John 9:41
Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 21
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 21
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τυφλοὶ
blind
G5185
τυφλοὶ
blind
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
6 of 21
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
εἴχετε
have
G2192
εἴχετε
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
10 of 21
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
12 of 21
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
λέγετε
ye say
G3004
λέγετε
ye say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
14 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
G3754
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 5:21Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!Hebrews 10:26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,Luke 18:14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.Proverbs 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Jeremiah 2:35Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.Luke 12:47And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
Historical Context
This concludes the chapter's theme. The born blind man saw; the seeing Pharisees remain blind. The difference isn't intelligence or training but humility. Those who admit need receive; those who deny need remain empty.
Questions for Reflection
- How does claiming 'we see' keep sin remaining?
- What is the relationship between humility and receiving Christ's healing?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.' Jesus' answer is devastating. Genuine blindness (acknowledged inability) would be curable—the blind man's was. But claimed sight (spiritual pride) leaves sin unaddressed. Their claim 'We see' prevents the healing they need. Self-perceived sufficiency blocks divine remedy.