John 9 20

John 9:20 kjv

His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:

John 9:20 nkjv

His parents answered them and said, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind;

John 9:20 niv

"We know he is our son," the parents answered, "and we know he was born blind.

John 9:20 esv

His parents answered, "We know that this is our son and that he was born blind.

John 9:20 nlt

His parents replied, "We know this is our son and that he was born blind,

John 9 verses

John 9 20 Meaning

The parents of the man born blind unequivocally confirmed that their son was indeed born blind, separating themselves from any potential accusations of complicity or fraud. This declaration served to isolate the man from his parents, yet simultaneously solidified his personal testimony regarding his healing.

John 9 20 Context

In the immediate chapter, the parents of the man born blind are questioned by the Pharisees and religious leaders. This interrogation occurs after Jesus had healed the man by making mud and anointing his eyes and sending him to wash in the Siloam pool, causing his sight to be restored. The authorities were trying to discredit Jesus’ power and origin, particularly on the Sabbath. When confronted, the parents confirmed their son’s lifelong blindness but deflected direct responsibility for Jesus’ involvement, stating he was old enough to speak for himself.

John 9 20 Word Analysis

• δὲ (de): Conjunction, meaning "but," "and," or "now." It marks a transition or contrast. Here, it connects their statement to the ongoing dialogue and perhaps the implication of their fear.
• αὐτοὶ (autoi): Pronoun, third person plural masculine nominative, meaning "they themselves" or "they." Emphasizes that they, the parents, were the ones speaking.
• ἀπεκρίθησαν (apekrithēsan): Verb, aorist indicative middle, 3rd person plural of ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrinomai), meaning "they answered" or "they replied." Indicates their direct response to the question posed.
• πρὸς (pros): Preposition, typically "to," "towards," "at." Indicates the direction of their answer, towards the questioners.
• τοὺς (tous): Definite article, masculine accusative plural, meaning "the." Modifies "parents."
• γονέας (goneas): Noun, accusative plural of γονεύς (goneus), meaning "parents." The object of the response.
• αὐτοῦ (autou): Pronoun, genitive masculine singular, meaning "his." Refers to their son.
• λέγοντες (legontes): Verb, present active participle, masculine nominative plural of λέγω (legō), meaning "saying" or "speaking." Describes their action while answering.
• οἶδαμεν (oidamen): Verb, present indicative active, 1st person plural of οἶδα (oida), meaning "we know." Expresses certainty.
• ὅτι (hoti): Conjunction, meaning "that." Introduces the subordinate clause stating what they know.
• οὗτός (houtos): Demonstrative pronoun, masculine nominative singular, meaning "this one" or "he." Refers to their son.
• ἐστὶν (estin): Verb, present indicative active, 3rd person singular of εἰμί (eimi), meaning "he is."
• ὁ (ho): Definite article, masculine nominative singular, meaning "the." Modifies "son."
• υἱὸς (uios): Noun, nominative singular of υἱός (uios), meaning "son."
• αὐτῶν (autōn): Pronoun, genitive plural, meaning "of them" or "their." Identifies whose son it is.
• καὶ (kai): Conjunction, meaning "and." Links the two statements about their son.
• πῶς (pōs): Adverb, meaning "how." Introduces a question or explanation.
• βλέπει (blepei): Verb, present indicative active, 3rd person singular of βλέπω (blepō), meaning "he sees" or "he looks."
• νῦν (nun): Adverb, meaning "now."
• Words-Group Analysis: The phrase "οἶδαμεν ὅτι οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ υἱὸς ἡμῶν καὶ πῶς βλέπει νῦν" (oidamen hoti houtos estin ho huios hēmōn kai pōs blepei nun) signifies "We know that this is our son and how he now sees." This statement functions as an admission of parentage and an acknowledgment of the observable present reality of their son's sight, while crucially avoiding comment on the method or source of the healing.

John 9 20 Bonus Section

The parents’ stance highlights a recurring theme in John’s Gospel: the division and conflict that Jesus’ ministry created. Some would believe, and others would reject. Their situation reflects a pragmatic, albeit fearful, decision to avoid direct confrontation with established authority. This avoidance contrasts with the bolder testimony of their son, who recognized Jesus’ divine power and was willing to speak freely about it, ultimately being ostracized for it (John 9:34). Their words, though true, were spoken out of human caution rather than spiritual conviction about Jesus.

John 9 20 Commentary

The parents' response strategically confirmed observable facts (his identity as their son, and his current sight) while avoiding the perilous theological question of how he came to see. Their focus on "how he now sees" shifts the burden of explanation to the son or Jesus. This careful phrasing aimed to absolve themselves of blame or involvement with what the religious authorities viewed as a Sabbath desecration and potentially blasphemy. Their fear of the Jews (religious leaders) clearly dictated their public declaration.