He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
He {G1565} answered {G611} and {G2532} said {G2036}, Who {G5101} is he {G2076}, Lord {G2962}, that {G2443} I might believe {G4100} on {G1519} him {G846}?
“Sir,” he answered, “tell me who he is, so that I can trust in him.”
“Who is He, Sir?” he replied. “Tell me so that I may believe in Him.”
He answered and said, And who is he, Lord, that I may believe on him?
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.
-
Romans 10:14
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? -
Proverbs 30:3
I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. -
Proverbs 30:4
Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what [is] his name, and what [is] his son's name, if thou canst tell? -
Song Of Solomon 5:9
¶ What [is] thy beloved more than [another] beloved, O thou fairest among women? what [is] thy beloved more than [another] beloved, that thou dost so charge us? -
Matthew 11:3
And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? -
John 1:38
Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
John 9:36 KJV presents a pivotal moment in the spiritual journey of the man born blind, whose physical sight was miraculously restored by Jesus. His question reveals a heart ready for deeper revelation and faith.
Context
This verse immediately follows the dramatic account of Jesus healing a man born blind (John 9:1-7). After his sight was restored, the man faced intense scrutiny and hostility from the Pharisees, who refused to acknowledge the miracle and repeatedly interrogated him and his parents (John 9:13-34). For his unwavering testimony to Jesus, he was eventually cast out of the synagogue. It is at this point, after being ostracized by religious authorities, that Jesus seeks him out, leading to this profound exchange.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The word "Lord" (Greek: κύριε, transliterated as kyrie) used by the man here can be understood in a few ways. Initially, it might simply be a respectful address, akin to "Sir." However, given the context of his search for someone to "believe on," it carries an implicit readiness for a deeper understanding of Jesus' authority and divine nature. It sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent revelation of Himself as the Son of God (John 9:37).
Practical Application
John 9:36 encourages believers to cultivate a genuine, open heart in their spiritual journey. Like the man born blind, we should be eager to know Jesus more deeply and to place our trust fully in Him, even when faced with opposition or misunderstanding from others. This verse reminds us that true faith is not just intellectual assent but a personal encounter and commitment to Christ. It also underscores that Jesus actively pursues those who are seeking Him, ready to reveal Himself to those who ask, "Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?"