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)
Jesus isn't just saying they're disobedient; he's revealing a fundamental disconnect. The core issue isn't their inability to understand, but their very identity – because they are not from God, they lack the inherent capacity to truly "hear" His words. This highlights that spiritual understanding isn't just intellectual, but flows from a relationship with God.
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)
Jesus has just challenged the Jews to prove Him wrong about His claims, asking why they don't believe Him if He speaks the truth. He then explains that the reason they can't grasp His words is fundamentally tied to their spiritual origin—they don't truly belong to God, unlike those who do. This leads to the Jews retorting with insults, calling Him a Samaritan and a demon-possessed person, which Jesus addresses by clarifying His actions honor God, not Himself.
Jesus draws a stark line between two groups: those who truly hear God and those who don't. What's the fundamental difference?
Jesus isn't just talking about casual listening. He's revealing a deep, spiritual divide. On one side are those 'of God' – people whose very being is aligned with Him, who naturally resonate with and accept His truth. On the other are those who, despite their religious claims, fundamentally miss God's message. This isn't about intellectual agreement, but about a heart's orientation. Jesus connects this hearing (or not hearing) directly to one's origin: are you aligned with God, or are you fundamentally opposed to Him, making it impossible to truly receive His words?
Why is it so hard for some people to accept what God is saying, even when it's clear? Jesus points to their origin.
Jesus’ argument here is powerful: your spiritual reception is directly tied to your spiritual source. If you are 'of God,' meaning your spiritual life and identity are rooted in Him, then you will naturally 'hear God's words.' This means you understand them, embrace them, and allow them to shape you. Conversely, if you are not 'of God,' your spiritual origin is elsewhere (in this context, Jesus implies the devil, as seen in John 8:44). This fundamental disconnect makes it impossible to truly hear and accept God’s truth. It’s not that God’s words are unclear, but that the listener’s spiritual 'wiring' is incompatible.
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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.
Jesus' declaration that his opponents 'do not hear' His words because they are 'not of God' directly responds to their persistent rejection of His divine authority and claims, highlighting a deep theological divide rooted in centuries of cultural and religious animosity between Jews and Samaritans.
c. 250 BC
Samaritan religious separation
The Samaritans, a mixed ethnic and religious group, officially established their own temple on Mount Gerizim and diverged significantly from mainstream Judaism, leading to deep animosity.
c. AD 25-35
Jesus' ministry in Galilee and Judea
Jesus preached, taught, and performed miracles throughout Judea and Galilee, attracting crowds but also provoking opposition from religious authorities.
AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' confrontation with Jewish leaders
Jesus engaged in numerous debates and confrontations with Pharisees, Sadducees, and other religious leaders in Jerusalem and surrounding areas, challenging their interpretations of the Law.
AD 30-33
Accusations against Jesus
During his ministry, Jesus was frequently accused of blasphemy, being a Samaritan, and being demon-possessed by his religious opponents.
This passage directly contrasts those who belong to God and those who do not, echoing John 8:47's theme of discerning truth based on one's origin. It states that those who belong to God listen to truth, while those who do not belong to God do not listen to it, highlighting the spiritual discernment required.
Romans 8:5-7These verses explain the fundamental difference between being 'of the flesh' and being 'of the Spirit,' which directly relates to why some hear God's words and others do not. A mind focused on worldly desires cannot grasp or submit to God's ways, much like the people Jesus was speaking to.
Jeremiah 23:21-22This Old Testament passage warns against false prophets who were not sent by God but claimed to speak for Him, and whose words were not heard or heeded by the people. It parallels John 8:47 by showing a historical pattern where God's true words are rejected by those who are not aligned with Him.
Matthew 13:10-15Jesus explains His use of parables by quoting Isaiah, stating that the people's hearts have become dull and their ears are hard to hear, because they do not want to understand. This illustrates the spiritual deafness mentioned in John 8:47, where a willful rejection of truth prevents one from hearing God's words.
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.
Jesus isn't just saying they're disobedient; he's revealing a fundamental disconnect. The core issue isn't their inability to understand, but their very identity – because they are not from God, they lack the inherent capacity to truly "hear" His words. This highlights that spiritual understanding isn't just intellectual, but flows from a relationship with God.
Jesus has just challenged the Jews to prove Him wrong about His claims, asking why they don't believe Him if He speaks the truth. He then explains that the reason they can't grasp His words is fundamentally tied to their spiritual origin—they don't truly belong to God, unlike those who do. This leads to the Jews retorting with insults, calling Him a Samaritan and a demon-possessed person, which Jesus addresses by clarifying His actions honor God, not Himself.
Jesus has just challenged the Jews to prove Him wrong about His claims, asking why they don't believe Him if He speaks the truth. He then explains that the reason they can't grasp His words is fundamentally tied to their spiritual origin—they don't truly belong to God, unlike those who do. This leads to the Jews retorting with insults, calling Him a Samaritan and a demon-possessed person, which Jesus addresses by clarifying His actions honor God, not Himself.
"Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”" — Jesus isn't just saying they're disobedient; he's revealing a fundamental disconnect. The core issue isn't their inability to understand, but their very identity – because they are not from God, th…
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Last reviewed October 2026