John 9:27
What does John 9:27 mean?
A plain-English look at John 9:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 9:27 means
The man replies with irony and courage: he has already told them, and they did not listen. Why ask again—do they also want to become Jesus’ disciples? His question exposes their closed ears and hints that repeated inquiry might signify genuine interest. It also turns the tables, putting them on the defensive. This is not insolence but clarity under pressure. He sees that a refusal to accept plain testimony is moral, not informational. His words anticipate their angry reaction, yet they also witness to a growing allegiance to Jesus, whom he now implicitly commends as worthy to follow.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He answered them, I told you even now, and ye did not hear; wherefore would ye hear it again? would ye also become his disciples?
KJV
King James Version · 1611He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He answered them, I told you even now, and ye did not hear; wherefore would ye hear it again? would ye also become his disciples?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949His answer was: I have said it before, but your ears were shut: why would you have me say it again? is it your desire to become his disciples?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862He answered them, `I told you already, and ye did not hear; why again do ye wish to hear? do ye also wish to become his disciples?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He answered them: I have told you already, and you have heard. Why would you hear it again? Will you also become his disciples?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He answered them, I told you already and ye did not hear: why do ye desire to hear again? do ye also wish to become his disciples?
Context
After repeated, circular questioning, the healed man calls out the authorities’ unwillingness to hear. His provocative question pokes at their motives and reveals a shift: he is no longer merely answering; he is challenging. This moment triggers their open hostility. The next verses show them attacking his status and claiming superior loyalty to Moses, revealing the deeper fault line—allegiance to tradition versus openness to God’s new work in Jesus. The conflict escalates from investigation to verbal assault.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 22:67
If thou art the Christ, tell us. But he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
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.