John 9:35

KJV

¶ Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} heard {G191} that {G3754} they had cast {G1544} him {G846} out {G1854}; and {G2532} when he had found {G2147} him {G846}, he said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Dost {G4100} thou {G4771} believe {G4100} on {G1519} the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua heard that they had thrown the man out. He found him and said, “Do you trust in the Son of Man?”

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, He found the man and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

American Standard Version

Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and finding him, he said, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures a tender and pivotal moment in the life of the man born blind, immediately following his dramatic healing and subsequent excommunication from the synagogue by the religious authorities. In this verse, Jesus actively seeks out the man who has been ostracized for his testimony, initiating a profound spiritual encounter by directly asking him about his belief in the Son of God, thereby elevating the man's physical healing to a deeper, saving faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the theological climax of the narrative in [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - Healing of the Man Born Blind"). The preceding verses detail Jesus' miraculous healing of a man born blind, an act that immediately provokes intense controversy among the Jewish religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees. They interrogate the healed man and his parents, seeking to discredit the miracle and Jesus' authority. The man, despite their threats, boldly testifies to Jesus' power and identity, leading to his [expulsion from the synagogue](/john/9-22 "John 9:22 - The Decree of Excommunication"). This excommunication sets the stage for Jesus' compassionate pursuit of the man, demonstrating His care for those marginalized for their faith. The narrative moves from physical sight to spiritual insight, culminating in the man's confession and worship in [John 9:38](/john/9-38 "John 9:38 - The Man's Confession and Worship").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of being "cast out" (excommunicated) from the synagogue in first-century Judaism was a severe form of social and religious ostracization. It meant exclusion from community life, religious services, and often, economic livelihood. Such a decree, as mentioned in [John 9:22](/john/9-22 "John 9:22 - The Threat of Excommunication"), was a powerful tool used by the religious authorities to maintain control and suppress dissenting views, particularly those that affirmed Jesus as the Messiah. For the man born blind, who was already marginalized by his disability, this expulsion represented a profound loss of identity and community. Jesus' act of seeking him out directly counters this societal rejection, highlighting His radical inclusion of the outcast and His challenge to the established religious order.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Compassion and Pursuit**. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, actively seeks out the one who has been scattered and rejected by the religious establishment, demonstrating His profound care for the marginalized and persecuted, echoing the theme of [Jesus seeking the lost](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Seeks the Lost"). Secondly, the narrative illustrates the **Progression from Physical to Spiritual Sight**. The man's journey is an allegory for spiritual awakening: he first receives physical sight, then gradually gains spiritual insight, moving from acknowledging Jesus as a "prophet" ([John 9:17](/john/9-17 "John 9:17 - The Man's Initial Assessment")) to one "from God" ([John 9:33](/john/9-33 "John 9:33 - The Man's Growing Conviction")), culminating in his recognition of Jesus as the "Son of God" in this verse. Finally, the verse highlights the **Centrality of Jesus' Identity**. Jesus' direct question about belief in the "Son of God" is the narrative's climax, moving beyond His miraculous works to the fundamental question of His divine personhood. This belief is presented as essential for [receiving eternal life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** A primary verb meaning to hear in various senses, including to give audience, to understand, or to be reported. Here, it signifies that Jesus was fully aware of the man's expulsion, implying not just auditory reception but a knowing comprehension of the injustice inflicted upon him.
* **found (Greek, _heurískō'_):** A prolonged form of a primary verb meaning to find, get, obtain, perceive, or see. This word emphasizes Jesus' active and intentional search for the man. It suggests a deliberate pursuit to reconnect with someone who had been cast out, highlighting Jesus' initiative in seeking out the marginalized.
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From _pístis_ (faith), this verb means to have faith in, upon, or with respect to a person or thing; to credit; by implication, to entrust one's spiritual well-being. It denotes more than mere intellectual assent; it implies trust, commitment, and reliance, particularly in the context of entrusting oneself to Christ.
* **on (Greek, _eis'_):** A primary preposition meaning "to" or "into," indicating the point reached or entered, often implying purpose or result. In the phrase "believe on," it signifies a commitment that moves "into" the person of the Son of God, emphasizing a deep, transformative union with Him through faith, rather than just believing facts about Him.
* **Son (Greek, _huiós'_):** Apparently a primary word meaning "a son," used widely of kinship. In the context of "Son of God," it denotes a unique, divine relationship, signifying identity and essence rather than merely a familial role. This title unequivocally declares Jesus' divine nature and His unique relationship with God the Father.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus heard that they had cast him out;":** This clause reveals Jesus' omniscience and compassionate awareness. He did not need to be told directly; He knew the man's fate at the hands of the religious authorities. The phrase "cast him out" (Greek: _ekbállō éxō_) emphasizes the forceful and complete expulsion from the synagogue, underscoring the man's vulnerable and isolated state.
* **"and when he had found him, he said unto him,":** This demonstrates Jesus' active pursuit and personal care. Unlike the religious leaders who rejected the man, Jesus deliberately sought him out. The act of "finding" him signifies Jesus' unwavering commitment to those who suffer for His name, initiating a personal encounter that transcends physical healing to spiritual revelation.
* **"Dost thou believe on the Son of God?":** This is the pivotal question of the entire narrative, shifting the focus from the miracle itself to the identity of the Miracle-Worker. Jesus directly challenges the man to move beyond acknowledging Him as a prophet or a man from God, to a full confession of His divine personhood as the "Son of God." This question is not merely informational but volitional, inviting the man to a saving relationship of faith.

#### Literary Devices
The verse makes powerful use of several literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is evident as the religious authorities, who claim to possess spiritual insight, are spiritually blind and cast out the one who has received both physical and spiritual sight. Conversely, Jesus, whom they reject, actively seeks out and embraces the outcast. The question "Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" serves as the **Climax** of the entire narrative, moving beyond the physical miracle to the profound theological truth of Jesus' identity, demanding a personal response of faith. Furthermore, the progression of the man's understanding from physical blindness to physical sight, and then to spiritual insight and belief in the Son of God, functions as powerful **Symbolism** for the journey of faith from spiritual darkness to light, and from mere intellectual assent to saving belief.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The question "Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" is foundational to Christian theology, encapsulating the core of saving faith. The title "Son of God" (Greek: _huios tou Theou_) is one of the most significant Christological declarations in the New Testament, unequivocally asserting Jesus' divine nature, His unique relationship with God the Father, and His authority as the Messiah. It is a claim to deity that sets Jesus apart from all others and forms the very basis of saving faith. The man's subsequent confession and worship in [John 9:38](/john/9-38 "John 9:38 - The Man's Confession and Worship") demonstrates his profound understanding and acceptance of this truth, leading to his spiritual salvation. This encounter underscores that true belief in Jesus involves recognizing and trusting in His divine personhood, not just His miraculous works.

* [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession of Christ")
* [John 10:36](/john/10-36 "John 10:36 - Jesus Claims to be the Son of God")
* [1 John 5:13](/1_john/5-13 "1 John 5:13 - Purpose of John's Gospel for Belief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 9:35 offers profound encouragement and a timeless challenge for believers today. In a world that often marginalizes or rejects those who stand firm in their faith, this verse reminds us that Jesus actively seeks out and embraces those who are cast out for His name's sake. His compassion extends beyond physical needs to the deepest spiritual longing for belonging and truth. The question, "Dost thou believe on the Son of God?", remains profoundly relevant for every individual. It calls us to move beyond a superficial understanding of Jesus as merely a good teacher, a historical figure, or even a miracle worker, to a transformative, personal confession of Him as the divine Son of God, worthy of our complete trust, allegiance, and worship. Our journey of faith, like that of the man born blind, should be a progression towards deeper spiritual insight and unwavering commitment, even when it comes at a personal cost. This passage affirms that confessing Christ publicly, even in the face of rejection, is met with Jesus' personal affirmation and revelation, leading to true spiritual sight and eternal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' pursuit of the man who was cast out challenge my understanding of God's compassion for the marginalized?**
* **In what ways has my own journey of faith progressed from physical or intellectual understanding to a deeper, personal belief in Jesus as the Son of God?**
* **What might it mean for me to "believe on the Son of God" in a way that impacts my daily life and choices?**
* **Are there areas in my life where I am hesitant to confess Jesus publicly, and what can I learn from the man born blind's courageous testimony?**

### FAQ

**Why was it important for Jesus to find the man after he was cast out?**

Answer: It was crucial for several reasons. First, it demonstrated Jesus' profound compassion and active pursuit of those who suffer for His name. The man had been ostracized by the religious establishment precisely because he testified to Jesus' power ([John 9:22-34](/john/9-22-34 "John 9:22-34 - The Man's Interrogation and Expulsion")). Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, seeks out the one who has been scattered ([Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11-16 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God as the Good Shepherd")). Second, it allowed Jesus to complete the man's healing journey, moving from physical sight to spiritual sight. The man's physical healing was a prelude to his spiritual transformation, culminating in his confession of Jesus as the Son of God and his worship ([John 9:38](/john/9-38 "John 9:38 - The Man's Confession and Worship")). This encounter solidified his faith and provided him with a new community in Christ, replacing the one he lost.

**What is the significance of the title "Son of God" in this context?**

Answer: The title "Son of God" in [John 9:35](/john/9-35 "John 9:35 - Jesus Asks About Belief in the Son of God") is of paramount significance. In the Gospel of John, it is a direct claim to Jesus' divine nature and His unique, intimate relationship with God the Father. It signifies His pre-existence, His equality with God, and His authority as the Messiah and the divine revealer. Unlike other titles the man might have used (e.g., "prophet" in [John 9:17](/john/9-17 "John 9:17 - The Man's Initial Assessment")), "Son of God" unequivocally declares Jesus' deity. For the man born blind, believing "on the Son of God" meant moving beyond a recognition of Jesus' miraculous power to a saving faith in His divine personhood, which is the cornerstone of Christian belief and the path to eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 9:35 profoundly illustrates Christ's redemptive mission and His identity as the promised Messiah. Jesus, the Light of the World ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), not only restores physical sight but, more importantly, reveals Himself as the source of spiritual sight and eternal life. His active pursuit of the man cast out by the religious establishment foreshadows His ultimate work of gathering a new people, a spiritual Israel, who believe in Him, irrespective of their social or religious standing. The question, "Dost thou believe on the Son of God?", is the ultimate Christ-centered question, moving the narrative from a display of power to a demand for faith in His divine person. This encounter prefigures the universal call to salvation, where all who confess Jesus as the Son of God are welcomed into His kingdom, fulfilling the prophecies of a compassionate Shepherd who seeks and saves the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Seeks the Lost")). The man's confession and worship in [John 9:38](/john/9-38 "John 9:38 - The Man's Confession and Worship") represent the perfect response to Christ's revelation, embodying the very purpose of the Gospel of John—that people "may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" ([John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")).

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 20:31

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

1 John 5:13

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

John 10:36

Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

John 20:28

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

Psalms 2:12

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish [from] the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed [are] all they that put their trust in him.

1 John 5:10

¶ He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

Acts 8:36

And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?