John 9:39

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036}, For {G1519} judgment {G2917} I {G1473} am come {G2064} into {G1519} this {G5126} world {G2889}, that {G2443} they which see {G991} not {G3361} might see {G991}; and {G2532} that they which see {G991} might be made {G1096} blind {G5185}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said, “It is to judge that I came into this world, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind.”

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jesus' declaration in John 9:39, immediately following the miraculous healing of the man born blind, articulates a profound and paradoxical purpose for His advent: to bring a spiritual judgment that reveals the true state of human hearts. His presence in the world serves to grant spiritual sight to those who acknowledge their need, while simultaneously exposing and confirming the spiritual blindness of those who presume to see and willfully reject His truth. This statement underscores the revelatory and inherently divisive nature of His mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic pronouncement at the end of the extended narrative in [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - The Healing of the Man Born Blind"). The chapter begins with Jesus healing a man born blind ([John 9:1-7](/john/9-1-7 "John 9:1-7 - Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind")). This miracle sets off a chain of interrogations by the Pharisees, who refuse to accept the evidence and instead condemn both the healed man and Jesus. The man's steadfast testimony and subsequent expulsion from the synagogue ([John 9:24-34](/john/9-24-34 "John 9:24-34 - The Man's Testimony and Expulsion")) lead to Jesus finding him again and revealing Himself as the Son of Man ([John 9:35-38](/john/9-35-38 "John 9:35-38 - Jesus Reveals Himself")). John 9:39 immediately follows the man's worship of Jesus, serving as Jesus' profound summary statement that directly addresses the spiritual condition of the Pharisees, setting the stage for their direct challenge in [John 9:40-41](/john/9-40-41 "John 9:40-41 - The Pharisees' Spiritual Blindness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea was under Roman occupation, but Jewish religious life was largely governed by the Sanhedrin, dominated by the Pharisees and Sadducees. The Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, held significant religious authority and often viewed Jesus with suspicion, particularly His apparent disregard for their interpretations of Sabbath laws (as seen in this chapter where the healing occurs on the Sabbath). Blindness was often associated with sin or divine judgment in Jewish thought ([John 9:2](/john/9-2 "John 9:2 - Disciples Ask About Sin and Blindness")), making Jesus' healing a profound challenge to their theological framework. The concept of "seeing" and "blindness" would have resonated deeply within a culture that understood physical sight as a metaphor for spiritual understanding and insight into God's truth.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - The Healing of the Man Born Blind") is the contrast between **physical sight and spiritual blindness**. Jesus, as the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), brings illumination, but this light also exposes darkness. The chapter powerfully illustrates **divine judgment as revelation**, where Jesus' presence forces a decision and reveals the true spiritual state of individuals. Those who are humble and acknowledge their need for God's truth, like the man born blind, receive spiritual sight. Conversely, those who are proud and self-righteous, like the Pharisees, become more entrenched in their spiritual darkness, despite their physical sight and religious knowledge. This highlights the **paradox of grace and truth**, where salvation is offered, but rejection of that offer leads to a deepening of one's spiritual condition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **judgment (Greek, _kríma'_):** (G2917) This word, derived from *krino* (to judge), signifies "a decision" or "the effect of a decision." In this context, it's not primarily about punitive condemnation in the sense of a final verdict but rather a process of separation, discernment, or sifting. Jesus' coming into the world naturally brings about this "decision" or "distinction," revealing who is open to His truth and who is closed off. His presence acts as a catalyst, bringing hidden spiritual conditions to light.
* **am come (Greek, _érchomai'_):** (G2064) This verb denotes "to come" or "to go" and emphasizes Jesus' active, intentional arrival into the world. It underscores His divine initiative and purpose. He did not stumble into this role; He deliberately "came into this world" with a specific mission, which He now articulates as a form of judgment that leads to spiritual discernment.
* **blind (Greek, _typhlós'_):** (G5185) This adjective describes a state of being "opaque" or "smoky," and by analogy, "blind," both physically and mentally. In John 9:39, while it initially refers to physical blindness in the context of the healed man, its application to "they which see" clearly extends its meaning to spiritual blindness – a lack of perception or understanding of divine truth, often stemming from pride or willful rejection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world":** Jesus explicitly states the purpose of His incarnation. His arrival is not merely to offer salvation, but inherently to bring a "judgment" or "decision." This judgment is not a punitive condemnation in the first instance, but a revelatory process that sorts humanity based on their response to Him. His very presence acts as a dividing line, exposing the true spiritual condition of individuals. The phrase "into this world" (G1519 *eis* + G2889 *kósmos*) emphasizes the sphere of His mission – the created order inhabited by humanity.
* **"that they which see not might see":** This clause describes the positive outcome of Jesus' coming for a specific group. "They which see not" refers to those who are spiritually blind, like the man born blind who acknowledged his physical and spiritual need. For such individuals, Jesus' mission is to grant them spiritual sight – a profound understanding and acceptance of divine truth, leading to salvation. This is a work of grace, illuminating those who recognize their darkness. The purpose is indicated by "that" (G2443 *hína*), showing the intended result.
* **"and that they which see might be made blind":** This paradoxical clause describes the negative, yet consequential, outcome for another group. "They which see" refers to those who presume to have spiritual sight, like the Pharisees, who were confident in their own righteousness and knowledge of the Law. Because of their pride and willful rejection of Jesus, His presence, which brings light to others, results in their spiritual blindness being confirmed and intensified. Their refusal to acknowledge their need for true sight leads to their inability to perceive the truth, effectively "making them blind" (G1096 *gínomai* + G5185 *typhlós*) to the very light they claim to possess.

#### Literary Devices
John 9:39 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Paradox**, where seemingly contradictory statements reveal a deeper truth: those who are blind gain sight, and those who see become blind. This creates a striking contrast that challenges conventional understanding and highlights the inverted values of God's kingdom. **Irony** is also heavily employed, particularly **situational irony**, as the religious leaders, who are supposed to be spiritual guides, are revealed as spiritually blind, while the physically blind outcast gains true spiritual insight. The entire narrative of [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - The Healing of the Man Born Blind") functions as an **Allegory**, where the physical healing of blindness serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual transformation and the revelatory nature of Jesus' ministry. The repeated use of "see" and "blind" creates a strong **Antithesis**, emphasizing the stark opposition between genuine spiritual perception and self-deceived spiritual darkness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jesus' declaration in [John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus' Judgment and Purpose") unveils a critical aspect of His divine mission: His coming into the world inherently brings a spiritual division. This "judgment" is not primarily one of condemnation, but of revelation and separation, where the light of His truth exposes the true spiritual condition of humanity. Those who humbly acknowledge their spiritual inadequacy are granted sight, while those who arrogantly claim spiritual understanding are confirmed in their blindness. This highlights that salvation is not merely an intellectual assent but a profound spiritual transformation, contingent on humility and a willingness to receive divine illumination. Jesus' presence forces a choice, and that choice determines one's spiritual destiny, revealing whether one embraces the light or clings to darkness.

* [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - The Reason for Condemnation")
* [Luke 2:34](/luke/2-34 "Luke 2:34 - Simeon's Prophecy of Division")
* [Matthew 13:13-15](/matthew/13-13-15 "Matthew 13:13-15 - Why Jesus Speaks in Parables")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus' Judgment and Purpose") serves as a profound mirror, inviting us to honestly examine our own spiritual posture before Christ. Are we like the man born blind, who, despite his physical affliction and social ostracism, humbly received Jesus' healing and confessed Him as Lord? Or do we, like the Pharisees, possess a form of spiritual pride, convinced of our own understanding and righteousness, thereby closing ourselves off to the transformative truth of God? This verse challenges us to recognize that true spiritual sight begins with acknowledging our inherent spiritual blindness and dependence on Christ. It's a call to humility, to lay aside any self-sufficiency or preconceived notions that might hinder us from truly seeing and embracing Jesus as the source of all light and truth. Our willingness to admit our need is the gateway to receiving the spiritual illumination that only He can provide, leading to genuine transformation and a deeper relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually blind, even if I believe I "see"?**
* **Am I willing to humbly admit my spiritual needs and depend entirely on Jesus for true insight?**
* **How does my response to Jesus' truth reveal my true spiritual condition?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "judgment" in this verse?**

Answer: In [John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus' Judgment and Purpose"), the Greek word for "judgment" (kríma) signifies a "decision," "separation," or "sifting," rather than solely a punitive condemnation. Jesus' coming into the world inherently creates a dividing line among humanity. His presence, as the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), exposes the true spiritual state of individuals. It's a revelatory judgment that distinguishes between those who are open to His truth and those who resist it, revealing who truly sees and who is spiritually blind. It's a process of discernment that brings hidden attitudes and beliefs to light.

**How can those who "see" be made "blind"?**

Answer: This is a profound spiritual paradox highlighted by Jesus. Those who "see" refers to individuals, like the Pharisees in [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - The Healing of the Man Born Blind"), who possess physical sight, religious knowledge, and believe themselves to be spiritually enlightened. However, their pride, self-righteousness, and willful rejection of Jesus as the Messiah lead to a confirmation and deepening of their spiritual blindness. Because they refuse to acknowledge their need for true spiritual illumination from Christ, their existing spiritual darkness becomes more entrenched. Jesus' presence, which brings light to the humble, ironically serves to expose and solidify the spiritual darkness of those who are arrogant and resistant to His truth, effectively "making them blind" to the very truth they claim to uphold.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus' Judgment and Purpose") powerfully foreshadows the ultimate work of Christ, not merely as a historical figure, but as the divine Son who brings both salvation and a decisive spiritual separation. Jesus' mission to grant sight to the blind and confirm the blindness of those who claim to see finds its profound fulfillment in His role as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the [resurrection and the life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"). His incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection serve as the ultimate "judgment" or sifting point for humanity. Those who humble themselves, confess their spiritual blindness, and turn to Him in faith receive not just physical sight, but eternal life and spiritual understanding, becoming [new creations in Christ](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"). Conversely, those who, like the Pharisees, cling to their self-righteousness and reject the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World") remain in their spiritual darkness, their condemnation sealed by their refusal to believe in the [only begotten Son of God](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief"). Thus, Jesus' very person and work are the ultimate criteria by which all are judged, revealing the true condition of every heart and determining eternal destiny.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 3:19

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

John 12:46

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

John 8:12

¶ Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

1 John 2:11

But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

John 12:40

He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with [their] eyes, nor understand with [their] heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.