Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights how the Pharisees' rigid adherence to their interpretation of the Sabbath law blinded them to the obvious power of God at work. Instead of questioning if their rule was right, they immediately used it to condemn Jesus, showing how tradition can tragically overshadow divine truth.
Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The religious leaders bring the man healed of blindness to the Pharisees to be questioned, specifically because Jesus performed the healing on the Sabbath. Some Pharisees immediately condemn Jesus, insisting He cannot be from God due to His Sabbath-breaking, while others are struck by the undeniable miracle and question how a sinner could perform such a healing. This disagreement reveals a deep division among them regarding Jesus' identity and authority.
Jesus just performed an incredible miracle, healing a man blind from birth. You'd think everyone would be amazed! But for some, the biggest issue wasn't the healing, but when it happened.
The Pharisees were deeply divided over Jesus' actions, specifically his healing on the Sabbath.
A stunning miracle occurs. How do people react? Instead of immediate agreement on God's involvement, it sparks a debate. This passage shows us how we should—and shouldn't—evaluate divine works.
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The miraculous healing of the formerly blind man was undeniable. Yet, the Pharisees split into two camps regarding its source:
This highlights a crucial principle: While we must be discerning, true miracles, especially those demonstrating compassion and healing, point towards God. The division shows how pre-existing biases can blind us to God's activity, even when it's right in front of us.
When Jesus arrives, things get shaken up. Here, even the religious elite can't agree. This division isn't just a footnote; it's a powerful indicator of Jesus' impact.
The scene in John 9 isn't just about a debate; it's about the inevitable reaction Jesus provokes. His presence and actions acted like a spotlight, exposing the hearts and beliefs of those around him.
Understand the original words
Pharisaioi · Greek Noun
A group of religious leaders in first-century Judaism known for their strict adherence to the law and oral traditions. They often acted as the primary theological opponents to Jesus in the Gospels.
sabbaton · Hebrew (via Greek Σάββατον) Noun
The seventh day of the week, ordained by God in creation and codified in the Mosaic Law as a day of rest and holy assembly. In the New Testament, Jesus challenged the legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath to reveal its true intent as a day for God's grace and mercy.
hamartōlos · Greek Adjective/Noun
One who misses the mark of God's holiness and righteousness; a transgressor of the law. In the Gospels, it is often used by religious leaders to label those they deemed ceremonially or morally impure.
sēmeion · Greek Noun
Miraculous acts that serve as divine authentication of a messenger or message. In John's Gospel, these acts are meant to point beyond themselves to the identity and glory of Jesus as the Son of God.
The division among the Pharisees highlights the intense conflict between Jesus' actions and the established religious traditions of his day, revealing how differing interpretations of divine law and authority could fracture even within the ruling elite.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Growing Opposition
Jesus begins his public ministry, performing miracles and teaching with authority, attracting large crowds but also drawing increasing scrutiny and opposition from religious leaders.
Throughout Jesus' Ministry
Pharisaic Interpretations of Sabbath Law
The Pharisees rigidly adhered to and expanded upon the Old Testament Sabbath laws with numerous oral traditions, leading to frequent clashes with Jesus over his healing activities on the Sabbath.
c. 27-30 AD
Debates over Jesus' Authority
The religious authorities, including Pharisees and chief priests, repeatedly questioned Jesus' authority to teach and perform miracles, leading to significant theological and political division within Jewish leadership.
c. 27-30 AD
Miracles as Divine Signs
Jesus' numerous and powerful miracles, such as healing the blind and raising the dead, were seen by some as undeniable evidence of God's presence and power, while others sought to dismiss or reframe them.
This passage lays the foundation for the Sabbath commandment, highlighting its divine institution and the expectation of rest, which becomes the central point of contention for the Pharisees in John 9.
Deuteronomy 5:12This reiteration of the Sabbath commandment emphasizes its purpose as a reminder of liberation from slavery, a broader context that Jesus likely invoked when challenged for 'working' on the Sabbath to bring healing.
1 Samuel 16:7This verse reveals God's perspective on judging individuals, contrasting with the Pharisees' superficial judgment based on outward actions (Sabbath-keeping) rather than inner character and the evidence of God's power.
Matthew 12:11-12Jesus directly addresses the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of Sabbath law here, arguing that acts of mercy and healing are not only permissible but encouraged on the Sabbath, directly countering the accusation in John 9.
John 7:51Nicodemus uses a similar line of reasoning to that of the 'other' Pharisees in John 9:16, questioning how a 'sinner' could perform such signs, showing a recurring debate among some leaders about the source of Jesus' power.
calvinJohn 9:13-17: "They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind."
- They bring to the Pharisees him who formerly had been blind. 14. Now it was the Sabbath when Jesus had made the clay, and opened his eyes. 15. The Pharisees also, therefore, asked him again, how he had received his sight. And he said to them, He put clay on mine eyes, and I washed, and I see. 16. Wherefore some of the Pharisees said, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the Sabbath. Others said, How can a…
ellicottJohn 9:16: "Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them."
(16) This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. —See Note on John 9:14 , and reference there. Here the truth of the miracle is granted, but it is urged that the power by which it is wrought cannot be of God, because it was exercised on the Sabbath day. The inferen…
The text highlights how the Pharisees' rigid adherence to their interpretation of the Sabbath law blinded them to the obvious power of God at work. Instead of questioning if their rule was right, they immediately used it to condemn Jesus, showing how tradition can tragically overshadow divine truth.
The religious leaders bring the man healed of blindness to the Pharisees to be questioned, specifically because Jesus performed the healing on the Sabbath. Some Pharisees immediately condemn Jesus, insisting He cannot be from God due to His Sabbath-breaking, while others are struck by the undeniable miracle and question how a sinner could perform such a healing. This disagreement reveals a deep division among them regarding Jesus' identity and authority.
The religious leaders bring the man healed of blindness to the Pharisees to be questioned, specifically because Jesus performed the healing on the Sabbath. Some Pharisees immediately condemn Jesus, insisting He cannot be from God due to His Sabbath-breaking, while others are struck by the undeniable miracle and question how a sinner could perform such a healing. This disagreement reveals a deep division among them regarding Jesus' identity and authority.
"Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them." — The text highlights how the Pharisees' rigid adherence to their interpretation of the Sabbath law blinded them to the obvious power of God at work. Instead of questioning if their rule was right, the…
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Last reviewed October 2026