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<!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 9:17 So once again they asked the man who had been blind, "What do you say about Him, since it was your eyes He opened?" "He is a prophet," the man replied.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/9-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/43_Jhn_09_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 9:17 - The Pharisees Investigate the Healing" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So once again they asked the man who had been blind, What do you say about Him, since it was your eyes He opened? 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It was your eyes he opened.&#8221 The man replied, &#8220He is a prophet.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/john/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then the Pharisees again questioned the man who had been blind and demanded, “What’s your opinion about this man who healed you?” The man replied, “I think he must be a prophet.” <a href="/esv/john/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” <a href="/bsb/john/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So once again they asked the man who had been blind, “What do you say about Him, since it was your eyes He opened?” “He is a prophet,” the man replied. <a href="/blb/john/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore they say again to the blind man, "What do you say concerning Him, for He opened your eyes?" And he said, "He is a prophet." <a href="/kjv/john/9.htm">King James Bible</a> They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet. <a href="/nkjv/john/9.htm">New King James Version</a> They said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him because He opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” <a href="/nasb_/john/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So they said again to the man who was blind, “What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?” And he said, “He is a prophet.” <a href="/nasb/john/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> So they said to the blind man again, &#8220What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?&#8221 And he said, &#8220He is a prophet.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> They said therefore to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?” And he said, “He is a prophet.” <a href="/lsb/john/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore, they said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?” And he said, “He is a prophet.” <a href="/amp/john/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Accordingly they said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?” And he said, “[It must be that] He is a prophet!” <a href="/csb/john/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Again they asked the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he opened your eyes? ” “He’s a prophet,” he said. <a href="/hcsb/john/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Again they asked the blind man, &#8220What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?"&#8221 He&#8217s a prophet,&#8221 he said. <a href="/asv/john/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> They say therefore unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, in that he opened thine eyes? And he said, He is a prophet. <a href="/cev/john/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> they asked the man, "What do you say about this one who healed your eyes?" "He is a prophet!" the man told them. <a href="/erv/john/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> They say therefore unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, in that he opened thine eyes? And he said, He is a prophet. <a href="/gwt/john/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They asked the man who had been born blind another question: "What do you say about the man who gave you sight?" The man answered, "He's a prophet." <a href="/gnt/john/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> So the Pharisees asked the man once more, "You say he cured you of your blindness--well, what do you say about him?" "He is a prophet," the man answered. <a href="/isv/john/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> So they asked the formerly blind man again, "What do you say about him, since it was your eyes he healed?" He said, "He is a prophet." <a href="/msb/john/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So once again they asked the man who had been blind, ?What do you say about Him, since it was your eyes He opened?? ?He is a prophet,? the man replied. <a href="/net/john/9.htm">NET Bible</a> So again they asked the man who used to be blind, "What do you say about him, since he caused you to see?" "He is a prophet," the man replied. <a href="/nheb/john/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore they asked the blind man again, "What do you say about him, because he opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet." <a href="/wbt/john/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> They say to the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thy eyes? He said, He is a prophet. <a href="/wey/john/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And there was a division among them. So again they asked the once blind man, "What is your account of him? --for he opened your eyes." "He is a Prophet," he replied. <a href="/web/john/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore they asked the blind man again, “What do you say about him, because he opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> They said to the blind man again, “You—what do you say of Him—that He opened your eyes?” <a href="/blb/john/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore they say again to the blind man, "What do you say concerning Him, for He opened your eyes?" And he said, "He is a prophet." <a href="/ylt/john/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> They said to the blind man again, 'Thou -- what dost thou say of him -- that he opened thine eyes?' <a href="/slt/john/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> They say to the blind again, What sayest thou of him, for he opened thine eyes? He said, That he is a prophet.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> They say therefore to the blind man again: What sayest thou of him that hath opened they eyes? And he said: He is a prophet. <a href="/cpdv/john/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, they spoke again to the blind man, “What do you say about him who opened your eyes?” Then he said, “He is a Prophet.” <a href="/nabre/john/9.htm">New American Bible</a> So they said to the blind man again, “What do you have to say about him, since he opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” <a href="/nrsvce/john/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a prophet.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> They said to the blind man again, What do you say concerning him who opened your eyes? He said to them, I say he is a prophet. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Again they were saying to him who had been blind, “What do you say about him who opened your eyes for you?” He said to them, “I say he is a Prophet.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Again they said to the blind man: What say you of him, seeing that he opened your eyes? He said: He is a prophet. <a href="/godbey/john/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then they again say to the blind man, What do you say concerning Him, because He opened your eyes? And he said that, He is a prophet. <a href="/haweis/john/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> They say to the blind man again, What sayest thou of him? that he opened thine eyes? Then he replied, That he is a prophet.<CM> <a href="/mace/john/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> they therefore question'd the blind man again, what do you say of the man that made you see? he is a prophet, said he. <a href="/wey/john/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And there was a division among them. So again they asked the once blind man, "What is your account of him? --for he opened your eyes." "He is a Prophet," he replied. <a href="/worrell/john/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> They say, therefore, to the blind man again, "What do you say about Him, seeing that He opened your eyes?" And he said, "He is a Prophet." <a href="/worsley/john/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> So they asked the blind man again, What sayst thou concerning Him? as He hath opened thine eyes. <a href="/parallel/john/9-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=3333" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/9.htm">The Pharisees Investigate the Healing</a> …16Because of this, some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man perform such signs?” And there was division among them. 17<a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">So</a> <a href="/greek/3825.htm" title="3825: palin (Adv) -- Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.">once again</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legousin (V-PIA-3P) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">they asked</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5185.htm" title="5185: typhlō (Adj-DMS) -- Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind.">man who had been blind,</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">“What</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sy (PPro-N2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">do you</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legeis (V-PIA-2S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">say</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">about</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- 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> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">since</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">it was your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3788.htm" title="3788: ophthalmous (N-AMP) -- The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.">eyes</a> <a href="/greek/455.htm" title="455: ēneōxen (V-AIA-3S) -- To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.">He opened?”</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></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.">“He is</a> <a href="/greek/4396.htm" title="4396: Prophētēs (N-NMS) -- From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.">a prophet,”</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">the man replied.</a> 18The Jews still did not believe that the man had been blind and had received his sight until they summoned his parents…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/3-2.htm">John 3:2</a> He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.” <a href="/john/7-12.htm">John 7:12</a> Many in the crowds were whispering about Him. Some said, “He is a good man.” But others replied, “No, He deceives the people.” <a href="/john/7-40.htm">John 7:40-41</a> On hearing these words, some of the people said, “This is truly the Prophet.” / Others declared, “This is the Christ.” But still others asked, “How can the Christ come from Galilee? <a href="/john/10-19.htm">John 10:19-21</a> Again there was division among the Jews because of Jesus’ message. / Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and insane. Why would you listen to Him?” / But others replied, “These are not the words of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” <a href="/john/4-19.htm">John 4:19</a> “Sir,” the woman said, “I see that You are a prophet. <a href="/john/6-14.htm">John 6:14</a> When the people saw the sign that Jesus had performed, they began to say, “Truly this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” <a href="/john/7-31.htm">John 7:31</a> Many in the crowd, however, believed in Him and said, “When the Christ comes, will He perform more signs than this man?” <a href="/john/8-48.htm">John 8:48-49</a> The Jews answered Him, “Are we not right to say that You are a Samaritan and You have a demon?” / “I do not have a demon,” Jesus replied, “but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. <a href="/john/1-21.htm">John 1:21</a> “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” <a href="/john/1-25.htm">John 1:25</a> asked him, “Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” <a href="/john/1-45.htm">John 1:45</a> Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” <a href="/john/5-36.htm">John 5:36</a> But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me. <a href="/john/10-37.htm">John 10:37-38</a> If I am not doing the works of My Father, then do not believe Me. / But if I am doing them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works themselves, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father.” <a href="/john/11-47.htm">John 11:47</a> Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. <a href="/john/12-37.htm">John 12:37</a> Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>They say to the blind man again, What say you of him, that he has opened your eyes? He said, He is a prophet.He is.<a href="/john/4-19.htm">John 4:19</a> The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.<a href="/john/6-14.htm">John 6:14</a> Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.<a href="/luke/24-19.htm">Luke 24:19</a> And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/7-43.htm">Account</a> <a href="/john/9-13.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/john/9-16.htm">Division</a> <a href="/john/9-15.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/john/7-45.htm">Finally</a> <a href="/john/9-13.htm">Once</a> <a href="/john/9-14.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/john/1-51.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/john/7-52.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/john/6-66.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/9-21.htm">Account</a> <a href="/john/9-18.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/john/10-19.htm">Division</a> <a href="/john/9-18.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/john/19-16.htm">Finally</a> <a href="/john/9-25.htm">Once</a> <a href="/john/9-21.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/john/9-32.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/john/9-18.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/john/13-22.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">John 9</div>1. <a href="/john/9-1.htm">The man born blind is restored to sight.</a> 8. <a href="/john/9-8.htm">He is brought to the Pharisees.</a> 13. <a href="/john/9-13.htm">They are offended at it;</a> 35. <a href="/john/9-35.htm">but he is received of Jesus, and confesses him.</a> 39. <a href="/john/9-39.htm">Who they are whom Jesus enlightens.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>So once again they asked the man who had been blind This phrase indicates a repeated inquiry, suggesting the Pharisees' skepticism and determination to discredit Jesus. The man who had been blind is central to this narrative, representing those who receive spiritual sight through Christ. His healing is a sign of Jesus' messianic mission, fulfilling prophecies like <a href="/isaiah/35-5.htm">Isaiah 35:5</a>, which speaks of the eyes of the blind being opened.“What do you say about Him, since it was your eyes He opened?” The question posed to the healed man reflects the Pharisees' attempt to gather evidence against Jesus. It highlights the tension between Jesus' miraculous works and the religious leaders' refusal to accept Him. The healing of the blind man is a direct challenge to their authority and understanding of the law. This question also emphasizes personal testimony, a powerful element in the spread of the Gospel, as seen in <a href="/revelation/12-11.htm">Revelation 12:11</a>.“He is a prophet,” the man replied. The man's response acknowledges Jesus' divine authority and aligns Him with the tradition of Old Testament prophets who performed miracles and spoke God's truth. This recognition is significant, as it places Jesus within the prophetic tradition, yet it also falls short of recognizing His full identity as the Son of God. The acknowledgment of Jesus as a prophet is a step towards understanding His true nature, as seen in the progression of faith in <a href="/john/9.htm">John 9</a>, culminating in the man's worship of Jesus in verse 38.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_man_born_blind.htm">The Man Born Blind</a> A central figure in this chapter, he was healed by Jesus, which led to a significant theological discussion and investigation by the Pharisees. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The healer of the blind man, whose identity and authority are questioned and debated throughout the chapter. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_pharisees.htm">The Pharisees</a> Religious leaders who are skeptical of Jesus and investigate the healing, questioning the man and his parents. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where this event takes place, a significant location for Jewish religious life and Jesus' ministry. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_miracle_of_healing.htm">The Miracle of Healing</a> The event where Jesus heals the man born blind, which serves as a sign pointing to Jesus' divine authority and mission.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/recognition_of_jesus'_authority.htm">Recognition of Jesus' Authority</a> The blind man's declaration of Jesus as a prophet shows an acknowledgment of Jesus' divine authority and insight. Believers are called to recognize and submit to Jesus' authority in their lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_personal_testimony.htm">The Role of Personal Testimony</a> The healed man's testimony about Jesus is simple yet profound. Our personal experiences with Christ can be powerful tools for witnessing to others. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_insight_vs._physical_sight.htm">Spiritual Insight vs. Physical Sight</a> The physical healing of the blind man symbolizes the spiritual insight that Jesus offers. Believers should seek spiritual understanding and discernment through Christ. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_confession.htm">Courage in Confession</a> The man boldly confesses his belief in Jesus despite pressure from the Pharisees. Christians are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of opposition. <a href="/topical/t/the_progressive_revelation_of_jesus'_identity.htm">The Progressive Revelation of Jesus' Identity</a> The blind man's understanding of Jesus evolves from seeing Him as a healer to recognizing Him as a prophet. This reflects the journey of faith where believers grow in their understanding of who Jesus is.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 9</a> <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> <a href="/q/why_harsh_reaction_in_john_9_13-16.htm">In John 9:13-16, why would the Pharisees react so harshly if this account were verifiable?</a> <a href="/q/how_can_mud_restore_sight_in_john_9_1-7.htm">In John 9:1-7, how is it scientifically possible for mud and washing to restore sight?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_psalm_146_8_align_with_science.htm">In Psalm 146:8, how does God's claimed power to heal blindness align with documented medical science?</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>(17) They say unto the blind man again.--The question is not asked by either of the parties, for this must have been noted, but by the assembly generally. They who questioned him in <a href="/john/9-15.htm" title="Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said to them, He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and do see.">John 9:15</a>, question him again now. They have differed among themselves, and they ask what impression the fact of the miracle had left upon him who was the object of it, with regard to the person of Him who had performed it.What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes?--Stress is laid on the pronoun. What sayest thou? He ought to know better than any one, seeing that his eyes had been opened and this they admit, while the nature of his witness is uncertain; but immediately that is given they disbelieve the fact of the miracle, and soon reject with scorn him they question now (<a href="/john/9-34.htm" title="They answered and said to him, You were altogether born in sins, and do you teach us? And they cast him out.">John 9:34</a>).The English reader should observe the punctuation here, which rightly makes the question one. It is sometimes read as though it were, "What sayest thou of Him? that He hath opened thine eyes?" It is not, however, the fact which is here questioned, but the opinion of the man, based upon the fact, for the present assumed as true, which is called for.He is a prophet.--The education of the man has been doing its work, and he is convinced that the power which has healed him is direct from God, and that the person who has exercised it is a messenger from God. His words are uttered in the brevity and calmness of clear conviction, and they are the direct negative to the statement of the Pharisees, "This man is not from God." (Comp <a href="/john/3-2.htm" title="The same came to Jesus by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him.">John 3:2</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/6-14.htm" title="Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.">John 6:14</a>.) It is important to note, that even in the language of the ordinary people, the word "prophet" did not mean simply a predictor of events in the future, but one who was as the representative of God. He was not only or chiefly a "fore-teller," but a "forth-teller," declaring God's truth, revealing His will and character, bearing the witness of divine works; but as the future is ever present to the divine counsels, prophecy, in the narrower sense, may be part of the work of the true prophet. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - They; i.e. the Pharisees, divided in opinion, though probably united in their interrogation. Those, on the one hand, who believed in the miracle, and held that it carried Divine approbation of the conduct of Jesus, and, on the other hand, those who were so satisfied of the moral fault involved in the transaction, that they held that the miracle itself, if not a piece of deception or collusion, might even indicate some demonic source, rather than a Divine one, say therefore unto the blind man again - the πάλιν points to the virtual repetition of inquiries already made (ver. 15) - What dost thou say concerning him, seeing that he opened thine eyes? "What explanation hast thou to offer? What view dost thou entertain of the Man himself? Some of us think that his trifling with the sabbatic law puts out of court the idea of any Divine aid having enabled him to work this marvel. Other some, as you see, declare that the fact which has occurred is proof that Jesus must have had God's approval, and be sustained by Divine grace. But what dost thou, the healed man, say? What conclusion hast thou adopted? Seeing that he has opened thine eyes, what sayest thou of Jesus?" There is a bare chance that the man might give a vague answer, or one which would minimize the miracle. It is obvious that, while the Pharisees were contradicting each other and in danger of open collision, the faith of the blind man who had received his sight became stronger. The light was dawning on him. The answer, so far as it went, boldly took the side of Jesus, and perhaps its cue from the language of those who had said, "How can a bad man do such signs as these?" And he said, He is a Prophet (cf. <a href="/john/4-19.htm">John 4:19</a>; <a href="/john/6-14.htm">John 6:14</a>). Prophets, as divinely sent men, are even more authoritative than learned rabbis. If Jesus has broken through some of these restrictions by which they have "placed a hedge about the Law," surely he had a prophetic right to do it. The healing marks a Divine commission, and the healed man owned and freely confessed to so much as this: "He is a Prophet." Maimonides (quoted by Dr. Farrar) shows that the idea was current that a prophet might, on his own ipse dixit, alter or relax even the sabbath law, and that then the people were at liberty to obey him. <a href="/commentaries/john/9-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>So οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. once again πάλιν (palin) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3825.htm">Strong's 3825: </a> Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand. they asked λέγουσιν (legousin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. [man who had been] blind, τυφλῷ (typhlō) Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5185.htm">Strong's 5185: </a> Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind. “What Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. {do} you σὺ (sy) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. say λέγεις (legeis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. about περὶ (peri) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. Him, αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. since ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. [it was] your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. eyes ὀφθαλμούς (ophthalmous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3788.htm">Strong's 3788: </a> The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. He opened?” ἠνέῳξέν (ēneōxen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_455.htm">Strong's 455: </a> To open. From ana and oigo; to open up. “He is ἐστίν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. a prophet,” Προφήτης (Prophētēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4396.htm">Strong's 4396: </a> From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet. [the man] replied. εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/9-17.htm">John 9:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/9-17.htm">John 9:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/9-17.htm">John 9:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/9-17.htm">John 9:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/9-17.htm">John 9:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/9-17.htm">John 9:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/9-17.htm">John 9:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/9-17.htm">John 9:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/9-17.htm">John 9:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/9-17.htm">John 9:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/9-17.htm">NT Gospels: John 9:17 Therefore they asked the blind man again (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/9-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 9:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 9:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/9-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 9:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 9:18" /></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>