John 9:39
What does John 9:39 mean?
A plain-English look at John 9:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 9:39 means
Jesus declares the purpose and effect of His coming: for judgment, so that the blind may see and those who claim to see may become blind. Judgment here is not merely final sentencing but the crisis His presence brings—dividing people by their response to Him. The humble who recognize need receive sight; the self-assured who refuse Him are confirmed in blindness. The miracle becomes a parable of spiritual realities. Christ’s light reveals, heals, and exposes. Those who come to Him find vision; those who resist are darkened. His ministry both saves and sifts, bringing to light the true condition of every heart.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Jesus said, For judgment came I into this world, that they that see not may see; and that they that see may become blind.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Jesus said, For judgment came I into this world, that they that see not may see; and that they that see may become blind.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Jesus said, I came into this world to be a judge, so that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Jesus said, `For judgment I to this world did come, that those not seeing may see, and those seeing may become blind.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Jesus said: For judgment I am come into this world: that they who see not may see; and they who see may become blind.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Jesus said, For judgment am I come into this world, that they which see not may see, and they which see may become blind.
Context
This statement follows the man’s worship and broadens the focus from one individual to the world’s response to Jesus. It interprets the entire episode as a sign of spiritual dynamics at work. Nearby Pharisees overhear and take offense, prompting a direct exchange in the final verses. Jesus’ words prepare for their question about whether they, too, are blind. The stage is set for a sobering verdict on those who claim sight while rejecting the Light of the world.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 44:18
They know not, neither do they consider: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.
- 2 Corinthians 4:4
in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them.
- Luke 13:30
And behold, there are last who shall be first, and there are first who shall be last.
- John 8:12
Again therefore Jesus spake unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.
- Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised,
- Isaiah 42:18
Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
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