John 9:8
Neighbours ( γειτονες ). From γη (land), of the same land, old word. See Lu 14:2.Saw him ( θεωρουντες ). Present active participle of θεωρεω, who used to observe him.
Aforetime ( το προτερον ). Adverbial accusative, "the former time," formerly.
That he was a beggar ( οτ προσαιτης ην ). See 4:19; 12:19 for declarative οτ after θεωρεω. But it is entirely possible that οτ here is "because" (Westcott). Προσαιτης is a late word for beggar, in N.T. only here and Mr 10:46. It is from προσαιτεω, to ask in addition (see προσαιτων below), a thing that beggars know how to do.
Is not this he that sat and begged? ( Ουχ ουτος εστιν ο καθημενος κα προσαιτων; ). He had his regular place and was a familiar figure. But now his eyes are wide open.
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