Charles Ellicott Commentary John 9:25

"He therefore answered, Whether he is a sinner, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see." — John 9:25 (ASV)

Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not.—The words, “or no,” are added to the text, but rightly complete the meaning. He, like his parents, will confine himself to matters of fact coming under his own certain knowledge. They had declared authoritatively that they knew this Man to be one whose life was characterized by sin. He is convinced that this cannot be so (John 9:31; John 9:33), but he does not dispute their assertion; he simply makes his own, which cannot be denied, and which cuts the ground from under them.

One thing I know.—This use of “one thing” signifies the primary matter, which is so important that all others are excluded, leaving it as the sole focus of the mind. Compare Mark 10:21 (one thing thou lackest) and Luke 10:42 (one thing is needful).

Whereas I was blind, now I see.—A better rendering is, Being a blind man, now I see. He places the two things in contrast. He was the well-known “blind man,” whose experience of his own blindness had extended from birth to manhood. They declare that he has not been healed. He is conscious of his power to see, and this one thing he affirms. The difficulty is of their making; let them explain it as they think best.