John 9:3

KJV

Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} answered {G611}, Neither {G3777} hath {G264} this man {G3778} sinned {G264}, nor {G3777} his {G846} parents {G1118}: but {G235} that {G2443} the works {G2041} of God {G2316} should be made manifest {G5319} in {G1722} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua answered, “His blindness is due neither to his sin nor to that of his parents; it happened so that God’s power might be seen at work in him.

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him.

American Standard Version

Jesus answered, Neither did this man sin, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 9:3, Jesus profoundly redefines the understanding of suffering, directly challenging the common ancient belief that physical affliction was a direct consequence of personal or ancestral sin. When His disciples inquire about the cause of a man's congenital blindness, Jesus unequivocally declares that neither the man nor his parents sinned to cause his condition. Instead, He reveals a higher, redemptive purpose: that the man's lifelong blindness served as a divinely ordained canvas upon which the powerful and glorious "works of God" would be openly displayed and made manifest through Jesus's healing power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the beginning of John Chapter 9, a pivotal narrative in John's Gospel that immediately follows Jesus's declaration as the "Light of the World" in [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"). The encounter with the man born blind provides a concrete demonstration of this claim. The disciples' question in [John 9:2](/john/9-2 "John 9:2 - Disciples' Question about Suffering") reflects a prevailing theological assumption, setting the stage for Jesus's revolutionary answer in [John 9:3](/john/9-3 "John 9:3 - Jesus's Answer on Suffering's Purpose"). The subsequent healing of the man and the ensuing conflict with the Pharisees, who are spiritually blind despite their physical sight, further underscore the chapter's central theme of spiritual discernment and the true identity of Jesus as the Son of God. The narrative arc moves from a theological question to a miraculous act, culminating in a profound spiritual revelation for the man and a stark exposure of the Pharisees' unbelief.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish thought, there was a widespread belief, often rooted in interpretations of Old Testament passages (e.g., [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - Visiting Iniquity on Generations")), that severe physical ailments or misfortunes were direct divine punishments for specific sins. This could be the sin of the afflicted individual (even in the womb, a concept debated by rabbis) or the sins of their parents or ancestors. This perspective often led to judgment and ostracism for those suffering from chronic illnesses or disabilities. The disciples' question, "Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" ([John 9:2](/john/9-2 "John 9:2 - Disciples' Question about Suffering")), perfectly encapsulates this prevailing cultural and theological assumption. Jesus's response, therefore, was not merely a clarification but a radical reorientation of their understanding of suffering, challenging a deeply entrenched worldview and offering a more nuanced and redemptive perspective.
* **Key Themes:** John 9:3 powerfully contributes to several key themes within John's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it **challenges misconceptions about suffering**, directly refuting the simplistic cause-and-effect link between sin and all forms of affliction. Jesus's declaration corrects a narrow and often judgmental view, teaching that not all hardship is a direct consequence of personal transgression, as also seen when [Jesus addresses the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices](/luke/13-2 "Luke 13:2 - Jesus Challenges Assumptions about Sin and Suffering"). Secondly, it highlights **God's sovereign purpose** in all circumstances. Instead of focusing on human culpability, Jesus redirects attention to God's ability to use any situation, even profound suffering, to display His power, glory, and redemptive plan. This aligns with the purpose of Lazarus's illness, which was also "for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it" ([John 11:4](/john/11-4 "John 11:4 - Lazarus's Illness for God's Glory")). Finally, the verse underscores **divine revelation and glory** through Jesus's actions. The man's blindness served as a profound opportunity for God's healing power and love to be publicly demonstrated, revealing Jesus's true identity as the "Light of the World" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus Declares Himself the Light of the World")) and the Son of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **answered (Greek, _apokrínom_'):** From the provided Strong's data, G611 indicates "to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond; by Hebraism (compare עָנָה) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)." This highlights that Jesus's response is not merely a quick retort but a considered, authoritative declaration, addressing a deep-seated theological question and initiating a profound teaching.
* **sinned (Greek, _hamartánō_'):** G264 defines this as "properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e. (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin." Jesus's direct denial that the man or his parents "missed the mark" in a way that caused this specific affliction is a crucial refutation of the prevailing belief system, shifting the focus away from human failure as the sole explanation for suffering.
* **works (Greek, _érgon_'):** G2041 refers to "toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act." In this context, "works of God" refers to God's active deeds, His powerful interventions, and manifestations of His divine nature. Jesus is declaring that the man's condition is a stage for God's active, visible demonstration of His power and glory, rather than a consequence of sin.
* **manifest (Greek, _phaneróō_'):** G5319 means "to render apparent (literally or figuratively):--appear, manifestly declare, (make) manifest (forth), shew (self)." This word emphasizes the open, public, and undeniable display of God's power. The purpose of the man's blindness was not to hide God's judgment, but to reveal His glory in a way that all could clearly see and understand.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus answered, 'Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents:'"**: This opening clause immediately addresses and refutes the disciples' premise. Jesus directly negates the popular theological assumption that the man's congenital blindness was a punitive consequence of either his own sin (perhaps pre-birth or in a previous life, a concept debated in some Jewish circles) or his parents' transgressions. This is a critical theological correction, challenging a judgmental and often simplistic view of suffering that attributed all misfortune to personal moral failing.
* **"but that the works of God should be made manifest in him."**: Following the strong adversative "but" (Greek, _allá'_), Jesus pivots from human culpability to divine purpose. The man's condition, far from being a sign of divine wrath, was an opportunity for God's powerful, redemptive, and glorious actions ("the works of God") to be openly displayed ("made manifest") through him. This shifts the narrative from a focus on why suffering occurs to how God can use suffering for His greater glory and revelation, transforming a perceived curse into a canvas for divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
John 9:3 employs several powerful literary devices. Most prominently, there is a strong **Contrast** between the disciples' assumption of sin as the cause of suffering and Jesus's revelation of divine purpose. This sets up a theological **Reversal**, where what was perceived as a sign of judgment is reframed as an opportunity for glory. The phrase "that the works of God should be made manifest in him" functions as a **Teleological Statement**, clearly articulating the ultimate purpose or end goal behind the man's condition. Furthermore, the entire narrative of the blind man's healing in [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - The Healing of the Man Born Blind") serves as a profound **Symbolism** of spiritual blindness versus spiritual sight, with the physical healing pointing to Jesus's power to grant spiritual understanding and salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 9:3 presents a profound theological truth that transcends the immediate context of the blind man, offering a corrective lens through which to view suffering. It teaches us that not all suffering is punitive; rather, God can sovereignly permit or orchestrate circumstances, including hardship, for redemptive and revelatory purposes. This verse underscores God's ultimate control and His ability to turn what appears to be a tragedy into a platform for His glory. It challenges believers to look beyond immediate causes and seek God's overarching purpose, reminding us that even in our weaknesses and trials, God's strength and grace can be most powerfully displayed. This perspective transforms suffering from a source of shame or despair into an opportunity for divine manifestation.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Power in Weakness")
* [Philippians 1:12](/philippians/1-12 "Philippians 1:12 - Paul's Imprisonment for Gospel Advancement")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 9:3 offers immense comfort and a crucial shift in perspective for anyone grappling with suffering, whether their own or that of loved ones. It liberates us from the often-burdening and false assumption that all misfortune is a direct consequence of personal sin, a view that can lead to self-condemnation or judgmental attitudes towards others. Instead, Jesus invites us to consider a higher, divine purpose in our trials. This verse encourages us to look for God's hand and His redemptive work even in the most inexplicable or painful circumstances. It reminds us that God is sovereign and can use our weaknesses, challenges, or perceived limitations as powerful opportunities to reveal His strength, grace, and faithfulness. Understanding this, we are called not to despair in suffering, but to seek how God might be working all things for His glory and for the advancement of His kingdom, transforming our trials into testimonies of His power and love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's response in John 9:3 challenge your own assumptions or cultural beliefs about the causes of suffering?**
* **Can you identify a time in your life when a difficult circumstance, initially perceived as negative, ultimately revealed "the works of God" in an unexpected way?**
* **In what ways might God be seeking to "make manifest His works" through your current challenges or perceived weaknesses?**

### FAQ
**Does John 9:3 mean that sin never causes suffering?**

Answer: No, John 9:3 does not negate the biblical principle that sin can and often does lead to negative consequences and suffering, both for individuals and communities. For example, the Bible clearly teaches that "the wages of sin is death" ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). What Jesus clarifies in this specific instance is that *not all* suffering is a direct, punitive result of *specific* sin. He challenges the simplistic, one-to-one correlation that the disciples and many in that culture assumed. His point is that there are other divine purposes for suffering beyond punishment, such as the manifestation of God's glory and power. Therefore, while sin certainly brings suffering into the world, we must be careful not to attribute every instance of suffering to a particular sin, as God often uses trials for His redemptive and revelatory purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 9:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of "the works of God" being made manifest. The man's blindness was not merely an occasion for a miracle, but a stage for the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World") to shine. Jesus, through His healing, demonstrates God's power over physical brokenness, foreshadowing His greater work of overcoming spiritual blindness and sin. The "works of God" that were made manifest in the blind man's healing ultimately point to the cross and resurrection, where God's greatest work of redemption was accomplished. Through His suffering and death, Jesus bore the true consequences of humanity's sin, not for His own transgression, but "that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the temporary physical healing of the blind man serves as a powerful sign pointing to Christ's ultimate mission: to open the eyes of the spiritually blind and bring them into the glorious light of God's saving grace, fulfilling the very purpose of God's works being made manifest in and through Him.

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 11:4

When Jesus heard [that], he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

Ecclesiastes 9:1

¶ For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, [are] in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred [by] all [that is] before them.

Ecclesiastes 9:2

All [things come] alike to all: [there is] one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as [is] the good, so [is] the sinner; [and] he that sweareth, as [he] that feareth an oath.

John 11:40

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

Job 42:7

¶ And it was [so], that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me [the thing that is] right, as my servant Job [hath].

Matthew 11:5

The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

Job 2:3

And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.