John 9:20
His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθησαν
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθησαν
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 18
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτοῦ
His
G846
αὐτοῦ
His
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 18
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
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
His
G846
αὐτοῦ
His
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 18
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Οἴδαμεν
We know
G1492
Οἴδαμεν
We know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
8 of 18
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οὗτός
this
G3778
οὗτός
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
10 of 18
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
son
G5207
υἱὸς
son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
13 of 18
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
16 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Historical Context
Parental testimony established identity and birth condition, making the miracle harder to deny. Their confirmation that he was born blind eliminated possibility of partial sight or mistaken identity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does fear of consequences limit your witness?
- When is it wise to be cautious versus when does caution become cowardice?
- What does this teach about balancing wisdom and boldness in testimony?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The parents carefully confirm what they know personally: this is their son, born blind. Their caution reflects fear of excommunication (v. 22). They give minimal testimony, refusing to explain the healing. Fear of man proves a snare (Prov 29:25), preventing full witness. Yet even their limited testimony confirms the miracle's reality.