John 9:23
Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
Therefore {G1223}{G5124} said {G2036} his {G846} parents {G1118},{G3754} He is {G2192} of age {G2244}; ask {G2065} him {G846}.
This is why his parents said, “He’s old enough, ask him.”
That was why his parents said, “He is old enough. Ask him.”
Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
Cross-References
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John 9:21 (3 votes)
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.
Commentary
Context of John 9:23
John 9:23 is part of the pivotal narrative concerning Jesus' miraculous healing of a man born blind. Following this astonishing miracle, the religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees, launched an intense investigation. Skeptical of Jesus' power and authority, they interrogated the formerly blind man and then his parents. The parents were caught in a difficult position, facing the immense pressure of the Jewish leadership. Their response in this verse reflects their fear of social and religious repercussions, specifically the threat of being excommunicated from the synagogue, which would mean ostracization from their community.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "He is of age" translates from the Greek hēlikian echei (ἡλικίαν ἔχει), which literally means "he has age" or "he has reached maturity." In Jewish legal and cultural contexts, reaching maturity (often around 13 years old for males) meant an individual was responsible for their own actions and could bear witness in court. This linguistic detail underscores the parents' strategic defense: they were not refusing to answer out of ignorance, but out of a legitimate appeal to their son's legal standing and personal experience.
Practical Application
John 9:23 offers several insights for believers today:
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