John 9:17
They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.
Original Language Analysis
λέγεις
They say
G3004
λέγεις
They say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τυφλῷ
unto the blind man
G5185
τυφλῷ
unto the blind man
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
3 of 20
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
4 of 20
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
6 of 20
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
λέγεις
They say
G3004
λέγεις
They say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἤνοιξεν
he hath opened
G455
ἤνοιξεν
he hath opened
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
11 of 20
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμούς
eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμούς
eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
14 of 20
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
18 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Historical Context
The progression from 'a man called Jesus' to 'a prophet' to 'Lord' shows developing faith. The man didn't immediately understand fully. His perception deepened through the controversy. Growth in understanding is normal; full comprehension isn't required for genuine faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this man's growing understanding model faith development?
- What is the relationship between experience and growing conviction about Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.' The Pharisees turn to the man for his assessment. His answer—'He is a prophet'—represents growing understanding. He began knowing Jesus as 'a man' (verse 11); now he recognizes prophetic authority. By chapter's end, he will worship Jesus as Lord (verse 38). Faith grows through experience and reflection.