Definition: They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from John 9:34. It’s a really interesting and slightly unsettling verse. Here's an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is talking to the Jewish authorities who are condemning him. They’re asking him a tough question: “Did you truly die for our sins?” And Jesus responds with a surprising answer: "They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us?" Let's unpack what that means: “They answered…” : The Jewish authorities are trying to provoke a reaction. They’re asking a direct question. “…Thou wast altogether born in sins…” : This is the crucial part. The word “sinns” (sins) refers to grave, serious mistakes . Jesus uses this phrase to mean he was completely and utterly flawed – he had made terrible mistakes in his life, including betraying God's will and causing pain. It’s a powerful way of saying he was deeply wrong. “and dost thou teach us?” : This is the core of the question. The authorities are challenging him to prove he’s forgiven them. They want to see evidence that he's completely free from their sins. What happened? Jesus, in response, says, "They cast him out." This means he refused to give a formal forgiveness or to be acknowledged by the authorities. He essentially said, “I am completely flawed and deserve condemnation.” The Significance & Why It Matters: This verse is incredibly important because it shows Jesus’ complete humility before God. It's a moment where he acknowledges his own imperfections and demonstrates that he didn't earn forgiveness through good works or anything else. It suggests a deeper connection between God and humanity – that we are all flawed and need forgiveness. In short, this verse describes a moment when Jesus was completely exposed to the judgment of God for his sins. It’s a foundational part of understanding why he was crucified and resurrected. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible passage? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail? Talk about what it means for Jesus to be born into sin?