John 9:28 Meaning and Explanation
“Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →They turn to insult and draw the line: you are his disciple; we are disciples of Moses.
What Does John 9:28 Mean?
When the argument falters, abuse begins: they reviled him. Then they frame a great divide — his disciple versus Moses' disciples — claiming the safe ground of established revelation and casting the man outside it.
The division they announce cannot actually stand, for Moses, rightly followed, leads to Jesus: "had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me" (John 5:46; Deuteronomy 18:15). To revere the earlier word while refusing the One it points to is to break with both. As for the man, the insults place him in blessed company — "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you" (Matthew 5:11) — and in the company of his Lord, who bore the same and answered with grace.
John 9:28 in the Original Language
loidoreo (λοιδορέω), 'reviled' -- to heap insults on; the same verb describes Christ, who when he was reviled, reviled not again (1 Peter 2:23).
Frequently Asked Questions About John 9:28
What does John 9:28 mean?
They turn to insult and draw the line: you are his disciple; we are disciples of Moses.