John 9:20 - His parents answered them, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind;

Generated Verse: John 9:20

What does "John 9:20" mean?


John 9:20 is a verse from the story of the healing of a man born blind in the Gospel of John. It records the response of the healed man's parents when questioned by the Jewish authorities (Pharisees) about their son's healing.

Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:

"His parents answered them...": This indicates that the parents of the formerly blind man are being questioned. The "them" refers to the Pharisees, who were skeptical and investigating the miracle.
"We know that this is our son...": This affirms that they recognize the man standing before them as their own son. It's a simple statement of identification.
"...and that he was born blind": This confirms that their son was born blind, which was a well-known fact in the community. This is crucial because it establishes the extraordinary nature of the healing.

In essence, the parents are stating two undeniable facts:

1. This is our son.
2. He was born blind.

Why is this verse significant?

Establishes Authenticity: The parents' testimony is important because it establishes the authenticity of the man's prior blindness. They are reliable witnesses to his condition before the healing.
Sets the Stage for Hesitation: The parents are careful not to comment on how or by whom their son was healed. The subsequent verses reveal that they are afraid of the Jewish authorities, who had decreed that anyone who confessed that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue (excommunicated). So, while they acknowledge the facts they can verify, they avoid taking a position on the controversial healing.
Highlights the Pharisees' Dilemma: The Pharisees are confronted with the undeniable reality of the miracle. The parents' testimony, while carefully worded, makes it harder for them to dismiss the event as a hoax or misidentification.

The parents' careful answer reflects the social and religious pressures of the time and their fear of being ostracized from their community. They acknowledge what they know for certain, but they deflect the more sensitive questions about the source of the healing to their son, who can speak for himself.

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