John 9:3
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 19
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
οὗτος
this man
G3778
οὗτος
this man
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
5 of 19
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἥμαρτεν
hath
G264
ἥμαρτεν
hath
Strong's:
G264
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 19
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
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
φανερωθῇ
should be made manifest
G5319
φανερωθῇ
should be made manifest
Strong's:
G5319
Word #:
13 of 19
to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργα
the works
G2041
ἔργα
the works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
15 of 19
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 11:4When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.John 11:40Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?Job 42:7And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.Matthew 11:5The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
Historical Context
This doesn't deny the man was a sinner (all are) but denies his blindness was specific punishment. The purpose clause ('that... should be made manifest') shows God using suffering for glory. Paul's 'thorn' served similar purpose (2 Corinthians 12:9). This transforms suffering into opportunity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does reframing suffering as opportunity rather than punishment change our response?
- What 'works of God' might be manifested through suffering in your life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.' Jesus denies the sin-suffering causation the disciples assumed. This man's blindness wasn't punishment but opportunity—for God's works to be displayed. Suffering can have purpose beyond punishment. God uses difficulties for His glory. This reframes suffering from divine punishment to divine platform.