John 9 21

John 9:21 kjv

But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.

John 9:21 nkjv

but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself."

John 9:21 niv

But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don't know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself."

John 9:21 esv

But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself."

John 9:21 nlt

but we don't know how he can see or who healed him. Ask him. He is old enough to speak for himself."

John 9 verses

John 9 21 Meaning

John 9:21 encapsulates the fearful and evasive testimony of the man's parents before the interrogating Pharisees. They confess ignorance regarding both the specific method of healing and the identity of the one who opened their son's eyes. Crucially, they declare that their son is an adult, legally competent to speak for himself, thereby deflecting responsibility and potential repercussions from themselves to him.

John 9 21 Context

John chapter 9 recounts the healing of a man born blind, a powerful miracle performed by Jesus on the Sabbath. This miracle provokes immediate controversy among the Jewish leaders, specifically the Pharisees, who were deeply invested in upholding their interpretation of the Law, including strict Sabbath regulations, and challenging Jesus's authority. The parents are summoned by the Pharisees, who aim to discredit the miracle and thereby Jesus. The historical context indicates that to confess Jesus as the Messiah meant expulsion from the synagogue, a devastating social and economic blow (Jn 9:22). It meant not just religious ostracization but also societal isolation. The parents’ response in verse 21 must be understood within this backdrop of intense pressure and potential ruin for their family. Their brief and ambiguous answers, followed by asserting their son’s adulthood, reflect their fear and their tactical move to avoid declaring anything that could directly link Jesus to the miracle or defy the religious establishment.

John 9 21 Word analysis

• But by what means he now sees, we know not: The parents introduce their statement with an evasive claim of ignorance regarding the specific process of healing. The Greek word for "we know" (οἴδαμεν, oidamen) suggests a knowledge based on perception or insight. Their denial could be partially true concerning the mechanics of the miracle, but it strategically avoids testifying about Jesus, the agent.
• or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: This continues the theme of feigned or actual ignorance. It is highly probable they had some knowledge or strong suspicion about Jesus, given the commotion and their son's presence. This statement serves to distance themselves from confirming any details that might incriminate Jesus or themselves. It's a refusal to implicate, likely out of fear.
• he is of age (αὐτὸς ἔχει ἡλικίαν, autos echei hēlikian): This is a critical legal and cultural declaration. "Of age" refers to having reached legal majority, which in Jewish culture meant competence to bear witness in court and be held responsible for one's own actions and statements. It removes parental liability.
• ask him: he shall speak for himself (αὐτὸν ἐρωτήσατε, αὐτὸς περὶ ἑαυτοῦ λαλήσει, auton erōtēsate, autos peri heautou lalēsei): This is a direct instruction and a clear deferral of responsibility. By directing the Pharisees to their son, they strategically shift the burden of testimony—and any potential repercussions—entirely onto him. They are essentially saying, "He is an adult; we won't speak for him or take a stance; question him directly."

John 9 21 Bonus section

The narrative involving the parents reveals a tension common in the Gospels: the human response to Jesus's divine work often ranges from enthusiastic faith to fearful denial. The parents' choice, while understandable given the severe social penalties, contrasts sharply with the expectation of bold testimony for Christ often found in other New Testament teachings. This passage subtly questions where ultimate allegiance should lie: with human authority figures and social security, or with the divine healer and truth. The parents' statement also illustrates the legal framework prevalent in their society, where an individual of majority age held distinct legal autonomy, underscoring the legal shrewdness behind their deflecting tactic.

John 9 21 Commentary

John 9:21 unveils the tragic consequence of fear overriding conviction and family loyalty succumbing to institutional pressure. The parents' calculated ambiguity – repeatedly claiming "we know not" – is not simply an admission of ignorance but a protective maneuver designed to evade confrontation with the formidable Jewish leaders. By unequivocally stating their son's legal maturity ("he is of age"), they effectively absolve themselves of any obligation to speak on his behalf and shrewdly push him forward to face the interrogators alone. This strategic evasion highlights the profound and chilling threat of excommunication from the synagogue, a terror so potent that it led these parents to compromise truth and forsake a bold stand for their own miraculously healed son. It sets a poignant stage for the son's ensuing courageous, unaided testimony.