John 8:47 Meaning: What Does It Mean to Be 'of God'?
He who is of God hears the words of God. For this cause you don’t hear, because you are not of God.”
He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
He that is of God heareth the words of God: for this cause ye hear them not, because ye are not of God.
he who is of God, the sayings of God he doth hear; because of this ye do not hear, because of God ye are not.'
He that is of God hears the words of God: therefore ye hear [them] not, because ye are not of God.
Meaning in one sentence
Jesus says those who are of God hear His words. But what does that mean, and why don't some hear? Discover the heart of this verse.
Context
Jesus is in the temple, speaking with Jewish leaders who claim to be Abraham's children and even God's children. But the conversation keeps turning in a painful direction. Jesus says they cannot understand His speech because they cannot hear His word. Then He puts it plainly: their real father is the devil, a liar from the beginning. Now in verse 47 He draws a line. Being 'of God' means you belong to Him, born of Him, and so you receive His words. The reason they do not hear is that they are not of God. This verse sits at the climax of a debate about true spiritual identity.
Key Words
The Greek word behind 'hears' is akouō, and in John's Gospel it goes far beyond picking up sound with your ears. It means to receive something with understanding and trust, to take it to heart and act on it. When Jesus says people hear God's words, He means they accept them as true and life-giving.
The phrase 'of God' uses the preposition ek, which means 'out from.' It points to origin and source. Being 'of God' means your life comes from Him, like a branch from a vine. This is not just a casual connection; it is a whole new identity.
The word for 'words' is rhēmata, specific spoken declarations. These are not general principles but the very utterances of God through Jesus. This verse is about spiritual family ties. If God is your Father, you will recognize His voice and respond.
How Christians Read This Verse
Calvin saw this as a mark of election: those whom God has chosen will hear Christ's words, and those who reject them show they are not of God. Wesley emphasized the practical side: those who love and fear God will hear with joy and reverence. Gill focused on regeneration: only those born of God have eyes to see and ears to hear. Catholics and Orthodox would emphasize the role of grace working with human freedom. Across traditions, Christians agree that this verse points to the necessity of a transformed heart to truly receive God's word.
A common misunderstanding
Some read this verse as if Jesus is saying only a select few can ever understand God's words, and the rest are hopelessly excluded. In fact, Jesus is addressing people who claimed to belong to God yet rejected His Son. The verse is a diagnostic test, not a final verdict. It calls every reader to ask: do I truly listen to God's words with a willing heart? The reason they did not hear is because they were not of God, but the invitation to become of God is open to all.
Living This Out
This week, pay attention to how you hear Scripture. When you sit down to read the Bible, do you come with a heart that says 'I belong to You, Lord'? Or do you come with resistance, skepticism, or indifference? Jesus says that being of God opens your ears. So before you read, take a breath and pray: 'God, I want to be of You. Help me hear Your words today.' Then read slowly. Notice where your heart resists. That might be where God is speaking most clearly. Let this verse remind you that hearing is not just a skill; it is a sign of belonging.
Main takeaway: When we belong to God, His words find a home in us and shape our lives.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
If you are God's child, you listen when He speaks. The Bible is God speaking to you. When you read it, you show that you belong to Him.
For ages 9, 12
Jesus says that people who belong to God listen to His words. That means if you love God, you'll want to know what He says and do it. But it is easy to hear the words without really listening. This verse challenges you to check your heart: are you open to what God says, even when it is hard? If you are, that is a sign that you truly belong to Him.
Questions People Ask
What does 'of God' mean in John 8:47?
It means having your origin and identity in God, being born of Him through faith. Jesus uses the Greek preposition ek, which means 'out from,' to describe spiritual family ties.
Why did Jesus say the Jewish leaders were not of God?
Because they rejected His words and wanted to kill Him. Their actions showed that their real spiritual father was the devil, not God (John 8:44).
Does John 8:47 mean God chooses some people to hear and others not?
Some Christians, like Calvin, see this as referring to divine election. Others emphasize human responsibility. All agree that hearing God's words requires a heart transformed by grace.
How can I know if I am truly 'of God'?
One test is how you respond to Scripture. Do you listen with a desire to obey? Do you love God's words? That is a sign of being born of God (1 John 4:6).
What is the difference between hearing and listening in this verse?
The Greek word akouō means more than physical hearing; it implies understanding, receiving, and obeying. The Jewish leaders heard Jesus' words with their ears but did not accept them in their hearts.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study