John 9:33

33 If this man were not from God, he couldn't do anything like that."

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. Instead, he listens to people who are devout and who do what he wants.

32 Since the beginning of time, no one has ever heard of anyone giving sight to a person born blind.

33 If this man were not from God, he couldn't do anything like that."

34 The Jews answered him, "You were born full of sin. Do you think you can teach us?" Then they threw him out [of the synagogue].

35 Jesus heard that the Jews had thrown the man out [of the synagogue]. So when Jesus found the man, he asked him, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"