King James Version

What Does John 3:18 Mean?

John 3:18 in the King James Version says “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed ... — study this verse from John chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 3:18 · KJV


Context

16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

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.

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.

20

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. reproved: or, discovered


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How is condemnation a present state rather than merely a future event?
  2. Why is unbelief the ultimate condemning sin?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
1 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πεπίστευκεν2 of 23

He that believeth

G4100

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

εἰς3 of 23

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

αὐτὸν4 of 23

him

G846

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

οὐ5 of 23

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

κέκριται6 of 23

condemned

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

7 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ8 of 23

but

G1161

but, and, etc

μὴ9 of 23

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πεπίστευκεν10 of 23

He that believeth

G4100

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

ἤδη11 of 23

already

G2235

even now

κέκριται12 of 23

condemned

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

ὅτι13 of 23

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

μὴ14 of 23

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πεπίστευκεν15 of 23

He that believeth

G4100

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

εἰς16 of 23

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ17 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄνομα18 of 23

the name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

τοῦ19 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μονογενοῦς20 of 23

of the only begotten

G3439

only-born, i.e., sole

υἱοῦ21 of 23

Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ22 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ23 of 23

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 3:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 3:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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