John 9:31
Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
Original Language Analysis
οἴδαμεν
we know
G1492
οἴδαμεν
we know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 20
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐάν
if
G1437
ἐάν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
10 of 20
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ᾖ
be
G5600
ᾖ
be
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
13 of 20
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλημα
will
G2307
θέλημα
will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
16 of 20
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 #:
17 of 20
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
ποιῇ
doeth
G4160
ποιῇ
doeth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
18 of 20
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Cross References
Proverbs 15:29The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.Isaiah 1:15And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.Proverbs 28:9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.Micah 3:4Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.Psalms 145:19He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.Zechariah 7:13Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:Proverbs 21:13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.Jeremiah 14:12When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.John 15:16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.Ezekiel 8:18Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.
Historical Context
The principle that God hears the righteous and rejects sinners appears in the Old Testament (Psalm 66:18, Proverbs 15:29). The man applies this to Jesus' miraculous work. If the miracle is real, Jesus must be righteous. They can't have it both ways.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the man use the Pharisees' own theology to defend Jesus?
- What logical conclusion does the miracle require about Jesus' character?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.' The man uses their own theology against them. They taught that God doesn't answer sinners' prayers. Therefore, if Jesus performed this miracle, He must be righteous. The man's logic is devastating: either reject your theology or accept Jesus' righteousness. They choose neither.