John 10:21
New International Version
But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

New Living Translation
Others said, “This doesn’t sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

English Standard Version
Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

Berean Standard Bible
But others replied, “These are not the words of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

Berean Literal Bible
Others were saying, "These are not the sayings of one possessed by a demon. Is a demon able to open the eyes of the blind?"

King James Bible
Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

New King James Version
Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

New American Standard Bible
Others were saying, “These are not the words of one who is demon-possessed. A demon cannot open the eyes of those who are blind, can it?”

NASB 1995
Others were saying, “These are not the sayings of one demon-possessed. A demon cannot open the eyes of the blind, can he?”

NASB 1977
Others were saying, “These are not the sayings of one demon-possessed. A demon cannot open the eyes of the blind, can he?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Others were saying, “These are not the words of someone demon-possessed. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

Amplified Bible
Others were saying, “These are not the words and thoughts of one possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

Christian Standard Bible
Others were saying, “These aren’t the words of someone who is demon-possessed. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Others were saying, “These aren’t the words of someone demon-possessed. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

American Standard Version
Others said, These are not the sayings of one possessed with a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?

Contemporary English Version
But others said, "How could anyone with a demon in him say these things? No one like this could give sight to a blind person!"

English Revised Version
Others said, These are not the sayings of one possessed with a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Others said, "No one talks like this if he's possessed by a demon. Can a demon give sight to the blind?"

Good News Translation
But others were saying, "A man with a demon could not talk like this! How could a demon give sight to blind people?"

International Standard Version
Others were saying, "These are not the words of a man who is demon-possessed. A demon cannot open the eyes of the blind, can it?"

Majority Standard Bible
But others replied, ?These are not the words of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind??

NET Bible
Others said, "These are not the words of someone possessed by a demon. A demon cannot cause the blind to see, can it?"

New Heart English Bible
Others said, "These are not the sayings of one possessed by a demon. It is not possible for a demon to open the eyes of the blind, is it?"

Webster's Bible Translation
Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?

Weymouth New Testament
Others argued, "That is not the language of a demoniac: and can a demon open blind men's eyes?"

World English Bible
Others said, “These are not the sayings of one possessed by a demon. It isn’t possible for a demon to open the eyes of the blind, is it?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Others said, “These sayings are not those of a demoniac; is a demon able to open blind men’s eyes?”

Berean Literal Bible
Others were saying, "These are not the sayings of one possessed by a demon. Is a demon able to open the eyes of the blind?"

Young's Literal Translation
others said, 'These sayings are not those of a demoniac; is a demon able blind men's eyes to open?'

Smith's Literal Translation
Others said, These are not the words of a demon. A demon cannot open the eyes of the blind.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Others said: These are not the words of one that hath a devil: Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Others were saying: “These are not the words of someone who has a demon. How would a demon be able to open the eyes of the blind?”

New American Bible
Others said, “These are not the words of one possessed; surely a demon cannot open the eyes of the blind, can he?”

New Revised Standard Version
Others were saying, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Others said, These are not the words of a crazy man. Why, can a crazy man open the eyes of the blind?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But the others were saying, “These are not the words of one who is possessed. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Others said: These are not the words of one that has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?

Godbey New Testament
These are not the words of a demonized man. Whether is a demon able to open the eyes of the blind?

Haweis New Testament
Others said, These are not the discourses of a demoniac. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

Mace New Testament
others said, this is not the language of one possess'd: can a demon give sight to the blind?

Weymouth New Testament
Others argued, "That is not the language of a demoniac: and can a demon open blind men's eyes?"

Worrell New Testament
Others said, "These are not the sayings of a demoniac. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"

Worsley New Testament
Others said, These are not the words of a demoniac; can a demon open the eyes of the blind?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus the Good Shepherd
20Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and insane. Why would you listen to Him?” 21But others replied, “These are not the words of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” 22At that time the Feast of Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter,…

Cross References
John 9:16
Because of this, some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man perform such signs?” And there was division among them.

John 7:20
“You have a demon,” the crowd replied. “Who is trying to kill You?”

John 8:48-49
The Jews answered Him, “Are we not right to say that You are a Samaritan and You have a demon?” / “I do not have a demon,” Jesus replied, “but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me.

John 7:43
So there was division in the crowd because of Jesus.

John 8:52
“Now we know that You have a demon!” declared the Jews. “Abraham died, and so did the prophets, yet You say that anyone who keeps Your word will never taste death.

Matthew 12:24
But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.”

Mark 3:22
And the scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and, “By the prince of the demons He drives out demons.”

Luke 11:15
but some of them said, “It is by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons, that He drives out demons.”

John 3:2
He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.”

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 14:10-11
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you, I do not speak on My own. Instead, it is the Father dwelling in Me, performing His works. / Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me—or at least believe on account of the works themselves.

John 15:24
If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have seen and hated both Me and My Father.

Acts 2:22
Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know.

Acts 10:38
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.

Matthew 9:33
And when the demon had been driven out, the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!”


Treasury of Scripture

Others said, These are not the words of him that has a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

Can.

John 9:6,32
When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, …

Exodus 4:11
And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?

Exodus 8:19
Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

Jump to Previous
Able Argued Blind Demon Demoniac Demon-Possessed Devil Evil Eyes Language Open Others Possessed Possible Sayings Spirit Words
Jump to Next
Able Argued Blind Demon Demoniac Demon-Possessed Devil Evil Eyes Language Open Others Possessed Possible Sayings Spirit Words
John 10
1. Jesus is the door, and the good shepherd.
19. Diverse opinions of him.
23. He proves by his works that he is Jesus the Son of God;
31. escapes the Jews;
39. and goes again beyond Jordan, where many believe on him.














Others said
This phrase introduces a contrasting opinion among the people who were present. In the context of John 10, there is a division among the Jews regarding Jesus' identity and the source of His power. The Greek word for "others" (ἄλλοι) indicates a different group or perspective, highlighting the diversity of thought and the ongoing debate about Jesus' nature and mission. This division is a recurring theme in the Gospels, reflecting the varied responses to Jesus' teachings and miracles.

These are not the words
The phrase underscores the importance of Jesus' teachings and the impact of His words. The Greek term for "words" (ῥήματα) refers to spoken words or sayings, emphasizing the power and authority inherent in Jesus' speech. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus' words are often a source of amazement and controversy, as they challenge existing religious norms and reveal deeper spiritual truths.

of a man possessed by a demon
This statement reflects the skepticism and discernment of some of the listeners. The Greek word for "possessed" (δαιμονιζομένου) suggests being under the control or influence of a demon. In the cultural and historical context of the time, demon possession was associated with madness or irrational behavior. The listeners are arguing that Jesus' coherent and profound teachings are inconsistent with the erratic behavior typically associated with demonic influence.

Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?
This rhetorical question points to the miraculous works of Jesus as evidence of His divine authority. The act of opening the eyes of the blind is a fulfillment of Messianic prophecies, such as those found in Isaiah 35:5. The question challenges the notion that Jesus' power could be demonic, as such a miracle aligns with God's redemptive work and compassion. The Greek word for "open" (ἀνοίγειν) implies not just physical healing but also spiritual enlightenment, reinforcing the idea that Jesus brings both physical and spiritual sight.

(21) Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil.--We trace here again the presence of the better party among the Sanhedrin, which we found before (John 9:16). "His words," they would say, "are words of calm teaching. The possession by a demon disorders, frenzies, makes the slave of madness. It is inconsistent with words like these."

Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?--"Surely a devil cannot open the eyes of the blind? "is the form their question took. They go back from the teaching to the great sign which gave rise to it, and they find that work and word are alike opposed to the thought of being the result of a demon's presence. Such a miracle had never before been known. A demon does not give the power to do a prophet's work. (Comp. Notes on John 9:16 and Matthew 12:24.)

Verse 21. - There was a twofold reply: one drawn from their own experience. Others said, These (ῤήματα; verba, Vulgate) sayings - "things said" - are not those of one who is possessed by a daemon. Their majestic calm, their conscious strength, the strange thrill they sent through human hearts, and which we feel to this hour, discriminate them from the scream of the maniac, with which some of the more astounding statements taken by themselves might have suggested comparison. They give another argument drawn from the miracle which had just taken place, which proves that his friends on this occasion were very far from the mad wickedness of those whose moral sense had been so perverted as to say that "he casts out daemons by the prince of daemons" (see Matthew 12:24, etc., and parallel passages). Can a daemon open the eyes of the blind? It is not in the nature of a damon to heal disease, and pour light on sightless eyes. The goodness of the Lord triumphs over the vile insinuation. We must have better explanation than this of his mysterious claims. The contest was sharp. The conflict for a while silenced opposition, only to break out again with greater malice and fury.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[But] others
Ἄλλοι (Alloi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 243: Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different.

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

“These
Ταῦτα (Tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

are
ἔστιν (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.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

words
ῥήματα (rhēmata)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4487: From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.

of [a man] possessed by a demon.
δαιμονιζομένου (daimonizomenou)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1139: To be possessed, be under the power of an evil-spirit or demon. Middle voice from daimon; to be exercised by a d?Mon.

Can
δύναται (dynatai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

a demon
δαιμόνιον (daimonion)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1140: An evil-spirit, demon; a heathen deity. Neuter of a derivative of daimon; a d?Monic being; by extension a deity.

open
ἀνοῖξαι (anoixai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 455: To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.

[the] eyes
ὀφθαλμοὺς (ophthalmous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3788: The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.

of [the] blind?”
τυφλῶν (typhlōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5185: Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind.


Links
John 10:21 NIV
John 10:21 NLT
John 10:21 ESV
John 10:21 NASB
John 10:21 KJV

John 10:21 BibleApps.com
John 10:21 Biblia Paralela
John 10:21 Chinese Bible
John 10:21 French Bible
John 10:21 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: John 10:21 Others said These are not the sayings (Jhn Jo Jn)
John 10:20
Top of Page
Top of Page