Bible Strands
John 9:28
Then they heaped insults on him and said, “You are His disciple; we are disciples of Moses.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The religious opponents address the healed man immediately after his rebuttal to their repeated interrogation. They respond to his challenge about becoming disciples by declaring their own status as followers of Moses.
The words — ἐλοιδόρησαν (eloidorēsan) literally means "railed at" or "heaped insults on," recording their hostile verbal reaction. οὖν (oun) translates as "therefore," structuring their insult as a direct logical consequence of his preceding statement.
The thread — This hostile exchange parallels the verbal abuse listed in 1 Corinthians 6:10 among those who will not inherit the kingdom. The opponents' claim of exclusive Mosaic allegiance mirrors the Jewish boasting in the law described in Romans 2:17, while 1 Corinthians 4:12 contrasts their method with the apostolic practice of blessing when reviled.
Why it lands — The text records a direct confrontation that forces a choice between human tradition and a living witness. It requires the reader to examine whether their religious identity protects them from accountability or hardens them against new revelation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples.
Cross-references
- Romans 2:17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God;
- 1 Corinthians 4:12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;
- 1 Corinthians 6:10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
- Isaiah 51:7 Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults.
- Matthew 5:11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
- Matthew 27:39 And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads
- John 5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, in whom you have put your hope.
- John 7:19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps it. Why are you trying to kill Me?”
- John 7:47 “Have you also been deceived?” replied the Pharisees.
- John 9:34 They replied, “You were born in utter sin, and you are instructing us?” And they threw him out.