John 9:24
What does John 9:24 mean?
A plain-English look at John 9:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 9:24 means
Summoning the man again, the authorities press him with a pious formula: “Give glory to God,” implying he should tell the truth as they define it—“we know that this man is a sinner.” They try to force his testimony into their predetermined conclusion. The healed man will not be bullied into calling his benefactor a sinner. This verse reveals the difference between genuine reverence and manipulative religiosity. Invoking God’s glory to suppress truth is a tragic misuse of spiritual language. The stage is set for the man’s memorable reply, in which experiential certainty will stand against institutional pressure.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000So they called a second time the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give glory to God: we know that this man is a sinner.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901So they called a second time the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give glory to God: we know that this man is a sinner.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So they sent a second time for the man who had been blind and they said to him, Give glory to God: it is clear to us that this man is a sinner.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862They called, therefore, a second time the man who was blind, and they said to him, `Give glory to God, we have known that this man is a sinner;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752They therefore called the man again that had been blind and said to him: Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They called therefore a second time the man who had been blind, and said to him, Give glory toGod: we know that this man is sinful.
Context
After the parents’ deflection, the focus returns to the healed man, with the authorities escalating their tactics. The solemn phrase is meant to intimidate and bind him to their verdict. This prepares for the man’s concise, powerful response in the next verse, which contrasts his honest ignorance on some points with unshakable knowledge on the crucial reality of his healing. The confrontation is sharpening: either he concedes to their definition or he holds fast to what God has done for him through Jesus.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 5:21
Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
- Luke 15:2
And both the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
- John 14:30
I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world cometh: and he hath nothing in me;
- John 16:2
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the hour cometh, that whosoever killeth you shall think that he offereth service unto God.
- Isaiah 66:5
Hear the word of Jehovah, ye that tremble at his word: Your brethren that hate you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, have said, Let Jehovah be glorified, that we may see your joy; but it is they that shall be put to shame.
- Joshua 7:19
And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to Jehovah, the God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me.
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