John 3:19

Authorized King James Version

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
αὕτη
G3778
this
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#2
δέ
G1161
And
but, and, etc
#3
ἐστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#4
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
κρίσις
G2920
the condemnation
decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)
#6
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#7
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
φῶς·
G5457
light
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
#9
ἐλήλυθεν
G2064
is come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#10
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#11
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
κόσμον
G2889
the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#13
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
ἠγάπησαν
G25
loved
to love (in a social or moral sense)
#15
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἄνθρωποι
G444
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#17
μᾶλλον
G3123
rather
(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather
#18
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
σκότος
G4655
darkness
shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)
#20
ἢ
G2228
than
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#21
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
φῶς·
G5457
light
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
#23
ἦν
G2258
were
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#24
γὰρ
G1063
because
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#25
πονηρὰ
G4190
evil
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
#26
αὐτῶν
G846
their
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
#27
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
ἔργα
G2041
deeds
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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