CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 9:36 "Who is He, Sir?" he replied. "Tell me so that I may believe in Him."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/9-36.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/43_Jhn_09_36.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 9:36 - Spiritual Blindness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Who is He, Sir? he replied. Tell me so that I may believe in Him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/john/9-36.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/john/9-36.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/john/">John</a> > <a href="/john/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 36</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/9-35.htm" title="John 9:35">◄</a> John 9:36 <a href="/john/9-37.htm" title="John 9:37">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/john/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/john/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Who is he, sir?&#8221 the man asked. &#8220Tell me so that I may believe in him.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Who is He, Sir?” he replied. “Tell me so that I may believe in Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />He answered and said, "And who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He answered by saying, “And who is He, Sir, that I may believe in Him?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He answered, &#8220Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He answered and said, “And who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He answered, “Who is He, Sir? Tell me so that I may believe in Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Who is he, Sir, that I may believe in him? ” he asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Who is He, Sir, that I may believe in Him?&#8221 he asked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He answered and said, And who is he, Lord, that I may believe on him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />He replied, "Sir, if you will tell me who he is, I will put my faith in him." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He answered and said, And who is he, Lord, that I may believe on him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The man replied, "Sir, tell me who he is so that I can believe in him."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The man answered, "Tell me who he is, sir, so that I can believe in him!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He answered, "And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Who is He, Sir?? he replied. ?Tell me so that I may believe in Him.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The man replied, "And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He answered, "Who is he, Lord, that I may believe in him?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I may believe on him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Who is He, Sir?" replied the man. "Tell me, so that I may believe in Him."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He answered, “Who is he, Lord, that I may believe in him?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />He answered and said, "And who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> he answered and said, 'Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe in him?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He answered, and said: Who is he, Lord, that I may believe in him? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He responded and said, “Who is he, Lord, so that I may believe in him?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He answered and said, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He answered, “And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who was healed answered and said, Who is he, my Lord, so that I may believe in him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />He who had been healed answered and said, “Who is He, my lord, that I may trust in him?”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />He answered and said: Who is he, sir, that I may believe on him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />He responded and said, Who is He, Lord, that I may believe on, Him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />The man answered and said, Who is he, Sir, that I might believe on him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />he answered and said, who is he, Lord, that I may believe on him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Who is He, Sir?" replied the man. "Tell me, so that I may believe in Him."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And He answered, and said, "And Who is He, Lord, that I may believe on Him?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />He answered and said, Who is He, Lord, that I may believe on Him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/9-36.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=3484" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/john/9.htm">Spiritual Blindness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35</span>When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, He found the man and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” <span class="reftext">36</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">“Who</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is He,</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrie (N-VMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Sir?”</a> <a href="/greek/1565.htm" title="1565: ekeinos (DPro-NMS) -- That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.">he</a> <a href="/greek/611.htm" title="611: Apekrithē (V-AIP-3S) -- From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.">replied.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say."></a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">“Tell me so that</a> <a href="/greek/4100.htm" title="4100: pisteusō (V-ASA-1S) -- From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.">I may believe</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">in</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him.”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">37</span>“You have already seen Him,” Jesus answered. “He is the One speaking with you.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/4-25.htm">John 4:25-26</a></span><br />The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.” / Jesus answered, “I who speak to you am He.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-24.htm">John 10:24-25</a></span><br />So the Jews gathered around Him and demanded, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” / “I already told you,” Jesus replied, “but you did not believe. The works I do in My Father’s name testify on My behalf.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-8.htm">John 14:8-9</a></span><br />Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” / Jesus replied, “Philip, I have been with you all this time, and still you do not know Me? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-41.htm">John 1:41</a></span><br />He first found his brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated as Christ).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-68.htm">John 6:68-69</a></span><br />Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. / We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-3.htm">Matthew 11:3-5</a></span><br />to ask Him, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” / Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: / The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-19.htm">Luke 7:19-22</a></span><br />So John called two of his disciples and sent them to ask the Lord, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” / When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?’” / At that very hour Jesus healed many people of their diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits, and He gave sight to many who were blind. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-15.htm">Matthew 16:15-17</a></span><br />“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” / Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” / Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a></span><br />Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-35.htm">John 12:35-36</a></span><br />Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. / While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.” After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-6.htm">Isaiah 42:6-7</a></span><br />“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, / to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/35-5.htm">Isaiah 35:5-6</a></span><br />Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. / Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-18.htm">Isaiah 29:18</a></span><br />On that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of the deep darkness the eyes of the blind will see.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a></span><br />The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/146-8.htm">Psalm 146:8</a></span><br />the LORD opens the eyes of the blind, the LORD lifts those who are weighed down, the LORD loves the righteous.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?</p><p class="hdg">Who.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/1-38.htm">John 1:38</a></b></br> Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/30-3.htm">Proverbs 30:3,4</a></b></br> I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/songs/5-9.htm">Song of Solomon 5:9</a></b></br> What <i>is</i> thy beloved more than <i>another</i> beloved, O thou fairest among women? what <i>is</i> thy beloved more than <i>another</i> beloved, that thou dost so charge us?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/9-35.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/john/9-35.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/john/8-11.htm">Sir</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/9-38.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/john/9-38.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/john/9-38.htm">Sir</a><div class="vheading2">John 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/9-1.htm">The man born blind is restored to sight.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/9-8.htm">He is brought to the Pharisees.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/9-13.htm">They are offended at it;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/9-35.htm">but he is received of Jesus, and confesses him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/9-39.htm">Who they are whom Jesus enlightens.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Who is He, Sir?</b><br>This question is asked by the man who was born blind and healed by Jesus. The term "Sir" indicates respect and a recognition of authority, though the man does not yet fully understand who Jesus is. This moment occurs after the man has been cast out by the Pharisees for defending Jesus. The question reflects a genuine desire to know the identity of the one who healed him. In the broader biblical context, this question echoes the search for truth and understanding seen throughout Scripture, such as in the inquiries of Nicodemus in <a href="/john/3.htm">John 3</a> or the Samaritan woman in <a href="/john/4.htm">John 4</a>.<p><b>he replied.</b><br>The man’s response is immediate, showing his openness and readiness to learn more about the one who healed him. This reflects a heart that is prepared to receive truth, contrasting with the hardened hearts of the Pharisees. His willingness to engage in dialogue is reminiscent of other biblical figures who sought understanding, such as the Ethiopian eunuch in <a href="/acts/8.htm">Acts 8</a>.<p><b>Tell me so that I may believe in Him.</b><br>This phrase indicates the man's readiness to place his faith in Jesus once he knows who He is. The concept of belief is central to the Gospel of John, where faith is not just intellectual assent but a deep trust and commitment. The man's openness to belief contrasts with the skepticism and unbelief of the religious leaders. This moment foreshadows the fuller revelation of Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God, fulfilling prophecies such as <a href="/isaiah/42-7.htm">Isaiah 42:7</a>, which speaks of opening the eyes of the blind. The man's journey from physical blindness to spiritual sight is a type of the transformative power of Christ, who brings light to those in darkness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_blind_man.htm">The Blind Man</a></b><br>A man who was born blind and healed by Jesus. His journey from physical blindness to spiritual sight is central to this chapter.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>The central figure of the Gospel, who performs the miracle of healing the blind man, revealing His divine authority and compassion.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a></b><br>Religious leaders who question the healing and challenge the authority of Jesus, representing spiritual blindness and resistance to truth.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/pool_of_siloam.htm">Pool of Siloam</a></b><br>The place where Jesus instructs the blind man to wash, symbolizing obedience and faith leading to healing.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a></b><br>Followers of Jesus who witness the miracle and learn about faith and spiritual insight.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_revelation.htm">Faith and Revelation</a></b><br>The blind man's question, "Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?" highlights the necessity of revelation for faith. True belief is rooted in knowing Christ personally.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_sight_vs._physical_sight.htm">Spiritual Sight vs. Physical Sight</a></b><br>The account contrasts physical sight with spiritual insight. While the man gains physical sight, his journey to spiritual understanding is a model for believers seeking deeper faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_leads_to_blessing.htm">Obedience Leads to Blessing</a></b><br>The blind man's obedience to Jesus' command to wash in the Pool of Siloam is a lesson in faith leading to blessing. Obedience to God's word is crucial for spiritual growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/confronting_spiritual_blindness.htm">Confronting Spiritual Blindness</a></b><br>The Pharisees' reaction to the miracle serves as a warning against spiritual pride and blindness. Believers are called to remain humble and open to God's truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/witnessing_and_testimony.htm">Witnessing and Testimony</a></b><br>The healed man's testimony before the Pharisees encourages believers to boldly share their faith experiences, even in the face of opposition.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_discard_your_confidence.htm">What happens if one rejects belief in God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_the_blind_man_recognize_jesus.htm">In John 9:35-38, how could the blind man immediately acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God without prior teaching?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_believers_sin_if_born_of_god.htm">If 1 John 3:9 implies that being born of God prevents sin, why do believers still commit wrongdoing?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_salvation_for_all_or_just_the_elect.htm">Is salvation available to all or only the elect? (John 3:16 vs. Matthew 22:14)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(36) <span class= "bld">Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?</span>--For "Lord" it would be better to read <span class= "ital">Sir,</span> as in <a href="/john/4-11.htm" title="The woman said to him, Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from where then have you that living water?">John 4:11</a>; <a href="/john/4-19.htm" title="The woman said to him, Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.">John 4:19</a>; <a href="/john/5-7.htm" title="The weak man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steps down before me.">John 5:7</a>, <span class= "ital">et. al.</span> The man does not express by it more than the reverence to a prophet or teacher. He recognises Him by the voice which he had heard before, and now for the first time sees Him. He is ready to believe on the Messiah whom all expected, and he feels that this prophet, who had opened his eyes, can tell him who the Messiah is. The form of the question, "Who is He?" suggests that he half expected that He, upon whom he looked, was more than a prophet, and was none other than the Messiah Himself. In the absence of any such thought, the question would have taken a vague form, such as "Where is He?" or "When shall He appear?" He asks as one who knows that the object of his faith is at hand.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 36.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He answered and said,</span> <span class="cmt_word">And who is he, that</span> (<span class="greek">ἵνα</span>) <span class="cmt_word">I may believe on him?</span> The conjunction adds much to the eagerness of the reply. His faith was ready for full expression. He half suspected, as the Samaritan woman (<a href="/john/4-25.htm">John 4:25</a>) did, that Jesus was pointing to himself. The <span class="greek">τίς</span>; rather than <span class="greek">τί</span>; ("who?" rather than "what?") shows the intensity of the man's desire to find and hail and trust "the Son of God." The disposition, the posture, of his mind is that of faith. The adequate object for that faith has not been revealed to him. Apt symbol of many in their passage from darkness to light. When receptive, susceptible, conscious of need, with some notion, though an obscure one, of whom and of what they most of all need, many are disposed even now to utter the same importunate request. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/9-36.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">“Who</span><br /><span class="grk">τίς</span> <span class="translit">(tis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is He,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστιν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Sir?”</span><br /><span class="grk">Κύριε</span> <span class="translit">(Kyrie)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκεῖνος</span> <span class="translit">(ekeinos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1565.htm">Strong's 1565: </a> </span><span class="str2">That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied.</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἀπεκρίθη</span> <span class="translit">(Apekrithē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_611.htm">Strong's 611: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“[Tell me] so that</span><br /><span class="grk">ἵνα</span> <span class="translit">(hina)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> </span><span class="str2">In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I may believe</span><br /><span class="grk">πιστεύσω</span> <span class="translit">(pisteusō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰς</span> <span class="translit">(eis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Him.”</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτόν</span> <span class="translit">(auton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/9-36.htm">John 9:36 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/9-36.htm">John 9:36 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/9-36.htm">John 9:36 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/9-36.htm">John 9:36 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/9-36.htm">John 9:36 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/9-36.htm">John 9:36 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/9-36.htm">John 9:36 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/9-36.htm">John 9:36 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/9-36.htm">John 9:36 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/9-36.htm">John 9:36 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/9-36.htm">NT Gospels: John 9:36 He answered Who is he Lord that (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/9-35.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 9:35"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 9:35" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/9-37.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 9:37"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 9:37" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>