John 9:12
What does John 9:12 mean?
A plain-English look at John 9:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 9:12 means
Asked where Jesus is, the man replies, “I know not.” His ignorance is honest and understandable. Jesus had sent him away to wash; when he returned, Jesus was not in view. The lack of information prevents the crowd from immediately confronting Jesus and forces the focus to remain on the healed man’s testimony. It also underscores a theme: people can benefit from Jesus’ work before fully knowing Him. The man’s journey will move from acknowledging Jesus as “the man,” to “a prophet,” and finally to confessing Him as the Son of God. For now, he simply says what he knows and admits what he does not.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they said unto him, Where is he? He saith, I know not.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they said unto him, Where is he? He saith, I know not.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they said to him, Where is he? His answer was: I have no knowledge.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862they said, therefore, to him, `Where is that one?' he saith, `I have not known.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they said to him: Where is he? He saith: I know not.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They said therefore to him, Where is he? He says, I do not know.
Context
This short exchange closes the initial neighborhood inquiry. With no access to Jesus, attention will pivot to official channels. The community brings the formerly blind man to the Pharisees, likely expecting them to investigate and rule on what has happened. This transition marks a shift from wonder to scrutiny. The stage is set for conflict, especially as details emerge about the timing and method of the healing. The absence of Jesus from the scene ensures that the man’s words will be the primary evidence before the authorities.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 7:11
The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
- Exodus 2:18
And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to-day?
- John 5:11
But he answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
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