πως

From the study of John 9:26

Range of meaning

"How?" It asks about manner or means. It can also express disbelief or protest ("how can it be that…?").

Against the English

English "how" covers the same ground. The point is the repetition: the same "how" question comes from the neighbours (v. 10), the Pharisees (v. 15), the parents' questioners (v. 19) and now again here.

Used elsewhere in the period

John often uses "how?" to show people misunderstanding or resisting Jesus: Nicodemus in 3:4 and 3:9, and the crowd in 6:42 and 6:52.

From the study of John 9:19

Range of meaning

An interrogative 'how?', asking about manner or means. It can also express disbelief ('how could…?!').

Against the English

English 'how' covers it. BSB's 'So how is it that he can now see?' keeps the note of disbelief well.

Used elsewhere in the period

In John 9 the word is used again and again: by the neighbours (v10), the Pharisees (v15, v26), the divided council (v16: 'How can a sinner do such signs?'), and the parents (v21: 'how he now sees, we do not know'). John uses the same kind of question elsewhere to show people misunderstanding (3:4, 3:9, 6:52).

From the study of John 6:52

Range of meaning

'How can…?' / 'How is it possible…?' In questions like this it often signals disbelief or objection rather than a real request for a method.

Against the English

'How can this man…' (BSB, KJV, WEB). YLT 'How is this one able…' keeps the focus on his ability. The English carries the meaning well, though it can hide the echo of Israel doubting God's ability to provide in the wilderness.

Used elsewhere in the period

John repeatedly has people answer Jesus' words with an incredulous 'how?': Nicodemus, 'How can a man be born when he is old?' (3:4, 9); the Samaritan woman (4:9, 11); the crowd, 'How does he now say, I have come down from heaven?' (6:42); later, 'How can you say, You will become free?' (8:33). In the wilderness: 'Can God spread a table in the desert? … Can he also give bread, or provide meat for his people?' (Psalm 78:19–20).