King James Version

What Does John 9:11 Mean?

John 9:11 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from John chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 9:11 · KJV


Context

9

Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.

10

Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?

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.

12

Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.

13

They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.


Commentary

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—he reports what happened.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This factual account becomes increasingly significant as opposition grows. The man knows what happened even when he can't explain how or answer theological objections. His knowledge is experiential, not theoretical.

Reflection Questions

  1. What elements make this man's testimony compelling?
  2. How can we share our experience of Christ simply and factually?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
ἀπεκρίθη1 of 30

answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

ἐκεῖνος2 of 30

He

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

καὶ3 of 30

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπέν4 of 30

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἄνθρωπος5 of 30

A man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

λεγόμενος6 of 30

that is called

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἰησοῦς7 of 30

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

πηλὸν8 of 30

clay

G4081

clay

ἐποίησεν9 of 30

made

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

καὶ10 of 30

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπέχρισέν11 of 30

anointed

G2025

to smear over

μου12 of 30

mine

G3450

of me

τοὺς13 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀφθαλμοὺς14 of 30

eyes

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

καὶ15 of 30

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπέν16 of 30

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

μοι,17 of 30

unto me

G3427

to me

Ὕπαγε18 of 30

Go

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

εἰς19 of 30

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν20 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κολυμβήθραν21 of 30

the pool

G2861

a diving-place, i.e., pond for bathing (or swimming)

τοῦ22 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Σιλωὰμ23 of 30

of Siloam

G4611

siloam (i.e., shiloach), a pool of jerusalem

καὶ24 of 30

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

νιψάμενος25 of 30

wash

G3538

to cleanse (especially the hands or the feet or the face); ceremonially, to perform ablution

ἀπελθὼν26 of 30

I went

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

δὲ27 of 30

and

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ28 of 30

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

νιψάμενος29 of 30

wash

G3538

to cleanse (especially the hands or the feet or the face); ceremonially, to perform ablution

ἀνέβλεψα30 of 30

and I received sight

G308

to look up; by implication, to recover sight


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 9:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 9:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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