What is the meaning of John 9:31? We know The formerly blind man begins with a shared conviction: “we know.” • His statement appeals to common, settled truth among God-fearing Jews (cf. John 3:2; Romans 1:19). • Certainty about God’s character is encouraged throughout Scripture: “These things I have written to you who believe… so that you may know” (1 John 5:13-15). • Confidence in what God has revealed undergirds effective prayer (Hebrews 4:16). that God does not listen to sinners The point is not that God is unaware of unbelievers but that He refuses favorable, covenant-answering attention to those who persist in rebellion. • Psalm 66:18—“If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” • Proverbs 15:29—“The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.” • Isaiah 59:2—Unconfessed sin “separates you from your God… so that He does not hear.” God does, however, hear a sinner’s cry of repentance (Luke 18:13-14), confirming that the issue is unrepentant sin. but He does listen A sharp contrast—God gladly turns attentive ear toward another category of person. • 1 Peter 3:12—“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer.” • John 14:13-14—Jesus promises answered prayer to His followers who ask in His name. • 1 John 5:14-15—Confidence is grounded in asking “according to His will.” to the one who worships Him True worship—adoring reverence and trust—opens the way to divine audience. • John 4:23-24—The Father seeks those who “worship in spirit and truth.” • Psalm 145:18—“The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” • Hebrews 11:6—Faith that “He exists and rewards” is essential to approach Him. and does His will Obedience validates worship; prayer and practice must align. • John 14:21—“Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” • James 1:22—Be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • 1 John 3:22—“Whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight.” summary John 9:31 affirms a timeless principle: God refuses covenant blessings to the unrepentant yet eagerly attends to those who revere Him and order their lives by His will. Worship joined with obedience enjoys God’s ready ear and gracious response, a truth both the healed man and every believer can stand on with confidence. |
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