John 9:34

KJV

They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

KJV (with Strong's)

They answered {G611} and {G2532} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Thou {G4771} wast {G1080} altogether {G3650} born {G1080} in {G1722} sins {G266}, and {G2532} dost thou {G4771} teach {G1321} us {G2248}? And {G2532} they cast {G1544} him {G846} out {G1854}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Why, you mamzer!” they retorted, “Are you lecturing us?” And they threw him out.

Berean Standard Bible

They replied, “You were born in utter sin, and you are instructing us?” And they threw him out.

American Standard Version

They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 9:34 marks the climax of the religious leaders' interrogation of the man born blind, whom Jesus had miraculously healed. Unable to deny the miracle yet unwilling to acknowledge Jesus' divine authority, the Pharisees resort to a personal attack, accusing the man of being inherently sinful from birth. Their pride and spiritual blindness are evident in their rhetorical question, challenging his right to "teach" them. The verse culminates in their definitive act of excommunication, forcibly casting him out from the synagogue, a severe social and religious ostracism.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a prolonged and increasingly hostile interrogation by the Jewish religious authorities, primarily the Pharisees, as detailed throughout [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind"). Jesus had miraculously healed the man born blind on the Sabbath, an act that immediately drew controversy. The Pharisees, more concerned with their legalistic interpretations and preserving their authority than with the divine work, repeatedly questioned the man and his parents, seeking to discredit the miracle and Jesus. The man, initially cautious, grows in boldness and spiritual insight, culminating in his profound confession in [John 9:33](/john/9-33 "John 9:33 - The Man's Bold Confession"), where he asserts that if Jesus were not from God, He could do nothing. This bold declaration directly challenges the Pharisees' hardened unbelief and prompts their furious response in verse 34.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, where the Jewish religious establishment, particularly the Pharisees, held significant power and influence. Their authority was deeply intertwined with the interpretation and enforcement of Mosaic Law, including Sabbath regulations. Healing on the Sabbath was considered a violation by many, providing a pretext for their opposition to Jesus. Furthermore, a common belief in ancient Judaism, as evidenced in [John 9:2](/john/9-2 "John 9:2 - Disciples' Question About Sin and Suffering"), was that physical affliction, especially congenital conditions, was a direct consequence of sin, either by the individual or their parents. This theological framework allowed the Pharisees to dismiss the man's testimony by labeling him "born in sins," thereby discrediting his spiritual standing and, by extension, the miracle itself. Excommunication from the synagogue ("casting out") was a severe punishment, leading to social, religious, and often economic isolation.
* **Key Themes:** John 9:34 powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the Gospel of John. Firstly, it highlights the **Misunderstanding of Sin and Suffering**, as the Pharisees' accusation reveals a flawed theology that directly links physical infirmity to personal sin, contrasting with Jesus' teaching that suffering can be for the glory of God (as seen in [John 9:3](/john/9-3 "John 9:3 - Suffering for God's Glory")). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Spiritual Blindness versus Spiritual Sight**. The physically healed man gains profound spiritual insight and faith, while the "seeing" religious leaders remain spiritually blind, unable or unwilling to recognize God's work in Jesus. Their pride and refusal to be "taught" by someone they deem inferior exemplify this spiritual blindness. Finally, the act of "casting out" introduces the theme of **Persecution and Exclusion for Confessing Christ**, foreshadowing the opposition and rejection that followers of Jesus would face from the established religious order, a pattern seen throughout the New Testament (e.g., [John 16:2](/john/16-2 "John 16:2 - You Will Be Put Out of the Synagogues")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **born (Greek, _gennáō'_):** This word signifies to procreate, beget, or be born. In this context, the accusation "Thou wast altogether born in sins" implies an inherent, congenital state of sinfulness. It suggests that the man's very existence, from the moment of his birth, was steeped in sin, making him fundamentally impure and unworthy. This accusation is not merely about past actions but about his very nature, used to invalidate his person and, consequently, his testimony.
* **sins (Greek, _hamartía'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to miss the mark," _hamartía_ refers to a transgression, a moral failing, or an act of sin. When the Pharisees declare the man "born in sins," they are applying a theological judgment, asserting that his congenital blindness was irrefutable proof of a deep, pervasive sinfulness that permeated his being from birth. This was a common, albeit flawed, belief that linked physical affliction directly to divine punishment for sin.
* **cast out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** This verb means "to eject," "to throw out," "to expel," or "to drive out." Coupled with the adverb _éxō_ (out, outside), it denotes a forceful and definitive expulsion. In this context, it refers to excommunication from the synagogue, a formal act by the religious authorities to remove the man from the community. This was not a mere dismissal but a severe, public condemnation that severed his religious, social, and often economic ties, marking him as an outcast.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They answered and said unto him":** The "they" refers to the Jewish religious leaders, specifically the Pharisees, who have been interrogating the man. Their "answer" is not a reasoned response to his logical argument in [John 9:33](/john/9-33 "John 9:33 - The Man's Argument"), but a furious, dismissive retort, indicative of their frustration and inability to refute the miracle. Their tone is authoritative and condescending, reflecting their perceived superiority.
* **"Thou wast altogether born in sins":** This is the core of their accusation, a direct and devastating personal attack. The word "altogether" (Greek, _hólos_) emphasizes the totality of their condemnation, implying that his entire being, from birth, was steeped in sin. This statement serves to discredit the man's character and, by extension, his testimony about Jesus. It reveals their deeply ingrained belief that his congenital blindness was irrefutable proof of his inherent sinfulness, making him an unreliable witness and someone unworthy of God's favor.
* **"and dost thou teach us?":** This rhetorical question drips with sarcasm, arrogance, and contempt. It highlights the Pharisees' immense pride and their refusal to accept truth or instruction from someone they considered socially and spiritually inferior, especially one whom they believed was "born in sins." They saw themselves as the authoritative teachers of Israel, and the idea of a blind beggar instructing them was an intolerable affront to their status and dignity.
* **"And they cast him out":** This is the decisive action, the ultimate consequence of the man's bold confession and the Pharisees' hardened hearts. "Casting out" (excommunication) meant formal exclusion from the synagogue and the Jewish community. This act was designed to isolate him socially, religiously, and often economically, serving as a warning to others who might be inclined to believe in Jesus. It signifies the complete rejection of the man by the religious establishment due to his unwavering testimony.

#### Literary Devices
John 9:34 is rich with **Irony**. The physically blind man gains spiritual sight, recognizing Jesus as a prophet and from God, while the "seeing" religious leaders remain spiritually blind, unable to perceive God's work or the true identity of Jesus. Their accusation that the man was "born in sins" is ironic given their own profound spiritual sin of unbelief and pride. There is also a stark **Contrast** between the man's growing boldness and spiritual clarity and the Pharisees' increasing hostility and intellectual dishonesty. The act of "casting out" functions as **Symbolism**, representing the broader rejection of Jesus and His followers by the religious establishment, foreshadowing the separation of the early Christian community from Judaism.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 9:34 profoundly illustrates the spiritual battle between light and darkness, faith and unbelief. The Pharisees' response reveals a distorted understanding of sin and suffering, clinging to a legalistic framework that blinded them to God's redemptive work. Their pride prevented them from acknowledging a miracle that did not fit their preconceived notions, leading them to reject divine truth and resort to personal attacks and excommunication. This event underscores that true spiritual sight is not dependent on physical vision or religious status, but on humility and a willingness to believe in Jesus. The man's expulsion, though painful, ultimately leads him to a deeper encounter with Jesus, highlighting that rejection by the world can lead to greater acceptance by God.

* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts Are Higher Than Ours")
* [Luke 6:22](/luke/6-22 "Luke 6:22 - Blessed When People Hate You")
* [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World Will Hate You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The powerful exchange in John 9:34 challenges us to examine our own hearts and assumptions. We are prone to judging others based on outward circumstances or perceived flaws, much like the Pharisees attributed the man's blindness to sin. This verse calls us to cultivate humility, recognizing that spiritual insight comes from God, not from our own wisdom, status, or education. It encourages us to be open to truth, even when it comes from unexpected or seemingly unqualified sources. Furthermore, the man's courage in confessing Jesus, despite the severe consequences, serves as a powerful model for believers today. Following Christ may indeed lead to misunderstanding, ridicule, or even social exclusion from those who oppose His truth. However, the narrative reminds us that true acceptance and belonging are found not in human institutions or approval, but in the unwavering embrace of Jesus Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, like the Pharisees, be tempted to judge others based on their circumstances or perceived "sins," rather than seeking God's perspective?**
* **What forms of pride or intellectual arrogance might prevent us from receiving truth, especially when it challenges our preconceived notions or comes from unexpected sources?**
* **How does the man's courage inspire us to stand firm in our faith and share our testimony, even when facing opposition or the risk of social exclusion?**
* **Where do we ultimately seek our validation and belonging: from human approval or from God's acceptance?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Pharisees believe the man was "born in sins"?**

Answer: The belief that physical ailments, especially congenital ones like blindness from birth, were a direct consequence of sin was a common theological view in ancient Judaism. This is evident in the disciples' question to Jesus in [John 9:2](/john/9-2 "John 9:2 - Disciples' Question About Sin and Suffering"), "Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" The Pharisees, adhering to this traditional interpretation, used the man's birth condition as irrefutable proof of his inherent sinfulness. This allowed them to dismiss his testimony and the miracle itself, as they believed God would not work through someone so utterly defiled.

**What was the significance of being "cast out" from the synagogue?**

Answer: Being "cast out" (excommunicated) from the synagogue was an extremely severe form of punishment in ancient Jewish society. It meant formal exclusion from the religious community, which was the center of social, cultural, and economic life. An excommunicated person would be shunned, unable to participate in worship, communal meals, or social gatherings. They might lose their livelihood and be treated as an outcast, ritually unclean. This act was intended to isolate the individual and serve as a stark warning to others who might consider aligning with Jesus, effectively severing all ties with their former community and family.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic expulsion of the man born blind in [John 9:34](/john/9-34 "John 9:34 - The Man Cast Out") finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The man, rejected and cast out by the religious authorities for confessing Jesus, is immediately sought out by Jesus Himself in [John 9:35](/john/9-35 "John 9:35 - Jesus Finds the Man"). This act beautifully foreshadows Jesus' own experience of rejection and His embrace of the outcast. Jesus, the true Light of the World, was ultimately "cast out" by the very religious establishment He came to save, suffering outside the city gate to sanctify His people ([Hebrews 13:12-13](/hebrews/13-12-13 "Hebrews 13:12-13 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")). He became the ultimate "sinner" in the eyes of the world, bearing the sins of humanity on the cross, so that those who are "born in sins" might be regenerated and brought into God's family ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The man's excommunication for confessing Jesus prefigures the experience of all believers who, through faith in Christ, are often rejected by the world but find ultimate acceptance, belonging, and spiritual sight in Him ([Matthew 10:32-33](/matthew/10-32-33 "Matthew 10:32-33 - Confessing Christ Before Men")). Jesus welcomes those whom the world casts out, offering them not just physical healing, but eternal life and true spiritual belonging.

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 9:2

And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

John 9:22

These [words] spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.

Isaiah 66:5

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

Genesis 19:9

And they said, Stand back. And they said [again], This one [fellow] came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, [even] Lot, and came near to break the door.

Luke 18:17

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

Job 25:4

How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean [that is] born of a woman?

Psalms 51:5

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.