mercy it was, to be cured of his blindness, that he might see the Son of God. None but God is to be worshipp...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
'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.' Jesus explains the deeper meaning. His coming produces a great reversal: the humble blind receive sight; the proud 'seeing' become blind. Judgment isn't separate from ministry—it occurs through response to Jesus. Those who acknowledge blindness receive sight; th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(39) **For judgment I am come into this world.**—These words arise immediately out of what has preceded. The beggar has passed from a state of physical blindness, and has received the faculty of sight. He has passed from a state of spiritual blindness, and has received the power to recognise and believe on Jesus Christ as the Son of God. He did not see, but the result of the manifestation of the M...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-19. bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true--**How does He meet this specious cavil? Not by disputing the wholesome human maxim that "self-praise is no praise," but by affirming that He was an exception to the rule, or rather, that it had no application to Him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 39-41**
Christ came into the world to give sight to those who were spiritually blind. Also, that those who see might be made blind; that those who have a high conceit of their own wisdom, might be sealed up in ignorance. The preaching of the cross was thought to be folly by such as by carnal wisdom knew not God. Nothing fortifies men's corrupt hearts against the convictions of the wor...
Read full commentary →And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
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KJV Study Commentary
'And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?' The Pharisees sense Jesus speaking about them. Their question expects denial—surely He doesn't mean they're blind? Their confidence in their own spiritual perception prevents them from receiving Jesus' light. The question reveals defensive pride rather than genuine inquiry.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(40) **And some of the Pharisees which were with him.**—The words in the preceding verse are not addressed specially to any one. The Pharisees would be still watching our Lord, and some had probably followed the beggar, expecting that our Lord would seek him, and hoping that the interview might furnish some ground for a fresh charge against one or both of them. It is the presence of mental conditi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-19. bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true--**How does He meet this specious cavil? Not by disputing the wholesome human maxim that "self-praise is no praise," but by affirming that He was an exception to the rule, or rather, that it had no application to Him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 39-41**
Christ came into the world to give sight to those who were spiritually blind. Also, that those who see might be made blind; that those who have a high conceit of their own wisdom, might be sealed up in ignorance. The preaching of the cross was thought to be folly by such as by carnal wisdom knew not God. Nothing fortifies men's corrupt hearts against the convictions of the wor...
Read full commentary →Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
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KJV Study Commentary
'Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.' Jesus' answer is devastating. Genuine blindness (acknowledged inability) would be curable—the blind man's was. But claimed sight (spiritual pride) leaves sin unaddressed. Their claim 'We see' prevents the healing they need. Self-perceived sufficiency blocks divine remedy.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(41) **If ye were blind, ye should have no sin.**—His answer is that He does not place them among those who are in this second sense blind. If they were among those “which see not” they would be conscious of their blindness, and would seek for spiritual light. They would ask, “Who is He, Lord, that we may believe on Him?” and would not ask in vain. In that case their present rejection of Him would...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-19. bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true--**How does He meet this specious cavil? Not by disputing the wholesome human maxim that "self-praise is no praise," but by affirming that He was an exception to the rule, or rather, that it had no application to Him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 39-41**
Christ came into the world to give sight to those who were spiritually blind. Also, that those who see might be made blind; that those who have a high conceit of their own wisdom, might be sealed up in ignorance. The preaching of the cross was thought to be folly by such as by carnal wisdom knew not God. Nothing fortifies men's corrupt hearts against the convictions of the wor...
Read full commentary →