King James Version

What Does John 9:41 Mean?

John 9:41 in the King James Version says “Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. — study this verse from John chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 9:41 · KJV


Context

39

And 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.

40

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

41

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.' Jesus' answer is devastating. Genuine blindness (acknowledged inability) would be curable—the blind man's was. But claimed sight (spiritual pride) leaves sin unaddressed. Their claim 'We see' prevents the healing they need. Self-perceived sufficiency blocks divine remedy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This concludes the chapter's theme. The born blind man saw; the seeing Pharisees remain blind. The difference isn't intelligence or training but humility. Those who admit need receive; those who deny need remain empty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does claiming 'we see' keep sin remaining?
  2. What is the relationship between humility and receiving Christ's healing?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
εἶπεν1 of 21

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς2 of 21

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

3 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς4 of 21

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Εἰ5 of 21

If

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τυφλοὶ6 of 21

blind

G5185

opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)

ἦτε7 of 21

ye were

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

οὐκ8 of 21

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἂν9 of 21

ye should

G302

whatsoever

εἴχετε10 of 21

have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἁμαρτία11 of 21

sin

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

νῦν12 of 21

now

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

δὲ13 of 21

but

G1161

but, and, etc

λέγετε14 of 21

ye say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὅτι15 of 21
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Βλέπομεν16 of 21

We see

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

17 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὖν18 of 21

therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἁμαρτία19 of 21

sin

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ὑμῶν20 of 21

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

μένει21 of 21

remaineth

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 9:41 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 9:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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