John 9:25
What does John 9:25 mean?
A plain-English look at John 9:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 9:25 means
The man answers with candor and conviction: whether Jesus is a sinner, he does not know; what he does know is indisputable—“whereas I was blind, now I see.” He refuses to argue on the authorities’ terms, anchoring his testimony in lived reality. This response models integrity: admit what you don’t know, confess what you do. His words also expose the hollowness of the leaders’ certainty. A transformation of this magnitude demands explanation, not dismissal. The simplicity and power of his statement echo the heart of Christian witness: Christ’s work speaks powerfully through changed lives, even when all theological details are not yet fully understood.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He therefore answered, Whether he is a sinner, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He therefore answered, Whether he is a sinner, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He said in answer, I have no knowledge if he is a sinner or not, but one thing I am certain about; I was blind, and now I see.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862he answered, therefore, and said, `If he be a sinner--I have not known, one thing I have known, that, being blind, now I see.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He said therefore to them: If he be a sinner, I know not. One thing I know, that whereas I was blind. now I see.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He answered therefore, If he is sinful I know not. One thing I know, that, being blind [before], now I see.
Context
This reply follows the authorities’ attempt to force a negative verdict on Jesus. The man refuses to parrot their claim and instead centers the undeniable fact of his healing. This sets up further questioning as they seek to pry details that might undermine the event. The scene is moving toward climax, as the authorities’ frustration will spill into insults and expulsion. The man’s steady clarity contrasts with their growing hostility, highlighting true sight versus spiritual blindness.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 9:30
The man answered and said unto them, Why, herein is the marvel, that ye know not whence he is, and yet he opened mine eyes.
- 1 John 5:10
He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in him: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he hath not believed in the witness that God hath borne concerning his Son.
- 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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