John 9:16
What does John 9:16 mean?
A plain-English look at John 9:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 9:16 means
The Pharisees split. Some judge Jesus as “not from God” because He does not keep the Sabbath according to their standards. Others acknowledge a stubborn fact: a sinner cannot do such signs. The division reveals that the sign is too strong to dismiss outright, yet their framework struggles to accommodate it. This tension exposes the limits of a system that prioritizes rule-keeping over recognizing God at work. The verse shows how miracles do not force faith but demand decision. Confronted with evidence, people may either revise their assumptions or reinforce them. Here, both responses appear within the same leadership group.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Some therefore of the Pharisees said, This man is not from God, because he keepeth not the sabbath. But others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such signs? And there was a division among them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Some therefore of the Pharisees said, This man is not from God, because he keepeth not the sabbath. But others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such signs? And there was a division among them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then some of the Pharisees said, That man has not come from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath. Others said, How is it possible for a sinner to do such signs? So there was a division among them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Of the Pharisees, therefore, certain said, `This man is not from God, because the sabbath he doth not keep;' others said, `How is a man--a sinful one--able to do such signs?' and there was a division among them.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Some therefore of the Pharisees said: This man is not of God, who keepeth not the sabbath. But others said: How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Some of the Pharisees therefore said, This man is not ofGod, for he does not keep the sabbath. Others said, How can a sinful man perform such signs? And there was a division among them.
Context
Following the man’s straightforward testimony, the authorities begin to interpret the event. The Sabbath factor triggers controversy. This internal division among the Pharisees is crucial; it shows that the conflict over Jesus is not merely between Him and outsiders but runs through Israel’s leadership. The split opens space for the healed man’s voice to be heard again. In the next verse, they will ask him to weigh in, not to learn, but to find support for a verdict. His answer will further sharpen the broader question of Jesus’ identity.
v.15Again therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he received his sight. And he said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and I see.
v.16This passage
v.17They say therefore unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, in that he opened thine eyes? And he said, He is a prophet.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 13:31
In that very hour there came certain Pharisees, saying to him, Get thee out, and go hence: for Herod would fain kill thee.
- Acts 14:4
But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
- John 7:43
So there arose a division in the multitude because of him.
- Matthew 12:2
But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which it is not lawful to do upon the sabbath.
- John 14:11
Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
- John 3:2
the same came unto him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that thou doest, except God be with him.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 9
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 9.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Abiding in Christ
Key scriptures reveal what it means to abide in Christ, emphasizing our continuous connection and dependence on Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness.
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.