Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. New Living Translation His parents replied, “We know this is our son and that he was born blind, English Standard Version His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. Berean Standard Bible His parents answered, “We know he is our son, and we know he was born blind. Berean Literal Bible Therefore his parents answered and said, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind. King James Bible His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: New King James Version His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; New American Standard Bible His parents then answered and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; NASB 1995 His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; NASB 1977 His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; Legacy Standard Bible So his parents answered and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; Amplified Bible His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; Christian Standard Bible “We know this is our son and that he was born blind,” his parents answered. Holman Christian Standard Bible We know this is our son and that he was born blind,” his parents answered. “ American Standard Version His parents answered and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: Contemporary English Version The man's parents answered, "We are certain that he is our son, and we know that he was born blind. English Revised Version His parents answered and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: GOD'S WORD® Translation His parents replied, "We know that he's our son and that he was born blind. Good News Translation His parents answered, "We know that he is our son, and we know that he was born blind. International Standard Version His parents replied, "We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. NET Bible So his parents replied, "We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. New Heart English Bible His parents answered them, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; Webster's Bible Translation His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: Weymouth New Testament "We know," replied the parents, "that this is our son and that he was born blind; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHis parents answered, “We know he is our son, and we know he was born blind. World English Bible His parents answered them, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHis parents answered them and said, “We have known that this is our son, and that he was born blind; Berean Literal Bible Therefore his parents answered and said, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind. Young's Literal Translation His parents answered them and said, 'We have known that this is our son, and that he was born blind; Smith's Literal Translation His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHis parents answered them, and said: We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: Catholic Public Domain Version His parents responded to them and said: “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. New American Bible His parents answered and said, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. New Revised Standard Version His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHis parents answered and said, We know that he is our son, and that he was born blind. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But his parents answered and said, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind;” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentHis parents answered them, and said: We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; Godbey New Testament Then his parents responded and said; We know that he is our son, and that he was born blind: Haweis New Testament His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: Mace New Testament his parents answered, that this is our son, and that he was born blind: we are very certain. Weymouth New Testament "We know," replied the parents, "that this is our son and that he was born blind; Worrell New Testament His parents, therefore, answered and said, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; Worsley New Testament His parents answered them, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Pharisees Investigate the Healing…19and asked, “Is this your son, the one you say was born blind? So how is it that he can now see?” 20 His parents answered, “We know he is our son, and we know he was born blind. 21But how he can now see or who opened his eyes, we do not know. Ask him. He is old enough to speak for himself.”… Cross References John 8:14 Jesus replied, “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is valid, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I came from or where I am going. John 5:31-32 If I testify about Myself, My testimony is not valid. / There is another who testifies about Me, and I know that His testimony about Me is valid. John 7:28-29 Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “You know Me, and you know where I am from. I have not come of My own accord, but He who sent Me is true. You do not know Him, / but I know Him, because I am from Him and He sent Me.” John 3:11 Truly, truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, and yet you people do not accept our testimony. John 1:19-23 And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” / He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” / “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” ... John 6:42 They were asking, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then can He say, ‘I have come down from heaven?’” John 7:15-17 The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man attain such learning without having studied?” / “My teaching is not My own,” Jesus replied. “It comes from Him who sent Me. / If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own. John 8:25-26 “Who are You?” they asked. “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning,” Jesus replied. / “I have much to say about you and much to judge. But the One who sent Me is truthful, and what I have heard from Him, I tell the world.” John 10:24-25 So the Jews gathered around Him and demanded, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” / “I already told you,” Jesus replied, “but you did not believe. The works I do in My Father’s name testify on My behalf. John 12:49-50 I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. / And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.” John 14:10-11 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you, I do not speak on My own. Instead, it is the Father dwelling in Me, performing His works. / Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me—or at least believe on account of the works themselves. John 15:24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have seen and hated both Me and My Father. John 18:19-21 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching. / “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered. “I always taught in the synagogues and at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. / Why are you asking Me? Ask those who heard My message. Surely they know what I said.” Matthew 11:3-5 to ask Him, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” / Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: / The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Luke 7:22 So He replied, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Treasury of Scripture His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: Jump to Previous Birth Blind Born Mother ParentsJump to Next Birth Blind Born Mother ParentsJohn 9 1. The man born blind is restored to sight.8. He is brought to the Pharisees. 13. They are offended at it; 35. but he is received of Jesus, and confesses him. 39. Who they are whom Jesus enlightens. His parents answered In the context of John 9, the parents of the man born blind are responding to the Pharisees' interrogation. This reflects the societal pressure and fear of excommunication from the synagogue, as the Jewish leaders had already decided that anyone who acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue (John 9:22). The parents' cautious response highlights the tension between the emerging Christian faith and established Jewish authority. We know he is our son and we know he was born blind Persons / Places / Events 1. The Blind ManA man who was born blind and healed by Jesus, serving as a testament to Jesus' divine power and authority. 2. The Parents The parents of the man born blind, who are questioned by the Pharisees about their son's healing. 3. The Pharisees Religious leaders who are skeptical of Jesus and seek to discredit His miracles. 4. Jesus The central figure of the Gospel, who performs the miracle of healing the blind man, demonstrating His divine nature. 5. Jerusalem The city where this event takes place, a significant location for many of Jesus' teachings and miracles. Teaching Points Faith and AcknowledgmentThe parents acknowledge their son and his condition, but their fear of the Pharisees prevents them from fully acknowledging Jesus' role. We must be bold in acknowledging Christ's work in our lives. Fear of Man vs. Fear of God The parents' fear of the Pharisees highlights the struggle between fearing human authority and revering God. We are called to prioritize our reverence for God over the fear of human judgment. The Role of Testimony The parents' testimony about their son's condition is crucial. Our personal testimonies can be powerful tools for witnessing to others about God's work in our lives. Spiritual Blindness The physical healing of the blind man symbolizes the spiritual sight that Jesus offers. We should seek to have our spiritual eyes opened to understand and follow God's truth. Courage in Witnessing Despite the pressure from authorities, the truth about Jesus' miracles cannot be denied. We should have the courage to stand firm in our faith and witness to the truth of Christ's power. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of John 9:20?2. How does John 9:20 demonstrate the parents' acknowledgment of their son's identity? 3. What can we learn about parental responsibility from John 9:20? 4. How does John 9:20 connect to honoring parents as taught in Exodus 20:12? 5. How can we apply the parents' honesty in John 9:20 to our lives? 6. What role does truthfulness play in our witness, as seen in John 9:20? 7. How does John 9:20 affirm the identity of the man born blind? 8. What does John 9:20 reveal about the parents' role in the healing narrative? 9. How does John 9:20 contribute to the theme of belief and unbelief? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from John 9? 11. Are parents' sins inherited by their children? 12. What are key themes in the Book of John? 13. In John 9:13–16, why would the Pharisees react so harshly if this account were verifiable? 14. In John 9:18-23, is there any historical or external evidence that confirms the parents' testimony? What Does John 9:20 Mean His parents answered• The parents step into the spotlight only because the Pharisees refuse to accept the plain evidence of the miracle (John 9:18). • Their reply is direct and factual, avoiding debate or speculation. In doing so they model Proverbs 15:23: “A man takes joy in a fitting reply.” • Though pressured by authorities who have already threatened expulsion from the synagogue (John 9:22), they still speak the truth they personally know. Compare the similar tension in John 12:42, where many “believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him.” • Their measured answer underscores the reliability of eyewitness testimony, a theme John returns to often (John 19:35; 1 John 1:1-3). We know he is our son • This first certainty is anchored in intimate relationship. Parents are the primary witnesses to their child’s identity; no one can credibly dispute their word here. • Personal knowledge carries weight. The same principle appears in John 8:14 where Jesus says, “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is valid, because I know where I came from and where I am going.” • Their statement pushes back against any rumor that the healed man is an imposter. The Pharisees must reckon with genuine facts, not manufactured doubt. • The real-life connection between parent and child anticipates the believer’s assurance in Romans 8:16: “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” and we know he was born blind • The second certainty addresses the man’s condition from birth, emphasizing the magnitude of the miracle. They are not talking about a temporary ailment but a lifelong disability (John 9:1). • Acts 3:2 records a parallel example—“a man lame from birth”—highlighting how God often uses undeniable, lifelong conditions to display His power unmistakably. • Recognizing congenital blindness also echoes the spiritual reality that every person is born incapable of seeing God’s kingdom apart from His intervention (John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 4:4). • By stating the former blindness plainly, the parents remove any escape hatch for skeptics: either accept the miracle or reject clear evidence, echoing the challenge Elijah posed in 1 Kings 18:21. summary John 9:20 presents two simple, uncontested facts—parentage and congenital blindness—confirmed by the very people most qualified to testify. Their brief, truthful answer builds an unshakable foundation for the miracle’s authenticity, leaving the Pharisees to confront the works of God or harden their hearts. The verse reminds us that honest testimony, even when offered under pressure, powerfully affirms God’s deeds and points listeners to the undeniable reality of Jesus’ saving power. (20) We know that this is our son . . .--The two earlier questions of matter of fact they can answer with certainty. They know, as none besides themselves can know, that he was their son, and they know the painful truth that he was born blind.Verse 20. - To the first and second questions the parents give affirmative answers. The identification is complete, and the astounding quality of the cure is demonstrated. His parents (then) answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind. In none of the Gospels, and in no narrative of this Gospel, is more certain proof given of the reality of a perfectly inexplicable phenomenon.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Hisαὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. parents γονεῖς (goneis) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 1118: A begetter, father; plur: parents. From the base of ginomai; a parent. answered, Ἀπεκρίθησαν (Apekrithēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak. “We know Οἴδαμεν (Oidamen) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate. he οὗτός (houtos) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. our ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. son, υἱὸς (huios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. [we know] ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. he was born ἐγεννήθη (egennēthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1080: From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate. blind. τυφλὸς (typhlos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5185: Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind. Links John 9:20 NIVJohn 9:20 NLT John 9:20 ESV John 9:20 NASB John 9:20 KJV John 9:20 BibleApps.com John 9:20 Biblia Paralela John 9:20 Chinese Bible John 9:20 French Bible John 9:20 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: John 9:20 His parents answered them We know that (Jhn Jo Jn) |
    |