John 9:19

KJV

And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they asked {G2065} them {G846}, saying {G3004}, Is {G2076} this {G3778} your {G5216} son {G5207}, who {G3739} ye {G5210} say {G3004}{G3754} was born {G1080} blind {G5185}? how {G4459} then {G3767} doth he {G991} now {G737} see {G991}?

Complete Jewish Bible

They asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?”

Berean Standard Bible

and asked, “Is this your son, the one you say was born blind? So how is it that he can now see?”

American Standard Version

and asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 9:19 records the incredulous interrogation of the formerly blind man's parents by the Jewish authorities. Driven by deep-seated skepticism and a desire to discredit the undeniable miracle performed by Jesus, they question the parents' testimony, specifically challenging the claim that their son was born blind and demanding an explanation for his newfound sight. This moment underscores the religious leaders' resistance to divine truth and their desperate attempts to undermine Jesus's identity and authority through legalistic scrutiny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 9:19 is situated within the broader narrative of [Jesus's healing of the man born blind](/john/9 "John 9 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind"). The chapter begins with Jesus initiating the healing, anointing the man's eyes with clay, and sending him to wash in the [Pool of Siloam](/john/9-7 "John 9:7 - The Pool of Siloam"). This miraculous act, performed on the Sabbath, immediately sparks controversy among the Pharisees, who prioritize their rigid interpretations of the law over the compassionate display of divine power. After an initial interrogation of the healed man himself, who boldly testifies about Jesus's identity and the miracle, the authorities, still unwilling to accept the truth, turn to his parents. Their questioning in verse 19 serves as a desperate attempt to find a contradiction or an inconsistency that would allow them to deny the miracle's authenticity and, by extension, Jesus's divine authority. The parents' cautious responses in the subsequent verses (John 9:20-23) reveal their fear of excommunication from the synagogue, highlighting the intense social and religious pressures of the time.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, congenital blindness was often associated with sin, either of the individual or their parents, as reflected in the disciples' initial question to Jesus in [John 9:2](/john/9-2 "John 9:2 - Disciples' Question on Sin and Blindness"). Therefore, a man born blind receiving sight was not merely a physical healing but a profound theological event, challenging prevailing assumptions about suffering and divine judgment. The Pharisees, as the dominant religious sect, were zealous guardians of the Mosaic Law and its oral traditions, particularly concerning Sabbath observance. Performing a healing on the Sabbath was considered "work" and thus a violation, making Jesus's actions a direct challenge to their authority and legalistic framework. The threat of excommunication from the synagogue, mentioned later in [John 9:22](/john/9-22 "John 9:22 - The Threat of Excommunication"), was a severe social and religious punishment, isolating individuals from their community and religious life, which explains the parents' cautious and somewhat evasive answers.
* **Key Themes:** John 9:19 contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel of John. Foremost is the **conflict between light and darkness**, with Jesus proclaiming Himself the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World") and exposing the spiritual blindness of those who claim to see. The Pharisees' persistent **skepticism and unbelief**, despite overwhelming evidence, highlight a spiritual inability to perceive divine truth, a theme that resonates throughout [John's Gospel](/john/1-5 "John 1:5 - Light Shines in Darkness"). The episode also emphasizes the **nature of Jesus's miracles as "signs"** (σημεῖα, _sēmeia_), intended not merely as displays of power but as pointers to His divine identity and mission, provoking a response of either faith or hardened rejection. Finally, the narrative explores the theme of **eyewitness testimony** and its validation, contrasting the bold, clear testimony of the healed man with the cautious, fear-driven testimony of his parents, and ultimately revealing the truth of Jesus's identity through the undeniable evidence of the miracle.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **asked (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** From G2065, this word means "to interrogate" or "to request." In the context of John 9:19, it signifies a formal, often challenging inquiry, rather than a simple question seeking information. The authorities are not genuinely curious; they are cross-examining, attempting to find a flaw in the narrative to dismiss the miracle and Jesus's claims. This formal questioning highlights their adversarial stance.
* **born (Greek, _gennáō'_):** From G1080, meaning "to procreate," "beget," or "be born." The use of this word emphasizes the congenital nature of the man's blindness. It was not an acquired condition but one he had from birth. This detail is crucial because it makes the healing even more extraordinary and undeniable, as it was a condition considered incurable by human means. The Pharisees' focus on "born blind" underscores their attempt to verify the most fundamental aspect of the miracle.
* **blind (Greek, _typhlós'_):** From G5185, meaning "opaque" or "blind," physically or mentally. Here, it refers to the physical state of being without sight. The repeated emphasis on the man being "born blind" and now "seeing" creates a stark contrast that the authorities are struggling to reconcile. The term also carries a metaphorical weight in John's Gospel, pointing to the spiritual blindness of those who refuse to believe in Jesus despite the clear evidence of His works.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they asked them, saying,"**: This opening clause sets the scene for a formal interrogation. The "they" refers to the Jewish authorities, likely the Pharisees or members of the Sanhedrin, who have already questioned the healed man and are now turning to his parents. The phrase "saying" introduces their direct questions, revealing their agenda.
* **"Is this your son, who ye say was born blind?"**: This is the first of two critical questions, phrased in a way that implies skepticism and challenge. The authorities are not merely seeking confirmation but are questioning the parents' prior assertion or common knowledge that their son was born blind. The "who ye say" (ὃν ὑμεῖς λέγετε) carries a nuance of "the one whom *you* claim," suggesting a subtle accusation or doubt about the truthfulness of their statement, or perhaps the man's own testimony. They are attempting to establish the baseline condition (born blind) to then challenge the healing.
* **"how then doth he now see?"**: This is the follow-up question, directly challenging the miraculous outcome. It expresses their bewilderment and disbelief. They are not asking for a medical explanation, but rather for an account that would align with their rejection of Jesus's divine power. This question reveals their inability or unwillingness to accept the supernatural nature of the healing, pushing for a naturalistic or deceptive explanation. The conjunction "then" (οὖν, _oun_) links this question directly to the previous one, implying a logical inconsistency from their perspective.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Interrogation** is the primary device, as the entire verse is framed as a series of questions posed by the authorities. This highlights their adversarial stance and their attempt to control the narrative through cross-examination rather than open inquiry. There is also a strong element of **Irony**: the religious leaders, who are supposed to be spiritual guides and possessers of truth, are depicted as spiritually blind, unable to perceive the clear evidence of God's work. Their physical sight is perfect, yet their spiritual perception is utterly darkened, a stark contrast to the man who was physically blind but gained both physical and spiritual sight. Furthermore, the verse uses **Juxtaposition** by placing the undeniable fact of "born blind" directly against the equally undeniable fact of "now see," creating a tension that the interrogators cannot resolve within their framework of unbelief.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 9:19, while seemingly a straightforward interrogation, profoundly illustrates the human resistance to divine truth when it challenges established paradigms or personal biases. The authorities' questions are not born of genuine inquiry but of a predetermined rejection of Jesus's messianic claims, which are powerfully validated by His miracles. Their focus on disproving the "born blind" aspect reveals a deeper spiritual blindness—an inability to recognize God's work when it doesn't conform to their expectations or legalistic interpretations. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual sight is a gift, not merely a product of intellectual assent, and that even undeniable evidence can be rejected by a hardened heart. It underscores the ongoing conflict between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, where divine power is often met with human skepticism and opposition.

* [Luke 13:14](/luke/13-14 "Luke 13:14 - Ruler of the Synagogue Indignant") - This passage similarly depicts the indignation of a synagogue ruler over Jesus healing on the Sabbath, prioritizing legalistic adherence over compassion and divine power.
* [John 12:40](/john/12-40 "John 12:40 - Spiritual Blindness Prophesied") - Quoting Isaiah, John highlights the theme of spiritual blindness, where people's eyes are blinded and hearts hardened so that they cannot see or understand God's truth.
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Qualities Clearly Seen") - This verse speaks to the inexcusability of those who reject God, as His divine nature is clearly seen through what has been made, paralleling the undeniable evidence of Jesus's miracles.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 9:19 presents a powerful scenario that challenges believers to examine their own responses to God's work and truth. Just as the Jewish authorities struggled to accept a miracle that defied their preconceived notions and threatened their authority, we too can fall prey to skepticism or resistance when God acts in ways that are unexpected or uncomfortable. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and openness, willing to acknowledge divine truth even when it disrupts our comfort zones or challenges our understanding. It reminds us that genuine faith is not about having all the answers or fitting God into our boxes, but about trusting His power and wisdom, even when the evidence is met with human incredulity. Furthermore, it encourages us to discern the motives behind questions and challenges to our faith: are they seeking truth, or are they aimed at discrediting what God has done? In a world often skeptical of spiritual realities, our unwavering testimony, rooted in personal experience and biblical truth, becomes a vital witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be spiritually blind, perhaps unknowingly resisting God's truth because it challenges your comfort or worldview?**
* **How do you respond when God acts in ways that defy your expectations or understanding? Do you seek to explain it away, or do you embrace the mystery and power of His work?**
* **When your faith or the truth of God's word is questioned, what is your primary motivation in responding: to defend, to explain, or to simply bear witness to what God has done?**
* **What fears might prevent you from fully acknowledging or testifying to God's work in your life or in the lives of others?**

### FAQ

**Why were the parents of the healed man questioned by the Jewish authorities?**

Answer: The Jewish authorities questioned the parents because they were desperate to discredit the miracle Jesus performed. Having already interrogated the healed man, whose testimony was consistent and unwavering, the authorities sought to find a contradiction or a reason to deny that the man was genuinely born blind. If they could prove he wasn't born blind, or that his parents were lying, it would undermine the miracle and, by extension, Jesus's claims of divine authority. Their goal was not to seek truth but to find grounds for accusation and to maintain their own religious and social control in the face of Jesus's growing influence, particularly after such a profound sign performed on the Sabbath, which they considered a violation of their law (see [John 9:16](/john/9-16 "John 9:16 - Division Among the Pharisees")).

**What was the significance of the authorities emphasizing "born blind" in their question?**

Answer: The emphasis on "born blind" (G1080 _gennáō_ + G5185 _typhlós_) was crucial for the authorities because a congenital condition, especially blindness, was considered incurable by human means in that era. If the man had been blind from birth, his healing was undeniably a profound miracle, requiring divine intervention. By questioning whether he was truly "born blind," they were attempting to invalidate the miracle at its most fundamental level. If they could prove he was not born blind, then Jesus's act would be reduced to a mere healing of an acquired condition, or even a deception, rather than a sign of divine power that challenged their theological framework and their understanding of the Messiah (see [John 9:32](/john/9-32 "John 9:32 - Never Heard of Anyone Opening Eyes of One Born Blind")).

**Why did the Jewish authorities refuse to believe in the miracle, despite the clear evidence?**

Answer: The Jewish authorities' refusal to believe stemmed from a combination of spiritual blindness, hardened hearts, and a deep-seated commitment to their own power and interpretations of the Law. Jesus's actions, particularly healing on the Sabbath, directly challenged their authority and legalistic traditions. Accepting the miracle would mean acknowledging Jesus's divine authority, which they perceived as a threat to their own standing. Their questions were not genuine inquiries but attempts to find fault and discredit Jesus. This spiritual blindness is a recurring theme in John's Gospel, where those who claim to "see" are often the ones truly blind to God's truth (as Jesus states in [John 9:41](/john/9-41 "John 9:41 - Jesus on Spiritual Blindness")). Their unbelief was a matter of will, not simply a lack of evidence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 9:19, though a scene of human skepticism and opposition, ultimately serves to highlight the profound truth of Christ's identity and mission. The very interrogation of the parents, focusing on whether their son was "born blind" and "how then doth he now see," implicitly underscores the unique, divine power of Jesus. He is the one who brings sight to the physically blind, but more importantly, He is the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World") who offers spiritual sight to those born in the darkness of sin. The Pharisees' spiritual blindness, exemplified by their inability to recognize God's work even when it stands before them, contrasts sharply with the spiritual awakening experienced by the healed man, who eventually worships Jesus as the [Son of Man](/john/9-38 "John 9:38 - The Man Worships Jesus"). This episode foreshadows Christ's ultimate work on the cross, where He would overcome the spiritual blindness caused by sin, allowing all who believe to truly "see" God and enter into His marvelous light, fulfilling prophecies of a new covenant where God would give His people a [new heart and spirit](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit"). Jesus's healing acts, including this one, were not merely physical interventions but signs pointing to His power to redeem humanity from the deepest form of blindness—separation from God due to sin, a redemption accomplished through His [sacrifice as the Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 4:14

And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

John 9:8

¶ The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

John 9:9

Some said, This is he: others [said], He is like him: [but] he said, I am [he].

Acts 3:10

And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.