John 9:40

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} some of {G1537} the Pharisees {G5330} which {G3588} were {G5607} with {G3326} him {G846} heard {G191} these words {G5023}, and {G2532} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Are {G3361}{G2070} we {G2249} blind {G5185} also {G2532}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Some of the P’rushim nearby heard this and said to him, “So we’re blind too, are we?”

Berean Standard Bible

Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, “Are we blind too?”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 9:40 captures a moment of profound spiritual irony and confrontation, as certain Pharisees, hearing Jesus' declaration about spiritual judgment, defensively question their own spiritual condition. This verse immediately follows Jesus' pronouncement that He came into the world to give sight to the spiritually blind and to expose the blindness of those who claim to see, setting the stage for the Pharisees' self-righteous and revealing inquiry. Their question, "Are we blind also?", underscores their inability to grasp the spiritual implications of Jesus' words and actions, revealing a deep-seated pride and resistance to divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a dramatic and extended narrative in [John Chapter 9](/john/9 "John 9 - The Healing of the Man Born Blind"), which details Jesus' miraculous healing of a man born blind from birth. The miracle, performed on the Sabbath, immediately draws the scrutiny of the Pharisees, who initiate a series of interrogations of the healed man and his parents, attempting to discredit the miracle and Jesus. Despite the clear evidence and the man's steadfast testimony, the Pharisees remain stubbornly unconvinced, ultimately excommunicating the man from the synagogue. Jesus then seeks out the ostracized man, who confesses faith in Him, leading to Jesus' profound statement in [John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus' Purpose of Judgment") about His mission to bring sight to the blind and judgment to those who claim to see. The Pharisees' question in [John 9:40](/john/9-40 "John 9:40 - The Pharisees' Defensive Question") is a direct, albeit ironic, response to this declaration, revealing their self-perception in stark contrast to Jesus' assessment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious and political party during the Second Temple period, known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and their extensive oral traditions (halakha). Their authority was largely derived from their perceived expertise in interpreting the Law and their commitment to ritual purity. The Sabbath, as a divine institution, was central to Jewish life, and the Pharisees had developed numerous elaborate regulations concerning its observance. Jesus' healing of the blind man on the Sabbath directly challenged their legalistic interpretations, provoking their ire. Furthermore, the threat of excommunication from the synagogue, as experienced by the healed man, was a severe social and religious punishment, isolating individuals from community life and religious worship. The Pharisees' defensiveness in [John 9:40](/john/9-40 "John 9:40 - The Pharisees' Defensive Question") stems from their position of authority and their belief that they were the true custodians of spiritual knowledge, making the idea of their own spiritual blindness utterly unacceptable and offensive.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative in [John Chapter 9](/john/9 "John 9 - The Healing of the Man Born Blind") is rich with several interconnected themes. Central among them is the **contrast between physical and spiritual sight and blindness**. The physically blind man gains not only physical sight but also spiritual insight, recognizing Jesus as the Son of God. Conversely, the Pharisees, who possess physical sight and claim spiritual understanding, are revealed to be profoundly spiritually blind, unable to perceive the truth about Jesus' identity and mission. This highlights the theme of **revelation and rejection**, as Jesus, the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), exposes the hearts of those who encounter Him. The Pharisees' reaction also exemplifies **pride and self-righteousness**, as their question is not a humble inquiry but a defensive challenge, stemming from their conviction of their own spiritual superiority. This leads to the theme of **judgment by truth**, where Jesus' presence and words serve as a dividing line, revealing the true spiritual state of individuals. As [Jesus explains in the following verse](/john/9-41 "John 9:41 - The Nature of Their Sin"), their sin is precisely in their claim to see, which prevents them from acknowledging their need for the true light.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō_):** This verb signifies more than just auditory perception; it implies hearing with understanding, attention, and often obedience. In this context, the Pharisees physically heard Jesus' words in [John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus' Purpose of Judgment"), but their subsequent question in [John 9:40](/john/9-40 "John 9:40 - The Pharisees' Defensive Question") reveals that they did not truly *understand* or *receive* the spiritual implications of His statement. Their hearing was superficial, filtered through their preconceived notions and self-righteousness, preventing genuine spiritual apprehension.
* **said (Greek, _épō_):** This verb denotes the act of speaking or saying. Here, it describes the Pharisees' verbal response to Jesus. Crucially, their "saying" takes the form of a question that is not a genuine inquiry for truth or self-reflection, but rather a defensive, almost indignant, challenge. It reflects their immediate reaction to Jesus' implied critique, a verbal assertion of their perceived spiritual status rather than a humble search for understanding.
* **blind (Greek, _typhlós_):** This adjective literally means "physically blind" or "opaque," but it is used extensively in John 9, and particularly in [John 9:39-41](/john/9-39-41 "John 9:39-41 - Spiritual Blindness and Judgment"), in a metaphorical sense to describe spiritual inability to perceive divine truth. The Pharisees' use of the same word in their question, "Are we blind also?", is deeply ironic. While they use it to deny any spiritual deficiency, Jesus' preceding statement and their subsequent actions confirm that they are, indeed, spiritually blind, unable to recognize God's work in Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words,"**: This clause establishes the immediate audience and their reaction. "Some of the Pharisees" indicates that not all Pharisees were present or reacted in the same way, but a significant group was close enough to Jesus to hear His profound declaration about judgment. Their "hearing" sets the stage for their response, highlighting that they were privy to Jesus' direct challenge to their spiritual self-perception.
* **"and said unto him,"**: This transitional phrase introduces the Pharisees' direct address to Jesus. It signifies their immediate and vocal reaction, indicating that Jesus' words struck a nerve and demanded a response from them. The fact that they "said unto him" suggests a confrontational rather than a humble or inquisitive tone.
* **"Are we blind also?"**: This is the core of the verse, a rhetorical question posed by the Pharisees. It is not a genuine plea for clarification or a humble admission of potential fault. Instead, it is laden with sarcasm, indignation, and self-righteousness. By asking if they, the supposed spiritual guides, could also be blind, they implicitly assert their spiritual superiority and deny any possibility of their own spiritual deficiency, thereby confirming the very blindness Jesus had just described.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [John 9:40](/john/9-40 "John 9:40 - The Pharisees' Defensive Question") is **Irony**. The Pharisees, who pride themselves on their spiritual insight and their ability to interpret the Law, defensively ask if they are "blind also." This is deeply ironic because, throughout the chapter, their actions and words have consistently demonstrated their profound spiritual blindness in contrast to the physically blind man who gains spiritual sight. Their question, intended to assert their clarity, inadvertently highlights their spiritual opacity. Furthermore, the verse employs a **Rhetorical Question**, as the Pharisees' inquiry is not a genuine search for an answer but a defiant challenge, designed to dismiss Jesus' implied criticism and affirm their own perceived spiritual enlightenment. This rhetorical question serves to underscore their arrogance and their unwillingness to consider the possibility of their own spiritual inadequacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 9:40 powerfully illustrates the spiritual chasm between those who perceive their need for God's light and those who, in their self-sufficiency, remain in darkness. The Pharisees' question, "Are we blind also?", is a tragically ironic culmination of their resistance to the truth about Jesus. Their spiritual blindness was not an inability to see, but an unwillingness to see, rooted in pride and a rigid adherence to their own traditions over divine revelation. This verse serves as a stark warning that intellectual or religious knowledge, without humility and openness to Christ, can lead to profound spiritual darkness. True spiritual sight begins with the acknowledgment of one's own need for God's grace and a humble submission to the Lordship of Jesus.

* [Matthew 15:14](/matthew/15-14 "Matthew 15:14 - Blind Guides")
* [Romans 2:19-20](/romans/2-19-20 "Romans 2:19-20 - Boasting in the Law")
* [2 Corinthians 4:3-4](/2_corinthians/4-3-4 "2 Corinthians 4:3-4 - The God of this World Blinding")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Pharisees' defensive question in [John 9:40](/john/9-40 "John 9:40 - The Pharisees' Defensive Question") serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination. It challenges us to honestly assess our own spiritual condition, particularly concerning areas where we might be resistant to God's truth or unwilling to admit our own shortcomings. Are there aspects of our faith or life where we claim to "see" clearly, yet our actions or attitudes betray a deeper spiritual blindness? This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that true spiritual insight comes not from our own wisdom or accomplishments, but from a humble dependence on Christ and an openness to His transformative light. It reminds us that God often reveals Himself most profoundly to those who acknowledge their need, rather than to those who confidently assert their self-sufficiency. Our willingness to admit our spiritual need is the first step towards receiving genuine spiritual sight and experiencing the fullness of God's grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually blind, even if I believe I "see" clearly?**
* **Am I truly open to God's truth, even when it challenges my preconceived notions or comforts?**
* **How does humility pave the way for true spiritual sight, and how can I cultivate it daily?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Pharisees so resistant to Jesus' claims and miracles?**

Answer: The Pharisees' resistance stemmed primarily from their entrenched religious system, which prioritized their interpretations of the Law and their own authority. Jesus' teachings and miracles, especially those performed on the Sabbath like the healing in [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - The Healing of the Man Born Blind"), directly challenged their rigid legalism and exposed the superficiality of their piety. They were more concerned with upholding their traditions and maintaining their power than with acknowledging divine truth. Their self-righteousness, coupled with a fear of losing their influence and a misunderstanding of messianic prophecy, prevented them from recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. They believed they already possessed all spiritual truth, making them unwilling to accept a new revelation that contradicted their established views, leading to the spiritual blindness highlighted in [John 9:40](/john/9-40 "John 9:40 - The Pharisees' Defensive Question") and [John 9:41](/john/9-41 "John 9:41 - Jesus' Explanation of Their Guilt").

**What is the significance of "blindness" as a theme in John's Gospel?**

Answer: In John's Gospel, "blindness" is a profound and multi-layered theme, often contrasting with "sight" and "light." While it literally refers to physical inability to see (as with the man born blind in [John 9:1](/john/9-1 "John 9:1 - The Man Born Blind")), it is predominantly used metaphorically to describe spiritual inability to perceive or accept divine truth. Jesus, who declares Himself the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), comes to illuminate spiritual darkness. Those who acknowledge their spiritual blindness and come to Him in faith receive true sight, like the healed man in [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - The Healing of the Man Born Blind"). Conversely, those who claim to "see" (like the Pharisees in [John 9:40](/john/9-40 "John 9:40 - The Pharisees' Defensive Question")) but reject Jesus' light remain in profound spiritual darkness, their "sight" becoming their judgment ([John 3:19-20](/john/3-19-20 "John 3:19-20 - Judgment by Light")). This theme underscores that true spiritual perception is a gift from God, received through faith in Christ, not through human intellect or religious adherence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 9:40, with its stark portrayal of the Pharisees' spiritual blindness, profoundly underscores the necessity of Christ as the unique source of true spiritual sight. Jesus' mission, as prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - Opening Blind Eyes"), was to [open the eyes of the blind](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Ministry of Sight")—both physically and, more significantly, spiritually. The Pharisees, by defensively asking, "Are we blind also?", demonstrate their failure to recognize Jesus as the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), the very one who could have granted them spiritual illumination. Their rejection of Him, despite overwhelming evidence, reveals that their blindness was not an imposed condition but a chosen state, rooted in their pride and self-sufficiency. In contrast, the man born blind, who was physically healed by Jesus, also received spiritual sight, confessing Jesus as the [Son of Man](/john/9-35-38 "John 9:35-38 - The Man's Confession of Faith"). This narrative perfectly illustrates the truth that only through Christ can one truly "see" God and His kingdom. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to bring light to those who sit in darkness, and His presence exposes the spiritual condition of all humanity, offering sight to the humble and revealing the self-imposed blindness of the proud.

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

Revelation 3:17

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

Matthew 15:12

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

Matthew 15:14

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Matthew 23:16

Woe unto you, [ye] blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!

Matthew 23:28

Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Romans 2:19

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

Romans 2:22

Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?