John 9:40 Meaning: When We Don’t Want to Admit We’re Blind

The Greek question the Pharisees ask contains a small word that reveals their whole attitude. The word is μή (mē), a particle that expects a no for an answer. When they say, “Are we also blind?” the grammar itself says, “Surely we are not blind, are we?” They are not really asking. They are pushing back. The word τυφλοί (tuphloi) can mean physical blindness or spiritual blindness. The Pharisees knew Jesus meant the second kind. They could have paused and examined their hearts. Instead, they used language that shut the door. That little particle mē is a window into pride: they had already decided that whatever Jesus meant, it could not apply to them.

Christian readers across traditions have noted the irony here. Many Reformed commentators, like John Calvin and Matthew Henry, see the Pharisees’ question as a symptom of self-righteousness. They were not seeking truth; they were defending their reputation. Adam Clarke, a Methodist scholar, points out that they recognized Jesus was speaking about spiritual blindness yet still refused to accept His diagnosis. In the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, this verse is often read as a warning against the sin of spiritual pride, the danger of being so confident in your own righteousness that you cannot receive the light Christ offers. Both streams agree: the question itself is a confession of the very blindness they denied.

A common misunderstanding is that the Pharisees were honestly asking whether they were spiritually blind, as if they wanted to learn. In fact, the Greek particle μή shows they expected a strong negative answer. Their question was not an open inquiry. It was a retort, meant to say, “You cannot possibly mean us.” They understood exactly what Jesus meant, and they rejected it. The real mistake is to think they were open to correction. They were not. And that is what made their blindness so hard to cure.

This week you might hear something true about yourself that stings. Maybe a friend gently points out a habit, or a sermon touches a nerve, or a family member says something that makes you defensive. Before you react, pause and listen to that little internal question: “Are you saying I’m wrong?” That is the same impulse the Pharisees showed. You can choose to push back. Or you can take a breath and say, “Maybe I am blind here. Show me, Lord.” That one moment of honest openness could be the beginning of new sight.