John 9:16
Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.
Original Language Analysis
ἔλεγον
said
G3004
ἔλεγον
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 33
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 33
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 33
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαίων
the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαίων
the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
5 of 33
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
οὗτος
This
G3778
οὗτος
This
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
7 of 33
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρὰ
of
G3844
παρὰ
of
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
12 of 33
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
14 of 33
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
15 of 33
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σάββατον
the sabbath day
G4521
σάββατον
the sabbath day
Strong's:
G4521
Word #:
17 of 33
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
τηρεῖ
he keepeth
G5083
τηρεῖ
he keepeth
Strong's:
G5083
Word #:
19 of 33
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
ἔλεγον
said
G3004
ἔλεγον
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
21 of 33
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Πῶς
How
G4459
Πῶς
How
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
22 of 33
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
τοιαῦτα
such
G5108
τοιαῦτα
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
26 of 33
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
σημεῖα
miracles
G4592
σημεῖα
miracles
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
27 of 33
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
ποιεῖν
do
G4160
ποιεῖν
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
28 of 33
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
29 of 33
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 7:43So there was a division among the people because of him.John 10:19There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.Matthew 12:2But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.John 3:2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.John 7:12And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
Historical Context
This internal disagreement among Pharisees shows the miracle's undeniable power. Even those predisposed to oppose Jesus couldn't deny the reality. Nicodemus may have been among the sympathetic faction. The division would persist.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does the same evidence produce opposite conclusions?
- How do presuppositions affect interpretation of spiritual evidence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.' Opinion divides among the Pharisees themselves. Some see Sabbath violation as proof of sin; others see the miracle as proof of divine power. The division shows that evidence doesn't automatically produce agreement. Presuppositions determine conclusions.