John 9:21

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 9:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “but how he now seeth, we know not; or who opened his eyes, we know not: ask him; he is of age; he shall speak for himself.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

but how he now seeth, we know not; or who opened his eyes, we know not: ask him; he is of age; he shall speak for himself.
John 9:21 — American Standard Version

Context — John 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21but how he now seeth, we know not; or who opened his eyes, we know not: ask him; he is of age; he shall speak for himself.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But by what means he now seeth we know not, etc.] As to the third question they could say nothing to it, they were not present when the cure was wrought, and knew nothing of the matter, but what they had heard from their son, or from others, or both: or who hath opened his eyes we know not; they had heard it was Jesus, and their son had doubtless told them it was he; but since they could say nothing of their own personal knowledge, they choose not to say anything of him: he is of age; at man’s estate, as, with the Jews, one was, who was at the age of thirteen years, if he could produce the signs of puberty: and such an one was allowed a witness in any case, but not under this age; nor if he…”
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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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Related study paths

Sources and verification