John 9 · a question people ask

"Then they threw him out" (9:34). Was he put out of the synagogue?

In the text

The chapter tells of an agreement before it tells of the man being thrown out. His parents spoke as they did "because they feared the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if any man would confess him as Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue" (9:22). Later, after the man says, "If this man were not from God, he could do nothing" (9:33), "They answered him, “You were altogether born in sins, and do you teach us?” Then they threw him out" (9:34), and "Jesus heard that they had thrown him out" (9:35). These verses don't say what he was thrown out of, and they don't say whether it was the agreement of 9:22 being kept. These notes set the verses side by side, add no history from outside the Bible, and apply none of it to anyone today.

The verses

“His parents said these things because they feared the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if any man would confess him as Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue.”
John 9:22 · World English Bible
“If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” They answered him, “You were altogether born in sins, and do you teach us?” Then they threw him out. Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and finding him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of God?””
John 9:33-35 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of John 9

John 9: One thing I do know

When the man came back seeing (9:7) and was asked where Jesus was, he said, "I don’t know" (9:12). The next time the chapter brings them together, Jesus finds him after he was thrown out and says, "You have both seen him, and it is he who speaks with you" (9:37).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about John 9

All questions about John →

Did we miss something?

We're a small team, and we can make mistakes. If something here looks wrong or unclear, tell us and we'll check it against the text.

Tell us

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

The best way to study the Bible.

Your small group or your church can use Favor for Bible study, or you can read by yourself.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Last reviewed October 1, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions