John 9:41

Authorized King James Version

Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἶπεν
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#2
αὐτοῖς
unto them
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
#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
Εἰ
If
if, whether, that, etc
#6
τυφλοὶ
blind
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
#7
ἦτε
ye were
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#8
οὐκ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#9
ἂν
ye should
whatsoever
#10
εἴχετε
have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#11
ἁμαρτία
sin
a sin (properly abstract)
#12
νῦν
now
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
#13
δὲ
but
but, and, etc
#14
λέγετε
ye say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#15
ὅτι
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#16
Βλέπομεν
We see
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
οὖν
therefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#19
ἁμαρτία
sin
a sin (properly abstract)
#20
ὑμῶν
your
of (from or concerning) you
#21
μένει
remaineth
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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