John 8:47
Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse doesn't just say some people don't hear God's words; it points to a fundamental disconnect. Jesus is directly linking the ability to truly hear and receive His words to one's very origin – whether they are "of God." It's a stark declaration that their rejection of Him isn't a mere disagreement, but a sign they aren't aligned with God at all.
Jesus is challenging the Jewish leaders who refuse to believe His claims, essentially asking them why they can't grasp the truth He's speaking. He directly links their inability to hear His words to their spiritual origin, stating that those who truly belong to God will naturally recognize and receive His message, implying that their rejection reveals they are not aligned with God.
It's easy to hear sounds, but are we truly hearing what God is saying? Jesus points to a deeper connection than just understanding words.
Jesus makes a powerful distinction in this verse. He's not just talking about casual listening; he's talking about a deep, resonant hearing that comes from being 'of God.'
What 'Hearing' Really Means
Jesus confronts the religious leaders with a stark reality: their inability to believe isn't a lack of evidence, but a fundamental disconnect from God's very nature.
Jesus is in a heated discussion with religious leaders who are questioning His authority and His message. He challenges them directly: if He is speaking truth, why don't they believe Him? His answer is profound and points to a deeper issue than simple disagreement.
The Core of the Conflict
Understand the original words
theos · Greek Noun
The source and author of all life, who possesses an eternal nature and is the ultimate object of worship and obedience.
rhēmata · Greek Noun
Divine utterances or the message of God that carries His authority, power, and life-giving revelation.
This passage directly contrasts those who 'are of God' with those who 'are not of God,' echoing John 8:47's core theme of spiritual origin determining one's reception of divine truth.
Romans 8:7It highlights that the 'mind of the flesh' is hostile to God and cannot please Him, which parallels Jesus' point that the Jews' inability to hear God's words stems from their not being 'of God'.
Matthew 13:11-16Jesus explains that the disciples are given to 'know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven,' while others are not, because they have closed their eyes and ears, illustrating how spiritual understanding is a gift tied to one's disposition towards God's word.
1 Samuel 2:30This verse states that God will honor those who honor Him, and conversely, those who despise Him will be lightly esteemed. This supports Jesus' argument that His message is from God, and their rejection of it reveals their opposition to God.
calvinJohn 8:46-50: "Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?"
- Which of you convicteth me of sin? And if I speak truth, why do you not believe me? 47. He who is of God heareth the words of God; you hear them not, because you are not of God. 48. The Jews therefore answered, and said to him, Do we not say well, that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? 49. Jesus answered, I have not a devil, but I honor my Father, and you have dishonored me. 50. But I…
clarkeJohn 8:47: "He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."
He that is of God - Meaning probably himself: he who came from God, or was born of God - heareth the words of God - has the constant inspiration of his Spirit, speaks nothing but truth, and cannot possibly err.
This verse doesn't just say some people don't hear God's words; it points to a fundamental disconnect. Jesus is directly linking the ability to truly hear and receive His words to one's very origin – whether they are "of God." It's a stark declaration that their rejection of Him isn't a mere disagreement, but a sign they aren't aligned with God at all.
Jesus is challenging the Jewish leaders who refuse to believe His claims, essentially asking them why they can't grasp the truth He's speaking. He directly links their inability to hear His words to their spiritual origin, stating that those who truly belong to God will naturally recognize and receive His message, implying that their rejection reveals they are not aligned with God.
Jesus is challenging the Jewish leaders who refuse to believe His claims, essentially asking them why they can't grasp the truth He's speaking. He directly links their inability to hear His words to their spiritual origin, stating that those who truly belong to God will naturally recognize and receive His message, implying that their rejection reveals they are not aligned with God.
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"Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”" — This verse doesn't just say some people don't hear God's words; it points to a fundamental disconnect. Jesus is directly linking the ability to truly hear and receive His words to one's very origin…
