John 9:40
And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
some of
G1537
ἐκ
some of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαίων
the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαίων
the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
5 of 18
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 18
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 18
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
Μὴ
Are
G3361
Μὴ
Are
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
14 of 18
(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 #:
15 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
This sets up Jesus' devastating final response. The Pharisees considered themselves Israel's guides, not blind themselves. Jesus' teaching threatened their entire self-understanding. Their rhetorical question expects Jesus to exempt them.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is the Pharisees' question defensive rather than genuine?
- How does confidence in our own spiritual insight prevent receiving Christ's light?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?' The Pharisees sense Jesus speaking about them. Their question expects denial—surely He doesn't mean they're blind? Their confidence in their own spiritual perception prevents them from receiving Jesus' light. The question reveals defensive pride rather than genuine inquiry.