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King James Bible - John 7:17

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SEV Biblia, Chapter 7:17

El que quisiere hacer su voluntad, conocer� de la doctrina si viene de Dios, o si yo hablo de mí mismo.

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Clarke's Bible Commentary - John 7:17

Verse 17. If any man wilt do his will, &c.] I will give you a sure rule by which ye may judge of my doctrine: If you really wish to do the will of God, begin the practice of it; and take my doctrine, and apply it to all that you know God requires of man; and if you find one of my precepts contrary to the nature, perfections, and glory of God, or to the present or eternal welfare of men, then ye shall be at liberty to assert that my doctrine is human and erroneous, and God has not sent me. But if, on the contrary, ye find that the sum and substance of my preaching is, That men shall love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and their neighbour as themselves; and that this doctrine must bring glory to God in the highest, while it produces peace and good will among men; then acknowledge that God has visited you, and receive me as the Messiah promised to your fathers.

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John Gill's Bible Commentary

Ver. 17. If any man will do his will , etc.] Meaning, not one that perfectly fulfils the law, which is the good, and perfect, and acceptable will of God; for there is no man that does this, or can do it; nor is it so said here, �if any man do his will�, but �if any man will do� it; that is, is desirous of doing it; who has it wrought in him both to will and do, of the good pleasure of God, by his grace and Spirit; with whom to will is present, though, he has not power to perform, and so is a spiritual man; and who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, which is one branch of the will of God; and who depends upon the Spirit and grace of God, and acts from a principle of love to God, and in the exercise of faith on Christ: he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of myself ; not a man of mere natural knowledge and learning, or a man of theory and speculation, is a judge of doctrine; but he that leans not to his own understanding, and implores the assistance of the Divine Spirit, and who is for reducing doctrine into practice: he knows by the efficacy of the doctrine upon his heart, and the influence it has on his life and conversation; by its coming not in word only, but in power; and by its working effectually in him, whether it is divine or human, of God or of man.

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Matthew Henry Commentary

Verses 14-24 - Every faithful minister may humbly adopt Christ's words. His doctrin is not his own finding out, but is from God's word, through the teaching of his Spirit. And amidst the disputes which disturb the world, if any man, of any nation, seeks to do the will of God, he shal know whether the doctrine is of God, or whether men speak of themselves. Only those who hate the truth shall be given up to error which will be fatal. Surely it was as agreeable to the design of the sabbath to restore health to the afflicted, as to administer an outwar rite. Jesus told them to decide on his conduct according to the spiritual import of the Divine law. We must not judge concerning any by their outward appearance, but by their worth, and by the gifts an graces of God's Spirit in them.

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Greek Textus Receptus

εαν 1437 COND τις 5100 X-NSM θελη 2309 5725 V-PAS-3S το 3588 T-ASN θελημα 2307 N-ASN αυτου 846 P-GSM ποιειν 4160 5721 V-PAN γνωσεται 1097 5695 V-FDI-3S περι 4012 PREP της 3588 T-GSF διδαχης 1322 N-GSF ποτερον 4220 ADV-I εκ 1537 PREP του 3588 T-GSM θεου 2316 N-GSM εστιν 2076 5748 V-PXI-3S η 2228 PRT εγω 1473 P-1NS απ 575 PREP εμαυτου 1683 F-1GSM λαλω 2980 5719 V-PAI-1S

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Vincent's NT Word Studies

17. Will do his will (qelh to qelhma autou poiein). This is a notable illustration of the frequent blunder of the A.V. in rendering qelein, to will or determine, as a mere auxiliary verb. By overlooking the distinct meaning of the verb to will, and resolving willeth to do into will do, it sacrifices the real force of the passage. Jesus says, if it be one's will to do; if his moral purpose is in sympathy with the divine will.

He shall know. Sympathy with the will of God is a condition of understanding it.

Of God (ek tou Qeou). Better, from; proceeding out of.

Of myself (ap emautou). Of myself is misleading, being commonly understood to mean concerning myself. Rev., correctly, from myself; without union with the Father. Compare v. 30.