At the close of the previous chapter our Lord bore the contradiction of sinners against Himself. The Jews had caught up the stones gathered to repair the Temple, in order to inflict the doom of the blasphemer; but Jesus passed through them unscathed and began to descend the great steps. To human gaze there was need for Jesus to hasten from His foes, John 8:59; in His thought there was greater need to heal this blind beggar. In the most leisurely manner, therefore, He made clay and wrought this miracle of sight. His heart was at rest in God. No great thing is wrought by those who live in perpetual ferment. Through the quiet heart God works His own works, and there will be time enough to get them all done before "the night cometh when no man can work," John 9:4.
Our Lord perceived that beneath the unpromising exterior of this man were elements of nobility, which He set Himself to elicit. The clay which the man found suddenly applied to his eyes awakened wonder, hope, expectation, and faith. It was a ladder by which he climbed from the pit of despair to the mount of joy. The walk to Siloam was a further venture of faith; but there were other steps to be taken ere he attained to the full stature of his discipleship. Some were forced on him by opposition; to others he was led by Christ Himself. [source]
Chapter Summary: John 9
1The man born blind is restored to sight 8He is brought to the Pharisees 13They are offended at it; 35but he is received of Jesus, and confesses him 39Who they are whom Jesus enlightens
Greek Commentary for John 9:10
How then were thine eyes opened? [Πως ουν ηνεωιχτησαν σου οι οπταλμοι] Natural and logical (ουν oun) question. First aorist passive indicative (triple augment) of ανοιγω anoigō These neighbours admit the fact and want the manner (“how”) of the cure made clear. [source]
What do the individual words in John 9:10 mean?
They were sayingthereforeto himHowthenwere openedof youtheeyes
Greek Commentary for John 9:10
Natural and logical (ουν oun) question. First aorist passive indicative (triple augment) of ανοιγω anoigō These neighbours admit the fact and want the manner (“how”) of the cure made clear. [source]