A.T. Robertson Commentary John 9:14

"Now it was the sabbath on the day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes." — John 9:14 (ASV)

Now it was the sabbath (ην δε σαββατον). Literally, "Now it was a sabbath" (no article). To the Pharisees this fact was a far more important matter than whether or how the thing was done. See Volumes I and II for discussions of the minute Sabbath regulations of the rabbis.