John 9:19
And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
λέγετε
say
G3004
λέγετε
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Οὗτός
this
G3778
Οὗτός
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
5 of 19
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
son
G5207
υἱὸς
son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
8 of 19
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
ὃν
who
G3739
ὃν
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
λέγετε
say
G3004
λέγετε
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
G3754
τυφλὸς
blind
G5185
τυφλὸς
blind
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
14 of 19
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
ἐγεννήθη
was born
G1080
ἐγεννήθη
was born
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
15 of 19
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
16 of 19
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
Historical Context
This formal interrogation reflects Pharisaic authority over Jewish religious life. Parents' testimony about birth defects was considered reliable since they witnessed the child's birth and development.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you tell whether questions arise from genuine seeking or determined unbelief?
- What does this interrogation reveal about religious authority misused?
- When have you faced hostile questioning about your faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The parents are asked three questions: Is this your son? Was he born blind? How does he now see? The interrogators hope to catch contradiction or find alternative explanation for the miracle. Truth-seekers investigate to discover; unbelievers investigate to deny. Their questioning reveals their hardened hearts.