John 9 - The King James Study Bible

9:1–10:42. The controversy arose during the Feast of Dedication. See notes on 10:22.

9:2. There was a Jewish belief that all suffering was punishment for sin (cf. v. 34). But how could a person have sinned before birth? The Jews considered human life to begin at conception (cf. Ps. 51:5; 139:13–16; Jer. 1:5; Gal. 1:15). Thus, they thought one could theoretically sin even before birth.

9:5. Light of world (cf. 1:4,9; 8:12) means “as long as I am in the world.” When He is no longer in the world, then believers become the light of the world (Matt. 5:14).

9:7. Faith to go and wash in the pool of Siloam is required before the healing.

9:14. Once again the issue of healing on the Sabbath arises. Surely Jesus healed on other days as well—but John chooses to record healings that dramatize the conflicts between Jesus and the Jews.

9:16. A division: The confusion of the Pharisees is shown by their handling this case in a group, and by their repeated questions: How did He do it? (v. 15), What do you say of Him? (v. 17), How does he now see? (v. 19), What did He do to you? (v. 26), and “Are we blind also?” (v. 40). See also 10:19,21.

9:31–33. Jesus could not work miracles if He were a sinner as they said (vv. 31,33). See also verses 16 and 24; compare 2 Chronicles 16:9a, and Psalm 66:18.

9:35–37. Jesus confirms His deity once again.