John 9:21

John 9:21 (KJV) is a pivotal verse in the narrative of the man born blind, where his parents respond to the intense interrogation by the Pharisees regarding their son's miraculous healing by Jesus. This verse encapsulates their fear, caution, and an attempt to deflect responsibility amidst mounting pressure.

Context

Following Jesus's extraordinary miracle of restoring sight to a man born blind on the Sabbath (John 9:1-7), the religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees, grew increasingly hostile. They questioned the man, then his parents, seeking to discredit the miracle and Jesus. This verse records the parents' carefully worded reply. They were acutely aware of the potential consequences of affirming Jesus's divine power, specifically the threat of being excommunicated from the synagogue, which meant severe social and religious ostracism in Jewish society.

Key Themes

• Fear and Self-Preservation: The parents' response, "we know not," clearly indicates their fear of the Jewish leaders. They prioritize their own safety and social standing over a full endorsement of Jesus, even though their son received an undeniable blessing. This highlights the severe social pressure faced by those who acknowledged Jesus in that era.
• Shifting Responsibility: By stating, "he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself," the parents deftly shift the burden of testimony to their son. This declaration indicated that he was old enough to be a legally credible witness, capable of speaking for himself without parental guidance.
• Partial Confirmation of the Miracle: Despite their evasiveness about "who" performed the miracle and "by what means," they implicitly confirm the miraculous nature of the event: their son, born blind, now sees. This fact, though presented cautiously, remains a powerful testament to Jesus's power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "he is of age" translates the Greek hēlikian echei, which literally means "he has age" or "he has reached maturity." In Jewish legal tradition, this meant he was past childhood and capable of giving his own testimony in a court or before religious authorities. The parents use this legal loophole to avoid incriminating themselves or explicitly endorsing Jesus, yet still provide an avenue for the truth to emerge through their son's firsthand account.

Practical Application

John 9:21 offers insights into how people react under pressure, especially when their faith or association with Christ could lead to negative consequences. It reminds us:

• The Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus can sometimes bring social or personal challenges, requiring courage to stand firm in truth.
• The Power of Personal Testimony: While the parents faltered, their son courageously gave his own testimony, which ultimately led to his deeper understanding and worship of Jesus (John 9:38).
• Human Skepticism: Even undeniable miracles can be met with disbelief and hostility by those unwilling to accept the truth, as seen in the Pharisees' continued questioning and division over Jesus's identity.