New Testament
John 9:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He told them, "He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and now I see."
Compare translations
Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.
What John 9:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the man who was healed of blindness explains to the Pharisees how he regained his sight. He describes a simple yet profound act: Jesus applied mud to his eyes and instructed him to wash it off. This act symbolizes faith and obedience, as the man followed Jesus' instructions without fully understanding the miracle. The Pharisees, who were skeptical and critical of Jesus, sought to investigate the healing, reflecting their disbelief and rigid adherence to the law. This interaction highlights the contrast between the man's faith and the Pharisees' doubt. The healing serves as a testament to Jesus' power and authority, challenging the religious leaders' understanding of the Sabbath and divine work. The man's straightforward response emphasizes the transformative impact of Jesus' actions, illustrating that sometimes faith requires simple obedience to God's word, even when it defies conventional understanding.
How to apply John 9:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's methods, even when they seem unconventional. Like the healed man, we should be willing to follow God's guidance and share our experiences of His work in our lives, despite skepticism from others.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Healing a Man Born Blind (John 9:1–41)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 9:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 9:15
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 9:15 mean?
John 9:15 describes how a man born blind received his sight after Jesus applied mud to his eyes and instructed him to wash it off. This verse highlights the man's faith and obedience to Jesus' command, contrasting with the skepticism of the Pharisees.
What is the significance of mud in John 9:15?
The mud in John 9:15 symbolizes the unconventional methods Jesus used to perform miracles. It emphasizes that faith and obedience can lead to transformation, even when the methods seem unusual or unclear.
How does John 9:15 relate to faith and obedience?
In John 9:15, the healed man demonstrates faith by following Jesus' instructions to wash the mud off his eyes. His obedience leads to a miraculous transformation, showing that faith often requires trust in God's guidance.
Why did the Pharisees question the healed man in John 9:15?
The Pharisees questioned the healed man to investigate the miracle and challenge Jesus' authority. Their skepticism reflects their rigid adherence to the law and their disbelief in Jesus' divine power.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.