John 9:25

KJV

He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner [or no], I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G3767} He {G1565} answered {G611} and {G2532} said {G2036}, Whether {G1487} he be {G2076} a sinner {G268} or no, I know {G1492} not {G3756}: one thing {G1520} I know {G1492}, that {G3754}, whereas I was {G5607} blind {G5185}, now {G737} I see {G991}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered, “Whether he’s a sinner or not I don’t know. One thing I do know: I was blind, now I see.”

Berean Standard Bible

He answered, “Whether He is a sinner I do not know. There is one thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see!”

American Standard Version

He therefore answered, Whether he is a sinner, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
presents the profound and unshakeable testimony of the man born blind, whose sight was miraculously restored by Jesus. Faced with relentless interrogation and theological accusations from the skeptical Pharisees, the man offers a simple yet powerful declaration that cuts through their legalistic debates: he may not understand their complex theological categories, but he undeniably knows the transformative reality of his own experience—he was blind, and now he sees. This verse encapsulates the power of personal encounter with Christ over intellectual argument.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic and most defiant statement from the man born blind during his intense interrogation by the Jewish religious leaders. The narrative begins in [John 9:1-7](/john/9-1-7 "John 9:1-7 - Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind"), where Jesus initiates the healing by anointing the man's eyes with clay and instructing him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. This extraordinary miracle, performed on the Sabbath, immediately sparks controversy among the Pharisees. Their legalistic concerns about Sabbath observance ([John 9:16](/john/9-16 "John 9:16 - Division Among the Pharisees")) overshadow their recognition of divine power. They repeatedly question the man and his parents ([John 9:18-23](/john/9-18-23 "John 9:18-23 - Parents of the Healed Man Questioned")), attempting to discredit Jesus by labeling Him a "sinner" and to coerce the man into condemning his healer. The man's response in [John 9:25](/john/9-25 "John 9:25 - The Man Born Blind's Unwavering Testimony") is his resolute, unyielding answer to their persistent efforts to force him to deny the miracle or condemn Jesus. It marks a turning point where his simple, undeniable experience triumphs over their convoluted theological arguments.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Blindness in ancient Israel was often viewed as a consequence of sin ([John 9:2](/john/9-2 "John 9:2 - Disciples Ask About Sin and Blindness")) or a sign of divine judgment, making a cure for congenital blindness an extraordinary event, often associated with messianic expectations ([Isaiah 35:5](/isaiah/35-5 "Isaiah 35:5 - Eyes of the Blind Opened")). The Sabbath was a cornerstone of Jewish law, and the Pharisees, a prominent religious sect, meticulously interpreted and enforced its regulations, often adding extra-biblical traditions. Healing, especially involving actions like making clay, was considered "work" and thus forbidden on the Sabbath. This strict adherence to the letter of the law, rather than its spirit of compassion, put them in direct conflict with Jesus. The Jewish leaders also held significant social and religious power, including the authority to excommunicate individuals from the synagogue ([John 9:22](/john/9-22 "John 9:22 - Fear of Excommunication")), which carried severe social and economic consequences. The Pool of Siloam was a known water source in Jerusalem, with historical and prophetic significance, adding a layer of authenticity to the miracle.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative surrounding [John 9:25](/john/9-25 "John 9:25 - The Man Born Blind's Unwavering Testimony") contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the Gospel of John. Foremost is the theme of **Spiritual vs. Physical Blindness**. While the man gains physical sight, the Pharisees, despite their physical ability to see, remain spiritually blind, unable or unwilling to recognize Jesus as the Son of God. Their blindness is a matter of the heart and will, refusing to acknowledge the truth despite overwhelming evidence. Jesus directly addresses this spiritual blindness later in the chapter, declaring, "[For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus Explains Spiritual Blindness")" ([John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus Explains Spiritual Blindness")). Another crucial theme is the **Power of Personal Testimony**. The man's declaration, "one thing I know," emphasizes the undeniable reality of his personal, transformative experience with Jesus. His witness is not based on theological arguments or legalistic interpretations, but on a direct encounter that changed his life, highlighting that a genuine experience with Christ is often the most powerful form of witness. This also underscores the **Simplicity of Faith** over complex theological debate, as the man's response is remarkably direct and unadorned. Finally, the miracle itself serves as a powerful metaphor for the **Transformative Power of an Encounter with Jesus**, moving individuals from the darkness of sin and ignorance into the light of truth and salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** (G1492) This primary verb signifies a knowledge gained through observation, intuition, or direct experience, leading to a firm conviction. Unlike intellectual knowledge (ginōskō), _eídō_ denotes a profound, experiential understanding. In [John 9:25](/john/9-25 "John 9:25 - The Man Born Blind's Unwavering Testimony"), the man's repeated use of "I know" (οἶδα) underscores that his conviction is rooted in the undeniable reality of his personal transformation, not in speculative theological debate.
* **blind (Greek, _typhlós'_):** (G5185) Derived from a root meaning "opaque" or "smoky," this adjective literally means "blind" (physically). However, in the Gospel of John, particularly in this chapter, it carries significant metaphorical weight, referring to spiritual blindness—the inability or unwillingness to perceive spiritual truth or recognize Jesus as the Light of the World. The man's declaration contrasts his former physical state with his current physical and, implicitly, spiritual sight.
* **see (Greek, _blépō'_):** (G991) A primary verb meaning "to look at" (literally or figuratively), "to perceive," or "to have sight." In this context, _blépō_ directly contrasts with _typhlós_, signifying the restoration of physical vision. More profoundly, it also implies the dawning of spiritual insight, as the man's physical healing leads him to a deeper understanding and eventual worship of Jesus ([John 9:38](/john/9-38 "John 9:38 - The Man Worshipped Jesus")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner [or no], I know not:"** The man begins his response by directly addressing the Pharisees' central accusation against Jesus—that He is a "sinner" for performing a miracle on the Sabbath. His phrase "I know not" (οὐκ οἶδα) is not an admission of ignorance about Jesus' character, but a dismissal of their legalistic framework and a refusal to engage in their theological categorizations. He is effectively saying, "I am not concerned with your labels or your debates about sinfulness; that is not my domain of knowledge or concern." This statement highlights his focus on the practical reality of what happened to him, rather than the abstract theological arguments of his interrogators.
* **"one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see."** This is the powerful, unassailable core of his testimony. The emphatic "one thing I know" (ἓν οἶδα) immediately contrasts with his previous "I know not," asserting absolute certainty about his experience. The antithesis between "I was blind" (τυφλὸς ὢν) and "now I see" (ἄρτι βλέπω) is stark and undeniable. This simple, factual declaration bypasses all the Pharisees' attempts to discredit Jesus or confuse the man. It is a direct, irrefutable statement of transformation, demonstrating the tangible, personal impact of Jesus' power. This statement serves as a powerful witness that cannot be refuted by intellectual argument or legalistic quibbling.

#### Literary Devices
[John 9:25](/john/9-25 "John 9:25 - The Man Born Blind's Unwavering Testimony") is rich in literary devices that amplify its impact. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, seen in the stark contrast between "I know not" and "one thing I know," and even more powerfully between "I was blind" and "now I see." This creates a dramatic tension and highlights the undeniable truth of the man's experience against the Pharisees' speculative accusations. The man's statement is a **Simple Declaration**, characterized by its directness and lack of embellishment, which lends it an air of irrefutable truth and authenticity. There is also profound **Irony** at play: those who claim to see (the Pharisees, with their vast knowledge of the Law) are spiritually blind to the truth of Jesus, while the man who was physically blind now possesses both physical sight and spiritual insight into Jesus' identity. The miracle itself functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual transformation, where physical healing symbolizes the opening of spiritual eyes to the light of God's truth found in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The man born blind's simple yet profound declaration in [John 9:25](/john/9-25 "John 9:25 - The Man Born Blind's Unwavering Testimony") resonates deeply with core Christian theological truths. It underscores that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent to doctrines or adherence to religious rules, but a personal, transformative encounter with Jesus Christ. The man's testimony highlights that while we may not have all the answers to every theological question or be able to articulate complex doctrines, the undeniable reality of what Christ has done in our lives—moving us from spiritual darkness to light, from sin to salvation—is the most compelling evidence of His divine power and identity. This experience-based knowledge is often more powerful than any intellectual argument, serving as a powerful witness to the world.

* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")
* [Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "From Darkness to Light")
* [1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "Always Be Prepared to Give an Answer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The man born blind, having received the gift of sight from Jesus, offers a powerful model for every believer. His response in [John 9:25](/john/9-25 "John 9:25 - The Man Born Blind's Unwavering Testimony") encourages us to prioritize the undeniable reality of our personal encounter with Christ over the often-complex and sometimes distracting debates of the world. In an age where skepticism abounds and faith is often challenged, our most potent witness remains our own story of transformation. We may not possess all the answers to every theological conundrum, but we can confidently declare what Christ has done in our lives—how He has opened our eyes to truth, delivered us from darkness, and given us new life. This verse calls us to embrace the simplicity and power of our personal testimony, to stand firm in our convictions even when challenged, and to allow the clear evidence of God's work in us to speak volumes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal experience with Christ shape my understanding of Him, and how does that experiential knowledge compare to my intellectual understanding?**
* **Am I willing to share my testimony simply and boldly, focusing on what Christ has done for me, even when faced with skepticism or complex questions?**
* **In what areas of my life might I still be spiritually blind, needing Christ to open my eyes to a deeper truth or a clearer path?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Pharisees struggle so much with the man's simple testimony?**

Answer: The Pharisees struggled with the man's simple testimony primarily due to their spiritual blindness, legalistic rigidity, and fear of losing their authority. They were so entrenched in their interpretations of the Mosaic Law and their traditions, particularly concerning the Sabbath, that they could not accept a miracle that seemingly violated their rules. Their preconceived notions about who the Messiah should be, and their inability to accept Jesus' authority, prevented them from seeing the divine power at work. They were more concerned with classifying Jesus as a "sinner" based on their legal framework than with acknowledging the undeniable evidence of a life transformed. This highlights a tragic irony: they searched the Scriptures, believing that in them they had eternal life, yet they were unwilling to come to Jesus, in whom true life resided ([John 5:39-40](/john/5-39-40 "John 5:39-40 - You Search the Scriptures")).

**What does "I know not" imply about the man's understanding?**

Answer: When the man says, "Whether he be a sinner [or no], I know not," it does not imply a lack of understanding about Jesus' goodness or power. Instead, it signifies his refusal to engage in the Pharisees' legalistic and accusatory framework. He is not a theological scholar or a legal expert; he is a recipient of a profound miracle. His "I know not" is a strategic dismissal of their irrelevant questions and a pivot to the undeniable truth of his personal experience. He is saying, "I don't know or care about your labels or your debates; what I *do* know is the tangible, transformative reality of what happened to me." It emphasizes that his faith is rooted in experience, not in theological speculation or adherence to human-made rules.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous healing of the man born blind and his subsequent declaration in [John 9:25](/john/9-25 "John 9:25 - The Man Born Blind's Unwavering Testimony") find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ as the "Light of the World" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). This physical healing is a profound sign pointing to Christ's greater work of spiritual illumination. Just as Jesus opened the eyes of the physically blind man, He comes to open the eyes of those who are spiritually blind, lost in the darkness of sin and ignorance. This miracle echoes Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah, who would "[open eyes that are blind](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - Opening Blind Eyes")" ([Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - Opening Blind Eyes")), a mission Jesus Himself proclaimed in the synagogue at Nazareth ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4:18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). Through His atoning work, Christ enables individuals to move from spiritual darkness to the marvelous light of God's truth, granting them not just physical sight, but the ability to truly "see" God, understand His will, and experience salvation. The man's simple testimony, "whereas I was blind, now I see," becomes the universal cry of every believer whose spiritual eyes have been opened by the saving grace of Jesus, leading them from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Acts 26:18](/acts/26-18 "Acts 26:18 - Paul's Commission to Open Eyes")).

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 5:11

He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

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.

1 John 5:10

¶ He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.