John 3:20
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πράσσων
that doeth
G4238
πράσσων
that doeth
Strong's:
G4238
Word #:
5 of 20
to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,
μισεῖ
hateth
G3404
μισεῖ
hateth
Strong's:
G3404
Word #:
6 of 20
to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φῶς
the light
G5457
φῶς
the light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
8 of 20
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
καὶ
neither
G2532
καὶ
neither
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐκ
G3756
ἔρχεται
cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
11 of 20
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
12 of 20
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φῶς
the light
G5457
φῶς
the light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
14 of 20
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
16 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 7:7The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.Proverbs 4:18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.Proverbs 1:29For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:Psalms 50:17Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee.1 Kings 22:8And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
Historical Context
This principle explains resistance to the gospel across all ages. People don't merely disagree with Christianity intellectually; they resist it morally because it exposes their sin. Conviction is uncomfortable; exposure is threatening. Only those willing to have their sin exposed will come to the light.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of life are you tempted to keep from Christ's exposing light?
- How does understanding moral resistance help in evangelism?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.' This explains why people reject Christ despite sufficient evidence. Evil deeds cause hatred of light because light exposes. Coming to Christ means exposure of sin—a prospect evil-doers flee. The verb 'reproved' (elencho) means to bring to light, to expose, to convict. Light is threatening to those with something to hide.