KJV: I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
YLT: it behoveth me to be working the works of Him who sent me while it is day; night doth come, when no one is able to work: --
Darby: I must work the works of him that has sent me while it is day. The night is coming, when no one can work.
ASV: We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
ἡμᾶς | Us |
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Accusative 1st Person Plural Root: ἐγώ Sense: I, me, my. |
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δεῖ | it behooves |
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular Root: δεῖ Sense: it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves, is right and proper. |
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ἐργάζεσθαι | to work |
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Middle or Passive Root: ἐργάζομαι Sense: to work, labour, do work. |
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ἔργα | works |
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Plural Root: ἔργον Sense: business, employment, that which any one is occupied. |
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τοῦ | of the [One] |
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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πέμψαντός | having sent |
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Genitive Masculine Singular Root: πέμπω Sense: to send. |
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με | Me |
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Accusative 1st Person Singular Root: ἐγώ Sense: I, me, my. |
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ἕως | while |
Parse: Conjunction Root: ἕως Sense: till, until. |
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ἡμέρα | day |
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular Root: ἡμέρα Sense: the day, used of the natural day, or the interval between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night. |
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ἐστίν | it is |
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular Root: εἰμί Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present. |
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ἔρχεται | is coming |
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular Root: ἔρχομαι Sense: to come. |
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νὺξ | night |
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular Root: νύξ Sense: night. |
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οὐδεὶς | no one |
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: οὐδείς Sense: no one, nothing. |
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δύναται | is able |
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular Root: δύναμαι Sense: to be able, have power whether by virtue of one’s own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom. |
Greek Commentary for John 9:4
This is undoubtedly the correct text (supported by the Neutral and Western classes) and not εμε eme (I) and με me (me) of the Syrian class nor ημας hēmas (we) and ημας hēmas (us) of the Alexandrian class. Jesus associates us with him in the task committed to him by the Father. Bernard argues vigorously, but vainly, for εμε eme me. We are not able to fathom the depth of the necessity This clause gives the note of urgency upon us all. The night cometh “Night is coming on,” and rapidly. Night was coming for Jesus (John 7:33) and for each of us. Cf. John 11:9; John 12:35. Even electric lights do not turn night into day. εως Heōs with the present indicative (John 21:22.) means “while,” not until as in John 13:38. [source]
The best texts read ἡμᾶς , us, instead of ἐμὲ , me. Literally, it is necessary for us to work. The disciples are thus associated by Jesus with Himself. Compare John 3:11. [source]
The Son sends the disciples, as the Father sends the Son. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 9:4
In the parallel passages in Mark 4:12 and Luke 8:10 we find ινα hina with the subjunctive. This does not necessarily mean that in Mark and Luke ιναοτι hinâhoti with the causal sense, though a few rare instances of such usage may be found in late Greek. For a discussion of the problem see my chapter on “The Causal Use of Hina ” in Studies in Early Christianity (1928) edited by Prof. S.J. Case. Here in Matthew we have first “an adaptation of Isaiah 6:9. which is quoted in full in Matthew 13:14.” (McNeile). Thus Matthew presents “a striking paradox, ‹though they see, they do not (really) see‘”(McNeile). Cf. John 9:41. The idiom here in Matthew gives no trouble save in comparison with Mark and Luke which will be discussed in due turn. The form συνιουσιν suniousin is an omega verb form (συνιω suniō) rather than the μι mi verb (συνιημι suniēmi) as is common in the Koiné. [source]
These solemn words form a fit close for this discourse to the Seventy. The fate of Chorazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum will befall those who set aside (α a privative and τετεω theteō from τιτημι tithēmi) the mission and message of these messengers of Christ. See this verb used in Luke 7:30 of the attitude of the scribes and Pharisees toward John and Jesus. It is this thought that makes it so grave a responsibility to be co-workers with Christ, high privilege as it is (John 9:4). [source]
Rather, while I am coming. Compare John 9:4; John 12:35, John 12:36; 1 Timothy 4:13. [source]
See on John 9:41; see on 1 John 1:8. [source]
Genitive of time, within the day, the twelve-hour day in contrast with night. The words of Jesus here illustrate what he had said in John 9:4. It is not blind fatalism that Jesus proclaims, but the opposite of cowardice. He has full confidence in the Father s purpose about his “hour” which has not yet come. Jesus has courage to face his enemies again to do the Father‘s will about Lazarus. If a man walk in the day Condition of the third class, a conceived case and it applies to Jesus who walks in the full glare of noonday. See John 8:12 for the contrast between walking in the light and in the dark. He stumbleth not He does not cut (or bump) against this or that obstacle, for he can see. Κοπτω Koptō is to cut and pros, against. [source]
Imperfect active indicative without αν an but apodosis of second-class condition as in John 15:22, John 15:24. Except it were given thee Periphrastic past perfect indicative of διδωμι didōmi (a permanent possession). From above From God (cf. John 3:3), the same doctrine of government stated by Paul in Romans 13:1. Pilate did not get his “authority” from the Sanhedrin, but from Caesar. Jesus makes God the source of all real “authority.” Hath greater sin The same idiom in John 9:41. Caiaphas has his authority from God also and has used Pilate for his own base end. [source]
Christ claims to be king to Pilate, but of a peculiar kingdom. For “world” For the word see John 18:3 where it means the temple police or guards (literally, under-rowers). In the lxx always (Prov 14:35; Isaiah 32:5; Dan 3:46) officers of a king as here. Christ then had only a small band of despised followers who could not fight against Caesar. Was he alluding also to legions of angels on his side? (Matthew 26:56). Would fight Imperfect middle of αγωνιζομαι agōnizomai common verb (only here in John, but see 1 Corinthians 9:25) from αγων agōn (contest) with αν an a conclusion of the second-class condition (assumed as untrue). Christians should never forget the profound truth stated here by Jesus. That I should not be delivered Negative final clause with ινα μη hina mē and first aorist passive subjunctive of παραδιδωμι paradidōmi (see John 18:28, John 18:36). Jesus expects Pilate to surrender to the Jews. But now In contrast to the condition already stated as in John 8:40; John 9:41; John 15:22, John 15:24. [source]
Only here in New Testament. From μύω , to close, and ὤψ , the eye. Closing or contracting the eyes like short-sighted people. Hence, to be short-sighted. The participle being short-sighted is added to the adjective blind, defining it; as if he had said, is blind, that is, short-sighted spiritually; seeing only things present and not heavenly things. Compare John 9:41. Rev. renders, seeing only what is near. [source]
See on John 21:1. Including Christ's whole life on earth and its consequences. The idea of manifestation here assumes the fact of a previous being. John various terms to describe the incarnation. He conceives it with reference to the Father, as a sending, a mission. Hence ὁ πέμψας με Hethat sent me (John 4:34; John 6:38; John 9:4; John 12:44, etc.): ὁ πέμψας με πατήρ theFather that sent me (John 5:37; John 8:18; John 12:49, etc.): with the verb ἀποστέλλω tosend as an envoy, with a commission; God sent ( ἀπέστειλεν ) His Son (John 3:17; John 10:36; 1 John 4:10; compare John 6:57; John 7:29; John 17:18). With reference to the Son, as a coming, regarded as a historic fact and as an abiding fact. As a historic event, He came ( ἧλθεν , John 1:11); this is He that came ( ὁ ἐλθὼν , 1 John 5:6). Came forth ( ἐξῆλθον ; John 8:42; John 16:27, John 16:28; John 17:8). As something abiding in its effects, am come, hath come, is come, marked by the perfect tense: Light is come ( ἐλήλυθεν , John 3:19). Jesus Christ is come ( ἐληλυθότα , 1 John 4:2). Compare John 5:43; John 12:46; John 18:37). In two instances with ἥκω Iam come, John 8:42; 1 John 5:20. Or with the present tense, as describing a coming realized at the moment: whence I come ( ἔρχομαι , John 8:14); compare John 14:3, John 14:18, John 14:28; also Jesus Christ coming ( ἐρχόμενον , 2 John 1:7). With reference to the form: in flesh ( σάρξ ). See John 1:14; 1 John 4:2; 2 John 1:7. With reference to men, Christ was manifested (1 John 1:2; 1 John 3:5, 1 John 3:8; John 1:31; John 21:1, John 21:14).|To take away ( ἵνα ἄρῃ )|See on John 1:29.|Our sins ( τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν )|Omit ἡυῶν ourCompare John 1:29, τὴν ἁμαρτίαν , the sin. The plural here regards all that is contained in the inclusive term the sin: all manifestations or realizations of sin.|In Him is no sin ( ἁμαρτία ἐν αὐτῷ οὐκ ἔστιν )|Lit., in Him sin is not. He is essentially and forever without sin. Compare John 7:18.| [source]
For this phrase see John 9:41; John 15:22, John 15:24. That is, we have no personal guilt, no principle of sin. This some of the Gnostics held, since matter was evil and the soul was not contaminated by the sinful flesh, a thin delusion with which so-called Christian scientists delude themselves today.We deceive ourselves (εαυτους πλανωμεν heautous planōmen). Present active indicative of πλαναω planaō to lead astray. We do not deceive others who know us. Negative statement again of the same idea, “the truth is not in us.” [source]
Or lit., according to the eymology, workest ( ἔργον work). See on James 2:9. The distinction between this verb and others signifying to do, such as ποιεῖν , πράσσειν , δρᾶν , which last does not occur in the New Testament, is not sharply maintained in Attic Greek. In certain connections the difference between them is great, in others, it is hardly perceptible. On ποιεῖν and πρα.σσειν , see on John 3:21. Ἐργάζομαι , like πράσσειν , contemplates the process rather than the end of action, carrying the ideas of continuity and repetition. It means to labor, to be active, to perform, with the idea of continued exertion, and therefore is used of servants, or of those who have an assigned business or office. See Matthew 21:28; Matthew 25:26; Luke 13:14; John 5:17; John 6:27; John 9:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:9. For the phrase ἐργάσῃ εἰς thoudoest toward (Rev.), see Matthew 26:10. [source]