Bible Strands
John 9:4
While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to his disciples, immediately after explaining that a man blind from birth exists so God's works may be displayed in him (John 9:3), and immediately before declaring "I am the light of the world" (John 9:5).
The words — δεῖ (dei) is the impersonal "it is necessary," not a suggestion but a binding obligation; it frames the work as non-optional. ἐργάζεσθαι (ergazesthai) is the strong form of "work," implying sustained labor rather than a single act.
The thread — John 12:35 repeats the same light/night urgency ("Walk while you have the Light"); John 4:34 uses the identical phrase "the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work."
Why it lands — The verse places the reader under obligation (dei) within a finite window, and the only response it models is immediate, directed labor rather than deliberation.
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
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Cross-references
- John 12:35 Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.
- Ephesians 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
- John 4:34 Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.
- Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
- John 11:9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? If anyone walks in the daytime, he will not stumble, because he sees by the light of this world.
- Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.
- John 17:4 I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.
- Colossians 4:5 Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.
- 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 10:32 But Jesus responded, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone Me?”