Devine Scripture

John 9:4

What does John 9:4 mean?

A plain-English look at John 9:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 9:4 means

Jesus speaks of a shared mission—“We must work the works of him that sent me”—emphasizing urgency. Daytime symbolizes the present opportunity of His earthly ministry, when His works can be openly done and seen. Night points to a coming period when that opportunity ends, likely His impending death and the withdrawal of His public ministry. The inclusion of “we” invites disciples into His Father-sent task. This verse frames the healing as part of a divine timetable and summons responsiveness. Jesus is not merely performing wonders; He is fulfilling the work assigned by the Father, with limited time to make God’s purposes visible.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

While it is day we have to do the works of him who sent me: the night comes when no work may be done.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

it behoveth me to be working the works of Him who sent me while it is day; night doth come, when no one is able to work: --

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I must work the works of him that sent me, whilst it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I must work the works of him that has sent me while it is day. [The] night is coming, when no one can work.

Context

After explaining the purpose behind the man’s blindness, Jesus explains the timing and necessity of His mission. This leads directly to His claim to be the light of the world and to the concrete act of healing. The urgency in this verse heightens the significance of what He will do next—it is not casual compassion but part of God’s appointed works. Readers should see the miracle not as a random event but as timely obedience to the Father. This sense of a closing “day” also anticipates the conflicts and opposition that hasten the approach of “night.”

v.3Jesus answered, Neither did this man sin, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

v.4This passage

v.5When I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 38:18

    For Sheol cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee: They that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.

  • John 5:36

    But the witness which I have is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father hath given me to accomplish, the very works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

  • Luke 13:32

    And he said unto them, Go and say to that fox, Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures to-day and to-morrow, and the third day I am perfected.

  • John 10:32

    Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from the Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

  • John 4:34

    Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to accomplish his work.

  • John 10:37

    If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

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