John 9:34
They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθησαν
They answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθησαν
They answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 17
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 17
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
ἐγεννήθης
born
G1080
ἐγεννήθης
born
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
8 of 17
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
ὅλος
altogether
G3650
ὅλος
altogether
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
9 of 17
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 9:22These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.John 9:2And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?Isaiah 66:5Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.Psalms 51:5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.Job 25:4How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?Genesis 19:9And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.Luke 18:17Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
Historical Context
Excommunication (casting out) was the very consequence the parents feared (verse 22). The man faces what they avoided. His faithfulness costs him synagogue membership. Yet this expulsion leads to his encounter with Jesus (verse 35).
Questions for Reflection
- Why do people attack character when they can't answer arguments?
- How does the man's excommunication for truth-telling echo Christian experience?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.' Unable to answer his logic, they attack his person. 'Born in sins' returns to the sin-causing-blindness theology Jesus rejected (verse 3). Their argument: you were born sinful, we're educated teachers, don't lecture us. Then they excommunicate him—the penalty the parents feared.