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.
Original Language Analysis
Τετύφλωκεν
He hath blinded
G5186
Τετύφλωκεν
He hath blinded
Strong's:
G5186
Word #:
1 of 23
to make blind, i.e., (figuratively) to obscure
αὐτούς
their
G846
αὐτούς
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 23
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
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοῖς
eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμοῖς
eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
4 of 23
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πεπώρωκεν
hardened
G4456
πεπώρωκεν
hardened
Strong's:
G4456
Word #:
6 of 23
to petrify, i.e., (figuratively) to indurate (render stupid or callous)
αὐτούς
their
G846
αὐτούς
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 23
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
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίᾳ
heart
G2588
καρδίᾳ
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
9 of 23
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
11 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἴδωσιν
see
G1492
ἴδωσιν
see
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
12 of 23
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοῖς
eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμοῖς
eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
14 of 23
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νοήσωσιν
understand
G3539
νοήσωσιν
understand
Strong's:
G3539
Word #:
16 of 23
to exercise the mind (observe), i.e., (figuratively) to comprehend, heed
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίᾳ
heart
G2588
καρδίᾳ
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
18 of 23
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπιστραφῶσιν
be converted
G1994
ἐπιστραφῶσιν
be converted
Strong's:
G1994
Word #:
20 of 23
to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Isaiah 6:10Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.Luke 8:10And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.Mark 4:12That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.Isaiah 29:10For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.Psalms 41:4I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.Psalms 6:2Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.Psalms 147:3He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.Hosea 14:4I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.Hosea 6:1Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.Acts 3:19Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Historical Context
Isaiah 6 records the prophet's commission to preach to those whom God had already judicially hardened. This same pattern applies to Jesus' ministry—many heard but few believed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does divine hardening demonstrate God's righteous judgment on persistent unbelief?
- What does this teach about the necessity of divine grace for salvation?
- In what ways does this text challenge Arminian free will theology?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John quotes Isaiah 6:10, describing divine blinding and hardening that prevents conversion and healing. God actively blinds eyes and hardens hearts as judgment on persistent rebellion. The 'lest' clauses show God prevents their conversion, raising the mystery of divine election. This isn't arbitrary cruelty but righteous judgment: they wouldn't see, so God ensures they can't see. The hardening makes permanent their chosen rebellion. This demonstrates that salvation requires divine initiative; human will alone cannot produce faith. Only those whom God heals can be converted.