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.

JOHN 9:21KJV
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John 9:21 (KJV)

What does John 9:21 mean?

John 9:21 records the parents of the man born blind telling the Jewish leaders that they do not know how their son is now able to see or who healed him, and suggesting that since their son is old enough, the leaders should ask him directly because he can speak for himself. The parents are distancing themselves from the situation and putting responsibility for the explanation on their son.

In this scene, the parents are responding to questioning from the Pharisees about the miraculous healing of their son, who was born blind. They are careful with their words, likely out of fear of the consequences, and make it clear that their adult son can answer for himself. This verse highlights the tension and pressure surrounding the miracle and the investigation by the religious authorities.

The Greek behind John 9:21

  • ἠνοίξεν (ēnoixen, "opened"): This word means "opened," specifically referring to the opening of the son's eyes. The Greek here emphasizes the miraculous nature of the act, not just a physical opening but a restoration of sight.
  • αὐτὸς ἡλικίαν ἔχει (autos hēlikian echei, "he is of age"): This phrase means the son is legally and socially recognized as an adult, able to speak and be responsible for himself. The parents use this to avoid further involvement.
  • ἐρωτήσατε αὐτὸν (erōtēsate auton, "ask him"): The verb here is a direct invitation to question the son, showing the parents' intent to redirect the interrogation away from themselves.

Why John 9:21 matters

  • John 9:21 clarifies that the parents are intentionally avoiding giving information about Jesus or the miracle, which is important for understanding the social and religious pressures at play.
  • The verse shows the parents' fear of the authorities, which is explained more fully in the following verses, and helps the reader see the cost of association with Jesus at that time.
  • This moment connects to the larger theme in John 9 of testimony and witness, as the healed man is repeatedly called to speak for himself about what happened to him.

Where else these words appear

“himself” Greek G848 · used in 2 verses

  • Revelation 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.

“age” Greek G2244 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
  • Luke 12:25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
  • John 9:23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.

“ask” Greek G2065 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
  • Luke 22:68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
  • John 16:30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

“opened” Greek G455 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
  • Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;