John 9:3

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

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}.

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.

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

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

In John 9:3, Jesus directly addresses a common theological question of His time, and one that still resonates today, regarding the cause of suffering. When His disciples inquire whether the man born blind or his parents sinned to cause his affliction, Jesus provides a profound answer that shifts the focus from human culpability to divine purpose.

Context

This verse is part of a narrative where Jesus encounters a man who had been blind from birth. The disciples’ question reflects a widely held belief in ancient Judaism that significant physical ailments or misfortunes were a direct punishment for specific sins, either by the individual or their family. This assumption is seen in other biblical accounts as well, such as when Jesus addresses the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices, challenging the idea that they were worse sinners.

Key Themes

  • Challenging Misconceptions about Suffering: Jesus unequivocally refutes the direct cause-and-effect link between this man's blindness and sin. This statement is crucial, as it corrects a narrow and often judgmental view of suffering. It teaches that not all hardship is a consequence of personal transgression.
  • God's Sovereign Purpose: Instead of focusing on sin, Jesus declares that the man's condition was an opportunity for "the works of God should be made manifest in him." This highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to use any circumstance, even profound suffering, to display His power, glory, and redemptive plan. The ultimate goal was for the works of God to be made manifest, as seen later with Lazarus's illness.
  • Divine Revelation and Glory: The blindness served as a canvas upon which God's healing power and love would be painted. Jesus, as the Light of the World, was about to bring physical and spiritual sight to the man, thereby revealing God's character and authority.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase "should be made manifest" comes from the Greek verb phanerōthē (φανερωθῇ), which means "to be made visible," "to be revealed," or "to be brought into the light." It emphasizes that God's actions and power were not hidden but were intended to be openly displayed through this miracle, so that all could see and understand His involvement.

Practical Application

John 9:3 offers immense comfort and perspective for those grappling with suffering, whether their own or that of loved ones. It teaches us not to quickly attribute all misfortune to personal sin, but rather to look for God's hand and purpose even in difficult situations. It reminds us that God can use our trials, weaknesses, or challenges as opportunities to reveal His strength, grace, and faithfulness. Understanding this verse encourages us to seek how God might be working all things for good and for His glory, even when circumstances seem inexplicable or unjust.

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 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.

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