John 9:26

Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?

John 9:26 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of a larger conversation between the religious leaders and the man who was born blind but healed by Jesus. The Pharisees were questioning the man about his healing and asked him how his eyes were opened.

To better understand the significance of this verse, consider the broader context of John 9:1-7. Jesus and His disciples encounter a man who was born blind. The disciples ask who sinned, the man or his parents, to cause the blindness. Jesus answers that neither the man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. He then spat on the ground, made clay with His saliva, applied it to the man’s eyes, and instructed him to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. When the man obeyed and washed, he received his sight.

After the healing, the man’s neighbors and others who knew him were amazed and questioned whether he was the same man who had been blind. They brought him before the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the time. The Pharisees began questioning the man, his healing, and the identity of the one who healed him. Some doubted that the miracle was from God, while others claimed it was from God. They called in the man’s parents to verify his condition from birth. The parents confirmed that their son was born blind but said they were afraid because the Jews were hostile toward them.

Meaning

In the midst of this questioning, the Pharisees turned back to the healed man and asked, “What did he to thee? how opened thine eyes?” This question reveals the persistence of the Pharisees in seeking an explanation for the miraculous healing. Their inquiry reflects ongoing disbelief, curiosity about the power behind the healing, and a desire to discredit Jesus, who was known for their skepticism toward Him.

The man’s response is recorded in John 9:27 (KJV): “I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?” By answering in this way, the man subtly challenges the Pharisees to consider the evidence before them and confront their resistance to acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah. He implies that if they genuinely sought truth, they should become disciples of Jesus themselves.

Biblical connections

This is not the first time the healed man has been asked how he received his sight. The neighbors asked the same question in John 9:10, and the Pharisees had already asked in John 9:15. Their repetition shows persistent skepticism and a hope that the man might change his account, which they could use against Jesus. The leaders also sought grounds for accusing Jesus of using unlawful means, such as magic or diabolical influence, to perform the miracle. Yet the healed man’s simple testimony in John 9:25, “One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see,” stands in contrast to their unbelief.

Application

John 9:26 captures a pivotal moment in the dialogue between the Pharisees and the healed man. It highlights the Pharisees’ persistent skepticism and their attempt to understand how the man’s eyes were opened, while the man’s wise reply points to the deeper truth of Jesus’ miraculous power and invites believers to reflect on their own response to that truth. Even when confronted with undeniable evidence, the religious leaders refused to see the truth. Their spiritual blindness stands as a warning: unbelief can persist despite clear proof. The healed man, however, remained steadfast in his testimony, demonstrating the sufficiency of personal witness to Christ’s work.

Reflection

Consider how you respond to Jesus’ work in your life. The healed man did not need to explain every detail of the miracle; he simply testified to what Jesus had done. In the same way, your personal experience of Christ’s grace is a powerful witness, even when others question or oppose it. Let his example encourage you to stand firm in your faith, trusting that the Light of the world has opened your eyes.