John 9:31 (KJV)

What does John 9:31 mean?

John 9:31 states that God does not listen to sinners, but God listens to anyone who worships Him and does His will. The verse draws a line between those who are living in opposition to God and those who seek to honor and obey Him, saying God hears the prayers of the latter.

In this scene, a man who was born blind and has just been healed by Jesus is speaking to a group of religious leaders. He is responding to their skepticism about Jesus by pointing out a common belief of the time: that God responds to those who are faithful and obedient. The verse reflects the man’s reasoning that Jesus must be from God, since his prayer for healing was answered.

The Greek behind John 9:31

• The word for "sinners" is ἁμαρτωλούς (hamartōlous), which means people who are habitually doing wrong or living in opposition to God. This highlights that the focus is on those persistently rejecting God's ways, not just anyone who makes a mistake.
• The phrase "doeth his will" uses ποιεῖ (poiei), meaning to actively do or carry out. This stresses that God hears those who are not just worshipers in name, but who actually live out God's desires.
• The word "heareth" is ἀκούει (akouei), which means to listen or pay attention to. In this context, it implies more than just hearing sounds—it suggests responding favorably.

Why John 9:31 matters

• This verse clarifies a common belief in Jesus’ time: that God is attentive to those who sincerely seek Him and live according to His will, not to those who persistently reject Him.
• The statement is part of the healed man’s argument that Jesus could not have performed such a miracle unless God was with Him, connecting Jesus’ actions to God’s approval.
• It helps explain the logic behind the man’s defense of Jesus, showing how the people of that era understood the relationship between obedience, worship, and answered prayer.