What does John 9:20 mean?

Explanation

John 9:20 is a statement made by the parents of a man born blind, whom Jesus healed.

This verse occurs within a larger narrative where the Pharisees are investigating the miracle that Jesus performed on the Sabbath.

The healed man is brought before the Pharisees, who question him about his healing.

They are skeptical of the event, doubting its authenticity and the involvement of Jesus.

In response to the interrogation, the parents confirm two key facts: that the man in question is indeed their son, and that he was born blind.

Their confirmation is straightforward, addressing only the facts of his identity and condition without commenting on how his sight was restored or by whom, likely due to fear of being expelled from the synagogue for professing belief in Jesus.

Historical Context

The Gospel of John was written in the context of early Christianity, at a time when Followers of Jesus were defining themselves in contrast to traditional Judaism.

The healing of the blind man, along with the subsequent interrogation, reflects the growing tension between the emerging Christian community and the established Jewish authorities.

The Pharisees, who were strict adherents to Jewish law, were authoritative figures in Jewish society and had the power to excommunicate people from the religious community.

Admitting to Jesus' divine power could lead to severe social and religious consequences, which is why the healed man's parents are cautious in their response.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, John 9:20 touches upon several concepts.

One is the role of Jesus as a miracle worker and a figure of divine authority challenging established religious norms.

Another is the theme of spiritual blindness versus physical blindness portrayed in John's Gospel.

The parents' statement acknowledging their son's condition also sets the stage for Jesus' demonstration of his power to heal not just physical ailments but spiritual ones, as represented by the Pharisees' inability to recognize Jesus' divine mission.

Different Christian denominations might highlight various aspects of this event.

Some may focus on the importance of witness and testimony, while others may emphasize the sovereignty of God in performing miracles that defy human understanding.

Practical Applications

This verse exemplifies the courage and honesty required to testify truthfully, even under pressure or fear of consequences.

It reminds believers of the importance of speaking the truth and standing firm in one's convictions.

For modern readers, the parents' predicament can be seen as an encouragement to acknowledge and testify to the truth, irrespective of external pressures or potential repercussions.

Cross-References

• John 9:18: "But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight."
• 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."
• John 11:47-48: "Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation."

• Acts 4:19-20: "But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "know" (οἴδαμεν, oidamen) indicates a sure, experiential knowledge, suggesting no doubt in the parents' minds about their son's identity and condition.

The phrase "that he was born blind" (ὅτι τυφλὸς ἐγεννήθη, hoti typhlos egennēthē) uses the verb "to be born" (ἐγεννήθη, egennēthē) in a perfect passive form, emphasizing the state resulted from the past action of being born.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions, miraculous healings were often attributed to gods or demigods. The healing performed by Jesus can be compared to those attributed to figures like Asclepius in Greek mythology, who was revered as a god of healing.

However, Christian theology sets Jesus apart as not just a healer but as the Son of God and the embodiment of God's saving action in the world.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science would classify congenital blindness due to various medical conditions and may offer explanations for a person's healing that differ from the miracle described in the Bible.

While some might seek natural explanations for such a recovery, the healing in John 9 is presented as a miraculous act, which, by its nature, defies empirical scientific analysis.

Commentaries

Commentators on this verse offer various insights:

• Some note the fear and caution of the parents in acknowledging only what they can safely attest to, their son's identity and condition.
• Others emphasize the social and religious dynamics at play, highlighting the risks of confessing Jesus as Christ in a context hostile to such claims.
• There is also discussion on the theme of spiritual sight and blindness, with the parents providing a literal confirmation of the physical fact, while the narrative itself invites readers to consider deeper spiritual truths about recognition and acknowledgment of Jesus.