John 9:3

Neither hath. Such a teaching went directly contrary to the view popularly held by the Jews (see on v. 2).

Made manifest. This statement has often been understood — or, more correctly, misunderstood — as teaching that blindness had been visited upon an innocent infant in order that 38 years later God might reveal His might power. The English translation tends to support this observation. However, the conjunction “that” (Gr. hina), which introduces the clause, though it often expresses purpose, may also, and frequently does, introduce a consecutive clause or clause of result. Examples of the latter usage are the following:

Luke 9:45; Gal. 5:17; 1 Thess. 5:4; 1 John 1:9; see on Matt. 1:22. If the hina in John 9:3 is interpreted as expressing result, then the problem posed by this verse seems to be eliminated, and the verse may be paraphrased as follows: “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but as a result of his suffering the works of God will be made manifest in him.” Thus Jesus “did not explain the cause of man’s affliction, but told them [the Jews] what would be the result” (DA 471). For those who love Him, God works all things, including the afflictions sent by the enemy, for good (Rom. 8:28). In the providence of God the inflictions of the enemy are overruled for our good.