John 9:33

33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."

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 all know that God does not listen to sinners, but he listens to anyone who worships and obeys him.
32 Nobody has ever heard of anyone giving sight to a man born blind.
33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."
34 They answered, "You were born full of sin! Are you trying to teach us?" And they threw him out.
35 When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, Jesus found him and said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.