King James Version

What Does John 9:16 Mean?

John 9:16 in the King James Version says “Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How c... — study this verse from John chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 9:16 · KJV


Context

14

And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.

15

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.

16

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.

17

They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.

18

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.


Commentary

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 produce agreement. Presuppositions determine conclusions.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This internal disagreement among Pharisees shows the miracle's undeniable power. Even those predisposed to oppose Jesus couldn't deny the reality. Nicodemus may have been among the sympathetic faction. The division would persist.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does the same evidence produce opposite conclusions?
  2. How do presuppositions affect interpretation of spiritual evidence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 33 words
ἔλεγον1 of 33

said

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

οὖν2 of 33

Therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐκ3 of 33

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν4 of 33
G3588

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

Φαρισαίων5 of 33

the Pharisees

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

τινές6 of 33

some

G5100

some or any person or object

οὗτος7 of 33

This

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

8 of 33
G3588

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

ἄνθρωπος9 of 33

a man

G444

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

οὐ10 of 33

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔστιν11 of 33

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

παρὰ12 of 33

of

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τοῦ13 of 33
G3588

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

θεοῦ14 of 33

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ὅτι15 of 33

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τὸ16 of 33
G3588

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

σάββατον17 of 33

the sabbath day

G4521

the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,

οὐ18 of 33

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

τηρεῖ19 of 33

he keepeth

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

ἄλλοι20 of 33

Others

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἔλεγον21 of 33

said

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

Πῶς22 of 33

How

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

δύναται23 of 33

can

G1410

to be able or possible

ἄνθρωπος24 of 33

a man

G444

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

ἁμαρτωλὸς25 of 33

that is a sinner

G268

sinful, i.e., a sinner

τοιαῦτα26 of 33

such

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

σημεῖα27 of 33

miracles

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

ποιεῖν28 of 33

do

G4160

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

καὶ29 of 33

And

G2532

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

σχίσμα30 of 33

a division

G4978

a split or gap ("schism"), literally or figuratively

ἦν31 of 33

there was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἐν32 of 33

among

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτοῖς33 of 33

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


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 9:16 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 9:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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