What does John 9:21 mean?

Explanation

John 9:21 is a verse from the New Testament of the Bible, found in the Gospel according to John.

It records the words of the parents of a man born blind, whom Jesus had healed.

The parents are responding to questions from the Pharisees, who are questioning how their son can now see.

The parents state that they do not know by what means their son can now see or who healed him.

The parents refer to their son as being "of age" , that is, he is an adult and capable of speaking for himself.

Therefore, they suggest that the Pharisees ask their son directly for the details about his healing.

This verse emphasizes the parents' cautiousness or fear of the religious authorities, as well as the personal testimony of the healed man.

Historical Context

At the time this verse was written, Jesus had been performing miracles, one of which was healing a man who had been blind since birth.

The Pharisees, a Jewish sect that strictly adhered to religious laws, were investigating this miracle because Jesus had performed it on the Sabbath, which they considered a violation of the law.

The healed man's parents were being questioned as part of this investigation.

During this period, the Pharisees held significant religious authority, and admitting to believing in Jesus could result in being expelled from the synagogue , a severe form of social ostracism.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse captures different viewpoints regarding Jesus' miracles.

The Pharisees' questioning may represent the skepticism or the inability of some to see Jesus as the Messiah or as one performing God's work.

On the contrary, the miracle itself and the testimony of the one who experienced it could be seen as indicative of Jesus' divine authority and identity.

The parents’ refusal to comment further also highlights an aspect of personal responsibility in faith; each individual must account for their own belief.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life by encouraging individuals to speak for themselves about their personal experiences, especially concerning their faith or beliefs.

It suggests that personal testimony is powerful and that, at times, individuals must take responsibility for their own words and actions, rather than relying on the accounts or beliefs of others.

Additionally, it highlights the importance of discernment in challenging situations, where speaking out could have social consequences.

Cross-References

• John 9:20 - "His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:"
• 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 9:25 - "He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see."
• 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

The original language of the verse is Greek.

The key word here is "ἡλικίαν" (hēlikian), translated as "age," indicating that the man is an adult, capable of speaking for himself and taking responsibility. "ἀνοίξας" (anoixas) meaning "opened," in the context refers to opening one's eyes or giving sight.

The phrase emphasizes that the means and the person responsible (“who hath opened his eyes”) are unknown to the parents.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparative cultural and religious contexts, stories of miraculous healings are not unique to Christianity.

Similar narratives can be found in various ancient traditions and religions, where gods or divine figures grant healing or sight to the blind.

For instance, in Greco-Roman mythology, gods like Asclepius were worshipped as deities of medicine and healing.

However, in the context of John 9, the healing carries a distinct message about the identity of Jesus and confronts Jewish Sabbath laws, which is highly specific to the religious milieu of 1st-century Judea.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science can address biological aspects of blindness and its potential treatments (e.g., cataract surgery, corneal transplants, and, in some cases, stem-cell therapy), but it typically does not approach the healing described in John 9, which is presented as a miraculous, instantaneous event without natural explanation.

The verse, therefore, is typically understood within a religious or faith context rather than a scientific one.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of John 9:21.

Some focus on the fear and cautiousness of the parents in their response to the Pharisees, which is indicative of the social repercussions of acknowledging Jesus openly.

Other commentaries discuss the motif of personal testimony to one's experience with Jesus, as well as the recognition of Jesus' authority and divine mission.

The fact that the Pharisees' investigation centers on a miraculous healing performed on the Sabbath also points to a key theme in the Gospel of John: the conflict between Jesus' ministry and the established religious order of the time.