John 3:18
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πεπίστευκεν
He that believeth
G4100
πεπίστευκεν
He that believeth
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
2 of 23
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
9 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πεπίστευκεν
He that believeth
G4100
πεπίστευκεν
He that believeth
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
10 of 23
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
13 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
14 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πεπίστευκεν
He that believeth
G4100
πεπίστευκεν
He that believeth
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
15 of 23
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα
the name
G3686
ὄνομα
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
18 of 23
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοῦ
Son
G5207
υἱοῦ
Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
21 of 23
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
1 John 5:10He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.Mark 16:16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.Romans 8:1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.John 5:24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.1 John 5:12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.Romans 5:1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:1 John 4:9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.Romans 8:34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.John 20:31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Historical Context
This verse clarifies the judgment theme. All humanity stands condemned under sin (Romans 3:23, 5:12). Faith in Christ delivers from this condemnation (Romans 8:1). Rejection of Christ confirms and seals condemnation. The 'only begotten Son' emphasizes Christ's uniqueness—there is no alternative savior.
Questions for Reflection
- How is condemnation a present state rather than merely a future event?
- Why is unbelief the ultimate condemning sin?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
A stark division emerges: 'He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.' Present tense 'is not condemned' and 'is condemned' show judgment as present reality, not merely future event. Unbelief is the condemning sin—not because other sins don't matter, but because unbelief rejects the only remedy for all sins. Humanity enters the world 'condemned already'; faith in Christ is the only escape.