John 9:8
The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
Original Language Analysis
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 20
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
γείτονες
The neighbours
G1069
γείτονες
The neighbours
Strong's:
G1069
Word #:
3 of 20
a neighbour (as adjoining one's ground); by implication, a friend
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεωροῦντες
had seen
G2334
θεωροῦντες
had seen
Strong's:
G2334
Word #:
6 of 20
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 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
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τυφλὸς
blind
G5185
τυφλὸς
blind
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
11 of 20
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
ἔλεγον
said
G3004
ἔλεγον
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
13 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
οὗτός
this
G3778
οὗτός
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
15 of 20
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καθήμενος
he that sat
G2521
καθήμενος
he that sat
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
18 of 20
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
Historical Context
Blind beggars occupied fixed locations, becoming familiar to passersby. This man was known; his cure was public and undeniable. The community's confusion mirrors reactions to anyone dramatically converted—the same person yet fundamentally different.
Questions for Reflection
- What reactions do you observe when people are dramatically changed by Christ?
- How does the community's confusion illustrate the reality of transformation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?' The healing creates identity confusion. Those who knew him can't quite believe the transformation. 'Is not this he' expresses uncertainty—he looks the same but is radically different. Transformation through encountering Christ produces similar reactions—people recognize continuity but wonder at change.