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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 9:40 Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, "Are we blind too?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/9-40.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/43_Jhn_09_40.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 9:40 - Spiritual Blindness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, Are we blind too?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/john/9-40.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/john/9-40.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/john/">John</a> > <a href="/john/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 40</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/9-39.htm" title="John 9:39">◄</a> John 9:40 <a href="/john/9-41.htm" title="John 9:41">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/john/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/john/9.htm">New International Version</a> Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, &#8220What? Are we blind too?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/john/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?” <a href="/esv/john/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” <a href="/bsb/john/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, “Are we blind too?” <a href="/blb/john/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things, and they said to Him, "Are we also blind?" <a href="/kjv/john/9.htm">King James Bible</a> And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? <a href="/nkjv/john/9.htm">New King James Version</a> Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” <a href="/nasb_/john/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Those who were with Him from the Pharisees heard these things and said to Him, “We are not blind too, are we?” <a href="/nasb/john/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, &#8220We are not blind too, are we?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things, and said to Him, “We are not blind too, are we?” <a href="/lsb/john/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, “Are we blind too?” <a href="/amp/john/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Some Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, “Are we also blind?” <a href="/csb/john/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things and asked him, “We aren’t blind too, are we? ” <a href="/hcsb/john/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and asked Him, &#8220We aren&#8217t blind too, are we?&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said unto him, Are we also blind? <a href="/cev/john/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When the Pharisees heard Jesus say this, they asked, "Are we blind?" <a href="/erv/john/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> Those of the Pharisees which were with him heard these things, and said unto him, Are we also blind? <a href="/gwt/john/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Some Pharisees who were with Jesus heard this. So they asked him, "Do you think we're blind?" <a href="/gnt/john/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> Some Pharisees who were there with him heard him say this and asked him, "Surely you don't mean that we are blind, too?" <a href="/isv/john/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> Some of the Pharisees who were near him overheard this and asked him, "We aren't blind, too, are we?" <a href="/msb/john/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, ?Are we blind too?? <a href="/net/john/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this and asked him, "We are not blind too, are we?" <a href="/nheb/john/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said to him, "Are we also blind?" <a href="/wbt/john/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And some of the Pharisees who were with him heard these words, and said to him, Are we blind also? <a href="/wey/john/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> These words were heard by those of the Pharisees who were present, and they asked Him, "Are *we* also blind?" <a href="/web/john/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things, and they said to Him, “Are we also blind?” <a href="/blb/john/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things, and they said to Him, "Are we also blind?" <a href="/ylt/john/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and they said to him, 'Are we also blind?' <a href="/slt/john/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they being with him of the Pharisees heard these things, and said to him,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And some of the Pharisees, who were with him, heard: and they said unto him: Are we also blind? <a href="/cpdv/john/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And certain Pharisees, who were with him, heard this, and they said to him, “Are we also blind?” <a href="/nabre/john/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not also blind, are we?” <a href="/nrsvce/john/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not blind, are we?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> When some of the Pharisees who were with him heard these words, they said to him, Why, are we also blind? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And those of the Pharisees who had been with him heard these things and they said to him, “Are we also blind?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And some of the Pharisees who were with him, heard these things, and said to him: Are we also blind? <a href="/godbey/john/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And those of the Pharisees being with Him heard, and said to Him, Whether are we also blind? <a href="/haweis/john/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And some of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said to him, Are we blind also? <a href="/mace/john/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> some of the Pharisees who were then present hearing this, said to him, are we likewise blind? <a href="/wey/john/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> These words were heard by those of the Pharisees who were present, and they asked Him, "Are *we* also blind?" <a href="/worrell/john/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things, and said to Him, "Are we also blind?" <a href="/worsley/john/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And some of the pharisees who were present, heard these words, and said to Him, Are we blind also? <a href="/parallel/john/9-40.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=3512" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/9.htm">Spiritual Blindness</a> …39Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.” 40<a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">Some of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5330.htm" title="5330: Pharisaiōn (N-GMP) -- Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.">Pharisees</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">were</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: met’ (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">with</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: Ēkousan (V-AIA-3P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">heard</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tauta (DPro-ANP) -- This; he, she, it. ">this,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipon (V-AIA-3P) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">they asked</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him,</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: esmen (V-PIA-1P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">“Are</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: Mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmeis (PPro-N1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">we</a> <a href="/greek/5185.htm" title="5185: typhloi (Adj-NMP) -- Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind.">blind</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">too?”</a> 41“If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/9-39.htm">John 9:39</a> Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.” <a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-21</a> And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. / But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.” <a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Matthew 13:13-15</a> This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ / In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ <a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a> And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” <a href="/romans/11-7.htm">Romans 11:7-10</a> What then? What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened, / as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” / And David says: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution to them. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/4-3.htm">2 Corinthians 4:3-4</a> And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. / The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a> Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” <a href="/john/12-37.htm">John 12:37-41</a> Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him. / This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” / For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says: ... <a href="/isaiah/42-18.htm">Isaiah 42:18-20</a> Listen, you deaf ones; look, you blind ones, that you may see! / Who is blind but My servant, or deaf like the messenger I am sending? Who is blind like My covenant partner, or blind like the servant of the LORD? / Though seeing many things, you do not keep watch. Though your ears are open, you do not hear.” <a href="/jeremiah/5-21.htm">Jeremiah 5:21</a> “Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear. <a href="/ezekiel/12-2.htm">Ezekiel 12:2</a> “Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house. <a href="/mark/4-11.htm">Mark 4:11-12</a> He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables, / so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven.’” <a href="/luke/8-10.htm">Luke 8:10</a> He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’ <a href="/acts/28-25.htm">Acts 28:25-27</a> They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit was right when He spoke to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: / ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21-22</a> For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said to him, Are we blind also?Are.<a href="/john/9-34.htm">John 9:34</a> They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.<a href="/john/7-47.htm">John 7:47-52</a> Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? … <a href="/matthew/15-12.htm">Matthew 15:12-14</a> Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/9-39.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/john/9-35.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/john/9-35.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/john/9-16.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/john/8-23.htm">Present</a> <a href="/john/9-22.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/9-41.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/john/11-4.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/john/11-4.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/john/11-46.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/john/11-28.htm">Present</a> <a href="/john/10-19.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">John 9</div>1. <a href="/john/9-1.htm">The man born blind is restored to sight.</a> 8. <a href="/john/9-8.htm">He is brought to the Pharisees.</a> 13. <a href="/john/9-13.htm">They are offended at it;</a> 35. <a href="/john/9-35.htm">but he is received of Jesus, and confesses him.</a> 39. <a href="/john/9-39.htm">Who they are whom Jesus enlightens.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in first-century Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They often positioned themselves as authorities on religious matters. In this context, they were present during Jesus' teaching and miracles, including the healing of the man born blind. Their presence indicates their ongoing scrutiny of Jesus' actions and teachings. The Pharisees' role in society was significant, as they were influential in both religious and social spheres, often challenging Jesus' authority and interpretation of the Law.and they asked Him The Pharisees' question to Jesus reflects their skepticism and challenge to His authority. Throughout the Gospels, they frequently question Jesus to test Him or to find grounds for accusation. This interaction is part of a larger narrative where Jesus' miracles and teachings often provoke questions and debates about His identity and mission. The act of questioning was a common method in rabbinic tradition, used to engage in theological discussion and debate.“Are we blind too?” This question reveals the Pharisees' misunderstanding of spiritual blindness. While they were physically able to see, Jesus often used blindness metaphorically to describe a lack of spiritual insight or understanding. The Pharisees' question is ironic because, despite their religious knowledge, they fail to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. This theme of spiritual blindness is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as <a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a>, where the prophet speaks of people who see but do not perceive. Jesus' response to the Pharisees highlights the contrast between physical sight and spiritual insight, a recurring theme in His teachings.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a> A religious group in Judaism known for strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They often opposed Jesus, questioning His teachings and authority. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of the New Testament, whose teachings and miracles challenged the religious leaders of His time. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_healing_of_the_blind_man.htm">The Healing of the Blind Man</a> This event precedes <a href="/john/9-40.htm">John 9:40</a>, where Jesus heals a man born blind, leading to a discourse on spiritual blindness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_blindness_vs._physical_blindness.htm">Spiritual Blindness vs. Physical Blindness</a> Physical sight is not equivalent to spiritual insight. The Pharisees, though physically able to see, were spiritually blind to Jesus' identity and mission. <a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a> Like the Pharisees, we must ask ourselves if we are spiritually blind. Are we open to Jesus' teachings, or do we hold onto traditions that hinder our spiritual growth? <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_seeking_truth.htm">Humility in Seeking Truth</a> The Pharisees' question, "Are we blind too?" reflects a defensive posture. True spiritual insight requires humility and a willingness to acknowledge our limitations. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_jesus_as_the_light.htm">The Role of Jesus as the Light</a> Jesus is the light of the world, illuminating truth and exposing spiritual blindness. We must seek His light to guide our understanding and actions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 9</a> <a href="/q/how_did_the_blind_man_recognize_jesus.htm">In John 9:35-38, how could the blind man immediately acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God without prior teaching?</a> <a href="/q/why_harsh_reaction_in_john_9_13-16.htm">In John 9:13-16, why would the Pharisees react so harshly if this account were verifiable?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_the_crowd_unsure_about_the_man.htm">In John 9:8-9, why does the crowd seem uncertain about recognizing the healed man?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_spiritual_blindness_mean.htm">What does spiritual blindness mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(40) And some of the Pharisees which were with him.--The words in the preceding verse are not addressed specially to any one. The Pharisees would be still watching our Lord, and some had probably followed the beggar, expecting that our Lord would seek him, and hoping that the interview might furnish some ground for a fresh charge against one or both of them. It is the presence of mental conditions such as theirs and such as his that has brought again to our Lord's thoughts the judicial result of His manifestation, and this rises to His lips as an utterance of the solemn thought that fills His mind. The Pharisees hear this exclamation, and apply to themselves that which their own state suggested; but which was expressed as, and is, a wide law, holding true for all mankind.Are we blind also?--They misunderstand His words, for He has asserted of the blind ("they which see not") that the result of His coming is "that they might see." But yet they do not understand the words in a physical sense, in which they could have had no application to themselves. Care is required to catch the force of the term in these three verses, and it may be well to distinguish again the meanings attached to the word blind. It is used (1) for physical blindness. This has been its meaning throughout the chapter. It suggests the imagery in these verses, but is not itself present in the thought which is of spiritual, blindness only. (2) For conscious spiritual blindness ("they which see not," "they which think they see not"), which is really the first step to spiritual sight. (3) For unconscious spiritual blindness ("they which see," "they which think they see"), which is really the first step to a total loss of spiritual perception.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 40. - Those of the Pharisees who were with him. This expression does not simply mean who were near him at that moment, but who were to a certain extent siding with him (<a href="/john/8-30.htm">John 8:30, 31</a>), while criticizing and rejecting his message; who were incensed with him for promising to them "freedom" and sonship, and whose faith in his claims was of the most superficial and vacillating kind. These wavering, self-satisfied Pharisees heard these things, and they said to him, Are we blind also? Many commentators, who call attention to the contrast between the τυφλοί and μή βλέποντες of ver. 39, think that the speakers who made use of this word did not draw the distinction, and meant nothing more than their use μὴ βλέποντες by of τυφλοί. But this is unsatisfactory; whatever it 'means in the one clause, it ought to mean in the other. There is a difference between "becoming blind," and being "the blind." They ask whether they are blind also, i.e. as blind as those who have, according to Christ's own dictum, become so. They seem to admit that some who have the power of sight have been blinded by the very light that shines upon them, but they are in doubt with reference to their own case. <a href="/commentaries/john/9-40.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[Some] of ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Pharisees Φαρισαίων (Pharisaiōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5330.htm">Strong's 5330: </a> Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary. who οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. were ὄντες (ontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. with μετ’ (met’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. Him αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. heard ἤκουσαν (Ēkousan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. this, ταῦτα (tauta) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. they asked εἶπον (eipon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. Him, αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. “Are ἐσμεν (esmen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. we ἡμεῖς (hēmeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. blind τυφλοί (typhloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5185.htm">Strong's 5185: </a> Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind. too?” καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/9-40.htm">John 9:40 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/9-40.htm">John 9:40 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/9-40.htm">John 9:40 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/9-40.htm">John 9:40 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/9-40.htm">John 9:40 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/9-40.htm">John 9:40 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/9-40.htm">John 9:40 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/9-40.htm">John 9:40 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/9-40.htm">John 9:40 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/9-40.htm">John 9:40 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/9-40.htm">NT Gospels: John 9:40 Those of the Pharisees who were (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/9-39.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 9:39"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 9:39" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/9-41.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 9:41"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 9:41" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>