John 9:33

33 If this man were not from God, he couldn't do a thing!"

John 9:33 Meaning and Commentary

John 9:33

If this man were not of God
If he had not his mission, commission, and credentials from God; if he had not been sent by him, and had not authority from him, and was not assisted by him, as man, or God was not with him,

he could do nothing;
or "not do these things", as the Syriac version reads; that is, such miraculous works; or, as the Persic version, "he could not do this miracle": open the eyes of a man born blind. His doing this is a full proof that he is of God, and comes from him.

John 9:33 In-Context

31 We know that God doesn't listen to sinners; but if anyone fears God and does his will, God does listen to him.
32 In all history no one has ever heard of someone's opening the eyes of a man born blind.
33 If this man were not from God, he couldn't do a thing!"
34 "Why, you mamzer!" they retorted, "Are you lecturing us?" And they threw him out.
35 Yeshua heard that they had thrown the man out. He found him and said, "Do you trust in the Son of Man?"
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.