He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

JOHN 9:25KJV
Know the Bible

What does John 9:25 mean?

John 9:25 records a man who was once blind telling religious leaders that, while he does not know whether Jesus is a sinner, he does know that he used to be blind and now he can see. The verse highlights the man’s simple, undeniable experience as the foundation of his testimony about Jesus.

This statement comes from the man born blind after he is questioned by the Pharisees about Jesus’ character. The religious leaders are trying to accuse Jesus, but the man focuses only on the clear change in his own life. Instead of getting into arguments about Jesus’ status, he points to the obvious fact that his sight has been restored, something everyone can see.

The Greek behind John 9:25

  • ἁμαρτωλός (hamartōlos) — "sinner": This word means someone who breaks God’s law. The man refuses to judge whether Jesus fits this label, showing humility and honesty.
  • τυφλός (typhlos) — "blind": This word means physically unable to see. The man uses it to describe his former condition, making the miracle clear and personal.
  • βλέπω (blepō) — "see": This word means to see or perceive with the eyes. The man’s use of it emphasizes the real, physical change that has happened to him.

Why John 9:25 matters

  • John 9:25 clarifies that personal experience can be a powerful testimony, even when someone cannot answer every theological question.
  • The verse shifts the focus from religious debate to the undeniable evidence of a changed life, which the Pharisees cannot refute.
  • This moment sets up the ongoing tension in the chapter between the religious leaders’ skepticism and the man’s growing confidence in what Jesus has done for him.

Where else these words appear

“now” Greek G737 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • John 13:7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

“sinner” Greek G268 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
  • Luke 6:33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
  • John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

“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.

“see” Greek G991 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
  • Luke 10:23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:
  • 1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.