King James Version

What Does John 9:6 Mean?

John 9:6 in the King James Version says “When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man ... — study this verse from John chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, anointed: or, spread the clay upon the eyes of the blind man

John 9:6 · KJV


Context

4

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

5

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

6

When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, anointed: or, spread the clay upon the eyes of the blind man

7

And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

8

The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The spittle and clay mixture recalls Genesis 2:7 where God formed man from dust, suggesting Christ as Creator now re-creating. Unlike other healings, Jesus uses this method deliberately—the clay itself had no power, but obedience to Christ's word brings healing. Some scholars note clay on Sabbath was considered 'kneading' (forbidden work), making this act a deliberate challenge to pharisaical legalism that valued rules over people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient medical writers sometimes mentioned saliva in healing remedies. Clay from the Pool of Siloam area was considered ceremonially clean. By making clay on the Sabbath, Jesus violated Pharisaical tradition but not biblical law, exposing the difference between God's intent and human additions.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus sometimes use means to heal and other times speak a word? What does this teach about His sovereignty?
  2. How do religious traditions sometimes obscure rather than reveal God's mercy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ταῦτα1 of 19

When he had thus

G5023

these things

εἰπὼν2 of 19

spoken

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἔπτυσεν3 of 19

he spat

G4429

to spit

χαμαὶ4 of 19

on the ground

G5476

earthward, i.e., prostrate

καὶ5 of 19

and

G2532

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

ἐποίησεν6 of 19

made

G4160

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

πηλὸν7 of 19

clay

G4081

clay

ἐκ8 of 19

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

τοῦ9 of 19
G3588

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

πτύσματος10 of 19

the spittle

G4427

saliva

καὶ11 of 19

and

G2532

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

ἐπέχρισεν12 of 19

he anointed

G2025

to smear over

τὸν13 of 19
G3588

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

πηλὸν14 of 19

clay

G4081

clay

ἐπὶ15 of 19
G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοὺς16 of 19
G3588

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

ὀφθαλμοὺς17 of 19

the eyes

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

τοῦ18 of 19
G3588

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

τυφλοῦ,19 of 19

of the blind man

G5185

opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)


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 9:6 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 9:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study