John 9:31
What does John 9:31 mean?
A plain-English look at John 9:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 9:31 means
He continues with a commonly accepted truth: “We know that God heareth not sinners; but if any man be a worshipper of God, and do his will, him he heareth.” He is not claiming sinless perfection for anyone, but articulating that God does not endorse and empower those who are in open rebellion. Therefore, answered works of this magnitude imply the worker is aligned with God. The healed man uses their own theological framework to reason that Jesus must be a true worshiper whom God hears. His logic is simple, sound, and irrefutable within their beliefs, pushing them toward a conclusion they refuse to accept.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000We know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and do his will, him he heareth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901We know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and do his will, him he heareth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949We have knowledge that God does not give ear to sinners, but if any man is a worshipper of God and does his pleasure, to him God's ears are open.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and we have known that God doth not hear sinners, but, if any one may be a worshipper of God, and may do His will, him He doth hear;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now we know that God doth not hear sinners: but if a man be a server of God and doth his, will, him he heareth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890[But] we know thatGod does not hear sinners; but if any one beGod-fearing and do his will, him he hears.
Context
This statement follows his amazement at their ignorance and forms the backbone of his argument. By appealing to shared doctrine, he makes his case on their terms, not on novel insight. The argument will culminate in the unprecedented nature of the miracle and the conclusion that Jesus is from God. This measured reasoning cornered the authorities, leaving them few options besides admitting the truth or attacking the witness. The next verse provides the climactic premise—no one has ever opened the eyes of a man born blind.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 11:11
Therefore thus saith Jehovah, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and they shall cry unto me, but I will not hearken unto them.
- Genesis 19:29
And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the Plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in which Lot dwelt.
- Psalms 66:18
If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear:
- 2 Chronicles 32:20
And Hezekiah the king, and Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, prayed because of this, and cried to heaven.
- Jeremiah 15:1
Then said Jehovah unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind would not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth.
- Psalms 34:15
The eyes of Jehovah are toward the righteous, And his ears are open unto their cry.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 9
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 9.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Abiding in Christ
Key scriptures reveal what it means to abide in Christ, emphasizing our continuous connection and dependence on Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness.
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.