King James Version

What Does John 9:34 Mean?

John 9:34 in the King James Version says “They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. cast:... — study this verse from John chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 9:34 · KJV


Context

32

Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.

33

If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.

34

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

35

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?

36

He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?


Commentary

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Excommunication (casting out) was the very consequence the parents feared (verse 22). The man faces what they avoided. His faithfulness costs him synagogue membership. Yet this expulsion leads to his encounter with Jesus (verse 35).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do people attack character when they can't answer arguments?
  2. How does the man's excommunication for truth-telling echo Christian experience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἀπεκρίθησαν1 of 17

They 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)

καὶ2 of 17

And

G2532

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

εἶπον3 of 17

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτὸν4 of 17

him

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

Ἐν5 of 17

in

G1722

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

ἁμαρτίαις6 of 17

sins

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

σὺ7 of 17

Thou

G4771

thou

ἐγεννήθης8 of 17

born

G1080

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

ὅλος9 of 17

altogether

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

καὶ10 of 17

And

G2532

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

σὺ11 of 17

Thou

G4771

thou

διδάσκεις12 of 17

teach

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

ἡμᾶς13 of 17

us

G2248

us

καὶ14 of 17

And

G2532

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

ἐξέβαλον15 of 17

they cast

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

αὐτὸν16 of 17

him

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

ἔξω17 of 17

out

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively


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 9:34 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 9:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study