John 9:3
New International Version
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

New Living Translation
“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.

English Standard Version
Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.

Berean Standard Bible
Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him.

Berean Literal Bible
Jesus answered, "Neither this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was that the works of God should be displayed in him.

King James Bible
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

New King James Version
Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.

New American Standard Bible
Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

NASB 1995
Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

NASB 1977
Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was in order that the works of God might be displayed in him.

Legacy Standard Bible
Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this was so that the works of God might be manifested in him.

Amplified Bible
Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but it was so that the works of God might be displayed and illustrated in him.

Christian Standard Bible
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered. “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered. “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him.

American Standard Version
Jesus answered, Neither did this man sin, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

Contemporary English Version
"No, it wasn't!" Jesus answered. "But because of his blindness, you will see God work a miracle for him.

English Revised Version
Jesus answered, Neither did this man sin, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned. Instead, he was born blind so that God could show what he can do for him.

Good News Translation
Jesus answered, "His blindness has nothing to do with his sins or his parents' sins. He is blind so that God's power might be seen at work in him.

International Standard Version
Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned. This happened so that God's work might be revealed in him.

Majority Standard Bible
Jesus answered, ?Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him.

NET Bible
Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but he was born blind so that the acts of God may be revealed through what happens to him.

New Heart English Bible
Jesus answered, "Neither did this man sin, nor his parents; but, that the works of God might be revealed in him.

Webster's Bible Translation
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

Weymouth New Testament
"Neither he nor his parents sinned," answered Jesus, "but he was born blind in order that God's mercy might be openly shown in him.

World English Bible
Jesus answered, “This man didn’t sin, nor did his parents, but that the works of God might be revealed in him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Jesus answered, “Neither this one sinned nor his parents, but that the works of God may be revealed in him;

Berean Literal Bible
Jesus answered, "Neither this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was that the works of God should be displayed in him.

Young's Literal Translation
Jesus answered, 'Neither did this one sin nor his parents, but that the works of God may be manifested in him;

Smith's Literal Translation
Jesus answered, Neither did this sin, nor his parents: but that the works of God might be manifested in him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Jesus answered: Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents; but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Jesus responded: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but it was so that the works of God would be made manifest in him.

New American Bible
Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.

New Revised Standard Version
Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Jesus said to them, Neither did he sin nor his parents. But that the works of God might be seen in him,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Yeshua said to them, “He had not sinned nor his parents, but that the works of God may appear in him.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Jesus answered: Neither this man sinned, nor his parents; but that the works of God might be made manifest in him.

Godbey New Testament
Jesus responded, Neither did he nor his parents sin; but that the works of God may be made manifest in him.

Haweis New Testament
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man been in fault, nor his parents; but it is in order to make manifest the works of God in him.

Mace New Testament
it was not for any sin of his, said Jesus, or of his parents: but that the works of God might be displayed thro' him.

Weymouth New Testament
"Neither he nor his parents sinned," answered Jesus, "but he was born blind in order that God's mercy might be openly shown in him.

Worrell New Testament
Jesus answered, "Neither did this man sin, nor his parents; but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

Worsley New Testament
Jesus answered, Neither did this man sin, nor his parents: but that the works of God might be manifested in him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind
2and His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him. 4While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work.…

Cross References
John 11:4
When Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

John 11:40
Jesus replied, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

2 Corinthians 12:9
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

Exodus 4:11
And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD?

Job 1:21
saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”

Job 2:10
“You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept from God only good and not adversity?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Isaiah 43:7
everyone called by My name and created for My glory, whom I have indeed formed and made.”

Isaiah 55:8-9
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Lamentations 3:33
For He does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men.

John 5:14
Afterward, Jesus found the man at the temple and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you.”

John 14:13
And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

John 15:8
This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.

John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

2 Corinthians 4:15-17
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is extending to more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow, to the glory of God. / Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. / For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.


Treasury of Scripture

Jesus answered, Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

Neither.

Job 1:8-12
And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? …

Job 2:3-6
And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause…

Job 21:27
Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.

but.

John 11:4,40
When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby…

John 14:11-13
Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake…

Matthew 11:5
The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

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John 9
1. The man born blind is restored to sight.
8. He is brought to the Pharisees.
13. They are offended at it;
35. but he is received of Jesus, and confesses him.
39. Who they are whom Jesus enlightens.














Jesus answered
In this passage, Jesus responds to a question from His disciples regarding the cause of a man's blindness. This reflects Jesus' role as a teacher and His authority to provide divine insight. His response challenges common Jewish beliefs of the time, which often linked physical ailments to personal or ancestral sin.

Neither this man nor his parents sinned
This statement refutes the prevailing Jewish notion that suffering and physical disabilities were direct results of sin. In the cultural context, it was a common belief that ailments were a punishment for sin, as seen in Job's story and the teachings of the Pharisees. Jesus emphasizes that not all suffering is a consequence of sin, aligning with the broader biblical theme that God's ways and purposes are beyond human understanding.

but this happened
The phrase indicates a divine purpose behind the man's condition. It suggests that God can use circumstances, even those that seem negative, for a greater purpose. This aligns with the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and His ability to bring good out of difficult situations, as seen in Joseph's story in Genesis 50:20.

so that the works of God
The "works of God" refer to the miraculous signs and wonders that Jesus performed, which served to reveal His divine nature and authority. This phrase highlights the purpose of miracles in Jesus' ministry: to authenticate His message and mission. It also points to the broader theme of God's glory being revealed through His works, as seen throughout the Old and New Testaments.

would be displayed in him
The healing of the blind man serves as a demonstration of God's power and compassion. It is a tangible manifestation of Jesus' claim to be the Light of the World, as He brings both physical and spiritual sight. This act prefigures the ultimate work of God in Christ—salvation and the restoration of humanity. The miracle also serves as a type of spiritual enlightenment, where physical healing symbolizes the opening of spiritual eyes to the truth of the Gospel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is responding to a question about the cause of a man's blindness. His response shifts the focus from blame to divine purpose.

2. The Blind Man
A man who was born blind, whose condition prompts a theological question from the disciples about sin and suffering.

3. The Disciples
Followers of Jesus who ask Him whether the man's blindness was due to his own sin or that of his parents, reflecting a common belief of the time.

4. Jerusalem
The setting of this event, where Jesus performs the miracle of healing the blind man, demonstrating His divine authority and compassion.

5. The Works of God
Refers to the miraculous healing and the broader revelation of God's power and purpose through Jesus' ministry.
Teaching Points
Understanding Suffering
Suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin. Jesus redirects the focus from blame to purpose, teaching us to seek God's glory in our trials.

God's Sovereignty
God can use any situation, even those that seem negative, to display His power and glory. Trust in His sovereign plan, even when it is not immediately clear.

Purpose in Pain
Our struggles can be opportunities for God's work to be revealed. Look for ways God might be using your circumstances to demonstrate His love and power.

Compassion Over Judgment
Jesus' response encourages us to show compassion rather than judgment. Approach others' suffering with empathy and a desire to see God's work in their lives.

Faith in Action
Jesus' healing of the blind man is a call to faith. Believe that God can and will work through your life circumstances for His glory.(3) Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents.--The answer is, of course, to be understood with the limitation of the question, "that he was born blind." Neither his special sin nor theirs was the cause of the blindness. Our version does not give quite accurately the form of the answer. It should be, Neither did this man sin, nor his parents. Their question sought to establish a connection between the suffering and some definite act of sin. The answer asserts that no such connection exists, and our Lord's words remain a warning against the spirit of judging other men's lives, and tracing in the misfortunes and sorrows which they have to bear the results of individual sin or the proof of divine displeasure. There is a chain connecting the sin of humanity and its woe, but the links are not traceable by the human eye. In the Providence of God vicarious suffering is often the noble lot of the noblest members of our race. No burden of human sorrow was ever so great as that borne by Him who knew no human sin.

But that the works of God should be made manifest in him.--They had sought to trace back the result of sin which they saw before them to a definite cause. He will trace it back to the region of the divine counsel, where purpose and result are one. Evil cannot be resolved into a higher good: it is the result of the choice exercised by freedom, and without freedom goodness could not be virtue. Permitted by God, it is yet overruled by Him. It has borne its fearful fruit in the death and curse of humanity, but its works have led to the manifestation of the works of God in the divine plan of redemption. It is so in this instance. The blindness of this beggar will have its result, and therefore in the divine counsel had its purpose, in the light which will dawn upon the spiritual as well as upon the physical blindness, and from him will dawn upon the world.

Verse 3. - Jesus answered, Neither did this man sin, nor his parents (that he should be born blind). There was no immediate connection between the special sin of the parents and this particular calamity. Our Lord does not assert in those words the sinlessness of those people, but severs the supposed link between their conduct and the specific affliction before them. But (he was born blind) that the works of God should be made manifest in him. The disciples will soon see in the history of this man the meaning of his lifelong blindness. In the man himself' the grace of God will work mightily, both a bodily and spiritual illumination. Evil in this case is to redound to greater good. This provides no opportunity for any to fasten on one or another some charge of special transgression, but, as all evil ought to do, it provides opportunity for the redeeming work which Christ came to accomplish, and which he permitted his disciples to share.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

answered,
Ἀπεκρίθη (Apekrithē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.

“Neither
Οὔτε (Oute)
Conjunction
Strong's 3777: And not, neither, nor. From ou and te; not too, i.e. Neither or nor; by analogy, not even.

this [man]
οὗτος (houtos)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

nor
οὔτε (oute)
Conjunction
Strong's 3777: And not, neither, nor. From ou and te; not too, i.e. Neither or nor; by analogy, not even.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

parents
γονεῖς (goneis)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1118: A begetter, father; plur: parents. From the base of ginomai; a parent.

sinned,
ἥμαρτεν (hēmarten)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 264: Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin.

but
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

[this happened] so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

works
ἔργα (erga)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

would be displayed
φανερωθῇ (phanerōthē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5319: To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

him.
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Gospels: John 9:3 Jesus answered Neither did this man sin (Jhn Jo Jn)
John 9:2
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