John 3:19
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
this is the condemnation, &c.--emphatically so, revealing the condemnation already existing, and sealing up under it those who will not be delivered from it. light is come into the world--in the Person of Him to whom Nicodemus was listening. loved darkness, &c.--This can only be known by the deliberate rejection of Christ, but that does fearfully reveal it.
Open source ↗In this chapter we have, I. Christ's discourse with Nicodemus, a Pharisee, concerning the great mysteries of the gospel, in which he here privately instructs him (v. 1-21). II. John Baptist's discourse with his disciples concerning Christ, upon occasion of his coming into the neighbourhood where John was (Joh 3:22-36), in which he fairly and faithfully resigns all his honour and interest to him.
Open source ↗3:19-20 When people live in spiritual darkness, they do not desire to be enlightened by Jesus, “the light of the world” (8:12; 9:5). Evil and darkness do not ignore the light; they wage war against it, trying to bring it down. But the darkness cannot extinguish the light (1:5). Those who refuse to believe live in darkness (cp. 13:30) and stumble because they cannot see (11:10). In the end, however, their sins will be exposed (5:28-30; Rev 20:11-15).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.
For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.
How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them.
Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.
That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows.
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.
The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me, because I testify that its works are evil.