John 9:33

33 but this man were of God, he might not do any 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 And we know, that God heareth not sinful men, but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, he heareth him. [Soothly we know, for God heareth not sinners, but if any man is worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.]

32 From the world it is not heard, that any man opened the eyes of a blind-born man;

33 but this man were of God, he might not do any thing.

34 They answered, and said to him, Thou art all born in sins, and teachest thou us? And they put him out. [They answered, and said to him, Thou art all born in sins, and thou teachest us? And they cast him out.]

35 Jesus heard, that they had put him out [Jesus heard, for they had cast him out]; and when he had found him, he said to him, Believest thou in the Son of God?