John 9:20
What does John 9:20 mean?
A plain-English look at John 9:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 9:20 means
The parents affirm two facts without hesitation: the man is their son, and he was born blind. Their testimony corroborates the core claim and strengthens the credibility of the miracle. By stating what they know for sure, they serve as solid witnesses on the key points. Yet their brevity hints at caution. They are careful to avoid speculation or statements that could implicate them in supporting Jesus. Their answer limits their exposure while still telling the truth. The undeniable facts now stand: this man truly suffered congenital blindness and is now somehow seeing, intensifying the pressure to explain how such a thing happened.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000His parents answered and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:
KJV
King James Version · 1611His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901His parents answered and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In answer his father and mother said, We are certain that this is our son and that he was blind at birth:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862His parents answered them and said, `We have known that this is our son, and that he was born blind;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752His parents answered them and said: We know that this is our son and that he was born blind:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890His parents answered [them] and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind;
Context
Answering the Pharisees’ first question, the parents confirm the son’s identity and condition from birth. This undercuts any attempt to dismiss the case as mistaken identity or temporary impairment. The investigation must now deal with the reality of a genuine, unprecedented healing. The next verse will reveal the parents’ reluctance to address the cause, passing responsibility to their adult son. This move both protects them and pushes the authorities back to the primary witness, setting up another round of interrogation.
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