John 9:34
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 9:34
34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
Chapter Context
John 9 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, discipleship, judgment. Written during the late first century CE (c. 90-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed late first-century challenges from both Judaism and emerging Gnostic thought.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-41: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
John 9:34
34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
Analysis
'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.
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).
Reflection
- Why do people attack character when they can't answer arguments?
- How does the man's excommunication for truth-telling echo Christian experience?
Word Studies
- Sin: ἁμαρτία (Hamartia) G266 - Sin, missing the mark
Cross-References
- Sin: John 9:2, Psalms 51:5
- Parallel theme: John 9:22, Genesis 19:9, Job 25:4, Isaiah 66:5, Luke 18:17