John 7:17

Authorized King James Version

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐάν
G1437
If
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#2
τις
G5100
any man
some or any person or object
#3
θέλῃ
G2309
will
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#4
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
θέλημα
G2307
will
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
#6
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#7
ποιεῖν
G4160
do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#8
γνώσεται
G1097
he shall know
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#9
περὶ
G4012
of
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#10
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
διδαχῆς
G1322
the doctrine
instruction (the act or the matter)
#12
πότερον
G4220
whether
interrogative as adverb, which (of two), i.e., is it this or that
#13
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#14
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
θεοῦ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#16
ἐστιν
G2076
it be
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#17
ἢ
G2228
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#18
ἐγὼ
G1473
whether I
i, me
#19
ἀπ'
G575
of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#20
ἐμαυτοῦ
G1683
myself
of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>
#21
λαλῶ
G2980
speak
to talk, i.e., utter words

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of John.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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