Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

JOHN 10:21KJV
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John 10:21 (KJV)

What does John 10:21 mean?

John 10:21 records some people responding to Jesus’ critics by saying that his words do not sound like those of someone possessed by a demon, and they question whether a demon could really open the eyes of the blind. This verse shows that not everyone agreed with the harsh accusations against Jesus, and some were considering the evidence of his miracles.

In this scene, the crowd is divided over Jesus’ identity after he healed a man born blind. Some accuse Jesus of being demon-possessed, but others point out that his teachings and miraculous works—especially giving sight to the blind—do not fit what they would expect from someone under evil influence. The verse highlights the debate among the people and the impact of Jesus’ actions on their thinking.

The Greek behind John 10:21

  • "devil" (δαιμόνιον, daimonion) and "devil" (διάβολος, diabolos): The first word, δαιμόνιον (daimonion), refers to a demon or evil spirit, while διάβολος (diabolos) is often used for the devil or slanderer. Here, δαιμόνιον is used for the accusation, and the contrast is drawn with what a demon could or could not do.
  • "open" (ἀνοίγω, anoigō): This word means to open, especially in the sense of opening eyes. The use here emphasizes the physical miracle of restoring sight, something the crowd suggests is beyond the power of an evil spirit.
  • "blind" (τυφλός, typhlos): This word means blind, referring to the man Jesus healed earlier in the chapter. The reference ties the discussion directly to the miracle that sparked the debate.

Why John 10:21 matters

  • John 10:21 shows that Jesus’ miracles, especially giving sight to the blind, made people question the accusations against him and consider who he really was.
  • The verse highlights the division among the people, showing that not everyone blindly accepted the negative claims about Jesus; some were open to being convinced by what they saw and heard.
  • This moment connects back to the healing in John 9, underlining how Jesus’ actions forced people to wrestle with his identity and the source of his power.

Where else these words appear

“devil” Greek G1139 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Matthew 9:32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
  • Mark 5:15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

“blind” Greek G5185 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 9:27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.
  • Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
  • John 9:13 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.

“devil” Greek G1140 · used in 52 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
  • Luke 11:14 And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.

“words” Greek G4487 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Luke 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
  • Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.