New Testament
John 9:23
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That is why his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."
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Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
What John 9:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the parents of a man who was healed of blindness are responding to the questioning of the religious leaders. They assert that their son is old enough to speak for himself regarding his healing. This indicates their reluctance to get involved in the controversy surrounding Jesus and the miracle. By saying, "He is of age; ask him," they are deferring responsibility and protecting themselves from potential backlash. The parents likely feared the consequences of openly supporting Jesus, as the religious authorities were hostile towards Him. This moment highlights the tension between faith and fear, as well as the challenges faced by those who witness miracles but may not be ready to fully embrace the implications of those events. It also emphasizes the importance of personal testimony in matters of faith, as the healed man is the one who can truly speak about his experience.
How to apply John 9:23 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 that our personal testimonies are powerful and can inspire others. We should be willing to share our stories of faith, regardless of the potential consequences.
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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Jesus
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 9:23 mean?
John 9:23 shows the parents of a healed blind man stating that he is old enough to speak for himself. This reflects their reluctance to engage with the religious leaders and the potential repercussions of supporting Jesus.
What is the significance of the phrase 'He is of age' in John 9:23?
The phrase 'He is of age' indicates that the man can make his own decisions and speak for himself. It highlights the parents' desire to avoid conflict and their fear of the religious authorities.
Why did the parents say to ask their son in John 9:23?
The parents said to ask their son because they wanted to avoid the controversy surrounding Jesus and protect themselves from potential consequences of supporting Him.
How does John 9:23 relate to personal testimony?
John 9:23 emphasizes the importance of personal testimony, as the healed man is the one who can truly share his experience. It suggests that individual accounts of faith are powerful and significant.
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