What does John 9:19 mean?

The parents of the man born blind are being interrogated by local religious leaders—referred to in the gospel of John as "the Jews." When Jesus grants the man eyesight, the skeptical scribes and Pharisees want to be sure that the now-seeing man is really the same person who was known as a blind beggar.

Questioning a spiritual claim is not at all a sin (1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21). These men are charged with leadership over the people of Israel; they are supposed to investigate such events. Where they go wrong is not in being thorough. They are insincere, with no interest in truth. They are only looking for reasons to reject Jesus and His miracles.

The way these leaders phrase their question to the blind man's parents betrays that prejudice. Rather than simply asking, "is this really your son?" they suggest the parents might be lying. The healed man is referred to as the one "who you say was born blind." The implication is that perhaps the man was never blind. Or, that he was not always blind, giving these men further opportunity to discredit Jesus.

This disrespect also includes a sense of intimidation. As further verses show, these same religious leaders already declared that those who supported Jesus would be excommunicated (John 9:22). Answers from the healed man's parents show they're fearful of the Jewish leaders and want no part of this controversy.