John 7:17
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
Original Language Analysis
ἐάν
If
G1437
ἐάν
If
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 21
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
θέλῃ
will
G2309
θέλῃ
will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
3 of 21
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλημα
will
G2307
θέλημα
will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
5 of 21
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ποιεῖν
do
G4160
ποιεῖν
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
7 of 21
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
γνώσεται
he shall know
G1097
γνώσεται
he shall know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
8 of 21
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
9 of 21
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πότερον
whether
G4220
πότερον
whether
Strong's:
G4220
Word #:
12 of 21
interrogative as adverb, which (of two), i.e., is it this or that
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
15 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἀπ'
of
G575
ἀπ'
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
19 of 21
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
John 8:43Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.John 8:47He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.Daniel 12:10Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.Acts 17:11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.Psalms 25:12What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.Luke 8:15But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.Micah 4:2And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.Isaiah 35:8And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.Psalms 25:14The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.Malachi 4:2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
Historical Context
The Jews questioned Jesus' credentials (v. 15): 'How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?' Christ responds that spiritual truth is authenticated by moral obedience, not academic pedigree. True theology is practical, not merely theoretical.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you obeying what you already know of God's will, or waiting for more revelation?
- How has obedience to God's word brought deeper understanding of spiritual truth in your life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Christ establishes a principle: willingness to obey leads to doctrinal certainty. 'If any man will do his will' describes volitional submission to God's will. 'He shall know' promises that obedience brings understanding—not intellectual pride but humble submission opens spiritual eyes. This reverses the world's method (understand, then obey); God's way is trust and obey, then understand. The phrase 'whether it be of God' indicates authentication of Christ's teaching comes through obedient practice, not mere academic study.