John 9:12

Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(12) I know not.—He had not returned to our Lord (John 9:7), who was passing by when He spoke to him (John 9:1), and by the time the man had gone to the pool and had returned would have gone beyond his knowledge.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

9:8-12 Those whose eyes are opened, and whose hearts are cleansed by grace, being known to be the same person, but widely different in character, live as monuments to the Redeemer's glory, and recommend his grace to all who desire the same precious salvation. It is good to observe the way and method of God's works, and they will appear the more wonderful. Apply this spiritually. In the work of grace wrought upon the soul we see the change, but we see not the hand that makes it: the way of the Spirit is like that of the wind, which thou hearest the sound of, but canst not tell whence it comes, nor whither it goes.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The neighbours ... - This man seems to have been one who attracted considerable attention. The number of persons totally blind in any community is very small, and it is possible that this was the only blind beggar in Jerusalem. The case was one, therefore, likely to attract attention, and one where there could be no imposture, as he was generally known.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

8-15. The neighbours therefore … said, Is not this he that sat and begged—Here are a number of details to identify the newly seeing with the long-known blind beggar.

Matthew Poole's Commentary

They would know where he was; this he knows not.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Then they said unto him, where is he?.... For Christ had withdrawn himself and was gone; whether on account of the Jews, who he knew would be irritated by this miracle, or whether to avoid all popular applause and glory, which he sought not, is not certain; it may be on both accounts: this question, however, was put, not out of good will to Christ, but that they might apprehend him, and bring him before the sanhedrim, for doing work on the sabbath day; and such enmity there is in carnal men, at the conversion of sinners, their acquaintance, instead of rejoicing at it:

he said I know not; for when he returned from the pool, Jesus was gone: and so it sometimes is, that when Christ has wrought a good work of grace upon the heart, he withdraws himself for a while, and the converted sinner knows not where he is.

Geneva Study Bible

Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

12. Where is he?] That strange (ekeinos) Rabbi who perplexes us so much.

I know not] This shews that he did not return to Jesus after he was healed (John 9:7). ‘He said’ should be, He saith.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 12. - They say unto him, Where is that Man (Jesus)? He saith, I know not. John 9:12