John 9:20 (KJV)

What does John 9:20 mean?

John 9:20 records the parents of a man who had been blind confirming two facts to the religious leaders: they acknowledge that the man is their son and that he was born blind. They are directly answering questions about his identity and his condition from birth.

In this scene, the parents are responding to the Pharisees, who are investigating how their son received his sight. The parents are careful and factual, sticking only to what they personally know for certain. Their answer sets up the tension in the story, as the religious leaders are skeptical about the miracle and are pressing for more information.

The Greek behind John 9:20

• "γονεῖς" (goneis, "parents"): This word specifically identifies the speakers as the biological parents, emphasizing their authority to confirm their son's identity and condition.
• "ἐγεννήθη" (egennēthē, "born"): The Greek verb here stresses that the blindness was present from birth, not acquired later, highlighting the miraculous nature of the healing.
• "τυφλός" (typhlos, "blind"): This word means physically unable to see, making it clear that the man’s condition was not partial or temporary but a true, complete blindness.

Why John 9:20 matters

• John 9:20 clears up any doubt about whether the healed man was truly the same person who had been blind from birth, confirming the miracle’s authenticity.
• The verse shows the parents’ caution, which becomes important in the next verses when they avoid saying more out of fear of the religious authorities.
• By focusing on the facts, John 9:20 sets the stage for the ongoing investigation and the growing tension between Jesus, the healed man, his family, and the religious leaders.