Book of John - Chapter 9 - Verse 34

When the religious leaders reacted to the blind man who was healed by Jesus by saying, "Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out," they were expressing their arrogance and pride. They believed that being born blind was a punishment for sin, so they looked down on the man and assumed he was sinful. By saying, "Thou wast altogether born in sins," they were implying that he was inherently sinful and unworthy of being in their presence. Furthermore, their statement, "and dost thou teach us?" reflected their belief that they were superior to him in knowledge and righteousness. The leaders' attitude of self-righteousness blinded them to the truth of Jesus' power and grace. Instead of rejoicing in the miraculous healing of the blind man, they rejected him and cast him out. This passage serves as a reminder to all believers to guard against pride and judgmental attitudes, and to humbly accept the teachings and miracles of Jesus.

In this verse from the book of John, the Pharisees respond defensively to the testimony of the blind man who was healed by Jesus. Their statement, "Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us?" reveals their deep-seated belief in the connection between sin and suffering. The Pharisees held the common belief at the time that physical ailments, such as blindness, were a result of personal sin. Therefore, they viewed the man's blindness as a punishment for his sins or the sins of his parents. The phrase "dost thou teach us?" indicates their arrogance and refusal to accept the man's testimony about Jesus. By questioning his authority to teach or speak to them, the Pharisees demonstrate their pride and lack of humility. Ultimately, their reaction leads to them casting the healed man out, showing their rejection of both him and the truth of Jesus' miraculous healing power.