John 9:29

We know that God spake unto Moses: [as for] this [fellow], we know not from whence he is.

We {G2249} know {G1492} that {G3754} God {G2316} spake {G2980} unto Moses {G3475}: as for this {G1161}{G5126} fellow, we know {G1492} not {G3756} from whence {G4159} he is {G2076}.

We know that God has spoken to Moshe, but as for this fellow — we don’t know where he’s from!”

We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this man is from.”

We know that God hath spoken unto Moses: but as for this man, we know not whence he is.

John 9:29 captures a pivotal moment of conflict between the Jewish religious leaders (Pharisees) and the man born blind, whom Jesus had miraculously healed. This verse highlights their deep-seated prejudice and spiritual blindness concerning Jesus' identity and authority.

Context of John 9:29

This verse is spoken by the Pharisees during their interrogation of the man who was born blind. Jesus had healed him by anointing his eyes with clay and telling him to wash in the pool of Siloam (John 9:7). The healing caused a stir, and the man was brought before the religious authorities. The Pharisees, rigid in their interpretation of the Sabbath law (as Jesus healed on the Sabbath), refused to acknowledge the divine power behind the miracle. They revered Moses as the ultimate prophet through whom God had given the Law (Exodus 20:1), but they could not accept Jesus, a contemporary figure, as having comparable or superior authority.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Rejection of Divine Authority: The Pharisees readily affirmed God's communication with Moses, a cornerstone of their faith. However, they vehemently denied any divine origin or legitimacy for Jesus, whom they contemptuously referred to as "this fellow." This illustrates a common human tendency to accept past revelations while rejecting new manifestations of God's truth that challenge established norms.
  • Spiritual Blindness: Despite overwhelming evidence—the undeniable healing of a man born blind—the Pharisees remained spiritually blind. Their prejudice and commitment to their traditions prevented them from recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. This contrasts sharply with the healed man, who, though formerly physically blind, gained spiritual insight into Jesus' identity (John 9:38).
  • Question of Origin: The phrase "we know not from whence he is" is a critical point of contention throughout John's Gospel. It's not merely about geographical origin but about divine source and authority. The Pharisees believed they knew Jesus' earthly origins (from Nazareth), but they refused to acknowledge His heavenly origin (John 8:14).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "whence" is pothen (πόθεν), which means "from what place, from what source." In this context, it carries a double meaning. While superficially questioning Jesus' geographical origin, the deeper implication for the Pharisees was a denial of His divine authority and legitimacy. They were asserting that His actions did not align with their understanding of God's work, implying He was not from God.

Practical Application

John 9:29 serves as a powerful reminder of how prejudice and adherence to rigid traditions can blind us to God's ongoing work. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we open to new revelations of God's truth, even if they challenge our comfort zones or preconceived notions? The verse encourages humility in seeking truth, rather than relying solely on past understanding or human authority. It underscores that true spiritual sight comes from an open heart willing to acknowledge God's presence and power, even when it appears in unexpected forms.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 8:14

    Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, [yet] my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

  • Hebrews 3:2

    Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses [was faithful] in all his house.

  • Hebrews 3:5

    And Moses verily [was] faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;

  • 1 Kings 22:27

    And say, Thus saith the king, Put this [fellow] in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.

  • Numbers 12:2

    And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard [it].

  • Numbers 12:7

    My servant Moses [is] not so, who [is] faithful in all mine house.

  • John 7:27

    Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.

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