John 9 8

John 9:8 kjv

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

John 9:8 nkjv

Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, "Is not this he who sat and begged?"

John 9:8 niv

His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?"

John 9:8 esv

The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?"

John 9:8 nlt

His neighbors and others who knew him as a blind beggar asked each other, "Isn't this the man who used to sit and beg?"

John 9 verses

John 9 8 Meaning

This verse captures the immediate astonishment and questioning reaction of the man's neighbors and those familiar with his prior state of blindness and destitution. Having witnessed or heard of his sudden ability to see, they are perplexed and deliberate whether this now-sighted individual is indeed the same person who habitually sat and begged in their midst, highlighting the profound nature of Jesus's miracle.

John 9 8 Context

John 9:8 immediately follows Jesus's miraculous healing of a man born blind (John 9:1-7), where Jesus made mud with saliva, applied it to the man's eyes, and instructed him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. Upon washing, the man received his sight. This verse marks the beginning of the public's reaction to this extraordinary event, transitioning the narrative from the miracle itself to its social and theological implications. The chapter then unfolds as a series of interrogations of the healed man, his parents, and discussions among the Jewish authorities, all grappling with the reality and source of the healing, ultimately culminating in the man's excommunication and Jesus's discourse on spiritual blindness. Historically, individuals born blind were often marginalized and relied on begging for survival, and the Sabbath law prohibited 'work,' making Jesus's actions highly contentious for the religious authorities of the time.

John 9 8 Word analysis

• The neighbors (οἱ οὖν γείτονες - hoi oun geitones):
  • οὖν (oun): "Therefore," "then." This particle denotes a logical consequence, linking the neighbors' reaction directly to the previous action of the man receiving his sight. It signals a shift to the immediate impact of the miracle.
  • γείτονες (geitones): "Neighbors," indicating those living nearby and having a long-standing familiarity with the man. Their close proximity makes their astonishment and recognition particularly significant as witnesses to his transformation.
• and they which before had seen him that he was blind (καὶ οἱ θεωροῦντες αὐτὸν τὸ πρότερον ὅτι προσαιτὴς ἦν - kai hoi theorountes auton to proteron hoti prosaitēs ēn):
  • This phrase clarifies that it wasn't just his immediate neighbors, but others who had regularly observed him in his previous state. Their extended knowledge makes their testimony undeniable and adds weight to the miraculous change.
  • θεωροῦντες (theorountes): "Observing," "beholding." It implies sustained and focused attention, not just a casual glance.
  • πρότερον (proteron): "Before," "formerly." This highlights the sharp contrast between his past condition and his present one.
  • προσαιτὴς (prosaitēs): "Beggar," one who petitions for alms. This is an adjective derived from "to ask," specifying his public identity and means of survival.
• said (ἔλεγον - elegon):
  • Imperfect tense, "they were saying," indicating a continuous or repeated discussion and questioning among them, not just a single remark. It suggests a lively and ongoing debate about his identity.
• Is not this he that sat and begged? (Οὐχ οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ καθήμενος καὶ προσαιτῶν; - Ouch houtos estin ho kathēmenos kai prosaitōn?):
  • Οὐχ (Ouch): This interrogative particle, placed at the beginning of the question, expects a "yes" answer. It conveys deep astonishment mixed with recognition, functioning as a rhetorical question expressing profound surprise and almost demanding agreement.
  • οὗτός ἐστιν (houtos estin): "Is this he?" A direct attempt at identification.
  • ὁ καθήμενος (ho kathēmenos): "The one sitting," "he who sat." This vividly describes his customary posture as a blind beggar. Blind people often sat in public places, dependent on the charity of passersby. The definite article with the present participle emphasizes this as his defining characteristic and habitual action.
  • καὶ προσαιτῶν (kai prosaitōn): "And begging," "and petitioning for alms." Coupled with "sitting," this completed his public identity. The two present participles perfectly capture his continuous former occupation and way of life.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "The neighbors therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind": This phrase encompasses a broad group of eyewitnesses, from those living beside him to others who merely observed him in his previous state. This collective witness base solidifies the authenticity of the transformation Jesus performed and ensures no doubt regarding the man's former identity.
• "Is not this he that sat and begged?": This rhetorical question is crucial. It simultaneously expresses extreme surprise and an almost undeniable recognition. The dual description "sat and begged" concisely and vividly encapsulates the man's entire former life – his condition of blindness and his profession born of necessity. It highlights that his previous identity was so intrinsically tied to his disability that his physical restoration fundamentally altered how people perceived him.

John 9 8 Bonus section

• The profound shock articulated by the neighbors signifies that the man's transformation was not just internal, but also physically striking and obvious, leaving no room for ambiguity about the success of the healing.
• The narrative carefully builds credibility by drawing upon the testimony of those who knew the man best in his former state. Their initial doubt actually strengthens the case for the miracle's authenticity, as it emphasizes the dramatic nature of the change.
• This verse provides an example of how a miracle, while undeniably physical, quickly delves into questions of identity, source of power, and ultimately, belief, setting the stage for deeper theological debates within the chapter.

John 9 8 Commentary

John 9:8 serves as the narrative hinge, pivoting from the quiet act of healing to the bustling human response. The collective question of the neighbors is steeped in wonder and incredulity. For years, this man was a fixed presence, defined by his inability to see and his public plea for alms. His identity was "the blind beggar." Jesus's simple yet profound act shatters this established reality, leading to an identity crisis not for the man himself, but for those who knew him. Their "Is not this he...?" isn't mere curiosity; it's a testament to the miraculous change. It initiates a crucial theme of discernment in John chapter 9, forcing observers to grapple with what they have witnessed, leading some to belief and others to hardening their hearts, unwilling to accept a divine sign performed outside their rigid frameworks. This communal questioning underlines the miracle's impact on a public level and foreshadows the man's journey of proclaiming Christ's power despite opposition.