John 3:19
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Original Language Analysis
αὕτη
this
G3778
αὕτη
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 28
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κρίσις
the condemnation
G2920
κρίσις
the condemnation
Strong's:
G2920
Word #:
5 of 28
decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 28
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φῶς·
light
G5457
φῶς·
light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
8 of 28
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
ἐλήλυθεν
is come
G2064
ἐλήλυθεν
is come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
9 of 28
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 28
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμον
the world
G2889
κόσμον
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
12 of 28
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σκότος
darkness
G4655
σκότος
darkness
Strong's:
G4655
Word #:
19 of 28
shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φῶς·
light
G5457
φῶς·
light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
22 of 28
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
γὰρ
because
G1063
γὰρ
because
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
24 of 28
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πονηρὰ
evil
G4190
πονηρὰ
evil
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
25 of 28
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
26 of 28
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
Cross References
John 8:12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.2 Thessalonians 2:12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.Romans 2:8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,Romans 1:32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.John 12:43For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.John 5:44How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?2 Peter 3:3Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,John 1:4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.Luke 12:47And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
Historical Context
John's Gospel presents Jesus as the Light (1:4-9, 8:12, 9:5). Light imagery dominates the Gospel's symbolism. The coming of light intensifies accountability—now there's no excuse for remaining in darkness. The moral root of unbelief explains why evidence alone doesn't produce faith; hearts must be changed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does moral condition affect the ability to receive spiritual truth?
- Why do people often prefer comfortable darkness to exposing light?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Judgment is explained: 'And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.' Condemnation isn't arbitrary divine decree but response to deliberate choice. Light came; darkness was preferred. The problem is moral, not intellectual—'their deeds were evil.' People don't reject Christ for lack of evidence but because His light exposes their darkness. Preference for darkness reveals moral resistance to truth.