John 9:22

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.

These {G5023} words spake {G2036} his {G846} parents {G1118}, because {G3754} they feared {G5399} the Jews {G2453}: for {G1063} the Jews {G2453} had agreed {G4934} already {G2235}, that {G2443} if {G1437} any man {G5100} did confess {G3670} that he {G846} was Christ {G5547}, he should be {G1096} put out of the synagogue {G656}.

The parents said this because they were afraid of the Judeans, for the Judeans had already agreed that anyone who acknowledged Yeshua as the Messiah would be banned from the synagogue.

His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews. For the Jews had already determined that anyone who confessed Jesus as the Christ would be put out of the synagogue.

These things said his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man should confess him to be Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.

Commentary

John 9:22 (KJV) provides crucial insight into the societal pressures and spiritual stakes faced by early believers in Jesus, particularly the parents of the man born blind whom Jesus had miraculously healed.

Context

This verse is embedded within the powerful narrative of Jesus healing a man born blind. Following the miracle, the Jewish religious authorities, primarily the Pharisees, interrogate the healed man and his parents. They are skeptical and hostile towards Jesus, refusing to acknowledge a miracle that would validate His claims as the Messiah. The parents' cautious and indirect answers are explained by the severe threat they faced, as detailed in this verse.

Key Themes

  • Fear and Intimidation: The parents' statement was driven by their "fear of the Jews," referring to the powerful Jewish religious leaders and their established authority. This fear was not unfounded, as the consequences for acknowledging Jesus were severe.
  • Consequences of Confessing Christ: The core message is the pre-agreed decree among the Jewish leadership: anyone who confessed Jesus as the Christ (the Messiah) would be "put out of the synagogue." This was a devastating form of excommunication, leading to social, religious, and often economic ostracism. It meant losing one's place in the community, access to worship, and social support. This stark choice between communal belonging and belief in Jesus highlights the immense pressure on early followers, a theme also seen in John 12:42-43.
  • Religious Authority vs. Divine Truth: The verse underscores the conflict between human religious authority and divine truth. The leaders prioritized maintaining their control and traditional interpretations, actively suppressing any movement or belief that challenged their established order, even when confronted with undeniable evidence of God's work.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "put out of the synagogue" translates the Greek word aposynagogos. This term signifies a complete expulsion from the Jewish community and its religious life. It was a severe social and spiritual penalty, effectively cutting off individuals from their heritage, communal worship, and social networks. For many, it meant a profound loss of identity and support, making the parents' fear understandable.

Practical Application

John 9:22 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Cost of Discipleship: This verse reminds us that following Christ can come with a cost, whether it's social pressure, ridicule, or outright opposition. It challenges us to examine our willingness to stand for truth, even when it is unpopular or carries personal risks, echoing Jesus' words that His followers would be hated for His name's sake (Matthew 10:22).
  • Courage in Confession: While the parents acted out of fear, the narrative later shows their son, the healed man, boldly confessing his faith in Jesus despite the threats (John 9:35-38). This encourages believers to prioritize their conviction in Jesus above the fear of social repercussions, trusting in God's ultimate vindication and reward for faithfulness.
The verse serves as a powerful testament to the early church's challenges and the enduring call to courage in confessing Christ.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 7:13

    Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.

  • John 16:2

    They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

  • Luke 6:22

    Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

  • John 9:34

    They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

  • John 12:42

    ¶ Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess [him], lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

  • John 12:43

    For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

  • Isaiah 57:11

    And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid [it] to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?
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