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

JOHN 7:17KJV
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John 7:17 (KJV)

What does John 7:17 mean?

John 7:17 says that anyone who truly wants to do God’s will can recognize whether Jesus’ teaching comes from God or is just his own idea. The verse points out that understanding the source of Jesus’ message depends on a person’s willingness to follow God.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking publicly at the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, responding to people who are questioning his authority and teaching. Jesus explains that knowing whether his teaching is genuinely from God is not just about intellectual analysis, but about a heart ready to obey God. The verse suggests that a sincere desire to do what God wants opens the way to recognizing divine truth.

The Greek behind John 7:17

  • θέλῃ (thelē, "will"): This word means to wish, desire, or intend. Here, it emphasizes that the person’s own willingness or intention is key—knowing the truth is tied to wanting to do God’s will, not just passive interest.
  • ποιεῖν (poiein, "do"): This verb means to do or to act. The verse connects understanding with action, not just belief or knowledge.
  • διδαχή (didachē, "doctrine"): This word means teaching or instruction. Jesus is talking about the content and source of what he teaches, not just abstract ideas.
  • γινώσκειν (ginōskein, "know"): This verb means to know, recognize, or understand. The sense here is a personal, experiential knowledge that comes from a relationship, not just facts.

Why John 7:17 matters

  • John 7:17 clarifies that spiritual understanding is not only for scholars or experts, but for anyone willing to follow God’s will—making the message accessible to all.
  • The verse shows that Jesus invites honest seekers to test his teaching by their own openness to God, rather than just accepting claims at face value.
  • This statement connects to the broader theme in John’s Gospel that true knowledge of God comes through a relationship and willingness, not just outward religious practice or debate.

Where else these words appear

“doctrine” Greek G1322 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
  • John 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

“myself” Greek G1683 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

“will” Greek G2307 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  • Acts 21:14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
  • Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;