John 9:27

KJV

He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear [it] again? will ye also be his disciples?

KJV (with Strong's)

He answered {G611} them {G846}, I have told {G2036} you {G5213} already {G2235}, and {G2532} ye did {G191} not {G3756} hear {G191}: wherefore {G5101} would {G2309} ye hear {G191} it again {G3825}? will {G3361}{G2309} ye {G5210} also {G2532} be {G1096} his {G846} disciples {G3101}?

Complete Jewish Bible

“I already told you,” he answered, “and you didn’t listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Maybe you too want to become his talmidim?”

Berean Standard Bible

He replied, “I already told you, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?”

American Standard Version

He answered them, I told you even now, and ye did not hear; wherefore would ye hear it again? would ye also become his disciples?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 9:27 captures the exasperated yet bold response of the man born blind, whom Jesus had miraculously healed. Having repeatedly recounted his experience to the skeptical Pharisees, who sought to discredit Jesus rather than acknowledge the divine miracle, the man's patience wears thin. His sharp, rhetorical questions expose their willful spiritual blindness and challenge their true motives, subtly inviting him to consider the implications of Jesus' identity and power, even as he himself demonstrates an emerging loyalty to Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extended and dramatic narrative of [John chapter 9](/john/9 "John 9 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind"), which details Jesus' healing of a man born blind from birth on the Sabbath. The miracle itself, described in [John 9:6-7](/john/9-6-7 "John 9:6-7 - Jesus Heals the Blind Man"), immediately sparks intense controversy among the Jewish religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees. Instead of rejoicing, they are consumed by legalistic questions about the Sabbath and the identity of the healer. The healed man is subjected to multiple interrogations by the Pharisees, first alone, then with his parents, and finally again by himself. His testimony grows progressively bolder, culminating in this verse where his patience with their obstinate unbelief reaches its limit, leading him to directly challenge their persistent questioning and spiritual obtuseness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The healing on the Sabbath was a highly contentious issue in first-century Judaism, as it challenged the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of Mosaic Law regarding work on the holy day. Their primary concern was not the man's restored sight but whether Jesus had violated their traditions. Furthermore, being born blind was often associated with sin (as seen in [John 9:2](/john/9-2 "John 9:2 - Disciples Ask About Sin and Blindness")), and healing such a condition was considered a profound act of God, often reserved for the Messiah. The Pharisees, as guardians of the Law and tradition, held significant social and religious authority. Their ability to "cast out of the synagogue" ([John 9:22](/john/9-22 "John 9:22 - Fear of Expulsion from the Synagogue")) was a severe punishment, leading to social ostracization and religious exclusion, highlighting the immense courage required for the man to stand his ground against them.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **spiritual blindness versus physical sight**. While the man gains physical sight, the Pharisees demonstrate profound spiritual blindness, refusing to see the clear evidence of God's work in Jesus. Secondly, it underscores the **persistence of unbelief** in the face of undeniable truth. Despite the miracle's clear manifestation, the religious leaders cling to their hardened hearts and preconceived notions, illustrating the human capacity to reject divine revelation. Thirdly, the man's response signals his **emerging discipleship and courageous testimony**. His bold defense of Jesus, even under intense pressure and the threat of excommunication, marks him as a true follower, willing to suffer for his conviction, a quality characteristic of those who genuinely believe in Jesus as the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **answered (Greek, _apokrínomai'_):** This verb (G611) means "to conclude for oneself, i.e., to respond." In this context, it signifies not merely a reply but a decisive, perhaps even sharp, retort. The man is not just giving information; he is asserting his position and challenging his interrogators, indicating a shift from passive recounting to active confrontation.
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** The word (G191) means "to hear (in various senses)," including giving audience, understanding, or obeying. In the phrase "ye did not hear," it implies a willful refusal to comprehend or accept the truth, rather than a mere inability to perceive sound. It points to a deeper spiritual deafness and an unwillingness to be persuaded by the evidence.
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** This noun (G3101) refers to "a learner, i.e., pupil." The man's sarcastic question, "will ye also be his disciples?", is a direct challenge to the Pharisees' allegiance. He uses their own term of association with a teacher to highlight the absurdity of their persistent questioning if they have no intention of learning from or following Jesus. It forces them to confront the very real possibility of aligning with the one they seek to condemn.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He answered them,"**: This simple opening sets the stage for the man's direct and unyielding response. It signals a turning point in the interrogation, where the healed man takes control of the conversation, no longer merely a passive subject of inquiry but an active participant expressing his frustration and conviction.
* **"I have told you already, and ye did not hear:"**: This clause expresses the man's profound exasperation. The phrase "I have told you already" (using G2235 _ḗdē_, "already") emphasizes the repetitive nature of their questioning and his repeated, consistent testimony. The crucial part, "ye did not hear," goes beyond a physical inability to listen; it denotes a willful refusal to comprehend, accept, or internalize the truth he had presented. It highlights their spiritual deafness and hardened hearts.
* **"wherefore would ye hear [it] again?"**: This is a rhetorical question born of frustration. The man implies that if they refused to "hear" (understand and accept) his testimony the first time, despite its clarity, what possible purpose could another repetition serve? It underscores the futility of their continued interrogation if their minds are already closed to the truth.
* **"will ye also be his disciples?"**: This is the most pointed and sarcastic question. The particle "will" (G2309 _thélō_, "to wish, be inclined to") combined with "also" and the negative interrogative particle "will" (G3361 _mḗ_, implying a negative answer) creates a strong rhetorical challenge. The man is essentially saying, "Surely you don't *also* want to become his disciples, do you?" He is forcing them to confront the logical conclusion of their intense interest: if they are so curious about Jesus, perhaps they should consider following him, exposing the hypocrisy of their investigative pretense.

#### Literary Devices
The man's response in John 9:27 is rich with literary devices that amplify its impact. Most notably, **Rhetorical Question** is employed twice: "wherefore would ye hear [it] again?" and "will ye also be his disciples?". These are not questions seeking information but rather statements designed to make a point, to expose the absurdity and hypocrisy of the Pharisees' persistent unbelief. The second rhetorical question, in particular, is imbued with profound **Irony** and **Sarcasm**. The man, a former blind beggar, ironically challenges the learned religious leaders to consider becoming disciples of the very man they seek to condemn. This sarcastic tone highlights the stark contrast between the man's clear spiritual insight and the Pharisees' profound spiritual blindness. Furthermore, the repeated phrase "ye did not hear" functions as a form of **Repetition** (though the man only says it once, it implies his prior repeated testimony), emphasizing the stubbornness of their unbelief and the futility of his efforts to convince them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 9:27 serves as a powerful illustration of the human tendency to reject truth when it conflicts with preconceived notions, self-interest, or established traditions. The Pharisees' refusal to "hear" is not a lack of auditory perception but a profound spiritual resistance to God's revelation in Jesus. This passage underscores the theological truth that belief is not merely intellectual assent to facts but a willingness of the heart to receive and respond to divine light. The healed man's growing boldness, in contrast, showcases the transformative power of encountering Christ and the courage required to bear witness to that truth, even when it leads to social and religious ostracization. His journey from physical blindness to spiritual insight and courageous testimony mirrors the path of true discipleship, where one's allegiance to Christ supersedes all other loyalties and fears.

* [John 3:19-20](/john/3-19-20 "John 3:19-20 - Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light")
* [Matthew 13:13-15](/matthew/13-13-15 "Matthew 13:13-15 - Why Jesus Speaks in Parables")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The man born blind, now healed, offers a profound lesson in conviction and courage. His exasperated yet defiant response to the Pharisees challenges us to consider our own posture towards truth, especially when it comes from unexpected sources or challenges our comfortable paradigms. Are we genuinely open to hearing and accepting truth, or do we, like the Pharisees, allow our biases, traditions, or self-interest to blind us to clear evidence? This passage encourages us to stand firm in our testimony of Jesus, even when faced with skepticism, ridicule, or opposition. It reminds us that true discipleship often involves a willingness to be misunderstood, ostracized, or even persecuted for the sake of Christ and His truth. Our response to the undeniable work of God should be one of humble acceptance and faithful allegiance, not stubborn resistance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually blind, refusing to "hear" truths that challenge my comfort or preconceived notions?**
* **How willing am I to stand firm in my convictions about Christ, even when it means facing opposition or social discomfort?**
* **What motivates my questions and inquiries about spiritual matters? Am I genuinely seeking truth, or am I looking for reasons to dismiss it?**

### FAQ
**Why did the man respond with such exasperation?**

Answer: The man's exasperation stemmed from the Pharisees' willful and persistent unbelief. He had already clearly and consistently recounted his healing story, providing undeniable evidence of Jesus' miraculous power. However, the Pharisees were not interested in the truth of the miracle but rather in finding a pretext to condemn Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. Their repeated questioning, despite his clear testimony, revealed their hardened hearts and spiritual blindness, leading him to a point of profound frustration with their deliberate refusal to acknowledge what was plainly evident. His exasperation is a natural human response to encountering obstinate, illogical resistance to truth.

**What does "ye did not hear" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "ye did not hear" (Greek: _ouk ēkousate_) goes far beyond a simple failure of auditory perception. It signifies a deeper, spiritual deafness—a willful refusal to comprehend, accept, or obey the truth that was presented. It implies that the Pharisees physically heard his words, but they chose not to internalize or believe them. This spiritual deafness is a recurring theme in John's Gospel, where many, despite witnessing Jesus' signs and hearing His teachings, remain closed to His divine identity and mission, preferring their own traditions or self-righteousness over the [light of truth](/john/1-4-5 "John 1:4-5 - The Light Shines in the Darkness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter in John 9:27, particularly the healed man's bold challenge to the Pharisees, powerfully foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle between light and darkness, belief and unbelief, centered on the person of Jesus Christ. The man's physical healing by Jesus, the [Light of the World](/john/9-5 "John 9:5 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), symbolizes the spiritual enlightenment that Christ brings to those who are spiritually blind. The Pharisees' stubborn refusal to "hear" and their subsequent expulsion of the man from the synagogue ([John 9:34](/john/9-34 "John 9:34 - The Man is Cast Out")) perfectly illustrate how Christ, the ultimate truth, divides humanity. Those who embrace Him receive spiritual sight and become His disciples, even at great personal cost, as seen in the man's later worship of Jesus ([John 9:38](/john/9-38 "John 9:38 - The Man Worships Jesus")). Conversely, those who reject Him, despite overwhelming evidence, remain in their spiritual darkness, unable to comprehend or accept the [truth that sets free](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Will Set You Free"). This narrative, therefore, is a microcosm of the gospel's impact: Jesus comes to bring sight to the blind, and those who refuse to see become all the more culpable in their unbelief, fulfilling the very purpose of Christ's coming to judge the world ([John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus Came for Judgment")).

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

Luke 22:67

Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:

John 9:10

Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?

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.