John 9:32
New International Version
Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind.

New Living Translation
Ever since the world began, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born blind.

English Standard Version
Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind.

Berean Standard Bible
Never before has anyone heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind.

Berean Literal Bible
Never out of the age has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of one having been born blind.

King James Bible
Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.

New King James Version
Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind.

New American Standard Bible
Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind.

NASB 1995
“Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind.

NASB 1977
“Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind.

Legacy Standard Bible
Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind.

Amplified Bible
Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind.

Christian Standard Bible
Throughout history no one has ever heard of someone opening the eyes of a person born blind.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Throughout history no one has ever heard of someone opening the eyes of a person born blind.

American Standard Version
Since the world began it was never heard that any one opened the eyes of a man born blind.

Contemporary English Version
And this is the first time in history anyone has ever given sight to someone born blind.

English Revised Version
Since the world began it was never heard that any one opened the eyes of a man born blind.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Since the beginning of time, no one has ever heard of anyone giving sight to a person born blind.

Good News Translation
Since the beginning of the world nobody has ever heard of anyone giving sight to a person born blind.

International Standard Version
Ever since creation it has never been heard that anyone healed the eyes of a man who was born blind.

Majority Standard Bible
Never before has anyone heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind.

NET Bible
Never before has anyone heard of someone causing a man born blind to see.

New Heart English Bible
Since the world began it has never been heard of that anyone opened the eyes of someone born blind.

Webster's Bible Translation
Since the world began hath it not been heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.

Weymouth New Testament
From the beginning of the world such a thing was never heard of as that any one should open the eyes of a man blind from his birth.

World English Bible
Since the world began it has never been heard of that anyone opened the eyes of someone born blind.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
from the age it was not heard that anyone opened eyes of one who has been born blind;

Berean Literal Bible
Never out of the age has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of one having been born blind.

Young's Literal Translation
from the age it was not heard, that any one did open eyes of one who hath been born blind;

Smith's Literal Translation
From forever was it not heard that any opened the eyes of him born blind.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
From the beginning of the world it hath not been heard, that any man hath opened the eyes of one born blind.

Catholic Public Domain Version
From ancient times, it has not been heard that anyone has opened the eyes of someone born blind.

New American Bible
It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind.

New Revised Standard Version
Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
From ages it has never been heard that a man opened the eyes of one who was born blind.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“It has never been heard that a man has opened the eyes of one who was born blind.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Since the beginning it has not been heard that any one opened the eyes of one who had been born blind.

Godbey New Testament
It was never heard of from the beginning that any one opened the eyes of a man who was born blind:

Haweis New Testament
From the creation of the world hath it never been heard, that any man opened the eyes of one born blind.

Mace New Testament
It was never heard since the world began, that any man gave sight to one that was born blind.

Weymouth New Testament
From the beginning of the world such a thing was never heard of as that any one should open the eyes of a man blind from his birth.

Worrell New Testament
From remotest antiquity, it was never heard that any one opened the eyes of one born blind!

Worsley New Testament
From the beginning of the world it was never heard, that any one opened the eyes of a person that was born blind.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Pharisees Investigate the Healing
31We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will. 32Never before has anyone heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33If this man were not from God, He could do no such thing.”…

Cross References
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.

Psalm 146:8
the LORD opens the eyes of the blind, the LORD lifts those who are weighed down, the LORD loves the righteous.

Exodus 4:11
And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD?

Isaiah 29:18
On that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of the deep darkness the eyes of the blind will see.

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.

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.

Luke 7:22
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 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?”

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

Acts 3:6-8
But Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” / Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and at once the man’s feet and ankles were made strong. / He sprang to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and leaping and praising God.

Acts 4:16
“What shall we do with these men?” they asked. “It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them, and we cannot deny it.

Acts 9:17-18
So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” / At that instant, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was restored. He got up and was baptized,

Acts 26:18
to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’


Treasury of Scripture

Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.

Since.

the world.

Job 20:4
Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth,

Isaiah 64:4
For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

Luke 1:70
As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

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Age Beginning Birth Blind Born Eyes Heard Nobody Open Opened Opening Someone Time World
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.














Never before
This phrase emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the miracle that Jesus performed. In the Greek, the word used here is "οὐδέποτε" (oudepote), which means "never" or "at no time." This highlights the uniqueness of the event, suggesting that such a miracle had not been recorded in the history of Israel. The emphasis on "never before" serves to underscore the divine authority and power of Jesus, setting Him apart from any other prophet or healer in Jewish history.

has anyone heard
The phrase suggests that the miracle was not only unprecedented but also widely acknowledged. The Greek word "ἤκουσεν" (ēkousen) implies hearing or understanding, indicating that the event was not just seen but also comprehended by those who witnessed it. This points to the communal recognition of Jesus' miraculous works, which were not done in secret but were public and verifiable, adding to the credibility of His ministry.

of opening the eyes
The act of opening the eyes is symbolic of enlightenment and revelation. In the Jewish tradition, blindness was often associated with spiritual ignorance or judgment, and the restoration of sight was seen as a sign of divine intervention and mercy. The Greek word "ἀνοίγειν" (anoigein) means to open, and it signifies not just physical sight but also spiritual insight. This miracle, therefore, is a metaphor for the spiritual awakening that Jesus brings to those who are in darkness.

of a man born blind
The specific mention of a man born blind highlights the severity and hopelessness of the condition. In the ancient world, congenital blindness was considered incurable, and those afflicted were often marginalized. The Greek phrase "γεννητὸς τυφλός" (gennētos typhlos) underscores the miraculous nature of the healing, as it was not a temporary ailment but a lifelong condition. This miracle serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' authority over creation, affirming His identity as the Messiah who brings restoration and hope to the hopeless.

(32) Since the world began was it not heard.--Literally, from the world-age was it not heard. The phrase is a reminiscence of Isaiah 64:4. (Comp. also Note on Luke 1:70.)

The eyes of one that was born blind.--This differentiates the miracle from the others in cases of blindness, and still more from all ordinary cures of maladies of the eyes. The man expresses what was simply true, that no science or skill had at that time been equal to the removal of blindness which had accompanied birth. That modern science has succeeded in making even this possible, is altogether beside the question, unless it is pretended that human skill could effect it under like conditions and with the same means. For the man himself there had been years of darkness without a ray of hope, for none had ever dreamt that recovery was within the limits of possibility; and now that the blessing has come, he regards it as the gift of God, and doubts not that the immediate giver is from God.

Verses 32, 33. - The man, having once begun, will not be stopped in his argument. Since the world began (ἐκ τοῦ αἰῶνος does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament; we have ἀπ αἰῶνος three times, and ἀπὸ τῶν αἰῶνων) it was never heard that any one opened the eyes of one born blind. There is no record of any cure of blindness in the Old Testament. The miracle stands forth with grand distinctness on the page of history. If such stories had been told, neither he nor the author of this narrative knew of them. The Pharisees and Jews have no reply to this burst of grateful but indignant testimony to the uniqueness of his Deliverer, and then, with a home-thrust which cut through their weak objections and repudiated their cruel inferences, he added, Unless this Man were from God, he could do nothing; he could neither have wrought this marvel, nor any of the deep impressions wrought upon you. "From God;" that is the man's final answer to the query, "What sayest thou of him, seeing that he hath opened thine eyes?" God has the glory, while I repudiate what you give as a judgment against him. Verily God has heard him as One who in this thing has simply done his will. Thus the Jews are compelled for a few moments to hear, from one known as a street-beggar, words of teaching along the finest lines of a deep experience.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Never
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

before
αἰῶνος (aiōnos)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 165: From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.

{has} anyone
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

heard of
ἠκούσθη (ēkousthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

opening
ἠνέῳξέν (ēneōxen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
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 a man born
γεγεννημένου (gegennēmenou)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1080: From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.

blind.
τυφλοῦ (typhlou)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5185: Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind.


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