Devine Scripture

John 7:17

What does John 7:17 mean?

A plain-English look at John 7:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 7:17 means

Jesus teaches that anyone who wills to do God’s will shall know whether His teaching is from God or merely human. Spiritual discernment is not only an intellectual exercise; it is moral and volitional. A heart inclined to obey God is given light to recognize His voice. This principle both invites and exposes: it welcomes the sincere seeker and confronts the unwilling. If His message is God’s, it will resonate with those who love God’s will. The verse promises clarity to the obedient and reveals why some remain in darkness—their resistance is not due to lack of evidence but lack of surrender.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from myself.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from myself.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

If any man is ready to do God's pleasure he will have knowledge of the teaching and of where it comes from--from God or from myself.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

if any one may will to do His will, he shall know concerning the teaching, whether it is of God, or--I do speak from myself.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

If any one desire to practise his will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is ofGod, or [that] I speak from myself.

Context

Having claimed divine sending, Jesus now gives a test for verifying His doctrine. The next statement will contrast the self-glory seeker with the true, God-glorifying messenger (verse 18), further probing motives. Soon He will expose their inconsistency about the Law and their plot to kill Him (verse 19). The discourse tightens from general principle to specific accusation.

v.16Jesus therefore answered them, and said, My teaching is not mine, but his that sent me.

v.17This passage

v.18He that speaketh from himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh the glory of him that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 25:14

    The friendship of Jehovah is with them that fear him; And he will show them his covenant.

  • Philippians 3:15

    Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you:

  • John 8:47

    He that is of God heareth the words of God: for this cause ye hear them not, because ye are not of God.

  • Matthew 6:22

    The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

  • Psalms 25:12

    What man is he that feareth Jehovah? Him shall he instruct in the way that he shall choose.

  • Psalms 119:101

    I have refrained my feet from every evil way, That I might observe thy word.

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