John Calvin Commentary John 9:40

"Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said unto him, Are we also blind?" — John 9:40 (ASV)

Some of the Pharisees heard. They instantly perceived that they were struck by this saying of Christ, and yet they appear not to have belonged to the worst class; for the open enemies had so strong an abhorrence of Christ that they did not associate with him at all. But those men submitted to listen to Christ, yet without any advantage, because no one is qualified to be a disciple of Christ until he has been divested of self, and they were very far from being so.

Are we also blind? This question arose from indignation, because they thought that they were insulted by being classed with blind men. At the same time, it shows a haughty contempt for the grace of Christ, accompanied by mockery, as if they had said, “You cannot rise to reputation without involving us in disgrace; and is it to be endured that you should obtain honor for yourself by reproaching us?

As for the promise you make of giving new light to the blind, go from here and leave us with your benefit; for we do not choose to receive sight from you on the condition of admitting that we have been until now blind.” From this we perceive that hypocrisy has always been full of pride and venom.

The pride is manifested by their being satisfied with themselves and refusing to have anything taken from them; and the venom, by their being enraged at Christ and arguing with him, because he has pointed out their wound, as if he had inflicted on them a severe wound. From this arises contempt for Christ and for the grace which he offers them.

The word also is emphatic; for it means that, though all the rest are blind, it is still improper that they should be considered as belonging to the ordinary rank. It is too common a fault among those who are distinguished above others that they are intoxicated with pride and almost forget that they are men.