What is the context?
This response comes after Jesus finds the man who has been thrown out. Asked about believing in the Son of Man, he wants to know who that is. Jesus identifies Himself, and the man answers with belief and worship. The full exchange in John 9:35–41 shows that his response grows out of Jesus making Himself known.
The Greek verb προσκυνέω, proskyneō (pros-koo-NEH-oh), can describe bowing or showing deep honor; Thayer’s lexicon includes this verse among its examples. Its use here joins what the man says with his response to Jesus. The scene does not describe music, a timetable or the conduct of a gathered service.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christian interpreters read this as faith expressed in honor toward Jesus, while differing over how much the man yet understands. Chrysostom’s Homily 59 emphasizes acknowledgment of divine power, while Calvin’s commentary on verse 38 allows for genuine reverence accompanied by an understanding of Christ that is still growing.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
The chapter begins with a man receiving sight and reaches a fuller response when he recognizes and trusts the One who healed him. Jesus’ explanation in John 9:39–41 shows that the account also concerns receiving His light. The confession here gives that theme a human face: a person whom others rejected is found by Jesus and responds to Him in faith.
What is our position?
Our study What Does Worship Actually Mean? reads this verse as a personal act of reverent acknowledgment: the man believes Jesus and bows in honor before Him. It describes a spontaneous response rooted in faith, rather than a prescribed ceremony or the format of a church service.