John 9:41
What does John 9:41 mean?
A plain-English look at John 9:41 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 9:41 means
Jesus answers that if they were truly “blind” in the sense of ignorant and aware of it, they would not have sin in this matter—there would be room for mercy. But because they claim, “We see,” their sin remains. Their self-sufficiency blocks repentance and healing. The issue is not lack of information but refusal to bow before the evidence God has given in Jesus’ works and words. The chapter ends with this sober warning: prideful certainty without faith results in enduring guilt, while humble acknowledgment of need receives sight from the Light of the world.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye would have no sin: but now ye say, We see: your sin remaineth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye would have no sin: but now ye say, We see: your sin remaineth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus said to them, If you were blind you would have no sin: but now that you say, We see; your sin is there still.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus said to them, `If ye were blind, ye were not having had sin, but now ye say--We see, therefore doth your sin remain.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus said to them: If you were blind, you should not have sin: but now you say: We see. Your sin remaineth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus said to them, If ye were blind ye would not have sin; but now ye say, We see, your sin remains.
Context
This final verse responds to the Pharisees’ challenge and concludes the chapter’s themes. Jesus distinguishes between needy blindness that can be cured and arrogant sight that is actually blindness. It summarizes the narrative contrast: a beggar who receives both sight and salvation, and leaders whose insistence on their own clarity leaves them condemned. The episode closes as a living parable of Christ’s mission—He seeks, heals, reveals, and judges by bringing light. The reader is left to decide whether to confess need and worship, or to insist “we see” and remain in darkness.
v.40Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said unto him, Are we also blind?
v.41This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 18:14
I say unto you, This man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
- Isaiah 5:21
Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
- Luke 12:47
And that servant, who knew his lord’s will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes;
- Jeremiah 2:35
Yet thou saidst, I am innocent; surely his anger is turned away from me. Behold, I will enter into judgment with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.
- Hebrews 10:26
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins,
- 1 John 1:8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
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