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

JOHN 9:41KJV
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John 9:41 (KJV)

What does John 9:41 mean?

John 9:41 describes Jesus telling the Pharisees that if they were truly unaware or "blind" to spiritual truth, they would not be guilty of sin in the same way; but because they claim to see and understand, their guilt remains. Jesus is highlighting that claiming spiritual insight brings responsibility for one’s actions and attitudes.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to some Pharisees after healing a man who was born blind. The Pharisees ask if they are "blind" too, and Jesus responds with this statement. The verse uses the language of physical sight as a metaphor for spiritual awareness, showing that the real issue is not physical blindness but the refusal to admit spiritual need.

The Greek behind John 9:41

  • "blind" (τυφλοί, typhloi): This word means physically or spiritually blind. Here, Jesus uses it to speak about spiritual blindness—being unable or unwilling to see the truth about God.
  • "sin" (ἁμαρτία, hamartia): This is the common Greek word for sin, meaning missing the mark or falling short. Jesus connects the Pharisees’ claim to see with their ongoing responsibility for their sin.
  • "remaineth" (μένει, menei): This word means to stay, remain, or continue. Jesus is saying that their sin is not taken away or forgiven because they refuse to acknowledge their need.

Why John 9:41 matters

  • John 9:41 clears up the idea that ignorance alone is not what Jesus is addressing; it is the willful refusal to admit spiritual need that leaves a person accountable.
  • The verse emphasizes that claiming to have spiritual insight brings a higher responsibility—those who claim to "see" cannot excuse their sin as ignorance.
  • This statement ties back to the whole chapter, where the healing of physical blindness becomes a picture of spiritual sight and the danger of self-righteousness.

Where else these words appear

“blind” Greek G5185 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 9:27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.
  • Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
  • John 9:13 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.

“remaineth” Greek G3306 · used in 105 verses

  • Matthew 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
  • John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

“see” Greek G991 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
  • Luke 10:23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:
  • 1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

“now” Greek G3568 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
  • Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: