King James Version

What Does John 8:47 Mean?

John 8:47 in the King James Version says “He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” — study this verse from John chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.”

John 8:47 · KJV

Context

45

And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

46

Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

47

He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

48

Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

49

Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that is of God heareth God's words—Jesus establishes the fundamental test of spiritual life. "Is of God" (ὁ ὢν ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ/ho ōn ek tou Theou) indicates origin, source, belonging—those born of God, regenerated by the Spirit. "Heareth" (ἀκούει/akouei) means more than auditory reception; it implies understanding, receiving, obeying. Jesus's sheep "hear his voice" and "follow him" (10:27).

"God's words" (τὰ ῥήματα τοῦ Θεοῦ/ta rhēmata tou Theou) are the divine utterances, the spoken revelation, which Jesus embodies and proclaims. The present tense indicates habitual, continual hearing—a lifestyle of receptivity to divine truth. This echoes Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel," and Jesus's repeated refrain, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Matthew 11:15).

Ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. The logical particle "therefore" (διὰ τοῦτο/dia touto) draws the devastating conclusion. Their refusal to hear proves their origin: they are not from God but from "your father the devil" (v.44). Spiritual deafness indicates spiritual death. As Calvin wrote, "Unbelief is the root of all evil," and "those who do not believe show that they are not of God."

This verse destroys all neutrality. There are only two families: children of God who hear His voice, and children of the devil who reject it. Receptivity to God's Word is the litmus test of regeneration (1 John 4:6).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus's audience claimed Abraham as father (v.39) and had never been enslaved to anyone (v.33)—absurd given Egyptian, Babylonian, and current Roman bondage. Their self-deception blinded them to their spiritual slavery. They possessed Scripture, temple, priesthood, yet remained deaf to God's voice when He spoke through His incarnate Son.

This fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy of judicial hardening (Isaiah 6:9-10, quoted in John 12:40): "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes and understand with their heart." God's revelation either softens or hardens, illuminates or blinds—never leaves people unchanged.

For John's late first-century audience, facing expulsion from synagogues (9:22, 12:42), this verse provided theological clarity: those who rejected Jesus proved they were never truly God's people. True Israel—those "of God"—recognized the Good Shepherd's voice. External religious heritage meant nothing without spiritual regeneration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we test ourselves to ensure we're truly 'hearing' God's Word with understanding and obedience, not just intellectual assent?
  2. What does this verse teach about the relationship between regeneration and receptivity to Scripture?
  3. How should Jesus's stark division (of God/not of God) affect our evangelism and expectations in ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ὁ1 of 21
G3588

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

ὢν2 of 21

“He that is”

G5607

being

ἐκ3 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

τοῦ4 of 21
G3588

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

θεοῦ5 of 21

“God”

G2316

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

τὰ6 of 21
G3588

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

ῥήματα7 of 21

“words”

G4487

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

τοῦ8 of 21
G3588

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

θεοῦ9 of 21

“God”

G2316

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

ἀκούετε10 of 21

“hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

διὰ11 of 21
G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο12 of 21

“therefore”

G5124

that thing

ὑμεῖς13 of 21

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

οὐκ14 of 21

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἀκούετε15 of 21

“hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ὅτι16 of 21

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐκ17 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

τοῦ18 of 21
G3588

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

θεοῦ19 of 21

“God”

G2316

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

οὐκ20 of 21

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐστέ21 of 21

“ye are”

G2075

ye are

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 8:47 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 8:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 10:26-272 John 1:9John 18:37John 6:45-461 John 3:10John 8:45

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