King James Version

What Does John 9:35 Mean?

John 9:35 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from John chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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?

John 9:35 · KJV


Context

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?

37

And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.


Commentary

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 goal.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus' deliberate seeking of the expelled man shows His concern for those rejected by religious establishments. The question about believing the 'Son of God' (or 'Son of Man' in some manuscripts) invites commitment beyond gratitude for healing.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus seeking the excommunicated man teach about His heart for the rejected?
  2. Why is believing in Jesus' person more important than experiencing His power?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Ἤκουσεν1 of 19

heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

2 of 19
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς3 of 19

Jesus

G2424

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

ὅτι4 of 19

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐξέβαλον5 of 19

they had cast

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῷ6 of 19

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

ἔξω7 of 19

out

G1854

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

καὶ8 of 19

and

G2532

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

εὑρὼν9 of 19

when he had found

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῷ10 of 19

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

εἶπεν11 of 19

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ12 of 19

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

Σὺ13 of 19

thou

G4771

thou

πιστεύεις14 of 19

Dost

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

εἰς15 of 19

on

G1519

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

τὸν16 of 19
G3588

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

υἱὸν17 of 19

the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ18 of 19
G3588

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

Θεοῦ19 of 19

of God

G2316

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


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 9:35 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 9:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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