John 7:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1437} any man {G5100} will {G2309} do {G4160} his {G846} will {G2307}, he shall know {G1097} of {G4012} the doctrine {G1322}, whether {G4220} it be {G2076} of {G1537} God {G2316}, or {G2228} whether I {G1473} speak {G2980} of {G575} myself {G1683}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If anyone wants to do his will, he will know whether my teaching is from God or I speak on my own.

Berean Standard Bible

If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own.

American Standard Version

If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from myself.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 7:17 articulates a profound spiritual epistemology: the pathway to discerning divine truth is paved by a sincere willingness to obey God's will. Amidst the intense scrutiny of His teachings during the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus offers a direct, experiential criterion for validating the divine origin of His message, asserting that genuine commitment to God's purposes unlocks the spiritual understanding necessary to recognize whether His doctrine originates from God or merely from Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' discourse during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, a period of heightened tension and public debate surrounding His identity and authority. In [John 7:14-15](/john/7-14-15 "John 7:14-15 - Jesus Teaches in the Temple"), Jesus begins teaching in the Temple, astonishing the crowds with His wisdom, prompting questions about His unlearned status. Immediately preceding [John 7:17](/john/7-17 "John 7:17 - The Condition for Knowing Divine Doctrine"), Jesus declares in [John 7:16](/john/7-16 "John 7:16 - Jesus' Doctrine is from God") that His "doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me." Verse 17 then provides the practical, moral condition for verifying this claim, inviting anyone to test the divine origin of His words through a commitment to God's will, thereby addressing the skepticism and offering a path to genuine spiritual discernment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals, drawing thousands of Jews to Jerusalem. It was a time of great national celebration, commemorating God's provision during the wilderness wandering and looking forward to the Messianic age. The atmosphere was festive, yet also highly charged with religious and political fervor, making the Temple courts a prominent venue for public teaching and debate. Jewish leaders, particularly the Pharisees and chief priests, were intensely scrutinizing Jesus, questioning His authority, His messianic claims, and the source of His teachings. The concept of a prophet's authenticity was often tied to their message aligning with the Torah and their ability to perform signs, but Jesus introduces a deeper, internal criterion for discernment.
* **Key Themes:** [John 7:17](/john/7-17 "John 7:17 - The Condition for Knowing Divine Doctrine") contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of John and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **Divine Authority of Jesus' Teaching**, directly addressing the central question of whether Jesus speaks on His own human authority or as the sent Son of God. This verse posits that **Obedience as a Prerequisite for Spiritual Understanding** is essential; intellectual assent alone is insufficient for discerning divine truth. It suggests that genuine understanding of God's will and the authenticity of Christ's message is not merely an intellectual exercise but an experiential one, rooted in practical commitment, echoing the principle that those who truly seek God will find Him, as seen in [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart"). Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of **Experiential Knowledge**, implying a deep, personal, and transformative "knowing" (Greek _ginōskō_) that transcends mere intellectual comprehension, providing an internal conviction about the truth of Christ's doctrine. This contrasts with the superficial understanding of those who merely heard His words but refused to believe, as illustrated throughout [John 7](/john/7 "John 7 - Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **will (Greek, _thélō'_):** This word, G2309, signifies a determination, an active option from subjective impulse, a conscious choice or preference. It implies more than mere intellectual assent or passive willingness; it denotes a deep desire, an inclination, or a readiness of heart to align with God's purposes. When combined with "do" (G4160, _poiéō_), it emphasizes an active, intentional commitment to carrying out God's will, not just an abstract thought.
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** G1097, this verb describes a profound, experiential knowledge, distinct from simple intellectual apprehension (_oida_). It implies a personal, intimate acquaintance with truth that comes from direct experience and relationship. In this context, it suggests that by actively pursuing God's will, one gains an internal, convicting understanding of the divine origin of Jesus' doctrine, moving beyond mere speculation to a settled assurance.
* **doctrine (Greek, _didachḗ'_):** G1322, this term refers to instruction, teaching, or the content of what is taught. Here, it specifically denotes the body of truth and principles that Jesus was proclaiming. The verse posits that the authenticity and divine source of this teaching can be verified through the practical application of God's will in one's life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If any man will do his will":** This opening clause establishes a crucial condition. The phrase "will do" (from _thelei poiein_) points to a willing, desiring, and active commitment to obey God's will (His _thélēma_). It's not about perfect performance, but about a sincere disposition and a readiness of heart to align one's life with God's revealed purposes. This implies a moral and spiritual posture of openness and submission to divine authority.
* **"he shall know of the doctrine":** This is the promised outcome of the condition. The word "know" (_ginōskō_) signifies an experiential, deep, and personal understanding, not just intellectual assent. It means to come to a settled conviction and inner certainty about the truth being taught. This knowledge is a direct consequence of the prior commitment to obedience, suggesting that spiritual truth is often revealed through practical engagement rather than purely intellectual inquiry.
* **"whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of myself.":** This final clause clarifies the object of discernment: the origin of Jesus' teaching. The individual who is committed to doing God's will will be able to distinguish between doctrine that genuinely originates from God (divine revelation) and doctrine that is merely human in origin (Jesus speaking "of myself"). This directly addresses the central controversy surrounding Jesus' authority and the source of His message.

#### Literary Devices
John 7:17 employs several significant literary devices. It functions as a **Conditional Statement**, clearly outlining a cause-and-effect relationship: "If X, then Y." This structure highlights the necessary prerequisite for spiritual discernment. The verse also presents a stark **Dichotomy** or **Contrast** between two possible origins of Jesus' teaching: "of God" versus "of myself." This binary choice underscores the critical nature of the decision facing the audience and emphasizes the divine authority Jesus claims. Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses **Epistemology** (the study of knowledge) to suggest that true spiritual knowledge is not merely intellectual but is profoundly experiential and volitional, rooted in the will. The promise of "knowing" through "doing" is a form of **Experiential Learning** applied to spiritual truth, where active participation leads to deeper understanding and conviction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 7:17 is a cornerstone for understanding the relationship between human will, divine revelation, and spiritual discernment. It asserts that intellectual curiosity alone is insufficient for grasping ultimate truth; instead, a moral and volitional commitment to God's will is the prerequisite for genuine spiritual insight. This principle transcends mere academic inquiry, positing that the heart's disposition towards obedience unlocks the mind's capacity to discern the divine. It challenges the notion that one must fully comprehend before believing, suggesting instead that belief and obedience often precede full comprehension, leading to an experiential knowledge of God's truth. This verse underscores the active role of the human agent in the process of revelation, emphasizing that God reveals Himself most fully to those who are willing to respond in faith and obedience.

* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")
* [Proverbs 2:1-5](/proverbs/2-1-5 "Proverbs 2:1-5 - The Pursuit of Wisdom")
* [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 7:17 offers a profound and liberating truth for anyone grappling with faith, doubt, or the pursuit of spiritual understanding. It teaches us that the path to knowing God's truth is not primarily through intellectual debate or philosophical reasoning, but through a sincere willingness to align our lives with His revealed will. If you are seeking clarity on a spiritual matter, struggling to understand a biblical teaching, or wrestling with the claims of Christ, this verse invites you to shift your posture from passive skepticism to active engagement. Begin by sincerely seeking to obey what you already know of God's will, even in small ways. As you step out in faith and obedience, a deeper, experiential knowledge often follows, bringing conviction and clarity that intellectual arguments alone cannot provide. This principle encourages us to cultivate a heart that desires to please God, knowing that such a heart is uniquely positioned to receive and recognize divine truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "doing God's will" practically look like in your daily life, and how might a greater commitment to it impact your spiritual understanding?**
* **Can you recall a time when acting in obedience to God's known will led to a deeper understanding or conviction about a spiritual truth?**
* **How does this verse challenge the common assumption that intellectual understanding must always precede spiritual commitment?**
* **In what areas of your life might a lack of willingness to obey God's will be hindering your spiritual discernment?**

### FAQ

**Does "will do his will" mean I have to be perfect to understand God's doctrine?**

Answer: No, the phrase "will do his will" (Greek _thelei poiein_) emphasizes a sincere desire and willingness to obey, rather than flawless execution. It speaks to the heart's inclination and commitment. God knows our limitations and imperfections. The point is the *disposition* of the heart—a genuine readiness to align with God's purposes, to be a "doer" rather than just a "hearer" ([James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")). It's about a posture of submission and openness to divine instruction, which then enables spiritual discernment.

**Is the "knowledge" mentioned here intellectual or spiritual?**

Answer: The Greek word for "know" (G1097, _ginṓskō_) in [John 7:17](/john/7-17 "John 7:17 - The Condition for Knowing Divine Doctrine") denotes a deep, experiential, and personal knowledge, rather than mere intellectual apprehension or factual information. It's a knowledge that comes from intimate acquaintance and direct experience, leading to conviction and certainty. While it certainly involves the intellect, it transcends it, encompassing the whole person—mind, will, and emotions. It's the kind of knowledge that transforms, providing an internal witness to the truth of God's word.

**How does this verse apply to someone who is not yet a believer?**

Answer: For someone who is not yet a believer, [John 7:17](/john/7-17 "John 7:17 - The Condition for Knowing Divine Doctrine") offers a pathway to faith. If they are genuinely seeking truth and are willing to act on what they understand to be God's will (even if initially limited), they will gain clarity regarding Jesus' claims. This might involve acting on moral convictions, seeking truth with an open heart, or exploring the teachings of Jesus with a willingness to obey if they prove true. Jesus promises that such a posture will lead to discernment, helping them recognize the divine origin of His message and ultimately, the truth of the Gospel. It's an invitation to test the claims of Christ experientially.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 7:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ Himself. Jesus is not merely the one who teaches God's will; He is the embodiment of God's will, the perfect "doer" of the Father's desires ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do the Father's Will")). Therefore, to "do His will" (God's will) is inherently to align oneself with Christ, who perfectly reveals and executes that will. It is through Christ that we gain access to the true knowledge of God, as He declares, "No one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" ([Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - No One Knows the Father Except the Son")). The "doctrine" Jesus speaks of is Himself—His life, death, resurrection, and the truth He embodies as the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Thus, the promise of knowing whether His doctrine is "of God" is fulfilled in the Spirit-empowered recognition of Jesus as the Son of God, the very truth and life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Our willingness to obey God's will, made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit, enables us to truly "know" Christ and, through Him, the Father, leading us into the fullness of divine revelation and salvation.

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 8:31

¶ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;

John 8:32

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Jeremiah 31:33

But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Jeremiah 31:34

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

John 8:43

Why do ye not understand my speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word.

John 8:47

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

Philippians 3:15

¶ Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.