What is the meaning of John 9:31?

Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

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John 9:31 Bible Verse Meaning

Understanding John 9:31

In John 9:31, the verse states: "We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will." This verse serves as a profound theological insight into the relationship between God and humanity, particularly concerning the righteousness required in prayer and the nature of divine responsiveness.

Verse Context

The situation leading to this statement involves the healing of a man born blind, which stirred the Pharisees' opposition. This miracle, wrought by Jesus, serves as the backdrop for the discourse that follows, highlighting the perceptions and misperceptions of spiritual authority and divine favor.

Combined Insights from Commentaries

  • Matthew Henry:

    Henry emphasizes the importance of being aligned with God's will for one's prayers to be impactful. He suggests that sinfulness creates a barrier to communication with God, wherein genuine righteousness is essential to seek His favor. The healer of the blind man demonstrates godliness—a trait that commands God’s attention.

  • Albert Barnes:

    Barnes highlights that the passage illustrates God's moral order, asserting that while God may be merciful, a consistent lifestyle of sin alienates one from divine assistance. God's engagement is fundamentally with those who seek Him earnestly, revealing their hearts' true posture towards righteousness and holiness.

  • Adam Clarke:

    Clarke presents an analysis that focuses on the implications of the phrase—"listens to the godly person." He notes that this implies a relationship characterized by faith and obedience. Clarke further amplifies that the verse implies a contrasted state where sinners, habitually estranged from God's grace, cannot expect to receive His responsive care or intervention.

Theological Implications

This verse holds weight in theological discussions regarding:

  • The Nature of God: It illustrates God’s holiness and the separation that exists due to sin.
  • Prayer and Divine Favor: True prayer emanates from a heart aligned with divine purposes.
  • The Righteousness of Believers: It emphasizes the need for believers to embody godliness for effective communication with God.

Application to Life

The practical application of John 9:31 extends to the daily life of a believer:

  • Understanding the significance of aligning one's actions and intentions with God's will.
  • Recognizing that seeking God's guidance requires a life reflective of His principles.
  • Acknowledging the importance of repentance and striving towards holiness in one’s life.

Cross References

This verse connects with several other scriptures that echo its themes:

  • Psalm 34:15 - "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry."
  • Proverbs 15:29 - "The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous."
  • Isaiah 59:2 - "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear."

Conclusion

John 9:31 serves as a crucial reminder of the relationship between human righteousness, prayer, and God's responsiveness. As believers seek to deepen their understanding of such scripture through Bible study insights and Scripture analysis, this verse effectively encapsulates fundamental truths about divine interaction and individual spiritual conduct.