TRV
John 9:10
Bible Versions
Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?
“How were your eyes opened?” they asked him.
“How then were your eyes opened?” they asked.
They said therefore unto him, How then were thine eyes opened?
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Ecclesiastes 11:5
As thou knowest not what [is] the way of the spirit, [nor] how the bones [do grow] in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. -
John 9:26
Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? -
1 Corinthians 15:35
¶ But some [man] will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? -
John 9:21
But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. -
John 9:15
Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. -
John 3:9
Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? -
Mark 4:27
And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
John 9:10 captures the immediate human reaction to a profound miracle: curiosity mixed with disbelief. After Jesus heals a man born blind from birth, his neighbors and those who knew him well are astonished and perplexed, leading them to question the man directly about the impossible change in his condition.
Context
This verse follows the miraculous healing recounted in John 9:1-7, where Jesus anoints the eyes of a man born blind with clay and sends him to wash in the pool of Siloam. The man's obedience leads to his sight being restored. The initial reaction from his neighbors and acquaintances, described in John 9:8-9, is one of confusion and debate over his identity. Some believed it was him, others thought it was someone who merely resembled him. Verse 10 marks a pivotal moment where they shift from debating his identity to directly asking how such an extraordinary event occurred. This question sets the stage for the intense interrogation by the Pharisees that follows, highlighting the tension between divine power and human skepticism, especially regarding Jesus' actions on the Sabbath.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "opened" is ἀνεῴχθησαν (aneōchthēsan), which is an aorist passive indicative form. The passive voice ("were opened") emphasizes that the action was performed upon the man, not by his own effort or will. This grammatical construction highlights the direct, external agency of God (through Jesus) in performing the miracle. It was a divine act, not a human accomplishment, making the question "How?" even more profound as it points to the source of such power.
Practical Application
This verse challenges us to consider our own reactions when confronted with God's work in the world or in our lives. Do we respond with genuine curiosity and a willingness to understand, or with skepticism and a demand for explanations that fit our preconceived notions? The man born blind quickly becomes a witness, and his simple account of "how" Jesus changed his life is a powerful reminder that our personal testimonies, even when questioned, can reveal God's power to others. Like the man, we are called to share our hope and the reason for the transformation within us, even when facing disbelief.
Reflection
John 9:10 serves as a pivotal moment, shifting the focus from the miraculous healing itself to the societal and religious response. It underscores that God's work often provokes inquiry and sometimes opposition. For us, it's an invitation to ponder not just the "what" of God's actions, but the "how" – recognizing that the means are often as divine and instructive as the end result, leading us to deeper faith and understanding.