John 9:39

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
εἶπεν
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#5
εἰς
For
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#6
κρίμα
judgment
a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))
#7
ἐγὼ
I
i, me
#8
εἰς
For
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#9
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
κόσμον
world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#11
τοῦτον
this
this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)
#12
ἦλθον
am come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#13
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#14
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
μὴ
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#16
βλέποντες
might see
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#17
βλέποντες
might see
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#18
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
βλέποντες
might see
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#21
τυφλοὶ
blind
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
#22
γένωνται
might be made
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources