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 9:35KJVWhat 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.