John 9:20

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 9:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “His parents answered and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

His parents answered and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:
John 9:20 — American Standard Version

Context — John 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20His parents answered and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“His parents answered them, and said, etc.] What follows, which contains distinct answers to the several questions: and to the first they reply very freely, and with great confidence, we know that this is our son; for though his receiving his sight made a considerable alteration in him, yet his features were the same; and there might be some marks in his body, which they were acquainted with, by which they knew assuredly he was their son: and if even the neighbours, though they disagreed about him, yet some of them knew him to be the same person that had been blind and begged, then much more his parents; and even those who said it was not he, yet they owned he was like him: and with respect…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“His parents answered ... - To the first two questions they answered without hesitation. They knew that he was their son, and that he was born blind. The third question they could not positively answer, as they had not witnessed the means of the cure, and were afraid to express their belief. It appears that they had themselves no doubt, but they were not eye-witnesses, and could not be therefore legal evidence. He is of age - He is of sufficient age to give testimony. Among the Jews this age was fixed at thirteen years. If any man did confess that he was Christ - Did acknowledge that he was the Messiah. They had prejudged the case, and were determined to put down all free inquiry, and not to…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“9:20-22 His parents confirmed that their son had been born blind, but they hesitated to judge how he could see because they were afraid of the social consequences.”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification