John 9:35

¶ 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?

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}?

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

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

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

Commentary

John 9:35 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.

Context

In the preceding verses of John 9, Jesus miraculously restores sight to a man born blind (John 9:7). This astounding miracle sparks controversy among the Pharisees, who refuse to acknowledge Jesus' divine power and instead interrogate the healed man and his parents. Because the man boldly confesses Jesus as the one who healed him, and refuses to deny His identity, he is cast out of the synagogue. This expulsion meant social and religious ostracization.

Key Themes

  • Divine Compassion and Pursuit: Jesus, upon hearing of the man's expulsion, actively seeks him out. This demonstrates His profound care for those marginalized or persecuted for their faith in Him. It highlights a recurring theme in Jesus' ministry: He comes to seek and save the lost and to gather those rejected by the world (Luke 19:10).
  • Progression from Physical to Spiritual Sight: The man's journey in John 9 is a powerful allegory. He first receives physical sight from Jesus, then gradually gains spiritual insight, recognizing Jesus as a prophet (John 9:17), then as "from God" (John 9:33), and finally, in this verse, as the Son of God. This culminates in true belief and worship.
  • The Centrality of Jesus' Identity: Jesus' direct question, "Dost thou believe on the Son of God?", is the climax of the narrative. It is a fundamental question that challenges the man (and indeed, every individual) to move beyond acknowledging Jesus' works to affirming His divine personhood. This belief is crucial for receiving eternal life.

Linguistic Insights

The title "Son of God" (Greek: huios tou Theou) is one of the most significant Christological titles in the New Testament. In the Gospel of John, it unequivocally declares Jesus' divine nature, His unique relationship with God the Father, and His authority as the Messiah. It is a claim to deity, setting Jesus apart from all others and forming the basis of saving faith. The man's subsequent confession in John 9:38 shows his full understanding and acceptance of this profound truth.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound encouragement. Even when we are rejected or marginalized by others for our faith, Jesus actively seeks us out. He is concerned not just with our physical well-being, but with the state of our souls and our understanding of who He truly is. The question "Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" remains relevant for every believer. Our journey of faith should lead us to a deeper, personal confession of Jesus not just as a good teacher or healer, but as the divine Son of God, worthy of our complete trust and worship. This passage reminds us that confessing Christ publicly, even at great personal cost, is a hallmark of true discipleship, and it is met with Jesus' personal affirmation and revelation.

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Cross-References

  • John 20:31 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Psalms 2:12 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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?