John 9:41

Translations

Modern

“If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”

Traditional

Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

Literal

Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.”

Latin

Dixit eis Jesus: Si cæci essetis, non haberetis peccatum. Nunc vero dicitis, Quia videmus: peccatum vestrum manet.

Original

Greek

English

“If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”

Notes

John 9:40–41

Are we blind too?: Jesus answered that those who claim to hold all religious truth will discover that they are blind, while those who recognize their spiritual poverty will find true sight. In the story, the blind man and his family frequently confessed that they did not know, while the Pharisees repeatedly stated their confidence and remained guilty because of their religious pride. If they had confessed their ignorance and admitted their spiritual blindness, they would be guiltless. Instead, their conscious and willful rejection of Jesus established their guilt.

John 9:1–41

At the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus claimed to be the light of the world (chapters 7–8; see 8:12). Now John tells about Jesus giving light, both physically and spiritually, to a blind man who lived in darkness (see 9:5).

The story ends with a surprising reversal (a complete change) of roles: The man who had been blind was assumed to live in spiritual darkness. Yet he came to see and accept God’s light. The Pharisees could see with their physical eyes. People thought they were spiritually enlightened (well taught and wise). However, they refused to believe. In the end, they were shown to be spiritually blind.

Theme notes and profiles

John’s Profile of Discipleship Miraculous Signs in the Gospel of John Misunderstanding in the Gospel of John

Events

Blind Man Healedc. AD 29

Related verses

Isaiah 5:21
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.
John 15:22–24
If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin.
Luke 18:14
I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
1 John 1:8–10
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Hebrews 10:26
If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains,
Jeremiah 2:35
…you say, ‘I am innocent. Surely His anger will turn from me.’ Behold, I will judge you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’
Luke 12:47
That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows.

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Blindness Heal, Healing Jesus Christ John, Gospel of Nathanael Pool of Siloam

Topics

Contingencies in Divine Government of Man Jesus, the Christ: Teaches People (In Jerusalem) Judgment: According to Opportunity and Works Responsibility: Personal Self-Righteousness: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Against Knowledge

John 9:41

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