King James Version

What Does John 3:19 Mean?

John 3:19 in the King James Version says “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their... — study this verse from John chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 3:19 · KJV


Context

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

21

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does moral condition affect the ability to receive spiritual truth?
  2. Why do people often prefer comfortable darkness to exposing light?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
αὕτη1 of 28

this

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

δέ2 of 28

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐστιν3 of 28

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

4 of 28
G3588

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

κρίσις5 of 28

the condemnation

G2920

decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

ὅτι6 of 28

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τὸ7 of 28
G3588

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

φῶς·8 of 28

light

G5457

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

ἐλήλυθεν9 of 28

is come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἰς10 of 28

into

G1519

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

τὸν11 of 28
G3588

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

κόσμον12 of 28

the world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

καὶ13 of 28

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἠγάπησαν14 of 28

loved

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

οἱ15 of 28
G3588

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

ἄνθρωποι16 of 28

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

μᾶλλον17 of 28

rather

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

τὸ18 of 28
G3588

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

σκότος19 of 28

darkness

G4655

shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)

20 of 28

than

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τὸ21 of 28
G3588

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

φῶς·22 of 28

light

G5457

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

ἦν23 of 28

were

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

γὰρ24 of 28

because

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

πονηρὰ25 of 28

evil

G4190

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

αὐτῶν26 of 28

their

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

τὰ27 of 28
G3588

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

ἔργα28 of 28

deeds

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act


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 3:19 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 3:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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