King James Version

What Does John 9:37 Mean?

John 9:37 in the King James Version says “And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. — study this verse from John chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 9:37 · KJV


Context

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.

38

And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

39

And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.' Jesus reveals Himself as the Son of God. The man has 'seen' Him—with the eyes Jesus opened. The conversation they're having is with the very Son of God. Jesus' self-identification moves the man from general belief in the Son of God to specific faith in Jesus as that person.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This direct self-identification is rare in John's Gospel. Jesus usually leads people to discover His identity through signs and teaching. Here He explicitly declares Himself. The irony of 'thou hast seen him' to the formerly blind man is profound.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is significant about Jesus directly identifying Himself as the Son of God?
  2. How does the irony of 'thou hast seen' relate to the man's healing?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
εἶπεν1 of 15

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 15

And

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτὸν3 of 15

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

4 of 15
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς5 of 15

Jesus

G2424

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

καὶ6 of 15

and

G2532

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

ἑώρακας7 of 15

Thou hast

G3708

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

αὐτὸν8 of 15

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

καὶ9 of 15

and

G2532

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

10 of 15
G3588

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

λαλῶν11 of 15

that talketh

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

μετὰ12 of 15

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

σοῦ13 of 15

thee

G4675

of thee, thy

ἐκεῖνός14 of 15

he

G1565

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

ἐστιν15 of 15

it is

G2076

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


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 9:37 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 9:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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