New Testament
John 9:40
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things and said to him, "Are we blind too?"
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And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
What John 9:40 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, some Pharisees, who were religious leaders, overheard Jesus speaking about spiritual blindness. They questioned whether they were also blind, indicating their defensiveness and unwillingness to accept Jesus' message. The Pharisees prided themselves on their knowledge of the law and their spiritual insight, so the suggestion that they could be blind was offensive to them. This moment highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, as He often challenged their understanding and practices. The Pharisees' question reflects a common human tendency to resist acknowledging one's own faults or limitations. Jesus had just healed a man born blind, symbolizing the spiritual insight He offers, contrasting with the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees. Their question serves as a pivotal moment, prompting readers to reflect on their own spiritual awareness and openness to truth.
How to apply John 9:40 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own spiritual sight. Just as the Pharisees questioned their blindness, we should be open to recognizing our own shortcomings and biases. Embracing humility allows us to grow in understanding and faith, leading to deeper spiritual insight.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Healing a Man Born Blind (John 9:1–41)
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Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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Keep studying John 9:40
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 9:40 mean about spiritual blindness?
In John 9:40, the Pharisees question whether they are blind after hearing Jesus speak about spiritual blindness. This reflects their defensiveness and unwillingness to accept that they might lack true spiritual insight. The verse highlights the contrast between the physical healing of a blind man and the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees, who were more focused on their religious authority than on understanding Jesus' message.
Why did the Pharisees ask if they were blind?
The Pharisees asked if they were blind as a defensive response to Jesus' teachings about spiritual blindness. They were religious leaders who prided themselves on their knowledge and authority, so the implication that they could be spiritually blind was offensive to them. This question reveals their resistance to acknowledging their own faults and the challenge Jesus posed to their understanding of faith.
How can we apply John 9:40 to our lives today?
John 9:40 encourages us to reflect on our own spiritual awareness. Just as the Pharisees questioned their blindness, we should be open to recognizing our own shortcomings and biases. This verse invites us to practice humility, allowing us to grow in understanding and faith. By acknowledging our limitations, we can become more receptive to truth and deeper spiritual insight.
What is the significance of the Pharisees in this verse?
The Pharisees in John 9:40 represent the religious authority of the time, often seen as guardians of the law. Their question about blindness signifies their defensiveness against Jesus' challenge to their understanding of spirituality. This moment underscores the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders, illustrating how their pride and self-righteousness hindered their ability to accept the truth He offered.
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