John 9:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
John 9:22 reveals the intense societal and religious pressure faced by early believers in Jesus, particularly the parents of the man born blind whom Jesus had miraculously healed. It explains their cautious testimony to the Jewish authorities, highlighting the severe decree already established by the Jewish leadership: anyone confessing Jesus as the Christ would be excommunicated from the synagogue, a devastating penalty entailing social, religious, and economic ostracism. This verse underscores the profound cost of discipleship in the early Christian movement and the deep-seated opposition Jesus encountered from established religious powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the larger narrative of [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind"). Following Jesus' miraculous healing of a man born blind from birth, the Jewish authorities, primarily the Pharisees, launch a series of interrogations. They question the healed man, then his parents, and then the man again, attempting to discredit the miracle and, by extension, Jesus Himself. The parents' fear-driven, evasive answers in [John 9:20-21](/john/9-20-21 "John 9:20-21 - Parents' Evasive Answers") are directly explained by the synagogue decree detailed in [John 9:22](/john/9-22 "John 9:22 - The Threat of Excommunication"). This verse sets the stage for the healed man's subsequent bold confession and expulsion, emphasizing the escalating conflict between Jesus and the religious establishment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, the synagogue was not merely a place of worship but the central hub of Jewish community life. It served as a school, a court, a social gathering place, and the primary institution for religious instruction and communal identity. To be "put out of the synagogue" (Greek: _aposynágōgos_) was a form of excommunication that carried severe social, religious, and economic ramifications. It meant being cut off from one's family and friends, losing access to communal support and religious rites, and often facing economic hardship due to ostracism. This was a powerful tool wielded by the Jewish leadership, particularly the Sanhedrin and local elders, to maintain doctrinal purity and control over the populace, especially in response to perceived threats like the burgeoning movement centered around Jesus.
* **Key Themes:** [John 9:22](/john/9-22 "John 9:22 - The Threat of Excommunication") significantly contributes to several prominent themes in the Gospel of John. Firstly, it highlights the **conflict between light and darkness**, as Jesus, the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), confronts the spiritual blindness and opposition of the Jewish leaders. Secondly, it underscores the **cost of discipleship**, demonstrating that confessing faith in Jesus could lead to severe social and religious consequences, a theme echoed in Jesus' later warnings to His disciples ([John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred")). Thirdly, it reveals the **nature of true belief versus institutional authority**, showing how human religious structures can become obstacles to divine truth, prioritizing their own power and traditions over the undeniable evidence of God's work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **feared (Greek, _phobéō'_):** This verb, derived from _phóbos_ (fear), signifies not just being afraid, but also being in awe of or revering. In this context, it primarily denotes a deep apprehension and dread of the consequences imposed by the Jewish authorities. The parents' fear was a rational response to the very real threat of social and religious ruin, illustrating the immense power wielded by the Jewish leadership.
* **agreed (Greek, _syntíthemai'_):** This word means "to place jointly," "to consent," "to bargain," or "to concur." It points to a formal, premeditated decision or covenant made by the Jewish leaders. This was not an ad hoc reaction but a pre-established policy, indicating a coordinated effort to suppress belief in Jesus as the Messiah and to control the narrative surrounding His ministry.
* **put out of the synagogue (Greek, _aposynágōgos'_):** This is a compound word formed from _apo_ (from, away from) and _synagogē_ (synagogue, assembly). It specifically means "excommunicated" or "expelled from the synagogue." As detailed in the historical context, this was a devastating penalty, signifying complete social, religious, and often economic ostracism from the Jewish community, effectively stripping an individual of their identity and support network.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [words] spake his parents":** This clause refers to the parents' evasive answers given in the preceding verses ([John 9:20-21](/john/9-20-21 "John 9:20-21 - Parents' Evasive Answers")), where they confirm their son was born blind and is now an adult, but defer questions about his healing to him. Their words are cautious and indirect.
* **"because they feared the Jews":** This provides the direct motivation for their guarded responses. The "Jews" here refers specifically to the Jewish religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees and members of the Sanhedrin, who held significant power and influence over the community. Their fear was well-founded given the decree that follows.
* **"for the Jews had agreed already":** This introduces the specific reason for their fear, emphasizing that the decision was not new but a pre-existing, formal agreement among the leadership. The term "already" (_ḗdē_) highlights the established nature of this policy, indicating a concerted effort to control the burgeoning Messianic movement.
* **"that if any man did confess that he was Christ":** This clause defines the specific action that would trigger the severe penalty. "Confess" (_homologéō_) means to openly acknowledge or assent to. The confession of Jesus as "Christ" (_Christós_, meaning "Anointed One" or Messiah) was the central point of contention, as it directly challenged the authority and theological interpretations of the Jewish leaders.
* **"he should be put out of the synagogue":** This specifies the consequence of such a confession. As previously analyzed, "put out of the synagogue" (_aposynágōgos_) was the ultimate form of excommunication, severing an individual from all aspects of Jewish communal and religious life, a fate designed to deter any public acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
John 9:22 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as this decree anticipates the later expulsion of the healed man from the synagogue ([John 9:34](/john/9-34 "John 9:34 - The Man Expelled from the Synagogue")) and the broader persecution faced by Jesus' followers throughout the New Testament. There is also a strong sense of **Conflict** established, pitting the divine truth revealed through Jesus' miracles against the entrenched human religious authority that seeks to suppress it. The parents' fear, contrasted with their son's later bold confession ([John 9:35-38](/john/9-35-38 "John 9:35-38 - The Man's Confession and Worship of Jesus")), creates a powerful **Juxtaposition** of courage and fear in the face of persecution. Finally, the "synagogue" itself functions as a **Symbol** of communal identity, religious belonging, and societal acceptance, making the threat of expulsion a potent symbol of ultimate rejection and ostracism.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 9:22 is a profound statement on the cost of discipleship and the nature of confession in the early church. It reveals that acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah was not a mere theological assent but a radical, life-altering commitment that could lead to severe social and religious ostracism. The Jewish leaders' decree highlights their deep-seated opposition to Jesus, viewing His claims and miracles as a threat to their authority and established order. This opposition, rooted in spiritual blindness and a desire to maintain control, created an environment where fear could easily outweigh faith. The verse thus serves as a stark reminder that genuine faith often demands a willingness to stand apart from the prevailing culture or religious establishment, even when it means facing significant personal loss or rejection.

* [John 12:42-43](/john/12-42-43 "John 12:42-43 - Many Believe, but Do Not Confess") - Many leading Jews believed in Jesus but would not confess Him for fear of being put out of the synagogue.
* [Luke 6:22](/luke/6-22 "Luke 6:22 - Blessed Are You When People Exclude You") - Jesus says, "Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!"
* [John 16:2](/john/16-2 "John 16:2 - They Will Put You Out of the Synagogues") - Jesus warns His disciples, "They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 9:22 serves as a timeless mirror for believers, prompting us to examine the depth of our conviction and the potential cost of our faith. The parents' fear, while understandable given the severe consequences, stands in stark contrast to the later boldness of their son, who, despite being expelled, found true spiritual sight and belonging in Christ. This narrative challenges us to consider what we prioritize: social acceptance, comfort, and security, or unwavering loyalty to Jesus Christ. In a world that often pressures conformity and discourages absolute truth claims, the call to confess Christ remains potent. It reminds us that following Jesus may involve standing against popular opinion, enduring criticism, or even experiencing forms of rejection. Ultimately, our identity and security are not found in human institutions or social circles, but in our relationship with the Living God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "synagogues" or social groups do I fear being "put out of" in my own life, and how might that fear influence my confession of Christ?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to compromise or remain silent about my faith to avoid social or professional repercussions?**
* **How does the example of the man born blind, who gained spiritual sight and boldly confessed Jesus despite expulsion, inspire or challenge my own walk of faith?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to prioritize Christ above all else, even when it comes with a personal cost?**

### FAQ
**What does "put out of the synagogue" mean, and why was it such a severe punishment?**

Answer: To be "put out of the synagogue" (Greek: _aposynágōgos_) meant complete excommunication from the Jewish community. It was a devastating penalty because the synagogue was the center of Jewish life, serving not only as a place of worship but also as a school, a court, and the primary social and economic hub. Expulsion meant losing one's religious identity, access to communal support, social standing, and often economic opportunities. It effectively rendered an individual an outcast, cut off from their heritage and community, making it a powerful tool for the Jewish authorities to enforce conformity and suppress dissenting beliefs, particularly concerning Jesus' claims to be the Messiah.

**Why were the Jewish leaders so opposed to anyone confessing Jesus as the Christ?**

Answer: The Jewish leaders, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees, viewed Jesus as a threat to their religious authority, social order, and political stability under Roman rule. They believed He challenged their interpretations of the Law and traditions, and His claims to Messiahship, especially His divine claims, were considered blasphemous by many. Acknowledging Jesus as the Christ would mean validating His teachings and miracles, which would undermine their established power structure and theological framework. Their fear of a popular uprising or Roman intervention also played a role, as a "Messiah" could be perceived as a political revolutionary. This opposition is a recurring theme throughout the Gospels, such as when they sought to arrest Jesus in [John 7:32](/john/7-32 "John 7:32 - Officers Sent to Arrest Jesus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 9:22, though describing the rejection faced by Jesus' followers, powerfully foreshadows and reflects the ultimate rejection and suffering of Christ Himself. Just as those who confessed Him were "put out of the synagogue," Jesus, the true Light of the World, was ultimately cast out, rejected by His own people, and crucified outside the city gates ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")). His experience of being despised and rejected by men ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - He Was Despised and Rejected")) culminates in His ultimate sacrifice, which paradoxically opens the way for a new, inclusive community. The "synagogue" represented a physical place of belonging, but Christ's work establishes a spiritual reality where true belonging is found not in human institutions but in Him. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus creates the Church, a new assembly (Greek: _ekklēsia_) of believers, where there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, for all are one in Christ Jesus ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus")). Thus, while the parents feared expulsion from an earthly institution, Christ offers eternal inclusion in His divine family, a spiritual home that transcends all earthly boundaries and rejections, providing a profound comfort and ultimate vindication for those who faithfully confess His name.

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

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?