John 9:33

33 Unless this man were of God, he could not do anything.

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 Now we know that God doth not hear sinners: but if a man be a server of God and doth his, will, him he heareth.

32 From the beginning of the world it hath not been heard, that any man hath opened the eyes of one born blind.

33 Unless this man were of God, he could not do anything.

34 They answered and said to him: Thou wast wholly born in sins; and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out. And when he had found him, he said to him: Dost thou believe in the Son of God?