John 9:33

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

John 9:33 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
English Standard Version (ESV)
33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."
New Living Translation (NLT)
33 If this man were not from God, he couldn’t have done it.”
The Message Bible (MSG)
33 If this man didn't come from God, he wouldn't be able to do anything."
American Standard Version (ASV)
33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
33 If this man were not from God, he couldn't do anything like that."
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
33 If this man were not from God, He wouldn't be able to do anything."
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
33 If this man had not come 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 know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will.
32 Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind.
33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”
34 To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out.
35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

Cross References 1

  • 1. ver 16; John 3:2
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.