John 7:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} them {G846}, and {G2532} said {G2036}, My {G1699} doctrine {G1322} is {G2076} not {G3756} mine {G1699}, but {G235} his that sent {G3992} me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Yeshua gave them an answer: “My teaching is not my own, it comes from the One who sent me.

Berean Standard Bible

“My teaching is not My own,” Jesus replied. “It comes from Him who sent Me.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Jesus directly addresses the astonishment of the crowds regarding His profound teaching, asserting that the origin of His doctrine is not His own human wisdom but rather the divine will and authority of God the Father who sent Him. This declaration serves as a foundational statement regarding the ultimate source of His message, establishing its absolute truthfulness and highlighting His unique, dependent relationship with the Father in His earthly ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This profound statement by Jesus occurs during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) in Jerusalem, as detailed in [John 7](/john/7 "John 7 - Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles"). The immediate preceding verse, [John 7:15](/john/7-15 "John 7:15 - The Crowd's Amazement"), reveals the crowd's wonder and skepticism: "How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?" Their question implies a challenge to Jesus' authority, as He taught with a wisdom that surpassed typical rabbinic training, which was usually acquired through formal study under established teachers. Jesus' response in [John 7:16](/john/7-16 "John 7:16 - Jesus' Divine Authority") directly answers this implicit challenge by redirecting the focus from His human education to His divine commission. This sets the stage for a deeper revelation of His identity and the nature of His relationship with the Father, which unfolds throughout the rest of the chapter, including discussions about judging righteously and the true origin of the Messiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of the Feast of Tabernacles was one of heightened religious fervor and pilgrimage in Jerusalem. During this festival, Jewish people celebrated God's provision in the wilderness and looked forward to the Messiah's coming. In this environment, teaching authority was typically derived from formal rabbinic training, often involving years of study under esteemed rabbis. For someone like Jesus, who had no such formal accreditation (He was known as a carpenter's son from Nazareth), to teach with such profound insight and authority was highly unusual and provocative. The question in [John 7:15](/john/7-15 "John 7:15 - Questioning Jesus' Education") reflects this cultural expectation: how could He "know letters" (i.e., have deep scriptural knowledge and interpretive skill) without having "learned" (i.e., undergone formal rabbinic schooling)? Jesus' response deftly sidesteps the human educational system, pointing instead to a divine source of His wisdom, which would have been both astounding and potentially blasphemous to those who did not believe in His divine claims.
* **Key Themes:** [John 7:16](/john/7-16 "John 7:16 - The Source of Jesus' Teaching") contributes significantly to several major themes within John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Authority and Origin**. Jesus consistently presents Himself as uniquely sent by the Father, and His words are not merely human opinions but divine revelation. This is echoed in [John 8:28](/john/8-28 "John 8:28 - Jesus' Dependence on the Father"), where Jesus states, "I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things." Secondly, it highlights Jesus' **Submission and Obedience to the Father**. Despite His divine nature, Jesus consistently models perfect dependence on God, seeking not His own will but the Father's. This profound humility is a recurring motif, as seen in [John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus' Obedience to the Father"), where He declares, "I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." Lastly, the verse points to the **Source of Truth**. For those genuinely seeking spiritual understanding, Jesus directs them beyond His human person to the ultimate divine source, challenging them to consider the supernatural origin and absolute truthfulness of His message rather than being preoccupied with His earthly credentials.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **doctrine (Greek, _didachḗ'_):** From the verb διδάσκω (didaskō), meaning "to teach," _didachḗ_ refers to instruction, the act of teaching, or the content of what is taught. In [John 7:16](/john/7-16 "John 7:16 - Jesus' Teaching Authority"), it encompasses the entire body of Jesus' teachings, His method of instruction, and the authoritative message He proclaims. It is not merely human philosophy but a divinely revealed body of truth.
* **is (Greek, _estí'_):** This is the third person singular present indicative of εἰμί (eimi), "to be." In this context, it asserts a fundamental reality: "My doctrine *is* not mine." The present tense emphasizes the enduring and inherent nature of this truth – it is always and eternally sourced from the Father.
* **sent (Greek, _pémpō'_):** This verb signifies "to dispatch," especially on a temporary errand, or "to transmit." In John's Gospel, _pémpō_ (and its synonym _apostellō_) is crucial, appearing over 40 times to describe the Father's active commissioning of Jesus. It highlights the divine initiative and purpose behind Jesus' ministry, emphasizing that He is the Father's chosen and authorized representative, not an independent agent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus answered them, and said,"**: This opening phrase establishes the context as a direct response to the crowd's unspoken or implied question about His authority and education, as seen in [John 7:15](/john/7-15 "John 7:15 - The Crowd's Question"). Jesus does not shy away from the challenge but engages it directly, preparing to reveal a deeper truth about Himself.
* **"My doctrine is not mine,"**: This is a striking and paradoxical statement. Jesus, the divine Son, asserts that the teaching He delivers does not originate from His own independent human will or intellect. This negates any idea that His message is a product of human ingenuity, personal opinion, or earthly learning. It sets up a profound contrast, denying self-authorship to emphasize a higher source.
* **"but his that sent me."**: This clause provides the crucial clarification and the ultimate source of authority. The "his" refers unequivocally to God the Father. The phrase "that sent me" underscores Jesus' divine commission and mission. His teachings are not His own because they are perfectly aligned with, and indeed are the very revelation of, the Father's will and truth. This establishes the absolute divine authority and truthfulness of everything Jesus taught, as it comes directly from God Himself.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Antithesis** and **Assertion**. The **Antithesis** is evident in the direct contrast between "My doctrine is not mine" and "but his that sent me." This literary device highlights the paradox of Jesus' divine authority being rooted in His perfect submission and dependence on the Father. By negating His own independent authorship ("not mine"), Jesus powerfully asserts the ultimate divine authorship ("his that sent me"). This is a forceful **Assertion** of divine origin, a declaration of truth that challenges human assumptions about authority and knowledge. The simplicity of the statement belies its profound theological weight, making it a clear and memorable declaration of Jesus' unique relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 7:16](/john/7-16 "John 7:16 - The Divine Source of Jesus' Teaching") is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of divine revelation and the unique person of Jesus Christ. It profoundly impacts our Christology, affirming that Jesus' teachings are not merely human wisdom, however profound, but are the very words of God the Father communicated through His Son. This concept reinforces the unity within the Godhead, demonstrating that the Father and Son are perfectly aligned in will and purpose. Jesus, as the sent One, is the perfect embodiment and messenger of divine truth, ensuring that all He said and did was consistent with the Father's character and plan. This verse invites us to trust Jesus' words implicitly, recognizing them as the authoritative and infallible voice of God Himself.

* [John 8:28](/john/8-28 "John 8:28 - Jesus' Dependence on the Father")
* [John 12:49](/john/12-49 "John 12:49 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Commands")
* [John 14:10](/john/14-10 "John 14:10 - The Father in Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 7:16](/john/7-16 "John 7:16 - Trusting Jesus' Words") offers profound assurance and a critical standard for believers today. If Jesus' doctrine is not His own but the Father's, then every word He spoke carries the full weight and authority of God Himself. This means we can trust His teachings implicitly, knowing they are infallible truth, not subject to human error or cultural shifts. For those who seek to follow Christ, this verse calls for a deep commitment to studying and obeying His words, recognizing them as the very blueprint for life given by our Creator. Furthermore, it provides a vital principle for discerning truth in a world filled with competing claims: any teaching claiming to be from God must align perfectly with the character and revealed will of the Father, as perfectly embodied and articulated by Jesus Christ. For those called to teach or lead in the church, Jesus' example here is paramount: our message must always point beyond ourselves to God's truth, delivered with humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit, never seeking our own glory or wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does knowing that Jesus' doctrine is from the Father impact your trust in His words and commands?**
* **In what ways might we, like the crowd, be tempted to evaluate spiritual truth based on human credentials rather than divine origin?**
* **How can we cultivate a greater dependence on God the Father in our own lives and ministries, mirroring Jesus' example?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure that your understanding and application of truth are rooted in the divine source revealed by Jesus?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus emphasize that His doctrine was "not His own"?**

Answer: Jesus emphasized that His doctrine was "not His own" to underscore its divine origin and authority, directly countering the crowd's skepticism about His lack of formal rabbinic training ([John 7:15](/john/7-15 "John 7:15 - Crowd's Amazement")). By stating that His teaching came from "him that sent me" (the Father), Jesus clarified that His words were not products of human wisdom, personal opinion, or independent thought, but rather direct revelation from God. This assertion was crucial for establishing the absolute truthfulness and infallibility of His message, distinguishing it from any human philosophy or religious tradition. It also highlighted His perfect unity and submission to the Father's will, a consistent theme throughout [John's Gospel](/john/1 "The Gospel of John").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 7:16](/john/7-16 "John 7:16 - Jesus' Divine Teaching") finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself being the ultimate and perfect revelation of God the Father. He is not merely a messenger but the embodied message, the living Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). This verse foreshadows the profound truth that in Christ, we encounter the fullness of God's wisdom and truth. As the one "sent" by the Father, Jesus perfectly reveals the Father's character, will, and plan of salvation. He is the image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), through whom God has spoken definitively in these last days ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Therefore, when Jesus declares His doctrine is from the Father, He is inviting humanity to recognize that in Him, the very voice of God is heard, and the pathway to eternal life is revealed through His words and His atoning work on the cross ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). His teaching is not just information; it is the life-giving truth of God, perfectly delivered by the Son who perfectly knows and obeys the Father.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 14:24

He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

John 14:10

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

John 17:8

For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received [them], and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

John 5:30

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

John 5:23

That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

John 5:24

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 3:11

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.