New Testament
John 9:21
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But how he now sees, we don't know, and who opened his eyes, we don't know. He is of age — ask him. He will speak for himself."
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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.
What John 9:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the parents of a man who was born blind are questioned about how their son can now see. They express their uncertainty about the details of his healing, emphasizing that he is an adult and can explain his experience himself. This reflects their fear of the religious authorities, who had already decided to expel anyone who acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah. The parents' response highlights their desire to avoid conflict while affirming their son's independence. It also illustrates the tension between the miraculous work of Jesus and the skepticism of those in power. Their statement underscores the theme of personal testimony and the importance of individual experience in matters of faith. The parents' reluctance to speak further suggests the societal pressures that can influence how people respond to miraculous events, especially when they challenge established beliefs.
How to apply John 9:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to stand firm in our beliefs and experiences, even when faced with pressure from others. It reminds us of the importance of personal testimony in sharing our faith. We should be willing to speak up about our experiences and trust that our voices matter, regardless of external opinions.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Healing a Man Born Blind (John 9:1–41)
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Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 9:21 mean?
In John 9:21, the parents of a man who was healed from blindness express their uncertainty about how he can see. They emphasize that he is an adult and can explain his own experience, reflecting their fear of the religious authorities.
What is the significance of the parents' response in John 9:21?
The parents' response in John 9:21 highlights their desire to avoid conflict with religious authorities while affirming their son's independence. It illustrates the tension between miraculous events and skepticism from those in power.
What themes are present in John 9:21?
John 9:21 touches on themes such as the miracle of healing, fear of authority, personal testimony, and conflict avoidance. It shows how societal pressures can influence responses to miraculous events.
Why do the parents say 'ask him' in John 9:21?
The parents say 'ask him' in John 9:21 to indicate that their son is old enough to speak for himself about his healing. This response reflects their reluctance to confront the authorities directly.
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