Joh 7:16-17 | RWP | e4.org | Mine ( εμη ). Possessive pronoun, "not mine in origin." Jesus denies that he is self-taught, though not a schoolman. But his that sent me ( αλλα του πεμψαντος με ). Genitive case of the articular participle (first aorist active of πεμπω ). His teaching is not self-originated nor is it the product of the schools (see the Talmud in contrast with the New Testament). Jesus often in John uses this idiom of "the one who sent me" of the Father ( ; , , , ; , ; , , , etc.). The bold claim is here made by Jesus that his teaching is superior in character and source to that of the rabbis.

‏ John 7:16-17

Mine ( εμη ). Possessive pronoun, "not mine in origin." Jesus denies that he is self-taught, though not a schoolman.

But his that sent me ( αλλα του πεμψαντος με ). Genitive case of the articular participle (first aorist active of πεμπω ). His teaching is not self-originated nor is it the product of the schools (see the Talmud in contrast with the New Testament). Jesus often in John uses this idiom of "the one who sent me" of the Father (4:34; 5:23, 24, 30, 37; 6:38-40, 44; 7:16, 18, 28, etc.). The bold claim is here made by Jesus that his teaching is superior in character and source to that of the rabbis.

If any man willeth to do ( εαν τις θελη ποιειν ). Condition of third class with εαν and present active subjunctive θελη not used as a mere auxiliary verb for the future "will do," but with full force of θελω, to will, to wish. See the same use of θελω in 5:40 "and yet ye are not willing to come" ( κα ου θελετε ελθειν ).

He shall know ( γνωσετα ). Future middle indicative of γινωσκω. Experimental knowledge from willingness to do God's will. See this same point by Jesus in 5:46; 18:37. There must be moral harmony between man's purpose and God's will. "If there be no sympathy there can be no understanding" (Westcott). Atheists of all types have no point of contact for approach to the knowledge of Christ. This fact does not prove the non-existence of God, but simply their own isolation. They are out of tune with the Infinite. For those who love God it is also true that obedience to God's will brings richer knowledge of God. Agnostic and atheistic critics are disqualified by Jesus as witnesses to his claims.

Of God ( εκ του θεου ). Out of God as source.

From myself ( απ' εμαυτου ). Instead of from God.