John 9:20

Authorized King James Version

His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀπεκρίθησαν
G611
answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#2
αὐτοῦ
G846
His
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
#3
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
γονεῖς
G1118
parents
a parent
#5
αὐτοῦ
G846
His
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
#6
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
εἶπον,
G2036
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#8
Οἴδαμεν
G1492
We know
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#9
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#10
οὗτός
G3778
this
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#11
ἐστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#12
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
υἱὸς
G5207
son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#14
ἡμῶν
G2257
our
of (or from) us
#15
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#17
τυφλὸς
G5185
blind
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
#18
ἐγεννήθη·
G1080
he was born
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources