John 9 4

John 9:4 kjv

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

John 9:4 nkjv

I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.

John 9:4 niv

As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

John 9:4 esv

We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.

John 9:4 nlt

We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.

John 9 verses

John 9 4 Meaning

John 9:4 declares Jesus' imperative to fulfill God's divine will through specific actions, often referred to as "works," within the finite span of His earthly ministry. This statement underscores the urgency and necessity of His mission to manifest the Father's glory. The "day" represents this limited period of opportunity for divine work and revelation, while the "night" signifies its cessation—specifically pointing to Jesus' impending passion, death, and the closing of His direct public ministry. The verse establishes a universal principle that work (especially of a spiritual, redemptive nature) is bound by time and opportunity.

John 9 4 Context

John 9:4 is spoken by Jesus immediately before healing a man born blind. The preceding verses (John 9:1-3) present a question from the disciples regarding the cause of the man's blindness (sin of parents or man himself). Jesus refutes this common Jewish misconception, stating that the blindness occurred "so that the works of God might be displayed in him." This sets the stage for verse 4, where Jesus emphasizes that the "works of God"—which include this miraculous healing—must be done during His time of active ministry ("day").

Historically and culturally, the Jewish understanding of "day" was a period for labor and activity, while "night" was for rest or a time when work ceased. Jesus uses this common metaphor to articulate the temporal limitations of His mission. The broader context of John's Gospel repeatedly portrays Jesus as the "Light of the world" (John 8:12, 9:5), contrasting Him with spiritual darkness. Thus, the "day" represents His presence and opportunity for spiritual sight, while the "night" hints at His impending departure and the closing of the open, public demonstration of divine works in the same manner. This also serves as a subtle polemic against the blindness of the religious leaders who would reject the "Light."

John 9 4 Word analysis

• I must (ἐμὲ δεῖ - eme dei): The Greek word dei signifies divine necessity, a moral and predetermined compulsion, not merely a personal choice. It points to God's ordained plan that Jesus is obligated to fulfill. This necessity underlines Jesus' obedience to the Father's will and the inevitability of His mission.
• work (ἐργάζεσθαι - ergazesthai): This verb means to perform work, labor, or accomplish a task. Here, it refers to active engagement in God's divine purpose and acts. It encompasses Jesus' miracles, teachings, and ultimately His sacrificial death—all manifestations of God's redemptive activity.
• the works (τὰ ἔργα - ta erga): Refers to specific deeds, actions, and manifestations. In John's Gospel, "the works" of Jesus are powerful signs that testify to His divine nature and the Father who sent Him. They are not merely human actions but divine interventions, revealing God's character and plan.
• of Him who sent Me (τοῦ πέμψαντός με - tou pempsantos me): This phrase highlights the Father's initiative and sovereignty. Jesus' entire mission, His very existence on earth, is an act of obedience to the Father who "sent" Him. It emphasizes His delegated authority and divine origin.
• while it is day (ἕως ἡμέρα ἐστίν - heos hemera estin): "Day" is a metaphor for the limited period of Jesus' earthly ministry. It represents the time of revelation, opportunity, and the active presence of the "Light of the world." This period is characterized by the clear manifestation of God's power and truth through Jesus.
• the night is coming (ἔρχεται νύξ - erchetai nyx): "Night" metaphorically represents the end of Jesus' earthly ministry, particularly His impending crucifixion, death, and resurrection, which mark a transition from open, public works. It is a time when the opportunity for such direct, physical manifestations of divine work will cease for Jesus. It also foreshadows a time of judgment for those who rejected the light.
• when no one can work (ὅτε οὐδεὶς δύναται ἐργάζεσθαι - hote oudeis dynatai ergazesthai): This is a universal truth applied by analogy. When the opportunity (the "day") for specific works or spiritual engagement passes, the capacity or permission to perform those works ceases. For Jesus, His death would signify the end of His public ministry of signs and wonders; for individuals, it can mean the end of life or a particular season of spiritual opportunity.

Words-group analysis:

• "I must work the works of Him who sent Me": This powerful statement affirms Jesus' identity as the obedient Son of God, acting directly under the Father's authority and by His divine commission. The "must" (δεῖ) underscores that His work is not optional but absolutely necessary for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The works are the Father's works, performed through the Son.
• "while it is day; the night is coming": This contrasts the urgency of the present with the inevitability of the future. The "day" is the precious window of time for divine revelation and salvation through Jesus. The "night" signifies a cessation of this open opportunity, highlighting the limited nature of Jesus' direct public ministry and, by extension, human life and opportunities.
• "when no one can work": This serves as a concluding warning and a principle. It's not a denial of post-mortem existence but rather a statement that certain types of active, public, redemptive, and transformative work associated with this "day" become impossible or cease in the "night." It emphasizes that opportunities are time-bound.

John 9 4 Bonus section

The "works" mentioned in John's Gospel (Gk. erga) are not merely human efforts, but manifestations of God's activity through Jesus. They serve as proofs of Jesus' identity and His divine connection to the Father (e.g., John 5:36, 10:25, 10:38). The healing of the man born blind (which immediately follows this verse) is precisely one such "work of God" intended to be displayed (John 9:3). This directly contrasts with the limited and often misguided understanding of "work" by the Pharisees, particularly regarding the Sabbath (e.g., their objections to the healing on the Sabbath in John 9:13-16). Jesus consistently performs works of grace and healing even when it breaks their legalistic interpretations, demonstrating that God's works are always for good and restoration, irrespective of human regulations. The statement "when no one can work" is often interpreted personally for an individual's death, emphasizing that there is no spiritual work, repentance, or service to be done beyond this earthly life for their own salvation or others. It's a powerful call to seize the present moment for spiritual purpose.

John 9 4 Commentary

John 9:4 is a profound declaration of purpose, urgency, and divine sovereignty from Jesus. It reveals that His earthly life was a concentrated period for the specific and necessary accomplishment of His Father's will. The "works" are not just miracles, but the entire scope of His redemptive mission, demonstrating God's nature and power. The impending "night" for Jesus speaks to His suffering and death, the ultimate work of atonement, after which His public ministry of teaching and miraculous signs in the same form would conclude. This verse also implicitly calls His followers to embrace a similar sense of urgency in serving God. As long as we have "day"—life, health, opportunity—we are to actively pursue God's works, knowing that a "night" will come when our capacity for such active service in this world will cease. It underscores the preciousness and fleeting nature of every opportunity to bring glory to God.

Practical Examples:

• A Christian student dedicating their university years to campus ministry, understanding that this specific "day" of opportunity will end with graduation.
• A church member diligently using their time and resources to serve their community now, recognizing that future health or capacity for service may diminish.
• Believers actively sharing the Gospel today, understanding there may come a time or circumstance where such open proclamation is no longer possible.