Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

JOHN 9:35KJV
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John 9:35 (KJV)

What does John 9:35 mean?

John 9:35 shows Jesus seeking out the man who had been cast out by the religious leaders and asking him, “Do you believe on the Son of God?” This question invites the man to place his trust in Jesus as the one sent by God, highlighting belief as central to the relationship Jesus offers.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to the man who was born blind and had just been healed by Jesus earlier in the chapter. After the man is rejected by the Pharisees for defending Jesus, Jesus finds him and personally asks about his faith. The verse highlights both Jesus’ care for those rejected by others and the importance of believing in who Jesus truly is.

The Greek behind John 9:35

  • ἐκβάλλω (ekballō, “cast out”): This word means to throw out or expel, emphasizing that the man was forcefully removed from the religious community, not just politely dismissed.
  • πιστεύω (pisteuō, “believe”): This Greek word carries the sense of trusting or putting faith in someone, not just agreeing intellectually. Jesus is inviting the man to trust in him personally.
  • υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ (huios tou theou, “Son of God”): This phrase points to a special relationship with God, suggesting more than just a human teacher or prophet. Jesus is asking if the man believes in the one who is uniquely God’s Son.

Why John 9:35 matters

  • John 9:35 makes clear that Jesus actively seeks out those who have been rejected or excluded, showing his personal concern for individuals.
  • The verse shifts the focus from physical healing to spiritual belief, showing that faith in Jesus is the deeper issue.
  • By asking about belief in the “Son of God,” Jesus reveals his true identity and invites a response, connecting this moment to the larger theme of faith throughout John’s Gospel.

Where else these words appear

“out” Greek G1854 · used in 64 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 8:54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
  • Acts 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

“cast” Greek G1544 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
  • Mark 1:12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.
  • Luke 10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.