New Testament
John 9:29
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We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this man, we don't know where he comes from."
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We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.
What John 9:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the speaker is expressing a clear distinction between their knowledge of God’s communication with Moses and their ignorance about Jesus. They acknowledge that God spoke directly to Moses, a revered figure in Jewish history, but they dismiss Jesus, referring to him as 'this man' or 'this fellow.' This highlights their skepticism and lack of understanding regarding Jesus' divine authority and origins. The statement reflects a broader theme of spiritual blindness, where the religious leaders fail to recognize the truth of Jesus' identity and mission. They are confident in their knowledge of the past but are unable to see the significance of the present moment. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of being open to new revelations and understanding, rather than clinging to established beliefs that may prevent us from recognizing truth when it appears.
How to apply John 9:29 to your life
This verse encourages us to remain open-minded and willing to explore new ideas about faith and spirituality. Just as the religious leaders were blinded by their preconceived notions, we too can miss out on important truths if we are not willing to question our assumptions and seek deeper understanding.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Healing a Man Born Blind (John 9:1–41)
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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.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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Key themes
Related topics
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 9:29 mean?
John 9:29 highlights the contrast between the religious leaders' knowledge of God's past communication with Moses and their ignorance about Jesus. They acknowledge Moses as a significant figure but dismiss Jesus, reflecting their skepticism and spiritual blindness.
What is the significance of Moses in John 9:29?
In John 9:29, Moses represents a revered authority in Jewish tradition, known for his direct communication with God. The mention of Moses emphasizes the religious leaders' confidence in their historical knowledge while showcasing their failure to recognize Jesus' divine authority.
How does John 9:29 relate to spiritual blindness?
John 9:29 illustrates spiritual blindness by showing how the religious leaders are confident in their understanding of the past but fail to see the truth of Jesus' identity. Their dismissal of Jesus reflects a broader theme of being closed off to new revelations.
What does 'this man' refer to in John 9:29?
In John 9:29, 'this man' refers to Jesus, whom the religious leaders are questioning. By using this term, they diminish his significance and express their skepticism about his origins and authority.
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