John 9:29
What does John 9:29 mean?
A plain-English look at John 9:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 9:29 means
They assert certainty about Moses—God spoke to him—but profess ignorance about Jesus: “we know not whence he is.” This appeal to known authority versus unknown origin aims to disqualify Jesus. Yet their admission of ignorance is telling; they refuse to recognize what Jesus’ works reveal. The statement reflects a closed system that honors past revelation while resisting its fulfillment. Ironically, the signs should have clarified Jesus’ origin as from God. Their claim of not knowing will become the very point the healed man will challenge: how can they not recognize one who opens blind eyes? Their stance exposes willful blindness under the guise of fidelity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000We know that God hath spoken unto Moses: but as for this man, we know not whence he is.
KJV
King James Version · 1611We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901We know that God hath spoken unto Moses: but as for this man, we know not whence he is.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949We are certain that God gave his word to Moses: but as for this man, we have no knowledge where he comes from.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862we have known that God hath spoken to Moses, but this one--we have not known whence he is.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752We know that God spoke to Moses: but as to this man, we know not from whence he is.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890We know thatGod spoke to Moses; but [as to] this [man], we know not whence he is.
Context
This declaration follows their reviling and sets a contrast between Moses and Jesus. It provides the premise the healed man will overturn with a simple, logical argument rooted in shared beliefs about God hearing the righteous. The narrative is reaching its argumentative peak. The man, without formal training, will articulate an irrefutable line of reasoning from the evidence of his healing to the conclusion that Jesus is from God. This exchange will precipitate his expulsion, revealing the cost of speaking truth to entrenched power.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 7:35
This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? him hath God sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer with the hand of the angel that appeared to him in the bush.
- Numbers 12:2
And they said, Hath Jehovah indeed spoken only with Moses? hath he not spoken also with us? And Jehovah heard it.
- Acts 26:22
Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand unto this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses did say should come;
- Hebrews 3:2
who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house.
- Isaiah 53:2
For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
- Numbers 16:28
And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that Jehovah hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.
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