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 · King James Version


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.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
'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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


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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