John 9:3–5

9:3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man5 nor his parents sinned, but he was born blind so that6 the acts7 of God may be revealed8 through what happens to him.9 9:4 We must perform the deeds10 of the one who sent me11 as long as12 it is daytime. Night is coming when no one can work. 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”13

5	tn Grk “this one.”
6	tn Grk “but so that.” There is an ellipsis that must be supplied: “but [he was born blind] so that” or “but [it happened to him] so that.”
7	tn Or “deeds”; Grk “works.”
8	tn Or “manifested,” “brought to light.”
9	tn Grk “in him.”
10	tn Grk “We must work the works.”
11	tn Or “of him who sent me” (God).
12	tn Or “while.”
13	sn Jesus’ statement I am the light of the world connects the present account with 8:12. Here (seen more clearly than at 8:12) it is obvious what the author sees as the significance of Jesus’ statement. “Light” is not a metaphysical definition of the person of Jesus but a description of his effect on the world, forcing everyone in the world to ‘choose up sides’ for or against him (cf. 3:19–21).