John 9:21 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →On the dangerous question of how their son sees, the parents step back: he is of age; ask him.
What Does John 9:21 Mean?
Twice the parents answer "we know not," and then they hand their son to the court: he is an adult; he can speak for himself. The next verse will name the fear behind their caution. For now, the man is left to face his judges alone.
There is real sorrow here — parents withdrawing from their son at the hour of his greatest wonder because standing with him costs too much. Yet their stepping back pushes him forward into a courage that becomes entirely his own. "He shall speak for himself" is truer than they know: faith must finally be firsthand, a confession no one else can make on our behalf. And the One whose name costs him his community will personally make up the loss (v. 35).
Frequently Asked Questions About John 9:21
What does John 9:21 mean?
On the dangerous question of how their son sees, the parents step back: he is of age; ask him.