Devine Scripture

John 9:40

What does John 9:40 mean?

A plain-English look at John 9:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 9:40 means

Some Pharisees hear and challenge Jesus: “Are we also blind?” Their question is defensive, implying that they, as learned leaders, cannot be counted among the blind. It shows that Jesus’ words have struck home, touching their pride. They understand He is speaking about spiritual perception. Yet their question still seeks to justify themselves rather than to seek healing. This moment exposes how proximity to religious knowledge can coexist with resistance to truth. They stand before the Light but prefer to argue rather than admit need.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said unto him, Are we also blind?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said unto him, Are we also blind?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

These words came to the ears of the Pharisees who were with him and they said to him, Are we, then, blind?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and they said to him, `Are we also blind?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And some of the Pharisees, who were with him, heard: and they said unto him: Are we also blind?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And [some] of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and they said to him, Are we blind also?

Context

This question arises immediately after Jesus’ pronouncement about sight and blindness. The Pharisees’ interjection brings the teaching into a direct confrontation. The narrative is moving toward its final clarification of culpable blindness. The next verse will deliver Jesus’ searching answer, distinguishing between ignorance that seeks help and presumption that denies need. This closing exchange ties the whole chapter together, showing why a man born blind can see, while those with learning and status remain in the dark.

v.39And Jesus said, For judgment came I into this world, that they that see not may see; and that they that see may become blind.

v.40This passage

v.41Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye would have no sin: but now ye say, We see: your sin remaineth.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 7:47

    The Pharisees therefore answered them, Are ye also led astray?

  • Matthew 15:12

    Then came the disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying?

  • John 9:34

    They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

  • Revelation 3:17

    Because thou sayest, I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art the wretched one and miserable and poor and blind and naked:

  • Luke 11:39

    And the Lord said unto him, Now ye the Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter; but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness.

  • Romans 2:19

    and art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them that are in darkness,

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