John Gill's Exposition on John 12:40

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart, etc.] It is of no great moment, whether the he, who is said to blind and harden, be God or Christ, or whether the words be rendered, “it hath blinded”, etc. that is, malice or wickedness; or whether they be read impersonally, “their eyes are blinded”, etc. since God or Christ blind and harden not by any positive act, but by leaving and giving men up to the blindness and hardness of their hearts, and denying them the grace which could only cure them, and which they are not obliged to give; and which was the case of these Jews, so as never to be converted, or be turned even by external repentance and reformation, that they might be healed in a national way, and be preserved from national ruin, as it follows, that they should not see with their eyes, etc.] (see Gill on “<401314>Matthew 13:14”), (see Gill on “<401315>Matthew 13:15”). The Syriac and Persic versions read, “they have blinded their eyes”, etc.

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This excerpt is attributed to its named commentary. It is included as a historical study resource and should be evaluated in light of Scripture and other relevant evidence.