King James Version

What Does John 7:17 Mean?

John 7:17 in the King James Version says “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. — study this verse from John chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

John 7:17 · KJV


Context

15

And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? letters: or, learning

16

Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

17

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

18

He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

19

Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Christ establishes a principle: willingness to obey leads to doctrinal certainty. 'If any man will do his will' describes volitional submission to God's will. 'He shall know' promises that obedience brings understanding—not intellectual pride but humble submission opens spiritual eyes. This reverses the world's method (understand, then obey); God's way is trust and obey, then understand. The phrase 'whether it be of God' indicates authentication of Christ's teaching comes through obedient practice, not mere academic study.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Jews questioned Jesus' credentials (v. 15): 'How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?' Christ responds that spiritual truth is authenticated by moral obedience, not academic pedigree. True theology is practical, not merely theoretical.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you obeying what you already know of God's will, or waiting for more revelation?
  2. How has obedience to God's word brought deeper understanding of spiritual truth in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἐάν1 of 21

If

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τις2 of 21

any man

G5100

some or any person or object

θέλῃ3 of 21

will

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

τὸ4 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θέλημα5 of 21

will

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

αὐτοῦ6 of 21

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ποιεῖν7 of 21

do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

γνώσεται8 of 21

he shall know

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

περὶ9 of 21

of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τῆς10 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διδαχῆς11 of 21

the doctrine

G1322

instruction (the act or the matter)

πότερον12 of 21

whether

G4220

interrogative as adverb, which (of two), i.e., is it this or that

ἐκ13 of 21

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ14 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ15 of 21

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐστιν16 of 21

it be

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

17 of 21

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἐγὼ18 of 21

whether I

G1473

i, me

ἀπ'19 of 21

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἐμαυτοῦ20 of 21

myself

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

λαλῶ21 of 21

speak

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 7:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 7:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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