John 8:47 (KJV)

Passage

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

Nearby Context

John 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

John 8:46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

John 8:47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

John 8:48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

John 8:49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "heareth", "words", and "therefore". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "heareth" and "words", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 46's "Which of you convinceth me of sin..." into verse 48's "Then answered the Jews and said unto...", so "heareth" and "words" belong inside that flow. In John context, the local focus is the identity of Jesus, new birth, eternal life, and belief and unbelief.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "heareth" and "words" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.