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The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/john/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.” <a href="/esv/john/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” <a href="/bsb/john/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Whoever belongs to God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” <a href="/blb/john/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> He who is of God hears the words of God; because of this, you do not hear, because you are not of God." <a href="/kjv/john/8.htm">King James Bible</a> He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. <a href="/nkjv/john/8.htm">New King James Version</a> He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” <a href="/nasb_/john/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The one who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.” <a href="/nasb/john/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.” <a href="/lsb/john/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.” <a href="/amp/john/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Whoever is of God and belongs to Him hears [the truth of] God’s words; for this reason you do not hear them: because you are not of God and you are not in fellowship with Him.” <a href="/csb/john/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The one who is from God listens to God’s words. This is why you don’t listen, because you are not from God.” <a href="/hcsb/john/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The one who is from God listens to God&#8217s words. This is why you don&#8217t listen, because you are not from God.&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> He that is of God heareth the words of God: for this cause ye hear them not, because ye are not of God. <a href="/cev/john/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Anyone who belongs to God will listen to his message. But you refuse to listen, because you don't belong to God. <a href="/erv/john/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> He that is of God heareth the words of God: for this cause ye hear them not, because ye are not of God. <a href="/gwt/john/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The person who belongs to God understands what God says. You don't understand because you don't belong to God." <a href="/gnt/john/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> He who comes from God listens to God's words. You, however, are not from God, and that is why you will not listen." <a href="/isv/john/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> The one who belongs to God listens to the words of God. The reason you don't listen is because you don't belong to God." <a href="/msb/john/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Whoever belongs to God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.? <a href="/net/john/8.htm">NET Bible</a> The one who belongs to God listens and responds to God's words. You don't listen and respond, because you don't belong to God." <a href="/nheb/john/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He who is of God hears the words of God. For this cause you do not hear, because you are not of God." <a href="/wbt/john/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> He that is of God, heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. <a href="/wey/john/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He who is a child of God listens to God's words. You do not listen to them: and why? It is because you are not God's children." <a href="/web/john/8.htm">World English Bible</a> He who is of God hears the words of God. For this cause you don’t hear, because you are not of God.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> He who is of God, he hears the sayings of God; because of this you do not hear, because you are not of God.” <a href="/blb/john/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> He who is of God hears the words of God; because of this, you do not hear, because you are not of God." <a href="/ylt/john/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> he who is of God, the sayings of God he doth hear; because of this ye do not hear, because of God ye are not.' <a href="/slt/john/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> He being of God hears the words of God: therefore ye hear not, for ye are not of God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> He that is of God, heareth the words of God. Therefore you hear them not, because you are not of God. <a href="/cpdv/john/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Whoever is of God, hears the words of God. For this reason, you do not hear them: because you are not of God.” <a href="/nabre/john/8.htm">New American Bible</a> Whoever belongs to God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not listen, because you do not belong to God.” <a href="/nrsvce/john/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> He who is of God, hears God’s words; for this reason you do not hear, because you are not of God. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/8.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Whoever is from God hears God's words; therefore you are not hearing, because you are not from God.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> He that is of God, hears God's words. For this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.<CM> <a href="/godbey/john/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>The one being of God hears the words of God: on account of this you do not hear, because you are not of God.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> He that is of God heareth the words of God: ye therefore do not hear him, because ye are not of God.<CM> <a href="/mace/john/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a> he that is of God, does therefore observe what God says: which you do not observe, because ye are not of God. <a href="/wey/john/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He who is a child of God listens to God's words. You do not listen to them: and why? It is because you are not God's children." <a href="/worrell/john/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>He that is of God hears the words of God; on this account, ye hear them not, because ye are not of God."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>He, that is of God, receiveth the words of God; <Fr>but<FR> ye therefore receive <Fr>them<FR> not, because ye are not of God.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/8-47.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=3088" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/8.htm">The Children of the Devil</a> …46Which of you can prove Me guilty of sin? If I speak the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">Whoever</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">belongs to</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akouei (V-PIA-3S) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">hears</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4487.htm" title="4487: rhēmata (N-ANP) -- From rheo; an utterance,; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.">words</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God.</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">The reason</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. "></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">do not</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akouete (V-PIA-2P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">hear</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">is that</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: este (V-PIA-2P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">you do</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">belong</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">to God.”</a> 48The Jews answered Him, “Are we not right to say that You are a Samaritan and You have a demon?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_john/4-6.htm">1 John 4:6</a> We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. That is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception. <a href="/john/10-26.htm">John 10:26-27</a> But because you are not My sheep, you refuse to believe. / My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. <a href="/1_john/3-10.htm">1 John 3:10</a> By this the children of God are distinguished from the children of the devil: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother. <a href="/john/18-37.htm">John 18:37</a> “Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.” <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a> The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. <a href="/romans/8-7.htm">Romans 8:7-9</a> because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. / Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God. / You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. <a href="/matthew/13-11.htm">Matthew 13:11-15</a> He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. / Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. / This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ ... <a href="/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4</a> The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/1_john/5-19.htm">1 John 5:19-20</a> We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one. / And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. <a href="/john/14-17.htm">John 14:17</a> the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you. <a href="/john/3-20.htm">John 3:20-21</a> Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. / But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.” <a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25-27</a> At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. / Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight. / All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. <a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a> And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” <a href="/jeremiah/6-10.htm">Jeremiah 6:10</a> To whom can I give this warning? Who will listen to me? Look, their ears are closed, so they cannot hear. See, the word of the LORD has become offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it. <a href="/ezekiel/12-2.htm">Ezekiel 12:2</a> “Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>He that is of God hears God's words: you therefore hear them not, because you are not of God.<a href="/john/8-37.htm">John 8:37,43,45</a> I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you… <a href="/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12,13</a> But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: … <a href="/john/6-45.htm">John 6:45,46,65</a> It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/8-44.htm">Belong</a> <a href="/john/8-35.htm">Belongs</a> <a href="/john/6-65.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/john/7-23.htm">Child</a> <a href="/john/8-44.htm">Children</a> <a href="/john/5-37.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/john/8-43.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/john/8-44.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/john/7-17.htm">God's</a> <a href="/john/8-43.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/john/7-51.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/john/7-51.htm">Hears</a> <a href="/john/3-29.htm">Listens</a> <a href="/john/8-24.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/john/8-20.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/john/8-43.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/10-16.htm">Belong</a> <a href="/john/16-15.htm">Belongs</a> <a href="/john/11-37.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/john/16-21.htm">Child</a> <a href="/john/11-52.htm">Children</a> <a href="/john/9-31.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/john/9-27.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/john/8-54.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/john/9-3.htm">God's</a> <a href="/john/9-27.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/john/9-31.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/john/9-31.htm">Hears</a> <a href="/john/9-31.htm">Listens</a> <a href="/john/9-23.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/john/10-19.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/john/9-6.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">John 8</div>1. <a href="/john/8-1.htm">Jesus delivers the woman taken in adultery.</a> 12. <a href="/john/8-12.htm">He declares himself the light of the world, and justifies his doctrine;</a> 31. <a href="/john/8-31.htm">promises freedom to those who believe;</a> 33. <a href="/john/8-33.htm">answers the Jews who boasted of Abraham;</a> 48. <a href="/john/8-48.htm">answers their reviling, by showing his authority and dignity;</a> 59. <a href="/john/8-59.htm">and slips away from those who would stone him.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Whoever belongs to God This phrase emphasizes the concept of spiritual belonging and identity. In the biblical context, belonging to God implies a relationship characterized by faith, obedience, and covenant. Throughout Scripture, God's people are often described as His possession (<a href="/exodus/19-5.htm">Exodus 19:5</a>, <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a>). This belonging is not merely a matter of heritage or external association but involves a heart transformation and commitment to God's will.hears the words of God. Hearing in this context goes beyond the physical act of listening; it involves understanding, accepting, and obeying God's message. In the Hebrew tradition, the Shema (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4</a>) calls for attentive listening that leads to action. Jesus often used the phrase "He who has ears, let him hear" (<a href="/matthew/11-15.htm">Matthew 11:15</a>) to indicate the need for spiritual receptivity. The words of God refer to His teachings, commandments, and revelations, which are accessible through Scripture and the Holy Spirit's guidance.The reason you do not hear This part of the verse addresses spiritual deafness, a condition where individuals are unable or unwilling to perceive and accept divine truth. In the Gospels, Jesus frequently encountered religious leaders who, despite their knowledge of the Scriptures, failed to recognize Him as the Messiah (<a href="/john/5-39.htm">John 5:39-40</a>). This inability to hear is often linked to hardened hearts and spiritual blindness (<a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a>, <a href="/matthew/13-14.htm">Matthew 13:14-15</a>).is that you do not belong to God.” Here, Jesus provides a direct explanation for the spiritual deafness of His audience. Not belonging to God indicates a lack of genuine relationship with Him, which results in an inability to comprehend His words. This statement challenges the assumption that mere religious affiliation or ancestry guarantees spiritual insight. It underscores the necessity of a personal, transformative relationship with God, as seen in the new covenant promise of a heart of flesh (<a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a>) and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (<a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Romans 8:9</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing the Jewish leaders and people who are questioning His authority and teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jewish_leaders.htm">Jewish Leaders</a> The Pharisees and other religious leaders who are in opposition to Jesus, challenging His claims and authority. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The setting of this discourse, where Jesus is teaching in the temple courts. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_audience.htm">The Audience</a> Includes both believers and skeptics, those who are open to Jesus' message and those who are resistant. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_temple.htm">The Temple</a> The place where Jesus is teaching, a significant location for Jewish worship and religious instruction.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/b/belonging_to_god.htm">Belonging to God</a> To truly hear and understand God's words, one must belong to Him. This involves a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_discernment.htm">Spiritual Discernment</a> Spiritual discernment is a gift from God, allowing believers to recognize His voice amidst the noise of the world. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_listening.htm">The Importance of Listening</a> Actively listening to God's words is crucial for spiritual growth and alignment with His will. <a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a> Believers should regularly examine their hearts to ensure they are receptive to God's words and not resistant due to sin or disbelief. <a href="/topical/e/evangelism_and_witnessing.htm">Evangelism and Witnessing</a> Understanding that not everyone will hear or accept God's words can help believers approach evangelism with patience and prayer.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 8</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_spirit_baptism.htm">What is the meaning of Spirit Baptism?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'naked_and_not_ashamed'_mean.htm">What does 'My sheep hear My voice' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_makes_someone_an_ex-christian.htm">What defines someone as an ex-Christian?</a> <a href="/q/why_in_acts_8_14-17_is_the_holy_spirit_given_only_by_apostles'_hands.htm">Why do believers in Acts 8:14-17 only receive the Holy Spirit through the apostles' laying on of hands, whereas other texts suggest immediate reception?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(47) He that is of God heareth God's words.--Again He answers the question which He has Himself asked, and gives more fully the same reason which He gave in <a href="/john/8-43.htm" title="Why do you not understand my speech? even because you cannot hear my word.">John 8:43</a>. In <a href="/john/8-44.htm" title="You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stayed not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.">John 8:44</a> He asserted that they were of the father the devil, and therefore lived to do the lusts of the devil. In the same way he who is of God does the will of God, and hears the words of God. The words of God are those which He has been speaking unto them (<a href="/john/8-26.htm" title="I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.">John 8:26</a>). Here, then, is the answer to the question, "Why do ye not believe Me?" Rabbis and priests, teachers of the Law, judges of truth, offerers of sacrifice, keepers of feasts, worshippers in synagogues and Temple--they were all this; but they were not "of God."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 47-58. - (6) THE I AM. The claim to be the Source of liberty and life, in reply to those who appealed to their Father God and their father Abraham, led Jesus to assert his anteriority to Abraham. Verse 47. - There was some pause after this searching inquiry. Silence showed that, if they could not convince him of sin, they were ready with no answer to his question. He assumes that his word is unanswerable; he is what he says he is, and is able to set men free from sin and to give them eternal life. Their position is still further explained by a distinct syllogism, of which the major premiss is: He that is of God heareth the words of God; words which it is obviously taken for granted he is freely, surely uttering. Who are the persons referred to? Some, like Hilgenfeld, discover here a Manichaean, Gnostic sense - "those who are essentially of a Divine origin and spiritual nature," are absolutely different from those who are of the psychic or hylic nature. Thus they cut away all force from the moral reproof which follows. Others insist that here Jesus speaks of the regenerated man, the true child of God, who has power to believe, who has come to the Father, being predestinated unto eternal life. Even this interpretation does not leave sufficiently ample play to the human freedom, and the personal self-responsibility, which pervades the teaching of the gospel. Elsewhere he speaks of these who are "of the truth" and "hear his voice," of "those whom the Father draws" to him by the very love and grace which he, the Son, lavishes upon them (see notes, <a href="/john/6-37.htm">John 6:37, 44</a>; <a href="/john/18-37.htm">John 18:37</a>; <a href="/john/17-6.htm">John 17:6, 9, 11</a>). He also speaks of those who come to him being given to him. He is here contemplating this wide class, who are scattered through all time and places, with susceptible minds capable of hearing freely, and believing when they hear, the words of God. For this cause ye hear them not, because ye are not of God; i.e. seeing that ye do not hear the words of God, it is evident that ye are not of God. They are not excluded from becoming so by any irreversible fate, but their present obtuseness of spiritual perception, their refusal to accept truth on its clearest exposition, shows that they are not born of God; they are not being drawn to him by inworking of the Father's grace. The very form of the expression was once more meant to touch their conscience. <a href="/commentaries/john/8-47.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Whoever ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. belongs to ὢν (ōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. hears ἀκούει (akouei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. words ῥήματα (rhēmata) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4487.htm">Strong's 4487: </a> From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever. of God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. The reason διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. you ὑμεῖς (hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. {do} not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. hear ἀκούετε (akouete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. is that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. you do ἐστέ (este) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. belong ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. to God.” Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/8-47.htm">John 8:47 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/8-47.htm">John 8:47 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/8-47.htm">John 8:47 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/8-47.htm">John 8:47 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/8-47.htm">John 8:47 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/8-47.htm">John 8:47 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/8-47.htm">John 8:47 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/8-47.htm">John 8:47 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/8-47.htm">John 8:47 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/8-47.htm">John 8:47 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/8-47.htm">NT Gospels: John 8:47 He who is of God hears (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/8-46.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 8:46"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 8:46" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/8-48.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 8:48"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 8:48" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>