John 9:24

KJV

Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} again {G1208}{G1537} called they {G5455} the man {G444} that {G3739} was {G2258} blind {G5185}, and {G2532} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Give {G1325} God {G2316} the praise {G1391}: we {G2249} know {G1492} that {G3754} this {G3778} man {G444} is {G2076} a sinner {G268}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So a second time they called the man who had been blind; and they said to him, “Swear to God that you will tell the truth! We know that this man is a sinner.”

Berean Standard Bible

So a second time they called for the man who had been blind and said, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.”

American Standard Version

So they called a second time the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give glory to God: we know that this man is a sinner.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 9:24, the religious authorities, specifically the Pharisees, summon the man who was born blind and miraculously healed by Jesus for a second interrogation. Their intent is to pressure him into discrediting Jesus, demanding that he "Give God the praise" by confessing that Jesus is a sinner and therefore could not have performed a divine miracle. This pivotal moment reveals the Pharisees' deep-seated spiritual blindness and their unwavering opposition to Jesus' authority, contrasting sharply with the healed man's growing understanding and faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of [Jesus healing the man born blind](/john/9 "John 9 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind"). The entire chapter is a profound exploration of physical and spiritual sight. Following Jesus' powerful declaration, "[I am the light of the world](/john/9-5 "John 9:5 - Jesus, the Light of the World")," He performs a unique miracle, healing a man born blind. This act immediately sparks controversy among the Jewish authorities, who are more concerned with the Sabbath law Jesus allegedly broke than with the undeniable miracle. Prior to this verse, the Pharisees had already interrogated the man's parents, who, out of fear, deferred to their son ([John 9:20-23](/john/9-20-23 "John 9:20-23 - The Parents' Fear")). The second summons of the healed man in [John 9:24](/john/9-24 "John 9:24 - The Pharisees' Second Interrogation") signifies their escalating desperation to find fault with Jesus and dismiss the miracle, setting the stage for the man's bold confession and subsequent expulsion from the synagogue.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, a city deeply rooted in Jewish law and tradition. The Pharisees were a prominent religious sect known for their meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law and their oral traditions. Their interpretation of the Sabbath law was particularly stringent, prohibiting any form of work, including healing, on the Sabbath. For Jesus to heal on the Sabbath was, in their eyes, a blatant violation of God's law, making Him a "sinner." Furthermore, the condition of being born blind was often associated with sin, either of the individual or their parents, reflecting a common cultural belief that suffering was a direct consequence of sin ([John 9:2](/john/9-2 "John 9:2 - Disciples' Question about Sin and Suffering")). The demand to "Give God the praise" was a common legal adjuration, similar to an oath in a court of law, used to compel someone to tell the truth, especially when they were suspected of lying or concealing information. It invoked God's name to ensure a truthful testimony.

* **Key Themes:** [John chapter 9](/john/9 "John 9 - Spiritual Blindness and Sight") powerfully develops several interconnected themes. The most prominent is the **contrast between physical sight and spiritual blindness**. While the man born blind gains physical sight, the Pharisees, who can physically see, are depicted as spiritually blind to Jesus' true identity as the Son of God and the Messiah. Their inability to recognize God's work in Jesus, despite overwhelming evidence, underscores their spiritual darkness. Another key theme is **misguided piety and hypocrisy**. The Pharisees' demand to "Give God the praise" sounds religious, but it is a manipulative tactic to coerce a false confession against Jesus, revealing their concern for their own authority and traditions over genuine truth and God's glory. This highlights the dangers of legalism and how it can blind individuals to divine revelation. Finally, the **identity of Jesus** is central; He is portrayed as the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), the one who brings sight and reveals truth, contrasting with the world's darkness and the spiritual blindness of those who reject Him. The accusation that Jesus is a "sinner" also foreshadows the false accusations He would face during His trial.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **again (Greek, _deúteros_ G1208 and _ek_ G1537):** The combination of these words emphasizes the repetition of the summons. _Deúteros_ means "second" or "again," indicating this is the second time the man is called. _Ek_ means "from" or "out of," suggesting they are pulling him out again for interrogation. This highlights the Pharisees' persistence and desperation in their attempt to undermine Jesus' miracle and authority.
* **Give...praise (Greek, _dídōmi_ G1325 and _dóxa_ G1391):** The phrase "Give God the praise" translates the Greek _dóxan dós tō theō_. _Dídōmi_ means "to give" or "to grant," while _dóxa_ signifies "glory," "honor," or "praise." In this context, it functions as a solemn adjuration, a demand to "give glory to God" by telling the unvarnished truth, especially when one is suspected of lying or concealing something. The Pharisees are not genuinely seeking to praise God for the miracle but are using this religious idiom to force the man to confess that Jesus is a fraud or that the miracle was not real, thereby "giving glory to God" by exposing what they believe to be the "truth" about Jesus as a "sinner."
* **sinner (Greek, _hamartōlós_ G268):** Derived from _hamartanō_ (to miss the mark, to sin), _hamartōlós_ means "sinful" or "a sinner." The Pharisees' declaration, "we know that this man is a sinner," is a definitive judgment based on their legalistic interpretation of the law, particularly regarding Sabbath observance. For them, Jesus' act of healing on the Sabbath immediately categorized Him as a lawbreaker and thus a "sinner," making it impossible for Him to be from God. This accusation reveals their rigid worldview, where divine power could not operate outside their established rules, and their spiritual inability to recognize God's true messenger.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then again called they the man that was blind":** This clause indicates the Pharisees' relentless pursuit of an explanation that fits their preconceived notions. Having failed to discredit the miracle through the man's parents, they recall the healed man himself, demonstrating their escalating desperation and determination to control the narrative. The repetition underscores the pressure they are exerting.
* **"and said unto him, Give God the praise":** This is a solemn adjuration, a command to swear an oath and tell the truth under the gaze of God. The Pharisees are attempting to coerce the man into admitting that his healing was either a deception or that Jesus, as a "sinner" (in their view), could not have been the divine agent. They are twisting a pious phrase into a tool for manipulation, seeking to extract a confession that aligns with their agenda rather than acknowledging God's true work.
* **"we know that this man is a sinner."**: This declarative statement reveals the Pharisees' fixed prejudice and spiritual blindness. They present their judgment of Jesus as an undeniable fact, a "known" truth, based on their legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath law. This accusation is central to their rejection of Jesus' divine authority and serves as the foundation for their attempt to invalidate the miracle. It underscores their inability to see beyond their traditions and recognize the true source of Jesus' power.

#### Literary Devices
John 9:24 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the physically blind man gains spiritual insight while the sighted religious leaders remain spiritually blind. They demand he "Give God the praise," yet they are the ones refusing to acknowledge God's work through Jesus. There is also a strong **Contrast** between the man's growing faith and the Pharisees' hardened unbelief. The Pharisees' statement, "we know that this man is a sinner," functions as a form of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows Jesus is the Son of God, making their "knowledge" profoundly misguided. The phrase "Give God the praise" also serves as a **Euphemism** or a veiled threat, using religious language to mask their coercive intent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 9:24 serves as a stark illustration of the conflict between true spiritual understanding and rigid religious legalism. The Pharisees, in their pursuit of upholding the letter of the law, completely miss the spirit of God's work manifested in Jesus. Their demand for the healed man to "Give God the praise" is a profound theological misdirection, attempting to twist an act of divine mercy into an occasion for condemning the very agent of that mercy. This passage underscores that true worship and praise to God involve recognizing and submitting to His will and power, even when it challenges our preconceived notions or religious traditions. It highlights the danger of allowing human interpretations and traditions to supersede divine revelation, leading to spiritual blindness and opposition to God Himself.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Matthew 23:23-24](/matthew/23-23-24 "Matthew 23:23-24 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")
* [Romans 2:17-24](/romans/2-17-24 "Romans 2:17-24 - Jewish Privilege and Hypocrisy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 9:24 is a powerful mirror for self-examination, challenging us to consider where our own "blind spots" might lie. Are we, like the Pharisees, so entrenched in our traditions, doctrines, or comfort zones that we fail to recognize God's work when it manifests in unexpected ways or through unexpected people? This passage urges us to prioritize genuine truth and divine revelation over human-made rules or social pressures. It reminds us that true faith is not about outward religious performance or rigid adherence to a legalistic code, but about a humble heart that is open to God's transformative power and willing to acknowledge Him, even when it means standing against the prevailing opinion. We are called to be discerning, but also to be open, lest our "sight" become a barrier to seeing God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or faith might I be spiritually blind, even if I consider myself "sighted"?**
* **How might my own traditions or preconceived notions prevent me from recognizing God's work in unexpected ways?**
* **When faced with pressure to conform or deny truth, how can I stand firm in my conviction, as the healed man did?**
* **What does it truly mean to "Give God the praise" in my daily life, beyond mere words?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Pharisees demand the man "Give God the praise"?**

Answer: The demand "Give God the praise" (Greek: _dóxan dós tō theō_) was a common legal adjuration in Jewish culture, similar to taking an oath or swearing before God in a court of law. It was used to compel someone to tell the whole truth, especially when they were suspected of lying or concealing information. The Pharisees were not genuinely seeking to praise God for the miracle; rather, they were trying to pressure the healed man into confessing that he was lying, or that Jesus was a fraud, thereby "giving glory to God" by exposing what they believed to be the "truth" about Jesus as a "sinner" who could not perform such a miracle. They wanted him to discredit Jesus, not to glorify God for the healing. This tactic is also seen in [Joshua 7:19](/joshua/7-19 "Joshua 7:19 - Achan's Confession").

**Why did the Pharisees insist that Jesus was a "sinner"?**

Answer: The Pharisees considered Jesus a "sinner" primarily because He performed the healing on the Sabbath, which they interpreted as a violation of their strict Sabbath laws. In their legalistic worldview, anyone who broke these laws, regardless of the compassionate nature of the act, was deemed a sinner and therefore could not be from God. They believed that God would not work through someone who transgressed His commandments as they understood them. This accusation also stemmed from Jesus' association with outcasts and His challenge to their religious authority, as seen in passages like [Matthew 9:10-13](/matthew/9-10-13 "Matthew 9:10-13 - Jesus Eats with Sinners").

**What is the significance of the healed man's response to the Pharisees?**

Answer: While John 9:24 presents the Pharisees' demand, the man's subsequent responses throughout [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - The Man Born Blind's Testimony") are highly significant. He consistently testifies to what he knows: he was blind, and now he sees, and Jesus healed him. His simple, direct testimony repeatedly frustrates the Pharisees' attempts to trap him. His spiritual understanding grows throughout the interrogation, culminating in his confession of faith in Jesus as the Son of Man in [John 9:38](/john/9-38 "John 9:38 - The Man's Confession of Faith"). His unwavering testimony and growing faith starkly contrast with the Pharisees' spiritual blindness and hardened hearts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 9:24, with its false accusation against Jesus as a "sinner," profoundly foreshadows Christ's ultimate fulfillment as the sinless Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The Pharisees' declaration, "we know that this man is a sinner," is a testament to their spiritual blindness, for Jesus is the very embodiment of righteousness and the source of all true light ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). He came not as a lawbreaker, but as the one who fulfills the law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), demonstrating God's compassion and power even on the Sabbath. Ironically, while they label Him a "sinner," it is through His perfect, sinless life and His sacrificial death that humanity finds redemption from true sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The healing of the blind man, an act of divine grace, points to Jesus' greater work of opening the eyes of those spiritually blind to the truth of God's kingdom and leading them into salvation, a truth the Pharisees, in their self-righteousness, tragically missed ([John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Light and Darkness")). Thus, the accusation in [John 9:24](/john/9-24 "John 9:24 - The Pharisees' Accusation of Jesus") serves to highlight Jesus' perfect character and His unique role as the one who brings true sight and salvation to a world lost in darkness.

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

Joshua 7:19

And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide [it] not from me.

John 9:16

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.

John 19:6

When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify [him], crucify [him]. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify [him]: for I find no fault in him.

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

John 8:49

Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.

Luke 7:39

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw [it], he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman [this is] that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

John 14:30

Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.