John 9:23

KJV

Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G1223}{G5124} said {G2036} his {G846} parents {G1118},{G3754} He is {G2192} of age {G2244}; ask {G2065} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why his parents said, “He’s old enough, ask him.”

Berean Standard Bible

That was why his parents said, “He is old enough. Ask him.”

American Standard Version

Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 9:23 captures the cautious response of the formerly blind man's parents to the interrogating Pharisees, stating, "He is of age; ask him." This pivotal moment reveals their deep apprehension regarding the religious authorities' power and the severe social repercussions, specifically excommunication from the synagogue, that threatened anyone acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah. Their answer, while seemingly evasive, was a pragmatic attempt to protect themselves and their family from ostracization, shifting the burden of testimony entirely onto their son, who, by Jewish law, was old enough to speak for himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 9:23 is situated within the dramatic narrative of Jesus' healing of a man born blind, a miracle that immediately provokes intense scrutiny and opposition from the Jewish religious leaders. Following the miraculous restoration of sight (John 9:6-7), the Pharisees launch a series of interrogations, first questioning the man himself, then his neighbors, and finally his parents. Their relentless questioning is not driven by a desire to understand or celebrate a divine work, but by a hardened skepticism and a determination to discredit Jesus. The parents' response in [John 9:23](/john/9-23 "John 9:23 - Parents' Cautious Reply") comes directly after the Pharisees have established that the man was indeed born blind and that it was Jesus who healed him. Their fear is explicitly stated in [John 9:22](/john/9-22 "John 9:22 - Fear of Excommunication"), revealing the immense pressure they faced to deny Jesus' identity or risk being cast out of their community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parents' statement, "He is of age," directly references a significant aspect of Jewish legal and cultural tradition. In ancient Jewish society, a male reached legal maturity (often around 13 years old, marked by a "bar mitzvah") and became responsible for his own actions, including giving testimony in a court of law. By asserting their son's maturity, the parents were making a legally defensible statement, effectively deferring to his personal experience and legal standing. This also highlights the severe threat of "aposynagogos" (ἀποσυνάγωγος), or excommunication from the synagogue, which was not merely a religious exclusion but a devastating social and economic ostracization. It meant losing one's place in the community, access to social support, and even livelihood. This fear was a powerful deterrent, explaining the parents' cautious and self-preservative response in the face of the powerful and intimidating Sanhedrin.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **conflict between light and darkness**, as Jesus, the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), exposes the spiritual blindness and hardened hearts of the religious authorities who refuse to see His divine work. Secondly, it highlights the **cost of discipleship** and the **pressure of human fear versus divine truth**. The parents' fear of man stands in stark contrast to their son's eventual bold confession of Jesus as the Son of Man (as seen in [John 9:35-38](/john/9-35-38 "John 9:35-38 - The Blind Man's Confession")). Thirdly, it touches upon the theme of **authority** – the earthly authority of the religious establishment clashing with the divine authority of Jesus, whose works undeniably demonstrate His power and identity. The parents' evasion, while understandable, indirectly serves to magnify the son's eventual courageous stand for truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **parents (Greek, _goneús'_):** From the root of "to become," this term refers to those who have begotten or given birth. In this context, it specifically denotes the biological mother and father of the man born blind. Their identity as his parents is crucial to the Pharisees' investigation, as they seek to verify the man's birth condition and thus the authenticity of the miracle. Their role here is to provide testimony, which they cautiously navigate due to fear.
* **of age (Greek, _hēlikía'_):** This word signifies maturity, either in years or in physical stature. Here, it specifically refers to the legal and social maturity of an individual, indicating that the man had reached an age where he was considered responsible for his own actions and capable of providing independent testimony. The parents' use of this phrase is a strategic legal maneuver, deferring responsibility to their son who was, by their cultural standards, a competent witness.
* **ask (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** This verb means "to interrogate" or "to request." In this context, it carries the sense of questioning someone directly for information or testimony. The parents' instruction to "ask him" is a direct command to the Pharisees, redirecting their inquiry to the primary witness of the miracle. It implies that the son is the most qualified person to speak about his own experience, subtly challenging the Pharisees' authority to demand answers from them regarding something they did not personally experience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore said his parents,"**: This introductory phrase links the parents' statement directly to the preceding context of the Pharisees' interrogation and their fear of excommunication. It signals that their words are a direct response to the pressure they are under, framed by their desire to avoid conflict and protect their family.
* **"He is of age;"**: This clause is the core of their legal and cultural defense. By stating their son's maturity, the parents assert his legal competence to speak for himself. This was a valid point within Jewish law, allowing them to shift the burden of testimony without outright lying or denying the miracle, while simultaneously protecting themselves from entanglement with the authorities.
* **"ask him."**: This imperative command directly instructs the Pharisees to question their son. It serves as a pragmatic evasion, placing the responsibility for answering directly on the one who experienced the miracle. While cautious, it implicitly acknowledges that the son *does* have something to say, and that his testimony is valid and personal.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is present, as the parents, who physically see, are spiritually blind to the full implications of Jesus' identity and act out of fear, while their son, formerly physically blind, will soon gain spiritual sight and boldly confess Jesus. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between the parents' cautious, fear-driven response and the son's eventual courageous and unreserved testimony. The parents' deferral to their son also serves as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the independent and powerful witness the healed man will become, ultimately leading to his expulsion from the synagogue but his embrace by Jesus. The entire scene highlights the **Symbolism** of spiritual blindness and sight, where those who claim to see (the Pharisees) are truly blind, and the physically blind man gains both physical and spiritual vision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 9:23 serves as a poignant illustration of the human struggle between fear and faith when confronted with divine truth. The parents' cautious response, born of a very real fear of social and religious ostracization, highlights the significant cost of discipleship in a hostile environment. Their evasion, while understandable, stands in stark contrast to the radical commitment Jesus calls for, where allegiance to Him must supersede all other loyalties, including family and community. This verse implicitly raises the question of how far one is willing to go to acknowledge Christ, even when it means facing severe consequences. It underscores that true faith often requires courage to stand for truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous.

* [Matthew 10:32-33](/matthew/10-32-33 "Matthew 10:32-33 - Confessing Christ Before Men")
* [Acts 4:19-20](/acts/4-19-20 "Acts 4:19-20 - Obeying God Rather Than Men")
* [Luke 12:4-5](/luke/12-4-5 "Luke 12:4-5 - Fear God, Not Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The parents' predicament in John 9:23 resonates deeply with believers today, reminding us that expressing our faith or testifying to God's work in our lives can still bring social, professional, or even familial pressure. While prudence and wisdom are often necessary in navigating complex situations, this verse challenges us to consider where our ultimate allegiance lies. Do we prioritize worldly security, reputation, or comfort over acknowledging the truth of Christ? The parents' fear, though relatable, ultimately prevented them from fully participating in their son's miraculous journey and bold confession. This prompts us to reflect on our own willingness to stand for Christ, even when it demands personal cost. Ultimately, the power of personal testimony, as exemplified by the healed man, remains an undeniable force, and we are called to be courageous witnesses to what Christ has done in our lives, trusting in His sovereignty above all human threats.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel pressure to compromise or hide your faith?**
* **How does the parents' fear of excommunication compare to the "costs" you might face for openly following Christ today?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a bolder, more courageous testimony, even in challenging circumstances?**
* **How can you support others who are facing significant pressure for their faith?**

### FAQ

**Why were the parents so afraid of the Pharisees?**

Answer: The parents' fear stemmed from the very real threat of "aposynagogos" (ἀποσυνάγωγος), or excommunication from the synagogue, explicitly mentioned in [John 9:22](/john/9-22 "John 9:22 - Fear of Excommunication"). This was not merely a religious ban but a devastating social and economic ostracization. Being excommunicated meant losing one's place in the community, access to religious and social life, and often one's livelihood. It was a severe punishment designed to isolate and punish those who deviated from the established religious authority, especially those who might acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. The Pharisees, representing this powerful authority, wielded significant control over Jewish society, making their threats incredibly potent and terrifying to ordinary people.

**What does "He is of age" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Jewish legal and cultural contexts of the time, "of age" (Greek: _hēlikía_) referred to a male reaching legal maturity, typically around 13 years old. At this age, a person was considered responsible for their own actions and capable of giving independent testimony in a court or before religious authorities. By stating "He is of age; ask him," the parents were making a legally sound point, deferring to their son's status as a competent witness. This allowed them to avoid directly answering questions about Jesus' identity or the miracle, thereby protecting themselves from the Pharisees' wrath, while still implicitly acknowledging that their son had a valid, personal testimony.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the parents' fear and the son's eventual bold confession in John 9:23-38 profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate source of spiritual sight and courage. While the parents, out of human fear, deferred to their son, Jesus Himself is the one who empowers His followers to overcome such fear and confess Him before men. The formerly blind man, having received physical sight from Jesus, progressively gains spiritual insight, ultimately confessing Jesus as the [Son of Man](/john/9-35-38 "John 9:35-38 - The Blind Man's Confession") and worshipping Him. This transformation foreshadows the New Covenant reality where believers, once spiritually blind in sin, receive true light and life through Christ, enabling them to stand firm in the face of opposition. Jesus, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), protects His sheep, and His indwelling Spirit grants the boldness to confess Him, even when it means facing rejection from the world, just as He promised His disciples in [Matthew 10:19-20](/matthew/10-19-20 "Matthew 10:19-20 - The Spirit's Guidance in Testimony"). The parents' cautious response highlights the need for a Savior who not only opens physical eyes but also empowers hearts to overcome the fear of man and embrace the liberating truth found only in Him, the [Light of the World](/john/9-5 "John 9:5 - Jesus, the Light of the World").

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 9:21

But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.