John 9:8
New International Version
His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?”

New Living Translation
His neighbors and others who knew him as a blind beggar asked each other, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?”

English Standard Version
The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?”

Berean Standard Bible
At this, his neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging began to ask, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?”

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore the neighbors and those having seen him before, that he was a beggar, were saying, "Is this not he who was sitting and begging?"

King James Bible
The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

New King James Version
Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, “Is not this he who sat and begged?”

New American Standard Bible
So the neighbors, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, “Is this not the one who used to sit and beg?”

NASB 1995
Therefore the neighbors, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, “Is not this the one who used to sit and beg?”

NASB 1977
The neighbors therefore, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, “Is not this the one who used to sit and beg?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore the neighbors, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, “Is not this the one who used to sit and beg?”

Amplified Bible
So the neighbors, and those who used to know him as a beggar, said, “Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?”

Christian Standard Bible
His neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar said, “Isn’t this the one who used to sit begging? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
His neighbors and those who formerly had seen him as a beggar said, “Isn’t this the man who sat begging?”

American Standard Version
The neighbors therefore, and they that saw him aforetime, that he was a beggar, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

Contemporary English Version
The man's neighbors and the people who had seen him begging wondered if he really could be the same man.

English Revised Version
The neighbours therefore, and they which saw him aforetime, that he was a beggar, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
His neighbors and those who had previously seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the man who used to sit and beg?"

Good News Translation
His neighbors, then, and the people who had seen him begging before this, asked, "Isn't this the man who used to sit and beg?"

International Standard Version
Then the neighbors and those who had previously seen him as a beggar said, "This is the man who used to sit and beg, isn't it?"

Majority Standard Bible
At this, his neighbors and those who had formerly seen him blind began to ask, ?Isn?t this the man who used to sit and beg??

NET Bible
Then the neighbors and the people who had seen him previously as a beggar began saying, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?"

New Heart English Bible
The neighbors therefore, and those who saw that he was a beggar before, said, "Is this not the one who used to sit and beg?"

Webster's Bible Translation
The neighbors therefore, and they who before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

Weymouth New Testament
His neighbours, therefore, and the other people to whom he had been a familiar object because he was a beggar, began asking, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?"

World English Bible
Therefore the neighbors and those who saw that he was blind before said, “Isn’t this he who sat and begged?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
the neighbors, therefore, and those seeing him before, that he was blind, said, “Is this not he who is sitting and begging?”

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore the neighbors and those having seen him before, that he was a beggar, were saying, "Is this not he who was sitting and begging?"

Young's Literal Translation
the neighbours, therefore, and those seeing him before, that he was blind, said, 'Is not this he who is sitting and begging?'

Smith's Literal Translation
Then the neighbors, and those seeing him before that he was blind, said, Is not this he sitting and begging?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The neighbours therefore, and they who had seen him before that he was a beggar, said: Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said: This is he.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so the bystanders and those who had seen him before, when he was a beggar, said, “Is this not the one who was sitting and begging?” Some said, “This is he.”

New American Bible
His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said, “Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?”

New Revised Standard Version
The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
His neighbors and those who had seen him before begging, said, Is not this he who used to sit down and beg?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But his neighbors and those who had seen him begging before were saying: “Was this not he who sat and begged?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Then his neighbors, and those who had before seen him, that he was blind, said: Is not this he that sat and begged?

Godbey New Testament
Then the neighbors, and those seeing him previously, because he was a beggar, continued to say, Is not this the one sitting and begging?

Haweis New Testament
The neighbours therefore, and they who saw him formerly, that he was blind, said, Is not this the man who was sitting and begging?

Mace New Testament
the neighbours therefore, and they who before had seen him begging, said, is not this he that used to sit begging?

Weymouth New Testament
His neighbours, therefore, and the other people to whom he had been a familiar object because he was a beggar, began asking, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?"

Worrell New Testament
The neighbors, therefore, and those formerly beholding him, that he was a beggar, said, "Is not this he that sits and begs?"

Worsley New Testament
And the neighbors, and they that had seen him before, that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat begging?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind
7Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing. 8At this, his neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging began to ask, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” 9Some claimed that he was, but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” But the man kept saying, “I am the one.”…

Cross References
John 5:8-9
Then Jesus told him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” / Immediately the man was made well, and he picked up his mat and began to walk. Now this happened on the Sabbath day,

Mark 10:46-52
Next, they came to Jericho. And as Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho with a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting beside the road. / When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” / Many people admonished him to be silent, but he cried out all the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” ...

Luke 18:35-43
As Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting beside the road, begging. / When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. / “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” they told him. ...

Matthew 9:27-31
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” / After Jesus had entered the house, the blind men came to Him. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” He asked. “Yes, Lord,” they answered. / Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you.” ...

Acts 3:2-10
And a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those entering the temple courts. / When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. / Peter looked directly at him, as did John. “Look at us!” said Peter. ...

Isaiah 35:5-6
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. / Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.

Matthew 12:22-23
Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed the man so that he could speak and see. / The crowds were astounded and asked, “Could this be the Son of David?”

Luke 7:21-22
At that very hour Jesus healed many people of their diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits, and He gave sight to many who were blind. / So He replied, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

John 7:31
Many in the crowd, however, believed in Him and said, “When the Christ comes, will He perform more signs than this man?”

John 11:37
But some of them asked, “Could not this man who opened the eyes of the blind also have kept Lazarus from dying?”

John 12:18
That is also why the crowd went out to meet Him, because they heard that He had performed this sign.

John 5:36
But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.

John 10:21
But others replied, “These are not the words of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

Matthew 11:5
The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

Isaiah 42:7
to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.


Treasury of Scripture

The neighbors therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

Is not.

Ruth 1:19
So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?

1 Samuel 21:11
And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

sat.

1 Samuel 2:8
He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

Mark 10:46
And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.

Luke 16:20-22
And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, …

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John 9
1. The man born blind is restored to sight.
8. He is brought to the Pharisees.
13. They are offended at it;
35. but he is received of Jesus, and confesses him.
39. Who they are whom Jesus enlightens.














At this, his neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging began to ask
The context of this passage is the miraculous healing of a man born blind by Jesus. The neighbors and those familiar with the man are astonished by the change in his condition. This reflects the close-knit nature of communities in ancient Jewish society, where people were well-acquainted with each other's circumstances. The reaction of the neighbors highlights the public nature of the miracle, serving as a testament to Jesus' divine power. In biblical times, blindness was often seen as a sign of sin or divine punishment, making the healing even more significant as it challenges prevailing beliefs.

“Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?”
Begging was a common practice for those with disabilities in ancient Israel, as there were limited means of support for the disabled. The man's transformation from a beggar to someone who can see is a powerful symbol of spiritual awakening and redemption. This question underscores the dramatic change in the man's life, prompting a reevaluation of his identity by those around him. The miracle serves as a type of spiritual enlightenment, where Jesus, the Light of the World, brings both physical and spiritual sight. This event foreshadows the transformative power of Christ's ministry and the new identity believers receive through faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Blind Man
Previously blind from birth, he is the central figure in this chapter, having been healed by Jesus.

2. Neighbors
These are the people who lived near the blind man and were familiar with his condition and lifestyle.

3. Begging
The act of seeking alms, which was the blind man's means of survival before his healing.

4. Jesus
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, He is the one who performed the miracle of healing the blind man.

5. Jerusalem
The city where this event takes place, a significant location in Jesus' ministry.
Teaching Points
Recognition of Transformation
The neighbors' questioning highlights the visible transformation that occurs when Jesus intervenes in a person's life. As believers, our lives should reflect the change Christ has made in us.

Witnessing to Others
The healed man's life became a testimony to those around him. We should be prepared to share our testimony of what Jesus has done in our lives, pointing others to Him.

Skepticism and Faith
The neighbors' doubt reflects a common human response to miraculous change. We must be prepared to address skepticism with faith and truth.

Identity in Christ
The blind man's identity was transformed from a beggar to a witness of Christ's power. Our identity should be rooted in who we are in Christ, not in our past or circumstances.

Community and Change
The community's reaction to the man's healing shows the impact of personal transformation on those around us. Our faith journey can influence and inspire our community.(8) They which before had seen him that he was blind.--The better reading is, that he was a beggar. The persons are the neighbours, who from living near him knew all about him, and those who used to see him at the spot where he sat begging. Both classes, of course, knew that he was blind.

Is not this he that sat and begged?--Better, Is not this he that sitteth and beggeth? The tenses are present, marking his usual custom.

Verses 8-34. -

(9) The proof of the reality of the miracle, the antagonism of the Pharisees, and the persecution of the heated mad. Verse 8. - The neighbors therefore, and they who beheld him aforetime that (or, because) he was a beggar. This is the first time that his well-known position is mentioned, and (if we translate ὅτι "because") the very fact of his begging (probably with loud voice) had made him a well-known individual. Said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
At this,
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

[his]
Οἱ (Hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

neighbors
γείτονες (geitones)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1069: A neighbor. From ge; a neighbour; by implication, a friend.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

those who
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

had formerly seen
θεωροῦντες (theōrountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2334: From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge).

him
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

begging
προσαίτης (prosaitēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4319: To beg, ask earnestly, ask for in addition. From pros and aiteo; to ask repeatedly, i.e. Solicit.

began to ask,
ἔλεγον (elegon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“Isn’t
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

this
οὗτός (houtos)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

the [man who]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

used to sit
καθήμενος (kathēmenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2521: To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

beg?”
προσαιτῶν (prosaitōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4319: To beg, ask earnestly, ask for in addition. From pros and aiteo; to ask repeatedly, i.e. Solicit.


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NT Gospels: John 9:8 The neighbors therefore and those who saw (Jhn Jo Jn)
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