Devine Scripture

John 9:38

What does John 9:38 mean?

A plain-English look at John 9:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 9:38 means

The man responds, “Lord, I believe,” and worships Jesus. This is the summit of the chapter. The healed man’s faith moves from acknowledging a miracle-worker to trusting the Son of God. His worship signals recognition of Jesus’ divine status and worthiness to receive honor that belongs to God. The journey from blindness to sight mirrors the transition from ignorance to faith. The physical sign bears its spiritual fruit. Jesus is not merely a healer but the object of saving faith. This verse shows the right response to revelation: belief that issues in worship, no longer fearing exclusion but embracing the One who sought and saved him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said, Lord, I have faith. And he gave him worship.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he said, `I believe, sir,' and bowed before him.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said: I believe, Lord. And falling down, he adored him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said, I believe, Lord: and he did him homage.

Context

Following Jesus’ direct self-revelation, the healed man declares faith and worships. This moment resolves the personal storyline and provides a contrast with the religious leaders’ rejection. It also primes the scene for Jesus’ concluding teaching about judgment, sight, and blindness. Having produced both a miracle and a convert, Jesus will now interpret the broader meaning of the event, addressing those who claim sight while remaining blind. The chapter shifts from individual confession to public proclamation about spiritual realities.

v.37Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and he it is that speaketh with thee.

v.38This passage

v.39And Jesus said, For judgment came I into this world, that they that see not may see; and that they that see may become blind.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 2:12

    Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him.

  • Luke 24:52

    And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

  • John 20:28

    Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

  • Matthew 28:17

    And when they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted.

  • Revelation 5:9

    And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation,

  • Matthew 14:33

    And they that were in the boat worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

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