John 9 - NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible
9:1 blind from birth. Heightens the effect of Jesus’ miracle and may symbolize how humans are spiritually blind from birth.
9:1–12 Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind. This is another of Jesus’ signs (see “such signs” in v. 16; see also Introduction: Purpose and Addressees).
9:2 The disciples wrongly (v. 3) assume that there must be a direct cause-and-effect connection between an individual’s specific sin and an individual’s specific suffering (see note on 5:14).
9:3 The disciples ask what the cause of the man’s blindness is (v. 2), and Jesus tells them the purpose (“so that”): to display God’s works.
9:4 Night. See notes on 1:5; 3:2,19.
9:5 The “light” (see note on 8:12) shines brightly while Jesus lives out his human life up to the moment of his glorification (cf. 12:35).
9:6 spit. Cf. Mark 7:33; 8:23.
9:7 Pool of Siloam. Archaeologists identified this in 2004. The aqueduct leading into the pool was part of the major water system that King Hezekiah developed (see note on 2 Kgs 20:20). Sent. A play on words since Jesus is the one whom God “sent” (see note on 3:17).
9:13 The healed man’s neighbors (v. 8) want advice from their local synagogue leaders about what they should make of the healing.
9:13–34 The Pharisees Investigate the Healing. Unlike the disabled person in 5:1–15 (see note on 5:7), the healed man is grateful, quick-witted, and cynical toward religious leaders who will not face facts.
9:14 Sabbath. Some Pharisees think that Jesus transgressed their oral law regarding the Sabbath on several points (see notes on 5:17–18; 7:22): (1) healing when life was not in danger; (2) kneading (by making mud from spittle); and possibly (3) anointing eyes. For this reason (“therefore,” v. 15), they focus on “how” (v. 15) Jesus healed the man.
9:16 divided. Like the crowds earlier (7:40–43).
9:17 prophet. See note on 4:19.
9:21 of age. Probably means old enough to give legal testimony (i.e., at least 13 years old).
9:22–23 Explains why the parents are reticent to answer the final question in v. 19.
9:24 The “truth” the Pharisees want the healed man to confess is that “this man” (contemptuously referring to Jesus) is a sinner.
9:26 What . . . How. See note on v. 14.
9:27 The man displays cynical wit.
9:28 disciples of Moses. They do not rightly understand Moses because Moses wrote about Jesus (see 1:17; 5:39–40,45,46 and notes).
9:29 we don’t even know where he comes from. Jesus’ claims (e.g., 8:14) are confusing them (see 7:27 and note).
9:30–33 The man displays increased courage and cynical wit (cf. Isa 29:18; 35:5; 42:7).
9:34 The Pharisees, outraged by what they perceive as ignorant insolence, verbally attack the man instead of evenhandedly evaluating the healing. steeped in sin at birth. See vv. 2,3 and notes. threw him out. Probably the excommunication his parents feared (vv. 22–23).
9:35 found him. Jesus takes the initiative (cf. 5:14). believe in. Place your trust in (not “Do you believe that the Son of Man exists?”). Son of Man. Reveals God to man. See 1:51; 3:13–14; 5:27; 6:27,53,62; 8:28.
9:35–41 Spiritual Blindness. When the light shines, God enables some to see, but others who think they see turn away, blinded by the light.
9:39 For judgment. See note on 3:17. so that. Introduces a purpose (“in order that”). the blind will see. Those who are in spiritual darkness and realize it will receive the “light” of revelation (v. 5). those who see will become blind. Those who think they see but are really in spiritual darkness inevitably reject the true light. See notes on 1:5; 3:2,19.
9:40 heard him. Apparently Jesus found the healed man in a public place where some Pharisees were able to listen in.
9:41 blind. In spiritual darkness but crying out for illumination (see note on v. 39). sin. Particularly unbelief, i.e., rejecting the Son. claim you can see. They are satisfied with the light of the law as their received traditions interpret it, but they reject the true light.
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