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John 9:16

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

John 9:16

Verse 16 of 41

Scripture focus

Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

John 9:16 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on John 9:16

Theological / Devotional

Of God. The Pharisees granted the truth of the miracle, but implied that the power by which it was wrought was of the evil one (see on Matt. 12:24).

Keepeth not the sabbath. The healing was considered illegal because the case was chronic and required no immediate attention. Life was not in danger (see on v. 14). The preparation of the clay and the anointing of the eyes were also considered to be breaches of the Sabbath laws (see on v. 6).

Others said. There were men among the Pharisees of a better spirit and attitude, such as Nicodemus (chs. 3:1-21; 7:50, 51) and Joseph (see on Matt. 27:57).

A sinner. The Jews taught that God wrought miracles only for those who were worthy. The Talmud contains the following interesting discussion: “Said R. Papa to Abaye: How is it that for the former generations miracles were performed and for us, miracles are not performed? . . . yet when Rab[bi] Judah drew off one shoe [in preparation for fasting], rain used to come, whereas we torment ourselves and cry loudly, and no notice is taken of us! He replied: The former generations used to be ready to sacrifice their lives for the sanctity of [God’s] name; we do not sacrifice their lives for the sanctity of [God’s] name” (Berakoth 20a, Soncino ed., pp. 119, 120). Compare Luke 7:4.

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