John 9:21 Meaning

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. John 9
  4. John 9:21

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

John 1 John 2 John 3 John 4 John 5 John 6 John 7 John 8 John 9 John 10 John 11 John 12 John 13 John 14 John 15 John 16 John 17 John 18 John 19 John 20 John 21

Verse

John 9:1 John 9:2 John 9:3 John 9:4 John 9:5 John 9:6 John 9:7 John 9:8 John 9:9 John 9:10 John 9:11 John 9:12 John 9:13 John 9:14 John 9:15 John 9:16 John 9:17 John 9:18 John 9:19 John 9:20 John 9:21 John 9:22 John 9:23 John 9:24 John 9:25 John 9:26 John 9:27 John 9:28 John 9:29 John 9:30 John 9:31 John 9:32 John 9:33 John 9:34 John 9:35 John 9:36 John 9:37 John 9:38 John 9:39 John 9:40 John 9:41

What is the meaning of John 9:21?

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.

Previous Verse
« John 9:20
Next Verse
John 9:22 »

John 9:21 Bible Verse Meaning

Understanding John 9:21

John 9:21 states, "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." This verse follows the miraculous healing of a blind man by Jesus, bringing forth a profound discussion about faith, disbelief, and the true nature of spiritual blindness and sight.

Bible Verse Meaning

The verse is part of a larger narrative where the Pharisees question the healed man and his parents concerning the nature of his healing. The parents’ response highlights several important themes:

  • Authority of the Healed Man: The phrase "he is of age" indicates that the man is mature enough to speak for himself regarding his own experience and healing. This emphasizes the importance of personal testimony in matters of faith and belief.
  • Ambiguity and Confusion: The parents assert their ignorance about the specifics of the healing, reflecting the confusion and disbelief prevalent among the religious leaders. This illustrates the struggle between witnessed miracles and the unwillingness to accept a clear truth.
  • Call to Inquiry: The suggestion to ask the healed man himself urges an investigation into the miraculous acts of Jesus, inviting others to explore the implications of the miracle and to gain deeper insight into the identity of Jesus.

Bible Verse Interpretations

The response from the parents can be interpreted through multiple lenses:

  • Cultural Context: In Jewish culture, denying God's work or the evidence of a miracle could lead to ostracization or severe repercussions, which is likely why they were cautious in their wording.
  • Spiritual Wariness: The fear of the Pharisees reflects a broader theme in the Gospel of John—the tension between belief and skepticism. The parents’ hesitance mirrors the wall of doubt many face when confronted with spiritual truths.

Bible Verse Commentary

Commentators such as Matthew Henry emphasize that this verse serves as a turning point illustrating the hardness of heart among the religious leaders, who dismissed clear evidence before them. Albert Barnes points out that the parents' response is a form of diplomatic evasiveness, showcasing their fear of the consequences should they align themselves with Jesus.

Adam Clarke adds that the healed man’s parents indirectly assert their faith by choosing to redirect inquiries to their son, highlighting the duty of the individual experiencing God's work to testify. This further establishes the theme of God revealing Himself through personal experience and witness.

Scripture Analysis

John 9:21 goes beyond mere narrative; it engages the reader in a theological discussion about recognition and acknowledgment of God’s work in the world. Questions about the nature of faith, authority, and the recognition of miracles are raised, challenging both characters in the story and readers to confront their beliefs.

Cross References

This verse is connected to several other scriptural passages:

  • Exodus 4:11: Where Moses questions God about his speaking ability, showing God's sovereignty over human limitations.
  • John 9:10: The inquiry of others about how the miracle took place, emphasizing curiosity about divine actions.
  • Matthew 12:22-23: Another instance of healing that led to public debate regarding Jesus’ identity.

Applying John 9:21 to Daily Life

In our lives, John 9:21 challenges us to consider how we respond to the miraculous works of God around us. Just as the parents redirected inquiries to their son, we too must recognize the importance of our own testimonies and experiences of faith when discussing God’s actions in our lives.

Conclusion

The insights from John 9:21 remind us to be open to understanding scripture fully, to engage in theological discussions critically, and to share our experiences, as they play a vital role in spiritual growth and personal faith. This verse exemplifies the intersection of miracle, testimony, and the human struggle to accept divine truths. As individuals seek bible verse meanings and engage in bible study groups, reflections on this passage can serve as a powerful tool for deeper Bible study insights and Biblical exegesis.

John 9 (KJV) Verse Selection

John 9:1 John 9:2 John 9:3 John 9:4 John 9:5 John 9:6 John 9:7 John 9:8 John 9:9 John 9:10 John 9:11 John 9:12 John 9:13 John 9:14 John 9:15 John 9:16 John 9:17 John 9:18 John 9:19 John 9:20 John 9:21 John 9:22 John 9:23 John 9:24 John 9:25 John 9:26 John 9:27 John 9:28 John 9:29 John 9:30 John 9:31 John 9:32 John 9:33 John 9:34 John 9:35 John 9:36 John 9:37 John 9:38 John 9:39 John 9:40 John 9:41

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »