John 9:23
What does John 9:23 mean?
A plain-English look at John 9:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 9:23 means
Therefore, the parents repeat their deferral: “He is of age; ask him.” The conclusion sums up their strategy—affirm what is indisputable, avoid what is risky, and shift responsibility to the direct witness. Their stance is understandable under threat, yet it also leaves their son to carry the burden alone. The verse reinforces the legitimacy of the son’s forthcoming testimony and keeps the focus squarely on his experience. In God’s providence, their caution ensures that the clearest voice in this story is the one whose eyes have been opened, highlighting how personal encounter with Jesus equips ordinary people to speak with unusual clarity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949That was the reason why they said, He is old enough; put the question to him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because of this his parents said--`He is of age, ask him.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Therefore did his parents say: He is of age. Ask himself.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890On this account his parents said, He is of age: ask him.
Context
This concluding remark from the parents circles back to the authorities’ need to confront the healed man himself. It neatly closes the parents’ segment, which verified the facts but avoided the conclusion. The narrative now returns to the main witness for a second, more aggressive interrogation. The shift sets up a dramatic contrast between fearful avoidance and fearless testimony. The next verses will show the authorities attempting to dictate the verdict and the healed man refusing to recant what he knows by experience.
v.22These things said his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man should confess him to be Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
v.23This passage
v.24So they called a second time the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give glory to God: we know that this man is a sinner.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 9:21
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.
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