New Testament
John 9:22
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the parents of a man who was healed by Jesus express their fear of the Jewish leaders.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone confessed Jesus to be the Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue.
These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the parents of a man who was healed by Jesus express their fear of the Jewish leaders. They are aware that the leaders have made a decision: anyone who openly acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue, which was a significant social and religious consequence. This fear reflects the pressure and hostility that early followers of Jesus faced. The parents choose to avoid confrontation and protect themselves rather than support their son, who had experienced a miraculous healing. Their response highlights the tension between faith and societal acceptance, illustrating how fear can influence decisions and relationships. It also shows the challenges faced by those who wish to follow Jesus in a hostile environment, where acknowledging Him could lead to severe repercussions. Explore related authority.
Related Bible verses
How to apply John 9:22 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own fears and the pressures we face in our faith journey. It challenges us to consider how we respond to societal expectations and whether we are willing to stand firm in our beliefs, even when it may lead to difficult consequences. We should seek courage to openly acknowledge our faith in Jesus, regardless of the potential backlash.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 9:22 mean?
John 9:22 explains that the parents of a man healed by Jesus were afraid to acknowledge Him as the Messiah due to the threat of being expelled from the synagogue. This highlights the fear of persecution faced by early followers of Jesus.
What is the significance of being put out of the synagogue in John 9:22?
Being put out of the synagogue was a serious consequence, as it meant social ostracism and exclusion from the community. This reflects the intense pressure and fear that individuals faced when considering their faith in Jesus.
Why did the parents of the healed man fear the Jews in John 9:22?
The parents feared the Jews because they knew that the Jewish leaders had decided to expel anyone who confessed Jesus as the Christ. Their fear led them to avoid openly supporting their son.
How does John 9:22 relate to the theme of fear in faith?
John 9:22 illustrates the theme of fear in faith by showing how the parents prioritized their safety over supporting their son’s miraculous healing. It serves as a reminder of the challenges believers may face in hostile environments.
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