John 9:22
These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸν
his
G846
αὐτὸν
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 22
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
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐφοβοῦντο
they feared
G5399
ἐφοβοῦντο
they feared
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
7 of 22
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
συνετέθειντο
had agreed
G4934
συνετέθειντο
had agreed
Strong's:
G4934
Word #:
12 of 22
to place jointly, i.e., (figuratively) to consent (bargain, stipulate), concur
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐάν
if
G1437
ἐάν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
16 of 22
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
αὐτὸν
his
G846
αὐτὸν
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 22
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
Χριστόν
was Christ
G5547
Χριστόν
was Christ
Strong's:
G5547
Word #:
20 of 22
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
Cross References
John 7:13Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.John 16:2They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.Luke 6:22Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.John 9:34They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
Historical Context
Synagogue expulsion (cherem) was a serious penalty involving social ostracism and economic consequences. Later this would become formal policy against Christians (John 16:2). The parents' fear reflects real social pressure that shaped responses to Jesus.
Questions for Reflection
- How does fear of social consequences affect willingness to confess Christ?
- What 'synagogue expulsions' do believers face today for confessing Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess him to be Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.' The parents' evasion stems from fear. Excommunication from the synagogue meant social, economic, and religious exclusion. The cost of confessing Christ was tangible and severe. Fear of man produces compromise; the parents defer to their son to avoid risk.