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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 12:40 "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/12-40.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/43_Jhn_12_40.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 12:40 - Belief and Unbelief" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them." /><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'; 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that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. <a href="/nkjv/john/12.htm">New King James Version</a> “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, Lest they should see with their eyes, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” <a href="/nasb_/john/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES AND HE HARDENED THEIR HEART, SO THAT THEY WILL NOT SEE WITH THEIR EYES AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART, AND BE CONVERTED, AND SO I WILL NOT HEAL THEM.” <a href="/nasb/john/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES AND HE HARDENED THEIR HEART, SO THAT THEY WOULD NOT SEE WITH THEIR EYES AND PERCEIVE WITH THEIR HEART, AND BE CONVERTED AND I HEAL THEM.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES, AND HE HARDENED THEIR HEART; LEST THEY SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND PERCEIVE WITH THEIR HEART, AND BE CONVERTED, AND I HEAL THEM.” <a href="/lsb/john/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES AND HE HARDENED THEIR HEART, LEST THEY SEE WITH THEIR EYES AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART, AND RETURN AND I HEAL THEM.” <a href="/amp/john/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES AND HE HARDENED THEIR HEART, TO KEEP THEM FROM SEEING WITH THEIR EYES AND UNDERSTANDING WITH THEIR HEART AND BEING CONVERTED; OTHERWISE, I [their God] WOULD HEAL THEM.” <a href="/csb/john/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they would not see with their eyes or understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them. <a href="/hcsb/john/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they would not see with their eyes or understand with their hearts, and be converted, and I would heal them. <a href="/asv/john/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> He hath blinded their eyes, and he hardened their heart; Lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, And should turn, And I should heal them. <a href="/cev/john/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "The Lord has blinded the eyes of the people, and he has made the people stubborn. He did this so that they could not see or understand, and so that they would not turn to the Lord and be healed." <a href="/erv/john/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> He hath blinded their eyes, and he hardened their heart; Lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, And should turn, And I should heal them. <a href="/gwt/john/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "God blinded them and made them close-minded so that their eyes don't see and their minds don't understand. And they never turn to me for healing!" <a href="/gnt/john/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> "God has blinded their eyes and closed their minds, so that their eyes would not see, and their minds would not understand, and they would not turn to me, says God, for me to heal them." <a href="/isv/john/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they might not perceive with their eyes, and understand with their mind and turn, and I would heal them." <a href="/net/john/12.htm">NET Bible</a> "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they would not see with their eyes and understand with their heart, and turn to me, and I would heal them." <a href="/nheb/john/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them. <a href="/wbt/john/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. <a href="/wey/john/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "He has blinded their eyes and made their minds callous, lest they should see with their eyes and perceive with their minds, and should turn, and I should heal them."<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/john/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.” <a href="/web/john/12.htm">World English Bible</a> “He has blinded their eyes and he hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and would turn, and I would heal them.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “He has blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart, that they might not see with the eyes, and understand with the heart, and turn, and I might heal them”; <a href="/blb/john/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> "He has blinded their eyes, and has hardened their heart, that they should not see with the eyes, and understand with the heart, and turn, and I will heal them." <a href="/ylt/john/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart, that they might not see with the eyes, and understand with the heart, and turn back, and I might heal them;' <a href="/slt/john/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> He has blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart: lest they see with the eyes, and understand with the heart, and should turn back, and I should heal them.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart, that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. <a href="/cpdv/john/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> “He has blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart, so that they may not see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and be converted: and then I would heal them.” <a href="/nabre/john/12.htm">New American Bible</a> “He blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they might not see with their eyes and understand with their heart and be converted, and I would heal them.” <a href="/nrsvce/john/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they might not look with their eyes, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Their eyes have become blind and their heart darkened, so that they cannot see with their eyes and understand with their heart; let them return and I will heal them. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “They have put out their eyes and darkened their hearts lest they shall see with their eyes and understand in their hearts and should be converted and I would heal them.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> He has blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and should turn, and I should give them health. <a href="/godbey/john/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; in order that they may not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and turn, and I shall heal them. <a href="/haweis/john/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> ?He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their hearts; lest they should see with their eyes, and understand with the heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.? <a href="/mace/john/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and hardned their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them." <a href="/wey/john/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "He has blinded their eyes and made their minds callous, lest they should see with their eyes and perceive with their minds, and should turn, and I should heal them." <a href="/worrell/john/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> "He hath blinded their eyes, and He hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I should heal them." <a href="/worsley/john/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart, that they might not see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. <a href="/parallel/john/12-40.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=4678" 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/12.htm">Belief and Unbelief</a> …39For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says: 40<a href="/greek/5186.htm" title="5186: Tetyphlōken (V-RIA-3S) -- To make blind, physically or mentally. From tuphlos; to make blind, i.e. to obscure.">“He has blinded</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3788.htm" title="3788: ophthalmous (N-AMP) -- The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.">eyes</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4456.htm" title="4456: epōrōsen (V-AIA-3S) -- To harden, render callous, petrify. Apparently from poros; to petrify, i.e. to indurate.">hardened</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardian (N-AFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">hearts,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that</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/3708.htm" title="3708: idōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">they cannot see</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with their</a> <a href="/greek/3788.htm" title="3788: ophthalmois (N-DMP) -- The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.">eyes,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3539.htm" title="3539: noēsōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- From nous; to exercise the mind, i.e. to comprehend, heed.">understand</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with their</a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardia (N-DFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">hearts,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4762.htm" title="4762: straphōsin (V-ASP-3P) -- Strengthened from the base of trope; to twist, i.e. Turn quite around or reverse.">turn,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2390.htm" title="2390: iasomai (V-FIM-1S) -- To heal, generally of the physical, sometimes of spiritual, disease. Middle voice of apparently a primary verb; to cure.">I would heal</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them.”</a> 41Isaiah said these things because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about Him.…<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="/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="/matthew/13-14.htm">Matthew 13:14-15</a> 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="/acts/28-26.htm">Acts 28:26-27</a> ‘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/11-8.htm">Romans 11:8</a> 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.” <a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">2 Corinthians 3:14</a> But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. <a href="/mark/4-12.htm">Mark 4:12</a> 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="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21</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. <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:11-12</a> For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, / in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness. <a href="/hebrews/3-12.htm">Hebrews 3:12-13</a> See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. / But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. <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="/deuteronomy/29-4.htm">Deuteronomy 29:4</a> Yet to this day the LORD has not given you a mind to understand, eyes to see, or ears to 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="/isaiah/29-10.htm">Isaiah 29:10</a> For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers. <a href="/isaiah/44-18.htm">Isaiah 44:18</a> They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>He has blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.hath.<a href="/john/9-39.htm">John 9:39</a> And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.<a href="/1_kings/22-20.htm">1 Kings 22:20</a> And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.<a href="/isaiah/29-10.htm">Isaiah 29:10</a> For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.hardened.<a href="/exodus/4-21.htm">Exodus 4:21</a> And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.<a href="/exodus/7-3.htm">Exodus 7:3,13</a> And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt… <a href="/exodus/14-4.htm">Exodus 14:4,8,17</a> And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so… that they.<a href="/deuteronomy/29-4.htm">Deuteronomy 29:4</a> Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.<a href="/psalms/135-10.htm">Psalm 135:10-18</a> Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings; … <a href="/isaiah/26-11.htm">Isaiah 26:11</a> LORD, when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: but they shall see, and be ashamed for their envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.and be.<a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a> Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;<a href="/acts/15-3.htm">Acts 15:3</a> And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.<a href="/james/5-19.htm">James 5:19,20</a> Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; … heal.<a href="/psalms/6-2.htm">Psalm 6:2</a> Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.<a href="/psalms/41-4.htm">Psalm 41:4</a> I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.<a href="/psalms/147-3.htm">Psalm 147:3</a> He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/11-37.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-17.htm">Blinded</a> <a href="/matthew/13-15.htm">Callous</a> <a href="/luke/16-30.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/luke/22-32.htm">Converted</a> <a href="/john/11-41.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/john/12-35.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/john/6-60.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/mark/8-17.htm">Hardened</a> <a href="/john/4-47.htm">Heal</a> <a href="/john/12-27.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/john/8-9.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/john/12-16.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/john/12-19.htm">Perceive</a> <a href="/john/12-22.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/john/12-16.htm">Understand</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/9-9.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/acts/22-11.htm">Blinded</a> <a href="/acts/28-27.htm">Callous</a> <a href="/john/19-22.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Converted</a> <a href="/john/13-22.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/john/12-42.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/acts/7-51.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/acts/19-9.htm">Hardened</a> <a href="/acts/4-30.htm">Heal</a> <a href="/john/12-48.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/john/14-1.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/acts/14-2.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/acts/8-23.htm">Perceive</a> <a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/john/13-7.htm">Understand</a><div class="vheading2">John 12</div>1. <a href="/john/12-1.htm">Jesus excuses Mary anointing his feet.</a> 9. <a href="/john/12-9.htm">The people flock to see Lazarus.</a> 10. <a href="/john/12-10.htm">The chief priests consult to kill him.</a> 12. <a href="/john/12-12.htm">Jesus rides into Jerusalem.</a> 20. <a href="/john/12-20.htm">Greeks desire to see Jesus.</a> 23. <a href="/john/12-23.htm">He foretells his death.</a> 37. <a href="/john/12-37.htm">The people are generally blinded;</a> 42. <a href="/john/12-42.htm">yet many chief rulers believe, but do not confess him;</a> 44. <a href="/john/12-44.htm">therefore Jesus calls earnestly for confession of faith.</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/12.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/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>He has blinded their eyes This phrase refers to a divine action where God allows spiritual blindness as a judgment. It echoes <a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a>, where God commissions Isaiah to deliver a message that will harden the hearts of the people. This blinding is not arbitrary but a response to persistent unbelief. In the New Testament, this concept is seen in <a href="/romans/11-8.htm">Romans 11:8</a>, where Paul speaks of a "spirit of stupor" given to Israel. The blinding serves as a judicial act, emphasizing the seriousness of rejecting God's revelation.and hardened their hearts The hardening of hearts is a recurring biblical theme, notably seen in Pharaoh's resistance to Moses in Exodus. This hardening is both a divine act and a human choice, illustrating the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility. In the context of <a href="/john/12.htm">John 12</a>, it highlights the Jewish leaders' refusal to accept Jesus as the Messiah despite witnessing His miracles. This hardening fulfills prophecy and serves as a warning against the dangers of unbelief.so that they cannot see with their eyes This phrase underscores the spiritual incapacity to perceive truth. It is not a physical blindness but a metaphorical one, where individuals are unable to recognize Jesus' identity and mission. This inability is a consequence of the hardening process, illustrating the tragic outcome of rejecting divine revelation. The inability to "see" is a common motif in the Gospels, where spiritual insight is contrasted with physical sight.and understand with their hearts Understanding with the heart implies a deep, inner comprehension that goes beyond intellectual assent. In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of will and emotion. The lack of understanding signifies a failure to grasp the spiritual truths about Jesus and His kingdom. This phrase connects to the parables of Jesus, where understanding is granted to those who are open to His message (<a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Matthew 13:13-15</a>).and turn Turning, or repentance, is a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments. It involves a change of mind and direction, moving away from sin and towards God. The call to turn is a call to repentance, which is necessary for salvation. In the context of <a href="/john/12.htm">John 12</a>, the lack of turning is a result of spiritual blindness and hardening, preventing the people from experiencing the fullness of God's grace.and I would heal them Healing here is symbolic of spiritual restoration and salvation. It reflects God's desire to restore those who turn to Him in repentance. This healing is not just physical but encompasses the whole being, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God. The promise of healing is a consistent biblical theme, seen in passages like <a href="/2_chronicles/7-14.htm">2 Chronicles 7:14</a> and <a href="/isaiah/53-5.htm">Isaiah 53:5</a>, where God's willingness to heal is contingent upon repentance and faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure in the Gospel of John, whose teachings and miracles are the focus of the account. In this passage, He is addressing the unbelief of the people. 2. <a href="/topical/i/isaiah_the_prophet.htm">Isaiah the Prophet</a> The original source of the quotation in <a href="/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40</a>, which is a reference to <a href="/isaiah/6-10.htm">Isaiah 6:10</a>. Isaiah was a major prophet in the Old Testament who delivered God's messages to the people of Israel. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_jewish_people.htm">The Jewish People</a> The primary audience of Jesus' ministry and the ones whose hearts and eyes are described as being hardened and blinded. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where much of Jesus' ministry took place, including His final week leading up to the crucifixion. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_pharisees_and_religious_leaders.htm">The Pharisees and Religious Leaders</a> Often depicted as opposing Jesus, they are representative of those whose hearts were hardened against His message.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_spiritual_blindness.htm">Understanding Spiritual Blindness</a> Recognize that spiritual blindness is a condition that prevents individuals from perceiving and accepting the truth of the Gospel. It is both a judgment and a consequence of persistent unbelief. <a href="/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_god.htm">The Sovereignty of God</a> Acknowledge God's sovereignty in the hardening of hearts. This is a difficult but important doctrine that underscores God's ultimate authority and purpose in salvation history. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a> Despite the hardening, the call to repentance remains. Believers are encouraged to pray for softened hearts and open eyes, both for themselves and others. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophecy.htm">The Role of Prophecy</a> Understand the fulfillment of prophecy as a testament to the truth of Scripture. The hardening of hearts was foretold and serves as a reminder of God's omniscience. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_christ.htm">Hope in Christ</a> Emphasize that in Christ, there is hope for healing and restoration. The veil of blindness can be lifted through faith in Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 12</a> <a href="/q/what_does_spiritual_blindness_mean.htm">What does spiritual blindness mean?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_celibacy,_abstinence.htm">Why do you doubt despite witnessing miracles?</a> <a href="/q/why_are_many_smart_people_atheists.htm">Why does God allow so many intelligent people to remain atheists if He wants all to believe?</a> <a href="/q/why_hasn't_god_revealed_himself_scientifically.htm">Why has God never revealed Himself in an undeniable, scientifically testable way?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(40) He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart. . . .--These words are quoted three times in the New Testament. Our Lord, as we have seen, quotes them as explaining His own teaching (<a href="/matthew/13-14.htm" title="And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which said, By hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and shall not perceive:">Matthew 13:14</a>); St. John quotes them here to explain the rejection of that teaching; St. Paul quotes them in <a href="/acts/28-26.htm" title="Saying, Go to this people, and say, Hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and not perceive:">Acts 28:26</a>, to explain the rejection of the Gospel by the Jews at Rome. Yet we are to remember that the prophet and those who quote him are all witnesses that within Israel there were eyes which were not blinded and hearts which were not hardened. Isaiah, and John, and Paul, were all Jews; and our Lord Himself was, in His human nature, of the seed of Abraham. Isaiah's prophecy is accompanied by the promise of a holy seed (<a href="/john/12-13.htm" title="Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that comes in the name of the Lord.">John 12:13</a>); St. John quotes these words, and adds that "even of the rulers many believed" (<a href="/john/12-42.htm" title="Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:">John 12:42</a>); St. Paul quotes them when "some believed the things which were spoken and some believed not" (<a href="/john/12-24.htm" title="Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it stays alone: but if it die, it brings forth much fruit.">John 12:24</a>); our Lord quotes them, and immediately says, "But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear." There is, indeed, a judicial blinding and a judicial hardening--let no man therefore presume; but these come only to eyes that will not to see, and to hearts that will not to hear--let no man therefore despair. The quotation in this place does not follow exactly either the Hebrew or the Greek of the passage in Isaiah. In the Hebrew text, as in the Authorised version, the prophet is commanded to "make the heart of this people fat." . . . The Greek text says simply, "The heart of this people was hardened." . . . St. John represents the action which God commanded to be done as done by Himself, and speaks of it in the past tense.And I should heal them.--The pronoun here refers to Christ. St. John in his interpretation of the prophecy has made God ("He") the author of the judicial blindness and hardness, and represents Christ as the physician. This clause is, however, not to be taken separately, but is governed by "that not" which precedes, The effect of their not turning was that Christ could not heal them. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 40. - There are several illustrations in this verse that the diction of the evangelist differs from that which he uses when recording the words of Christ. Thus ὅμως μέντοι is peculiar to John himself, and thus is an ἅπαξ λεγόμενον; but μέντοι occurs five times in the style of John himself (see <a href="/john/4-27.htm">John 4:27</a>; <a href="/john/7-13.htm">John 7:13</a>; <a href="/john/12-42.htm">John 12:42</a>; <a href="/john/20-5.htm">John 20:5</a>; <a href="/john/21-4.htm">John 21:4</a>), not once by our Lord. Ὁμολογεῖν again is used four times by the evangelist, and seven times in the Epistles and Apocalypse, but never put by him into the lips of Jesus. Nevertheless many of the rulers believed on him. These words are used, not to mitigate the charge, but to show that, though individuals did believe, even among the rulers, they had not courage to avow their faith. The instances of Nicodemus and Joseph and others lie upon the surface. Godet thinks rather of Gamaliel and the like, "the Eras-muses of those days." Theirs was, indeed, an hypocrisy of unbelief, and it is not 'altogether banished from the modern world, and notwithstanding Christ's rejection by the nation as a nation, individuals saw his glory and believed. It is still true of municipalities, nations, even Churches, that they reject Christ, while individuals among them are molded by and obedient to the faith. But by reason of the Pharisees - our Lord's most deadly enemies, from <a href="/john/1.htm">John 1</a>. to <a href="/john/12.htm">John 12</a>. - they were making no confession - or, acknowledgment - of his claims, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; become the excommunicate, fall under the terrible ban (see <a href="/john/9-22.htm">John 9:22</a>). The fear of class exclusion, the dread of running counter to the current opinion of the Church or the world, has led to much of the misery of both. <a href="/commentaries/john/12-40.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“He has blinded Τετύφλωκεν (Tetyphlōken) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5186.htm">Strong's 5186: </a> To make blind, physically or mentally. From tuphlos; to make blind, i.e. to obscure. their αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <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. eyes ὀφθαλμοὺς (ophthalmous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3788.htm">Strong's 3788: </a> The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. hardened ἐπώρωσεν (epōrōsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4456.htm">Strong's 4456: </a> To harden, render callous, petrify. Apparently from poros; to petrify, i.e. to indurate. their αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <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. hearts, καρδίαν (kardian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. they cannot see ἴδωσιν (idōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. with [their] τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative 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. eyes, ὀφθαλμοῖς (ophthalmois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3788.htm">Strong's 3788: </a> The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. understand νοήσωσιν (noēsōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3539.htm">Strong's 3539: </a> From nous; to exercise the mind, i.e. to comprehend, heed. with [their] τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular <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. hearts, καρδίᾳ (kardia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. turn, στραφῶσιν (straphōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4762.htm">Strong's 4762: </a> Strengthened from the base of trope; to twist, i.e. Turn quite around or reverse. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. I would heal ἰάσομαι (iasomai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2390.htm">Strong's 2390: </a> To heal, generally of the physical, sometimes of spiritual, disease. Middle voice of apparently a primary verb; to cure. them.” αὐτούς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <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. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/12-40.htm">NT Gospels: John 12:40 He has blinded their eyes and he (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/12-39.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 12:39"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 12:39" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/12-41.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 12:41"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 12:41" /></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>