John 16:11

KJV

Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of {G4012}{G1161} judgment {G2920}, because {G3754} the prince {G758} of this {G5127} world {G2889} is judged {G2919}.

Complete Jewish Bible

about judgment, in that the ruler of this world has been judged.

Berean Standard Bible

and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned.

American Standard Version

of judgment, because the prince of this world hath been judged.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 16:11, part of Jesus' Farewell Discourse, elucidates the Holy Spirit's third convicting work concerning the world: judgment. Jesus reveals that the Spirit will demonstrate to the world the decisive judgment already rendered against "the prince of this world," Satan. This declaration underscores the completed victory of Christ over the forces of darkness, assuring believers of God's ultimate sovereignty and the assured defeat of evil, while simultaneously exposing the world's need for salvation from the dominion of this judged adversary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of Jesus' explanation in [John 16:8-11](/john/16-8-11 "John 16:8-11 - The Spirit's Convicting Work") regarding the Holy Spirit's threefold work of conviction upon "the world." Having promised the Spirit's coming as the "Helper" or "Advocate" in [John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit"), Jesus now details the Spirit's specific mission. First, the Spirit will convict the world "of sin, because they believe not on me" ([John 16:9](/john/16-9 "John 16:9 - Conviction of Sin")). Second, the Spirit will convict "of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more" ([John 16:10](/john/16-10 "John 16:10 - Conviction of Righteousness")). Finally, [John 16:11](/john/16-11 "John 16:11 - Conviction of Judgment") addresses the conviction "of judgment," directly linking it to the judgment of "the prince of this world." This progression reveals a comprehensive spiritual indictment, moving from humanity's fundamental unbelief to Christ's vindication and the ultimate defeat of evil.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In Jewish thought, there was a strong belief in spiritual powers, often personified. The concept of a "prince" or "ruler" of this world (or age) would resonate with the prevalent understanding of a cosmic struggle between good and evil, often associated with angelic or demonic forces. While the Old Testament primarily emphasizes God's singular sovereignty, intertestamental literature and contemporary Jewish beliefs (including some rabbinic traditions) developed ideas about a spiritual adversary, often called Satan or Belial, who held sway over the unregenerate world. Jesus' identification of "the prince of this world" as a distinct entity, who is now judged, directly challenges the perceived dominion of evil and redefines the nature of spiritual authority in light of His impending crucifixion and resurrection. This statement would have been revolutionary, asserting that the spiritual forces behind worldly opposition were not merely powerful, but already defeated.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme in this passage is **The Holy Spirit's Convicting Work**. The Spirit's role is not merely to comfort believers but to actively engage with the unbelieving world, exposing its spiritual blindness and rebellion. This conviction is a divine revelation of truth, intended to lead to repentance and faith in Christ. Another crucial theme is **Satan's Decisive Defeat**. Jesus' declaration that "the prince of this world is judged" signifies a pivotal shift in cosmic authority. This judgment is not a future event but a present reality, decisively accomplished through Christ's redemptive work on the cross, where He disarmed and triumphed over spiritual principalities and powers, as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). This truth underpins the **Sovereignty of God**, demonstrating that despite the temporary influence of evil, God's ultimate authority and justice prevail, assuring believers that the reign of darkness is finite and its end is certain.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prince (Greek, _árchōn'_):** From G758, this word denotes a first in rank or power, a chief ruler, or magistrate. In this context, it refers to Satan, highlighting his dominion and authority over the unregenerate world system, which is characterized by opposition to God and His kingdom. Jesus uses this title for Satan multiple times in John's Gospel ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - The Judgment of the Prince of this World"), [John 14:30](/john/14-30 "John 14:30 - The Prince of this World Has Nothing in Me")), emphasizing his temporary but significant influence.
* **world (Greek, _kósmos'_):** From G2889, this term refers to an orderly arrangement or decoration, but by implication, it signifies the world in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally). Here, "world" (specifically "this world") refers to the fallen human system alienated from God, under the influence of the "prince" (Satan), and characterized by its rejection of Christ. It is not the physical creation, but the realm of human society structured apart from God's will.
* **is judged (Greek, _krínō'_):** From G2919, this verb means to distinguish, decide (mentally or judicially), and by implication, to try, condemn, or punish. The Greek verb used here, *kekritai*, is in the perfect passive indicative tense. This grammatical form is crucial: it signifies a completed action with continuing results. Satan *has been* judged, and that judgment stands as a settled, accomplished fact. This is not a future judgment, but a present reality established by Christ's victory on the cross, which continues to have effect.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of judgment,"**: This phrase introduces the third area of the Holy Spirit's conviction of the world. Following conviction of sin (unbelief) and righteousness (Christ's vindication), the Spirit now brings the world to account regarding the reality of divine judgment. This judgment is not merely a future event but a present truth that the Spirit makes known, exposing the world's spiritual state and its ultimate destiny apart from Christ.
* **"because the prince of this world is judged."**: This clause provides the reason and the object of the judgment. The "prince of this world" is Satan, the spiritual power behind the world's rebellion against God. His judgment is the foundational truth upon which the Spirit's conviction rests. The perfect tense of "is judged" (Greek *kekritai*) signifies a decisive, completed verdict against Satan, primarily rendered through Christ's death and resurrection. This means that Satan's power has been broken, his dominion undermined, and his ultimate defeat secured, even though his final sentencing in the lake of fire is yet to come ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Cast into the Lake of Fire")). The Spirit's work is to reveal this accomplished fact to the world, demonstrating that the kingdom of darkness is already condemned.

#### Literary Devices
The phrase "the prince of this world" serves as a powerful **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, personifying the spiritual force of evil (Satan) that holds sway over the fallen human system apart from God. This title highlights his deceptive authority and influence. The declaration that he "is judged" employs **Proleptic Judgment**, where a future or ultimate judgment is spoken of as already accomplished due to a decisive past event (Christ's cross and resurrection). This creates a sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as the world, under Satan's sway, believes itself to be in control, yet its spiritual ruler has already been condemned. The entire statement functions as a profound **Theological Declaration**, revealing a fundamental truth about the cosmic battle and the decisive victory secured by Christ, which the Holy Spirit now reveals to humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 16:11 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of cosmic conflict and divine triumph. The judgment of "the prince of this world" is a pivotal theological truth, signifying that the decisive battle against evil has already been won through Christ's work on the cross. This is not merely a future hope but a present reality that the Holy Spirit makes known, convicting the world of its allegiance to a defeated foe and revealing the true nature of God's justice and sovereignty. This truth empowers believers, assuring them that they are no longer under the dominion of darkness but have been transferred into the kingdom of God's beloved Son. It underscores the ultimate authority of Christ over all spiritual powers and principalities, providing a foundation for spiritual warfare and confident living in Him.

* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")
* [Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Defeat of the Devil")
* [Revelation 12:10-11](/revelation/12-10-11 "Revelation 12:10-11 - The Accuser Cast Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The truth that "the prince of this world is judged" offers immense comfort, courage, and clarity for believers. In a world that often feels overwhelmed by evil, injustice, and the pervasive influence of sin, this verse reminds us that the ultimate power behind these forces has already been defeated. Satan's dominion is broken, his authority undermined, and his ultimate demise is certain. This knowledge liberates us from fear and empowers us to resist his schemes, knowing that we fight from a position of victory, not for it. The Holy Spirit continues to convict hearts today, revealing this profound truth to a world still held captive by the illusion of Satan's power. For us, this means living with confidence in Christ's triumph, walking in the freedom He secured, and actively participating in His mission to proclaim the good news of a kingdom where the "prince of this world" has no final say. It calls us to discernment, recognizing Satan's ongoing but limited influence, and to rely fully on the Spirit's power to live righteously and advance God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the knowledge that "the prince of this world is judged" impact your understanding of spiritual warfare and your daily walk as a believer?**
* **In what ways does the Holy Spirit convict the world of judgment today, and how can believers participate in this work?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more fully in the freedom and victory that Christ secured over the "prince of this world"?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that "the prince of this world is judged" if evil still seems prevalent?**

Answer: The phrase "is judged" (Greek *kekritai*) uses the perfect passive indicative tense, signifying a completed action with ongoing results. This means that at the cross and resurrection, Jesus decisively defeated Satan and disarmed his power and authority over those who believe in Christ. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers") states that Christ "disarmed the principalities and powers and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in him." While Satan's final, ultimate punishment in the lake of fire is still future ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Cast into the Lake of Fire")), his legal and spiritual authority over humanity was broken by Christ's redemptive work. The prevalence of evil we still observe is due to humanity's continued choice to reject Christ and align with the fallen world system, which is still under Satan's *influence*, though not his *uncontested dominion*. The Holy Spirit's work is to reveal this accomplished judgment, inviting people to step out from under Satan's influence and into Christ's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 16:11 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the cross and resurrection of Jesus. It is through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection that Christ decisively "judged" the "prince of this world." Jesus Himself alluded to this pivotal moment in [John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - The Judgment of the Prince of this World"), declaring, "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out." The cross, which appeared to be Satan's victory, was in fact his ultimate defeat. There, Christ, by taking on human flesh, "might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Defeat of the Devil")). His resurrection further confirmed this victory, demonstrating His absolute authority over sin, death, and the devil. The Holy Spirit, sent by the ascended Christ, now convicts the world of this accomplished judgment, pointing to Jesus as the victorious King who has broken the power of darkness and established His eternal kingdom, inviting all to find refuge and freedom in Him. This truth assures believers that they are no longer slaves to sin or fear, but are new creations in Christ, living under the reign of a King who has already secured the final victory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 12:31

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

1 John 3:8

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Colossians 2:15

[And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Hebrews 2:14

¶ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

John 14:30

Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Revelation 12:7

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,