New International VersionHis neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?”
New Living TranslationHis neighbors and others who knew him as a blind beggar asked each other, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?”
English Standard VersionThe neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?”
Berean Standard BibleAt this, his neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging began to ask, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?”
Berean Literal BibleTherefore the neighbors and those having seen him before, that he was a beggar, were saying, "Is this not he who was sitting and begging?"
King James BibleThe neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
New King James VersionTherefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, “Is not this he who sat and begged?”
New American Standard BibleSo the neighbors, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, “Is this not the one who used to sit and beg?”
NASB 1995Therefore the neighbors, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, “Is not this the one who used to sit and beg?”
NASB 1977The neighbors therefore, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, “Is not this the one who used to sit and beg?”
Legacy Standard BibleTherefore the neighbors, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, “Is not this the one who used to sit and beg?”
Amplified BibleSo the neighbors, and those who used to know him as a beggar, said, “Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?”
Christian Standard BibleHis neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar said, “Isn’t this the one who used to sit begging? ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleHis neighbors and those who formerly had seen him as a beggar said, “Isn’t this the man who sat begging?”
American Standard VersionThe neighbors therefore, and they that saw him aforetime, that he was a beggar, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
Contemporary English VersionThe man's neighbors and the people who had seen him begging wondered if he really could be the same man.
English Revised VersionThe neighbours therefore, and they which saw him aforetime, that he was a beggar, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHis neighbors and those who had previously seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the man who used to sit and beg?"
Good News TranslationHis neighbors, then, and the people who had seen him begging before this, asked, "Isn't this the man who used to sit and beg?"
International Standard VersionThen the neighbors and those who had previously seen him as a beggar said, "This is the man who used to sit and beg, isn't it?"
NET BibleThen the neighbors and the people who had seen him previously as a beggar began saying, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?"
New Heart English BibleThe neighbors therefore, and those who saw that he was a beggar before, said, "Is this not the one who used to sit and beg?"
Webster's Bible TranslationThe neighbors therefore, and they who before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
Weymouth New TestamentHis neighbours, therefore, and the other people to whom he had been a familiar object because he was a beggar, began asking, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?" Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAt this, his neighbors and those who had formerly seen him blind began to ask, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?”
World English BibleTherefore the neighbors and those who saw that he was blind before said, “Isn’t this he who sat and begged?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthe neighbors, therefore, and those seeing him before, that he was blind, said, “Is this not he who is sitting and begging?”
Berean Literal BibleTherefore the neighbors and those having seen him before, that he was a beggar, were saying, "Is this not he who was sitting and begging?"
Young's Literal Translation the neighbours, therefore, and those seeing him before, that he was blind, said, 'Is not this he who is sitting and begging?'
Smith's Literal TranslationThen the neighbors, and those seeing him before that he was blind, said, Is not this he sitting and begging? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe neighbours therefore, and they who had seen him before that he was a beggar, said: Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said: This is he.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd so the bystanders and those who had seen him before, when he was a beggar, said, “Is this not the one who was sitting and begging?” Some said, “This is he.”
New American BibleHis neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said, “Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?”
New Revised Standard VersionThe neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHis neighbors and those who had seen him before begging, said, Is not this he who used to sit down and beg?
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishBut his neighbors and those who had seen him begging before were saying: “Was this not he who sat and begged?” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThen his neighbors, and those who had before seen him, that he was blind, said: Is not this he that sat and begged?
Godbey New TestamentThen the neighbors, and those seeing him previously, because he was a beggar, continued to say, Is not this the one sitting and begging?
Haweis New TestamentThe neighbours therefore, and they who saw him formerly, that he was blind, said, Is not this the man who was sitting and begging?
Mace New Testamentthe neighbours therefore, and they who before had seen him begging, said, is not this he that used to sit begging?
Weymouth New TestamentHis neighbours, therefore, and the other people to whom he had been a familiar object because he was a beggar, began asking, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?"
Worrell New TestamentThe neighbors, therefore, and those formerly beholding him, that he was a beggar, said, "Is not this he that sits and begs?"
Worsley New TestamentAnd the neighbors, and they that had seen him before, that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat begging?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind… 7Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing. 8At this,hisneighborsandthose whohad formerly seenhimbeggingbegan to ask,“Isn’tthisthe man whoused to sitandbeg?”9Some claimed that he was, but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” But the man kept saying, “I am the one.”…
Cross References John 5:8-9Then Jesus told him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” / Immediately the man was made well, and he picked up his mat and began to walk. Now this happened on the Sabbath day,
Mark 10:46-52Next, they came to Jericho. And as Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho with a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting beside the road. / When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” / Many people admonished him to be silent, but he cried out all the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” ...
Luke 18:35-43As Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting beside the road, begging. / When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. / “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” they told him. ...
Matthew 9:27-31As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” / After Jesus had entered the house, the blind men came to Him. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” He asked. “Yes, Lord,” they answered. / Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you.” ...
Acts 3:2-10And a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those entering the temple courts. / When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. / Peter looked directly at him, as did John. “Look at us!” said Peter. ...
Isaiah 35:5-6Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. / Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.
Matthew 12:22-23Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed the man so that he could speak and see. / The crowds were astounded and asked, “Could this be the Son of David?”
Luke 7:21-22At that very hour Jesus healed many people of their diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits, and He gave sight to many who were blind. / So He replied, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
John 7:31Many in the crowd, however, believed in Him and said, “When the Christ comes, will He perform more signs than this man?”
John 11:37But some of them asked, “Could not this man who opened the eyes of the blind also have kept Lazarus from dying?”
John 12:18That is also why the crowd went out to meet Him, because they heard that He had performed this sign.
John 5:36But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.
John 10:21But others replied, “These are not the words of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
Matthew 11:5The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
Isaiah 42:7to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.
Treasury of Scripture The neighbors therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? Is not. Ruth 1:19 So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said,Is this Naomi? 1 Samuel 21:11 And the servants of Achish said unto him,Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands? sat. 1 Samuel 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust,and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to setthem among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earthare the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them. Mark 10:46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. Luke 16:20-22 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, … Jump to Previous BeggedBlindFamiliarFormerlyHandMoneyNeighborsNeighboursObjectOthersPreviouslySatSitSittingStreetUsedJump to Next BeggedBlindFamiliarFormerlyHandMoneyNeighborsNeighboursObjectOthersPreviouslySatSitSittingStreetUsedJohn 9 1.The man born blind is restored to sight.8.He is brought to the Pharisees.13.They are offended at it;35.but he is received of Jesus, and confesses him.39.Who they are whom Jesus enlightens.At this, his neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging began to askThe context of this passage is the miraculous healing of a man born blind by Jesus. The neighbors and those familiar with the man are astonished by the change in his condition. This reflects the close-knit nature of communities in ancient Jewish society, where people were well-acquainted with each other's circumstances. The reaction of the neighbors highlights the public nature of the miracle, serving as a testament to Jesus' divine power. In biblical times, blindness was often seen as a sign of sin or divine punishment, making the healing even more significant as it challenges prevailing beliefs. “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?”
Begging was a common practice for those with disabilities in ancient Israel, as there were limited means of support for the disabled. The man's transformation from a beggar to someone who can see is a powerful symbol of spiritual awakening and redemption. This question underscores the dramatic change in the man's life, prompting a reevaluation of his identity by those around him. The miracle serves as a type of spiritual enlightenment, where Jesus, the Light of the World, brings both physical and spiritual sight. This event foreshadows the transformative power of Christ's ministry and the new identity believers receive through faith. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Blind ManPreviously blind from birth, he is the central figure in this chapter, having been healed by Jesus. 2. NeighborsThese are the people who lived near the blind man and were familiar with his condition and lifestyle. 3. BeggingThe act of seeking alms, which was the blind man's means of survival before his healing. 4. JesusAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, He is the one who performed the miracle of healing the blind man. 5. JerusalemThe city where this event takes place, a significant location in Jesus' ministry. Teaching Points Recognition of TransformationThe neighbors' questioning highlights the visible transformation that occurs when Jesus intervenes in a person's life. As believers, our lives should reflect the change Christ has made in us. Witnessing to OthersThe healed man's life became a testimony to those around him. We should be prepared to share our testimony of what Jesus has done in our lives, pointing others to Him. Skepticism and FaithThe neighbors' doubt reflects a common human response to miraculous change. We must be prepared to address skepticism with faith and truth. Identity in ChristThe blind man's identity was transformed from a beggar to a witness of Christ's power. Our identity should be rooted in who we are in Christ, not in our past or circumstances. Community and ChangeThe community's reaction to the man's healing shows the impact of personal transformation on those around us. Our faith journey can influence and inspire our community. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of John 9:8?
2.How does John 9:8 demonstrate the power of Jesus to transform lives?
3.What can we learn from the neighbors' reaction in John 9:8?
4.How does John 9:8 connect to other miracles performed by Jesus?
5.How can we apply the lesson of transformation in John 9:8 today?
6.What does John 9:8 teach about recognizing God's work in others' lives?
7.How does John 9:8 challenge our understanding of miracles in the modern world?
8.What historical evidence supports the events described in John 9:8?
9.How does John 9:8 illustrate the theme of spiritual blindness?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 9?
11.In John 9:8–9, why does the crowd seem uncertain about recognizing the healed man?
12.What are the seven things God hates?
13.Do all men sin? Yes, as per I Kings 8:46 and others. No, true Christians, as children of God, cannot sin (I John 3:9). Yet, claiming sinlessness is self-deception (I John 1:8).
14.What is the significance of Bethsaida in the Bible?What Does John 9:8 Mean At this,• The phrase signals an immediate response to the miracle Jesus has just performed (John 9:6-7). • Scripture often records astonished reactions right after a sign—compare the paralytic’s healing (Mark 2:12) and the lame man at Bethesda (John 5:8-9). • The moment underscores that a genuine work of God invites public notice and inquiry.
his neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging• Two groups are identified: – Neighbors—people who lived near him and could verify his lifelong blindness. – Onlookers who “had formerly seen him begging”—habitual observers of his helpless state (Acts 3:2, 10). • Their testimony strengthens the historical reliability of the miracle; multiple familiar witnesses remove the possibility of mistaken identity (Deuteronomy 19:15).
began to ask• Their questioning marks the first ripple of investigation that will later involve the Pharisees (John 9:13). • Scripture shows curiosity paving the way for deeper revelation—see the crowd’s questions after Lazarus was raised (John 11:37) and the Samaritan villagers’ inquiry (John 4:28-29). • Questions can signal honest searching, but they can also reveal reluctance to accept divine intervention.
“Isn’t this the man• The wording conveys surprise tinged with doubt. Recognition collides with the reality of transformation. • Similar tension appears when Jesus returns to Nazareth and listeners say, “Is not this the carpenter?” (Mark 6:3). • God’s works often challenge settled perceptions, forcing observers to reconsider who people—and ultimately who Jesus—really are (Acts 4:13).
who used to sit and beg?”• The beggar’s former posture—sitting, dependent, pleading—highlights the completeness of his change. • Christ’s miracles regularly reverse visible conditions in unmistakable ways (Luke 7:22). • The contrast between past helplessness and present wholeness pictures the spiritual rebirth offered to all: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
summaryJohn 9:8 records the shock of ordinary witnesses confronting undeniable transformation. Neighbors who knew the blind beggar cannot reconcile what they see with what they remember. Their questions set the stage for deeper revelation of Jesus’ identity, illustrating how God’s works disrupt complacency, invite inquiry, and testify that the One who gives physical sight also offers spiritual sight to all who believe. (8) They which before had seen him that he was blind.--The better reading is, that he was a beggar. The persons are the neighbours, who from living near him knew all about him, and those who used to see him at the spot where he sat begging. Both classes, of course, knew that he was blind. Is not this he that sat and begged?--Better,Is not this he that sitteth and beggeth? The tenses are present, marking his usual custom. Verses 8-34. - (9)The proof of the reality of the miracle,the antagonism of the Pharisees,and the persecution of the heated mad.Verse 8. -The neighbors therefore, and they who beheld him aforetime that (or, because)he was a beggar. This is the first time that his well-known position is mentioned, and (if we translateὅτι "because") the very fact of his begging (probably with loud voice) had made him a well-known individual.Said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek At this,οὖν(oun)Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.[his]Οἱ(Hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.neighborsγείτονες(geitones)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1069:A neighbor. From ge; a neighbour; by implication, a friend.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.those whoοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.had formerly seenθεωροῦντες(theōrountes)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2334:From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge).himαὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.beggingπροσαίτης(prosaitēs)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4319:To beg, ask earnestly, ask for in addition. From pros and aiteo; to ask repeatedly, i.e. Solicit.began to ask,ἔλεγον(elegon)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.“Isn’tἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.thisοὗτός(houtos)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.the [man who]ὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.used to sitκαθήμενος(kathēmenos)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2521:To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.beg?”προσαιτῶν(prosaitōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4319:To beg, ask earnestly, ask for in addition. From pros and aiteo; to ask repeatedly, i.e. Solicit.
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NT Gospels: John 9:8 The neighbors therefore and those who saw (Jhn Jo Jn) |
