John 9:36

KJV

He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

“Sir,” he answered, “tell me who he is, so that I can trust in him.”

Berean Standard Bible

“Who is He, Sir?” he replied. “Tell me so that I may believe in Him.”

American Standard Version

He answered and said, And who is he, Lord, that I may believe on him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 9:36 captures a pivotal moment in the spiritual awakening of the man born blind, whose physical sight was miraculously restored by Jesus. Having been cast out by the religious authorities for his unwavering testimony, the man is sought out by Jesus, leading to this profound inquiry. His question, "Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?", reveals a heart prepared not merely for physical healing, but for a deeper, transformative encounter with the one who healed him, demonstrating a readiness to move from initial gratitude to saving faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic and escalating conflict between the healed man and the Jewish religious establishment, particularly the Pharisees. After Jesus heals him in [John 9:1-7](/john/9-1-7 "John 9:1-7 - Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind"), the man is subjected to intense interrogation by the Pharisees, who refuse to acknowledge the miracle's divine origin and instead accuse Jesus of being a sinner because He healed on the Sabbath ([John 9:13-34](/john/9-13-34 "John 9:13-34 - The Pharisees Interrogate the Healed Man")). Despite their threats and pressure, the man boldly defends Jesus, culminating in his expulsion from the synagogue ([John 9:34](/john/9-34 "John 9:34 - The Man Cast Out of the Synagogue")). It is precisely at this point of social and religious ostracization that Jesus, demonstrating His compassion and active pursuit of those who suffer for His name, finds the man again, setting the stage for this crucial spiritual revelation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Being "cast out of the synagogue" was a severe punishment in first-century Jewish society, carrying significant social, economic, and religious implications. It meant excommunication from the community, loss of social standing, exclusion from religious gatherings, and often, economic hardship. For a Jew, it was akin to being cut off from the covenant people of God. The Pharisees, as the dominant religious sect, wielded considerable authority in interpreting the Law and enforcing such judgments. Their rigid adherence to tradition, particularly regarding Sabbath observance, often blinded them to the greater spiritual truths and the identity of the Messiah. The man's willingness to stand firm against such powerful opposition, even at great personal cost, highlights his integrity and burgeoning faith, contrasting sharply with the spiritual blindness of those who claimed to see ([John 9:40-41](/john/9-40-41 "John 9:40-41 - Jesus Confronts the Pharisees' Spiritual Blindness")).
* **Key Themes:** John 9:36 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of John and the broader chapter. Foremost is the theme of **spiritual sight versus spiritual blindness**. While the man gains physical sight, his journey progresses to profound spiritual insight, recognizing Jesus as more than a prophet, in stark contrast to the Pharisees who, despite their physical sight and theological knowledge, remain spiritually blind to Jesus' true identity. Another key theme is **divine initiative and personal revelation**. Jesus actively seeks out the man after his expulsion, demonstrating that God pursues those who are open to Him and reveals Himself to them, particularly to those who have suffered for His sake. This highlights Christ's role as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep ([John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep")). Finally, the verse underscores the **nature of true faith** – it is not merely intellectual assent but a personal trust and commitment to Christ, a belief "on" Him that leads to salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **answered (Greek, _apokrínomai'_):** From G611, this word means "to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond." By Hebraism, it can also mean "to begin to speak (where an address is expected)." In this context, it signifies the man's ready and immediate response to Jesus' question, indicating an internal readiness and a sincere desire for further revelation, rather than a hesitant or reluctant reply.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** From G2962, this term denotes "supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title)." While it can be used as a polite address like "Sir," in this evolving narrative, especially coupled with the desire to "believe on him," it carries an implicit recognition of Jesus' authority and sets the stage for the man's full confession of faith in Jesus as the Son of God. His use of "Lord" here suggests a dawning realization of Jesus' unique status.
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From G4100, this verb means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." This is a crucial Johannine term, signifying not just intellectual assent but a profound, active trust and reliance. The man's desire to "believe on him" indicates a longing for a saving relationship, to commit his spiritual well-being to the one who had already physically transformed his life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He answered and said,"**: This opening phrase highlights the man's immediate and eager response to Jesus' question, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" It underscores his receptiveness and openness to spiritual truth, contrasting with the closed-mindedness of the Pharisees. His answer is not hesitant but direct, indicating a heart prepared for revelation.
* **"Who is he, Lord,"**: The man's question reveals a sincere desire for identification. He has been healed, interrogated, and cast out, all for this unknown "healer." His use of "Lord" (κύριε, _kyrie_) here is significant. While it could be a polite address like "Sir," given the context of his spiritual journey and the subsequent desire to "believe on him," it likely carries a deeper sense of reverence and an implicit recognition of Jesus' authority or unique status, anticipating the full revelation. He is seeking not merely a name, but an identity worthy of ultimate trust.
* **"that I might believe on him?"**: This clause expresses the man's ultimate purpose and longing. The Greek word _hína_ (G2443), translated "that," indicates purpose or result. The man's desire is not just to know who Jesus is out of curiosity, but specifically to place his faith in Him. This demonstrates a profound spiritual hunger and a readiness to commit himself fully to the one who had already demonstrated such power and compassion. It signifies a movement from physical healing to a quest for spiritual salvation.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Irony**, contrasting the physical blindness of the man with the spiritual blindness of the seeing Pharisees. The man, once physically blind, gains not only physical sight but also profound spiritual insight, while the "seeing" religious leaders remain stubbornly blind to Jesus' true identity. There is also significant **Symbolism** at play: the physical healing of blindness symbolizes the spiritual enlightenment that Jesus brings. The man's journey from darkness to light mirrors the spiritual journey of faith. The dialogue itself is a form of **Dramatic Dialogue**, building tension and revealing character, particularly the man's sincerity and Jesus' compassionate pursuit. Finally, the man's question functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Jesus' direct self-revelation in the very next verse ([John 9:37](/john/9-37 "John 9:37 - Jesus Reveals Himself as the Son of Man")), where the man's desire to believe is immediately met.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 9:36 stands as a profound testament to the nature of genuine faith and divine revelation. It illustrates that true belief is not merely intellectual assent to facts about Jesus, but a personal encounter and a willingness to entrust one's very being to Him. The man's journey from physical healing to spiritual insight underscores the Gospel's message that Jesus comes to open the eyes of the spiritually blind, and that this process often involves a personal seeking and a divine initiative. His question, born out of a heart made ready by suffering and rejection for Christ's sake, highlights that God reveals Himself to those who earnestly seek Him, particularly to the humble and outcast, rather than to the proud and self-righteous. This encounter beautifully portrays Christ's compassion and His desire for a deep, personal relationship with those who are open to His truth, regardless of their past or social standing.

* [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession of Christ")
* [Acts 16:31](/acts/16-31 "Acts 16:31 - Believe on the Lord Jesus")
* [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief Lead to Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 9:36 offers a powerful invitation for personal reflection on the depth and sincerity of our own faith. Like the man born blind, are we truly eager to know Jesus more intimately, not just for what He can do for us, but for who He truly is? This verse challenges us to move beyond a superficial understanding of Christ to a profound, trusting commitment. It reminds us that true faith often involves a journey, a process of seeking, questioning, and ultimately, a willingness to believe, even when faced with opposition or misunderstanding from the world around us. The man's expulsion from the synagogue for his testimony underscores that following Christ may come with a cost, but it also highlights Jesus' unwavering presence and pursuit of those who suffer for His name. Our spiritual growth is nurtured when we cultivate an open heart, ready to receive deeper revelation and to place our full trust in the Lord, allowing Him to transform not just our circumstances, but our very souls.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "believing on" Jesus truly mean in my life, beyond intellectual assent?**
* **In what areas of my life am I still spiritually blind, and how can I invite Jesus to open my eyes further?**
* **How willing am I to stand for Christ, even if it means facing opposition or being "cast out" by others?**
* **How does Jesus' active pursuit of the man after his expulsion encourage me in my own walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did the man ask "Who is he, Lord?" if Jesus was standing right in front of him?**

Answer: The man's question, "Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?", does not imply he didn't know Jesus was the person who healed him. Rather, it indicates a deeper spiritual inquiry into Jesus' true identity and authority. At this point, the man likely recognized Jesus as a prophet or a man of God, but he hadn't yet grasped Jesus' full divine nature as the "Son of Man" (which Jesus had just mentioned in [John 9:35](/john/9-35 "John 9:35 - Jesus Asks if the Man Believes in the Son of Man")). His use of "Lord" (κύριε, _kyrie_) could initially be a respectful address, like "Sir." However, coupled with his desire to "believe on him," it signifies a readiness for a revelation of Jesus' ultimate authority and identity. He is asking for the specific, saving identity of the one upon whom he is to place his ultimate trust, moving beyond a mere physical healer to the object of his faith. Jesus' subsequent direct revelation in [John 9:37](/john/9-37 "John 9:37 - Jesus Reveals Himself") confirms this deeper meaning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 9:36 beautifully illustrates the Christ-centered nature of salvation and revelation. The man born blind, once physically and spiritually in darkness, represents humanity's fallen state, unable to see or comprehend divine truth without Christ's intervention. Jesus, as 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 profoundly, grants spiritual illumination. The man's question, "Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?", is the cry of a seeking heart, perfectly met by Christ's compassionate self-revelation as the "Son of Man" ([John 9:37](/john/9-37 "John 9:37 - Jesus Reveals Himself as the Son of Man")). This encounter foreshadows the ultimate purpose of Christ's incarnation: to reveal God to humanity ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")), to bring salvation through faith in His name ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), and to gather those who are cast out by the world but are open to His truth ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Other Sheep I Have")). The man's subsequent worship of Jesus ([John 9:38](/john/9-38 "John 9:38 - The Man Worships Jesus")) is the Christ-centered response to divine revelation, demonstrating that true faith culminates in adoration and surrender to the Lord, who alone can grant both physical and eternal sight.

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

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?