John 9:39
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 22
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
εἰς
For
G1519
εἰς
For
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
κρίμα
judgment
G2917
κρίμα
judgment
Strong's:
G2917
Word #:
6 of 22
a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))
εἰς
For
G1519
εἰς
For
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμον
world
G2889
κόσμον
world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
10 of 22
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ἦλθον
am come
G2064
ἦλθον
am come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
12 of 22
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
15 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 3:19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.John 12:46I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.Acts 26:18To 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 8:12Then 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 2:11But 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 4:18The 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,Luke 1:79To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Historical Context
This reversal appears throughout Luke (1:51-53, 18:14). The proud are humbled; the humble exalted. Jesus' presence reveals hearts—those who recognize need receive help; those who deny need remain helpless.
Questions for Reflection
- How does response to Jesus function as judgment?
- Why does claiming to 'see' produce blindness while admitting blindness leads to sight?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'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.' Jesus explains the deeper meaning. His coming produces a great reversal: the humble blind receive sight; the proud 'seeing' become blind. Judgment isn't separate from ministry—it occurs through response to Jesus. Those who acknowledge blindness receive sight; those claiming sight remain in darkness.