The Meaning of John 3:18 Explained

John 3:18

KJV: 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.

YLT: he who is believing in him is not judged, but he who is not believing hath been judged already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Darby: He that believes on him is not judged: but he that believes not has been already judged, because he has not believed on the name of the only-begotten Son of God.

ASV: He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does John 3:18 Mean?

Study Notes

He that
See, John 6:40 ; John 6:47 ; Romans 8:1

Verse Meaning

The person who believes in Jesus escapes condemnation (cf. John 5:24; Romans 8:1). However the person who does not believe in Jesus stands condemned already with no way of escape (cf. John 3:36). The reason for his or her condemnation then becomes his or her failure to believe on the One whom God lovingly and graciously has provided for salvation. Faith is the instrumental means by which we obtain salvation. Failure to exercise faith in Jesus will result in spiritual death just as failure to believe in the brazen serpent resulted in physical death for the Israelites ( Numbers 21:4-9). The difference between belief and unbelief is clear from here on in this Gospel. [1]

Context Summary

John 3:9-21 - Love's Great Gift: Received Or Rejected
Though physically on earth, our Lord was spiritually in touch with the heavenly realities. He was living among them and bore witness to them. Notice that must, John 3:14. He was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, and the divine purpose of redemption would fail unless He fulfilled His part in the eternal compact. That which had been resolved upon before the foundations of the hills were laid must be carried out in all its terrible detail. He must be accounted as a sin offering, and go forth as a scapegoat. He must tread the winepress alone, and pour out His soul unto death. Yet He was not rebellious, nor did He turn back. He rejoiced to do the Father's will. For the joy that was set before Him, He endured the Cross.
Redemption originated in God's great love. Notice the pairs in John 3:16 : God and the Son; loved and gave; the world and whosoever; believe and have; not perish but have life. The judgment is already in process, and the turning point with each who has known the gospel will be his attitude toward the light he has enjoyed. Evil men avoid the light, as an inflamed eye the sun. No true heart fears Christ, and on coming to Him it discovers that unconsciously it has been wrought upon by God. [source]

Chapter Summary: John 3

1  Jesus teaches Nicodemus the necessity of being born again,
14  of faith in his death,
16  the great love of God toward the world,
18  and the condemnation for unbelief
22  Jesus baptizes in Judea
23  The baptism, witness, and doctrine of John concerning Jesus

Greek Commentary for John 3:18

Is not judged [ου κρινεται]
Present passive indicative. Trust in Christ prevents condemnation, for he takes our place and pays the penalty for sin for all who put their case in his hands (Romans 8:32.). The believer in Christ as Saviour does not come into judgment (John 5:24). Hath been judged already Perfect passive indicative of κρινω — krinō Judgment has already been passed on the one who refuses to believe in Christ as the Saviour sent by the Father, the man who is not willing to come to Christ for life (John 5:40). Because he hath not believed Perfect active indicative of πιστευω — pisteuō has taken a permanent attitude of refusal. Here οτι μη — hoti mē states the reason subjectively as the judgment of the Judge in any such case (ο μη πιστευων — ho mē pisteuōn already mentioned) while in 1 John 5:10 οτι ου πεπιστευκεν — hoti ou pepisteuken gives the reason objectively (ου — ou instead of μη — mē) conceived as an actual case and no longer hypothetical. See John 1:12 for εις το ονομα — eis to onoma with πιστευω — pisteuō (believing on the name) and John 1:14 for μονογενους — monogenous (only begotten) and also John 3:16. [source]
Is condemned already [ἤδη κέκριται]
Rev., more correctly, hath been judged already. Unbelief, in separating from Christ, implies judgment. He has been judged in virtue of his unbelief. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 3:18

Luke 7:12 One that was dead [τετνηκως]
Perfect active participle of τνησκω — thnēskō to die.The only son of his mother (μονογενης υιος τηι μητρι αυτο — monogenēs huios tēi mētri autoū). Only begotten son to his mother (dative case). The compound adjective μονογενης — monogenēs (μονος — monos and γενος — genos) is common in the old Greek and occurs in the N.T. about Jesus (John 3:16, John 3:18). The “death of a widow‘s only son was the greatest misfortune conceivable” (Easton).And she was a widow This word χηρα — chēra gives the finishing touch to the pathos of the situation. The word is from χηρος — chēros bereft. The mourning of a widow for an only son is the extremity of grief (Plummer).Much people (οχλος ικανος — ochlos hikanos). Considerable crowd as often with this adjective ικανος — hikanos Some were hired mourners, but the size of the crowd showed the real sympathy of the town for her. [source]
John 1:34 I have seen [εωρακα]
Present perfect active of οραω — horaō John repeats the statement of John 1:32 Have borne witness Perfect active indicative of μαρτυρεω — martureō for which verb see John 1:32. This is the Son of God The Baptist saw the Spirit come on Jesus at his baptism and undoubtedly heard the Father‘s voice hail him as “My Beloved Son” (Mark 1:11; Matthew 3:17; Luke 3:22). Nathanael uses it as a Messianic title (John 1:49) as does Martha (John 11:27). The Synoptics use it also of Christ (Mark 3:11; Matthew 14:33; Luke 22:70). Caiaphas employs it to Christ as a Messianic title (Matthew 26:63) and Jesus confessed under oath that he was (verse Matthew 26:64), thus applying the term to himself as he does in John‘s Gospel (John 5:25; John 10:36; John 11:4) and by implication (the Father, the Son) in Matthew 11:27 (Luke 10:22). Hence in the Synoptics also Jesus calls himself the Son of God. The phrase means more than just Messiah and expresses the peculiar relation of the Son to the Father (John 3:18; John 5:25; John 17:5; John 19:7; John 20:31) like that of the Logos with God in John 1:1. [source]
John 3:16 For so [ουτως γαρ]
This use of γαρ — gar is quite in John‘s style in introducing his comments (John 2:25; John 4:8; John 5:13, etc.). This “Little Gospel” as it is often called, this “comfortable word” (the Anglican Liturgy), while not a quotation from Jesus is a just and marvellous interpretation of the mission and message of our Lord. In John 3:16-21 John recapitulates in summary fashion the teaching of Jesus to Nicodemus. Loved First aorist active indicative of αγαπαω — agapaō the noble word so common in the Gospels for the highest form of love, used here as often in John (John 14:23; John 17:23; 1 John 3:1; 1 John 4:10) of God‘s love for man (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:16; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:4). In John 21:15 John presents a distinction between αγαπαω — agapaō and πιλεω — phileō Αγαπαω — Agapaō is used also for love of men for men (John 13:34), for Jesus (John 8:42), for God (1 John 4:10). The world The whole cosmos of men, including Gentiles, the whole human race. This universal aspect of God‘s love appears also in 2 Corinthians 5:19; Romans 5:8. That he gave The usual classical construction with ωστε — hōste and the indicative (first aorist active) practical result, the only example in the N.T. save that in Galatians 2:13. Elsewhere ωστε — hōste with the infinitive occurs for actual result (Matthew 13:32) as well as purpose (Matthew 10:1), though even this is rare. His only begotten Son “The Son the only begotten.” For this word see note on John 1:14, note on John 1:18; and John 3:18. The rest of the sentence, the purpose clause with ιναεχηι — hina -εις αυτον — echēi precisely reproduces the close of John 3:15 save that εν αυτωι — eis auton takes the place of πιστευων — en autōi (see John 1:12) and goes certainly with εχηι — pisteuōn (not with εν αυτωι — echēi as μη αποληται αλλα — en autōi in John 3:15) and the added clause “should not perish but” The same contrast between “perish” and “eternal life” (for this world and the next) appears also in John 10:28. On “perish” see also John 17:12. [source]
Romans 2:12 Shall be judged [κριθήσονται]
The antithesis shall perish suggests a condemnatory judgment. There is no doubt that the simple κρίνω is used in the New Testament in the sense of condemning. See John 3:18; 2 Thessalonians 2:12; Hebrews 13:4. The change from perish to judge is suggested by by the law. “The Jews alone will be, strictly speaking, subjected to a detailed inquiry such as arises from applying the particular articles of a code” (Godet). Both classes of men shall be condemned; in both the result will be perishing, but the judgment by the law is confined to those who have the law. [source]
Galatians 4:19 My little children [τεκνία μου]
Only here in Paul, but often in John. See John 13:33; 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:12, 1 John 2:28; 1 John 3:7, 1 John 3:18, etc. See on Galatians 3:26. [source]
Hebrews 1:6 The first-begotten [τὸν πρωτότοκον]
Mostly in Paul and Hebrews. Comp. Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15, Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5. Μονογενής only-begotten(John 1:14, John 1:18; John 3:16, John 3:18; 1 John 4:9, never by Paul) describes the unique relation of the Son to the Father in his divine nature: πρωτότοκος first-begottendescribes the relation of the risen Christ in his glorified humanity to man. The comparison implied in the word is not limited to angels. He is the first-born in relation to the creation, the dead, the new manhood, etc. See Colossians 1:15, Colossians 1:18. The rabbinical writers applied the title first-born even to God. Philo (De Confus. Ling. § 14) speaks of the Logos as πρωτόγονος or πρεσβύτατος thefirst-born or eldest son. [source]
Hebrews 9:16 A testament [διατηκη]
The same word occurs for covenant (Hebrews 9:15) and will (Hebrews 9:16). This double sense of the word is played upon also by Paul in Galatians 3:15. We say today “The New Testament” (Novum Testamentum) rather than “ The New Covenant.” Both terms are pertinent. That made it Genitive of the articular second aorist middle participle of διατιτημι — diatithēmi from which διατηκη — diathēkē comes. The notion of will here falls in with κληρονομια — klēronomia (inheritance, 1 Peter 1:4) as well as with τανατος — thanatos (death). Of force Stable, firm as in Hebrews 3:6, Hebrews 3:14. Where there hath been death “In the case of dead people.” A will is only operative then. For doth it ever avail while he that made it liveth? This is a possible punctuation with μη ποτε — mē pote in a question (John 7:26). Without the question mark, it is a positive statement of fact. Aleph and D read τοτε — tote (then) instead of ποτε — pote The use of μη — mē in a causal sentence is allowable (John 3:18, οτι μη — hoti mē). [source]
James 5:19 From the truth [απο της αλητειας]
For truth see James 1:18; James 3:14; John 8:32; 1 John 1:6; 1 John 3:18. It was easy then, and is now, to be led astray from Christ, who is the Truth.And one convert him (και επιστρεπσηι τις αυτον — kai epistrepsēi tis auton). Continuation of the third-class condition with the first aorist active subjunctive of επιστρεπω — epistrephō old verb, to turn (transitive here as in Luke 1:16., but intransitive often as Acts 9:35). [source]
1 John 2:1 My little children [τεκνία μου]
Τεκνίον , little child, diminutive of τέκνον childoccurs in John 8:33; 1 John 2:12, 1 John 2:28; 1 John 3:7, 1 John 3:18; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:21. This particular phrase is found only here (best texts omit my in 1 John 3:18). Used as a term of affection, or possibly with reference to the writer's advanced age. Compare Christ's word, παιδία children(John 21:5) which John also uses (1 John 2:13, 1 John 2:18). In the familiar story of John and the young convert who became a robber, it is related that the aged apostle repaired to the robber's haunt, and that the young man, on seeing him, took to flight. John, forgetful of his age, ran after him, crying: “O my son why dost thou fly from me thy father? Thou, an armed man, - I, an old, defenseless one! Have pity upon me! My son, do not fear! There is still hope of life for thee. I wish myself to take the burden of all before Christ. If it is necessary, I will die for thee, as Christ died for us. Stop! Believe! It is Christ who sends me.” [source]
1 John 2:1 My little children [τεκνια μου]
Tender tone with this diminutive of τεκνον — teknon (child), again in 1 John 2:12; 1 John 3:18, but παιδια — paidia in 1 John 2:14. John is now an old man and regards his readers as his little children. That attitude is illustrated in the story of his visit to the robber to win him to Christ. [source]
1 John 3:23 That [ινα]
Subfinal use of ινα — hina in apposition with εντολη — entolē (commandment) and explanatory of it, as in John 15:12 See Christ‘s summary of the commandments (Mark 12:28-31; Matthew 22:34-40).So these two points here (1) We should believe (πιστευσωμεν — pisteusōmen first aorist active subjunctive according to B K L, though Aleph A C read the present subjunctive πιστευωμεν — pisteuōmen) either in a crisis (aorist) or the continuous tenor (present) of our lives. The “name” of Jesus Christ here stands for all that he is, “a compressed creed” (Westcott) as in 1 John 1:3. Note dative ονοματι — onomati here with πιστευω — pisteuō as in 1 John 5:10, though εις ονομα — eis onoma (on the name) in 1 John 5:13; John 1:12; John 2:23; John 3:18.But (2) we should love one another” There are frequent points of contact between this Epistle and the words of Jesus in John 13-17. [source]
1 John 3:23 We should believe [πιστευσωμεν]
(πιστευσωμεν — pisteusōmen first aorist active subjunctive according to B K L, though Aleph A C read the present subjunctive πιστευωμεν — pisteuōmen) either in a crisis (aorist) or the continuous tenor (present) of our lives. The “name” of Jesus Christ here stands for all that he is, “a compressed creed” (Westcott) as in 1 John 1:3. Note dative ονοματι — onomati here with πιστευω — pisteuō as in 1 John 5:10, though εις ονομα — eis onoma (on the name) in 1 John 5:13; John 1:12; John 2:23; John 3:18. [source]
1 John 5:10 In him [εν αυτωι]
“In himself,” though the evidence is not decisive between αυτωι — hautōi and αυτωι — autōi made Perfect active indicative of ποιεω — poieō like μεμαρτυρηκεν — memarturēken and πεπιστευκεν — pepisteuken permanent state.A liar (πσευστην — pseustēn). As in 1 John 1:10, which see.Because he hath not believed Actual negative reason with negative ου — ou not the subjective reason as in John 3:18, where we have οτι μη πεπιστευκεν — hoti mē pepisteuken). The subjective negative is regular with ο μη πιστευων — ho mē pisteuōn Relative clause here repeats close of 1 John 5:9. [source]
1 John 5:10 Because he hath not believed [οτι ου πεπιστευκεν]
Actual negative reason with negative ου — ou not the subjective reason as in John 3:18, where we have οτι μη πεπιστευκεν — hoti mē pepisteuken). The subjective negative is regular with ο μη πιστευων — ho mē pisteuōn Relative clause here repeats close of 1 John 5:9. [source]

What do the individual words in John 3:18 mean?

The [one] believing on Him not is judged but not already has been judged because he has believed in the name of the only begotten Son - of God
πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν οὐ κρίνεται ‹δὲ› μὴ ἤδη κέκριται ὅτι πεπίστευκεν εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ μονογενοῦς Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ

  The  [one] 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
πιστεύων  believing 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: πιστεύω  
Sense: to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in.
κρίνεται  is  judged 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: κρίνω  
Sense: to separate, put asunder, to pick out, select, choose.
ἤδη  already 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἤδη  
Sense: now, already.
κέκριται  has  been  judged 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: κρίνω  
Sense: to separate, put asunder, to pick out, select, choose.
ὅτι  because 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ὅτι  
Sense: that, because, since.
πεπίστευκεν  he  has  believed 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: πιστεύω  
Sense: to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in.
ὄνομα  name 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: ὄνομα  
Sense: name: univ.
τοῦ  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
μονογενοῦς  only  begotten 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: μονογενής  
Sense: single of its kind, only.
Υἱοῦ  Son 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: υἱός  
Sense: a son.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεοῦ  of  God 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.