John 9:21
But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.
Original Language Analysis
πῶς
by what means
G4459
πῶς
by what means
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
1 of 24
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
3 of 24
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
οἴδαμεν·
know
G1492
οἴδαμεν·
know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 24
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τίς
who
G5101
τίς
who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
8 of 24
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἤνοιξεν
hath opened
G455
ἤνοιξεν
hath opened
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
9 of 24
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 24
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
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
12 of 24
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
οἴδαμεν·
know
G1492
οἴδαμεν·
know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
15 of 24
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 24
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
ἔχει
is
G2192
ἔχει
is
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
18 of 24
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 24
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
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
21 of 24
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
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
22 of 24
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
Historical Context
Jewish custom considered age 13 (bar mitzvah) as legal adulthood when males could testify independently and be held accountable for their religious duties.
Questions for Reflection
- How does fear make you deflect spiritual conversations?
- What would bolder witness look like in your circumstances?
- How can you move from fearful silence to confident testimony?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The parents deflect questions about the healing itself, directing inquirers to their son. 'He is of age' means he can testify for himself. Their fear limits their witness, but at least they don't deny the miracle. This contrasts with their son's growing boldness - as the chapter progresses, he becomes more forthright while they remain fearful.