John 9:16

KJV

Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767} said {G3004} some {G5100} of {G1537} the Pharisees {G5330}, This {G3778} man {G444} is {G2076} not {G3756} of {G3844} God {G2316}, because {G3754} he keepeth {G5083} not {G3756} the sabbath day {G4521}. Others {G243} said {G3004}, How {G4459} can {G1410} a man {G444} that is a sinner {G268} do {G4160} such {G5108} miracles {G4592}? And {G2532} there was {G2258} a division {G4978} among {G1722} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At this, some of the P’rushim said, “This man is not from God, because he doesn’t keep Shabbat.” But others said, “How could a man who is a sinner do miracles like these?” And there was a split among them.

Berean Standard Bible

Because of this, some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man perform such signs?” And there was division among them.

American Standard Version

Some therefore of the Pharisees said, This man is not from God, because he keepeth not the sabbath. But others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such signs? And there was a division among them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 9:16 captures a critical moment of internal conflict among the Pharisees following Jesus' miraculous healing of a man born blind. This verse reveals the deep ideological chasm within the religious leadership, as some condemned Jesus for allegedly violating the Sabbath law, thereby deeming Him "not of God," while others, confronted by the undeniable evidence of a profound miracle, questioned how a "sinner" could perform such extraordinary signs. This stark disagreement highlights the tension between legalistic adherence to tradition and the recognition of divine power, ultimately leading to a significant division among them regarding Jesus' true identity and authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' healing of the man born blind, a powerful and unprecedented miracle detailed in [John 9:1-12](/john/9-1-12 "John 9:1-12 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind"). The healing occurred on the Sabbath, a detail that becomes the central point of contention for the religious authorities. The preceding verses establish the man's long-standing blindness, the method of healing (applying mud to his eyes and sending him to the Pool of Siloam), and the initial reactions of his neighbors and relatives, who were astonished and confused. [John 9:13-15](/john/9-13-15 "John 9:13-15 - The Man is Brought to the Pharisees") then describe the man being brought before the Pharisees, who question him about the healing, setting the stage for their internal debate and the pronouncements found in [John 9:16](/john/9-16 "John 9:16 - Division Over Jesus' Sabbath Healing"). The subsequent verses in [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - The Healing of the Man Born Blind") continue to explore this escalating conflict, with the Pharisees interrogating the man's parents and eventually excommunicating the healed man for his steadfast testimony to Jesus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbath, established in the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - Remember the Sabbath Day")), was a cornerstone of Jewish life and identity. Over centuries, rabbinic traditions and interpretations had developed an intricate web of regulations defining what constituted "work" on the Sabbath, often extending far beyond the spirit of the original command. Healing, especially when not an immediate life-or-death situation, was generally considered "work" by many Pharisees. Their zealous adherence to these oral traditions (the "tradition of the elders") often overshadowed the compassionate intent of the law. The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect known for their strict observance of both written and oral law, holding significant influence among the populace. Their concern was not merely theological but also about maintaining social order and their authority as interpreters of divine law. Miracles, or "signs" (Greek: _semeion_), were understood as indicators of divine approval or the presence of a prophet. However, for a miracle to be truly from God, it had to align with their understanding of God's law, particularly the Sabbath.
* **Key Themes:** [John 9:16](/john/9-16 "John 9:16 - Division Over Jesus' Sabbath Healing") powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in John's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. The most prominent is the **Sabbath Controversy**, where Jesus' actions consistently challenged the Pharisees' rigid legalism, demonstrating that "the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:27](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")). This conflict highlights the tension between the letter of the law and its spirit, and between human tradition and divine will. Another crucial theme is the **Identity and Authority of Jesus**. The Pharisees' internal debate ("This man is not of God" vs. "How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?") underscores their struggle to categorize Jesus. His undeniable power, manifested through miracles, clashed with their preconceived notions of a true prophet or Messiah, leading to the question of His divine origin. This struggle to comprehend Jesus' identity is a recurring motif in John, as seen in passages like [John 10:30-33](/john/10-30-33 "John 10:30-33 - Jesus' Claim of Oneness with the Father"). Finally, the explicit mention of **Division** ("And there was a division among them") is a significant theme. Jesus' ministry consistently created a separation, forcing people to take a stand for or against Him, exposing the true spiritual state of individuals and groups. This division is not just among the Pharisees but extends to the broader society, as Jesus Himself stated He came "to bring not peace but a sword" ([Matthew 10:34](/matthew/10-34 "Matthew 10:34 - Jesus Brings Division")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sabbath day (Greek, _sábbaton'_):** From Hebrew origin (שַׁבָּת), this term refers to the Sabbath, the day of weekly repose from secular avocations, or the institution itself. In the context of [John 9:16](/john/9-16 "John 9:16 - Division Over Jesus' Sabbath Healing"), it represents the focal point of the Pharisees' legalistic concern. For them, Jesus' act of healing on this day constituted a violation of their meticulously developed Sabbath laws, leading them to conclude He could not be from God. The term encapsulates the rigid adherence to tradition that blinded them to the divine nature of Jesus' work.
* **sinner (Greek, _hamartōlós'_):** Derived from _hamartánō_ (to miss the mark, to sin), this word describes someone who is sinful or a habitual transgressor of God's law. In the Pharisees' worldview, a "sinner" would be incapable of performing genuine miracles from God. This term highlights their flawed theological premise: they believed that only those who perfectly adhered to the law (as they interpreted it) could be agents of God. Their inability to reconcile Jesus' miraculous power with their accusation of Him being a "sinner" created an insoluble dilemma for them.
* **division (Greek, _schísma'_):** From _schízō_ (to split or cleave), this word literally means a split or gap, used here figuratively to denote a "schism" or disagreement. Its presence in the verse underscores the profound ideological rift that Jesus' actions caused even within the unified front of the Pharisees. It signifies not just a difference of opinion, but a fundamental breaking apart of consensus, highlighting the polarizing effect of Jesus' ministry and the inability of some to reconcile His divine power with their rigid legal interpretations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day."**: This clause reveals the initial, condemnatory judgment of a faction within the Pharisees. Their assessment of Jesus' divine origin is based solely on His perceived violation of their Sabbath regulations. For them, strict adherence to the Sabbath law was a non-negotiable criterion for identifying a true agent of God. This statement reflects a legalistic mindset that prioritized human interpretations of the law over the evidence of divine compassion and power.
* **"Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?"**: This clause presents the counter-argument from another group of Pharisees, indicating a genuine struggle with the evidence. They acknowledge the undeniable reality of the miracle ("such miracles") and implicitly recognize its divine source. Their question reveals a theological quandary: if Jesus is truly a "sinner" (as the first group claimed), how could He possibly perform acts that clearly demonstrate divine power? This faction is caught between their traditional understanding of piety and the compelling, irrefutable evidence of Jesus' supernatural abilities.
* **"And there was a division among them."**: This concluding clause summarizes the outcome of their debate: a clear and explicit "division." Jesus' actions did not lead to a unified condemnation but rather exposed a deep ideological rift within the Pharisaic leadership. This division underscores the polarizing nature of Jesus' ministry, forcing individuals to confront their preconceived notions and choose a side, revealing the spiritual state of their hearts and minds.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Contrast** is evident in the opposing viewpoints of the Pharisees, highlighting the tension between legalistic condemnation and the recognition of divine power. This internal conflict within a seemingly monolithic group underscores the profound impact of Jesus' actions. **Irony** is also at play: those who claim to be spiritual guides and interpreters of God's law are spiritually blind to the clear manifestation of God's power and presence in Jesus, while the physically blind man gains not only sight but also spiritual insight. Furthermore, the explicit statement "there was a division among them" serves as **Foreshadowing**, indicating the broader schism that Jesus' ministry would cause throughout Israel and beyond, separating those who believe from those who reject Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 9:16](/john/9-16 "John 9:16 - Division Over Jesus' Sabbath Healing") serves as a microcosm of the fundamental theological clash between the rigid legalism of the religious establishment and the liberating, compassionate nature of God's kingdom as embodied by Jesus. The Pharisees' inability to reconcile Jesus' miraculous power with their strict Sabbath interpretations reveals a profound misunderstanding of God's heart and purpose for the law. They prioritized human tradition over divine revelation, demonstrating a spiritual blindness that prevented them from recognizing the Messiah. This verse highlights that true faith is not merely adherence to rules but a responsive relationship with God, characterized by recognizing His work even when it challenges preconceived notions. The division among them underscores that Jesus' presence forces a decision, revealing the true condition of hearts and exposing the spiritual chasm between those who seek to control God through rules and those who humbly submit to His sovereign power and grace.

* [Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath") - Jesus declares, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."
* [Luke 12:51](/luke/12-51 "Luke 12:51 - Jesus Brings Division") - Jesus states, "Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division."
* [John 7:43](/john/7-43 "John 7:43 - Division Among the People") - "So there was a division among the people because of Him."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 9:16](/john/9-16 "John 9:16 - Division Over Jesus' Sabbath Healing") challenges us to examine our own spiritual frameworks and biases. Are we, like some Pharisees, so entrenched in our traditions, interpretations, or preconceived notions that we fail to recognize God's work when it appears in unexpected ways or challenges our comfort zones? The tension between "not of God because he keepeth not the sabbath" and "how can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?" forces us to consider the evidence of God's power and love, even if it requires us to re-evaluate our understanding of spiritual truth. This passage warns against the dangers of spiritual pride and the legalistic mindset that prioritizes human rules over divine compassion and the clear evidence of God's presence. It calls us to cultivate a humble heart, open to the Spirit's leading, and willing to embrace truth even when it disrupts our established norms. Ultimately, it encourages us to seek genuine understanding and truth, rather than clinging to positions that hinder our ability to perceive God's unfolding plan and the transformative power of His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Sabbath rules" or traditions in my own life or church might be hindering me from seeing God's work in new and unexpected ways?**
* **How do I reconcile seemingly contradictory evidence when evaluating spiritual claims or experiences? Am I willing to allow God's power to challenge my preconceived notions?**
* **In what areas of my life or community has Jesus' presence caused division, and how do I navigate those divisions with grace and truth?**
* **Am I more concerned with outward adherence to rules or with the spirit of love and compassion that truly reflects God's heart?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Pharisees so concerned about Jesus healing on the Sabbath?**

Answer: The Pharisees held a very strict and detailed interpretation of the Sabbath law, which they believed prohibited any form of "work," including healing, unless a life was in immediate danger. Their concern stemmed from a desire to uphold God's law as they understood it, but their rigid adherence to tradition often overshadowed the compassionate intent of the Sabbath, which was designed for rest and renewal. They saw Jesus' actions as a direct challenge to their authority and their understanding of divine law, leading them to question His legitimacy and divine origin. For more on Jesus' perspective, see [Matthew 12:10-12](/matthew/12-10-12 "Matthew 12:10-12 - Healing on the Sabbath").

**What does the "division among them" signify?**

Answer: The "division among them" signifies a profound ideological rift within the Pharisaic leadership. Jesus' ministry consistently polarized people, forcing them to make a decision about His identity and authority. This division shows that not all Pharisees were monolithic in their opposition to Jesus; some were genuinely perplexed by His miracles and struggled to reconcile His power with their accusations of Him being a "sinner." It highlights the internal conflict between those who prioritized rigid legalism and those who were confronted by the undeniable evidence of God's power, foreshadowing the broader split between believers and unbelievers throughout history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 9:16](/john/9-16 "John 9:16 - Division Over Jesus' Sabbath Healing") profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the Sabbath and the true source of spiritual sight. The Pharisees' legalistic obsession with the Sabbath law, as seen in their condemnation of Jesus, missed the very purpose of the Sabbath: to point to God's rest and His redemptive work. Jesus, by healing on the Sabbath, demonstrated His authority as "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")), revealing that He is the one who brings true rest from the burden of sin and legalism. The healing of the man born blind, a sign beyond human capability, foreshadows Christ's greater work of opening the eyes of those spiritually blind to the truth of God ([Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - Opening Blind Eyes")). He is the "Light of the World" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), who came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, bringing a new covenant of grace that transcends mere external observance ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The division among the Pharisees ultimately highlights the truth that Jesus is the dividing line of humanity, separating those who cling to human traditions from those who embrace the divine truth and spiritual freedom found in Him, the one who offers eternal rest and sight to all who believe ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The True Sabbath Rest")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 10:19

¶ There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

John 7:43

So there was a division among the people because of him.

John 3:2

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Matthew 12:2

But when the Pharisees saw [it], they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.

John 7:12

And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.

John 9:30

The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and [yet] he hath opened mine eyes.

John 9:33

If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.