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.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that believeth {G4100} on {G1519} him {G846} is {G2919} not {G3756} condemned {G2919}: but {G1161} he that believeth {G4100} not {G3361} is condemned {G2919} already {G2235}, because {G3754} he hath {G4100} not {G3361} believed {G4100} in {G1519} the name {G3686} of the only begotten {G3439} Son {G5207} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who trust in him are not judged; those who do not trust have been judged already, in that they have not trusted in the one who is God’s only and unique Son.

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 3:18 stands as a pivotal declaration within Jesus' discourse with Nicodemus, delineating the eternal consequences of humanity's response to God's provision of salvation through His Son. It starkly presents two distinct spiritual states: freedom from condemnation for those who believe in Jesus and an immediate, present condemnation for those who refuse to believe in the unique identity and saving work of the only begotten Son of God. This verse underscores the critical and immediate impact of one's faith (or lack thereof) on their standing before a righteous God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into Jesus' profound nocturnal conversation with Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and Jewish leader, as recorded in [John 3](/john/3 "John 3 - Nicodemus and the New Birth"). The dialogue begins with Jesus' assertion of the necessity of being [born again or born from above](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - The Necessity of New Birth") to perceive God's kingdom. Following this foundational truth, Jesus transitions to the expansive declaration of God's universal love for the world, culminating in the renowned [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World"), which reveals God's ultimate sacrifice of His Son for the salvation of all who believe. [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus' Mission to Save") then clarifies Jesus' redemptive mission, stating He came not to condemn but to save. Verse 18 serves as the logical continuation and clarification of this salvific purpose, explicitly defining the conditions for salvation and the inherent state of those who reject it, thereby setting the stage for the subsequent discussion about light and darkness in [John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Light and Darkness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nicodemus, as a "ruler of the Jews" and a Pharisee, represented the religious elite of his time. His background would have steeped him in the Mosaic Law and the expectation of a Messiah, though perhaps one who would bring political liberation rather than spiritual rebirth. The concept of "condemnation" (κρίνω, _krínō_) would have resonated with Jewish legal and theological traditions concerning divine judgment, often associated with the Day of the Lord or the final judgment. However, Jesus' assertion that one "is condemned already" would have been revolutionary, shifting the timing of judgment from a future event to a present reality based on one's response to Him. The phrase "Son of God" carried significant theological weight, often associated with the Messiah, but Jesus' unique use of "only begotten Son" (μονογενής, _monogenḗs_) elevated His identity beyond traditional messianic expectations, implying a unique, unparalleled divine relationship that challenged the strict monotheism of Jewish thought and demanded a profound re-evaluation of divine identity.
* **Key Themes:** John 3:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of John and broader biblical theology. It underscores the theme of **Salvation by Faith**, unequivocally stating that freedom from condemnation is granted solely through belief in Jesus Christ, aligning with the New Testament's emphasis on grace through faith, not works, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Simultaneously, it highlights the **Present Reality of Condemnation for Unbelief**, asserting that those who reject Christ are not merely awaiting future judgment but are already in a state of condemnation, a spiritual reality that precedes the final judgment. This immediate spiritual status is a direct consequence of their rejection of God's ultimate provision. Furthermore, the verse profoundly emphasizes the **Unique and Exclusive Identity of Jesus Christ** as "the only begotten Son of God." His "name" signifies His entire person, authority, and redemptive work, making belief in Him the sole pathway to salvation. This aligns with the exclusive claims of Christ found throughout John's Gospel, such as [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), where Jesus declares Himself to be the only way to the Father.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Believeth (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From G4100, meaning "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 Christ)." This word signifies more than mere intellectual assent; it implies a profound trust, reliance, and commitment to Jesus, entrusting one's eternal destiny to Him. The repeated use of this verb underscores the central role of active, personal faith.
* **Condemned (Greek, _krínō'_):** From G2919, properly meaning "to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish." In this context, it carries the strong connotation of a negative judicial verdict, a sentence of judgment leading to separation from God and eternal consequences. The contrast between "not condemned" and "condemned already" highlights the decisive nature of this judgment.
* **Only begotten (Greek, _monogenḗs'_):** From G3439, meaning "only-born, i.e. sole." This powerful term emphasizes Jesus' unique, singular relationship with the Father. It does not imply that Jesus was created, but rather that He is distinct, one-of-a-kind, and unparalleled in His divine Sonship. This term highlights His unique origin and singular position as God's Son, making Him the exclusive object of saving faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that believeth on him is not condemned:"** This clause presents the glorious truth of salvation by faith. For those who place their trust and belief in Jesus Christ, the verdict is clear: they are not subject to divine judgment. Their faith in Him secures their acquittal and freedom from the condemnation that humanity's sin justly deserves. This is a present reality, not merely a future hope.
* **"but he that believeth not is condemned already,"** This stark contrast reveals the immediate and dire consequence of unbelief. For those who refuse to believe in Jesus, condemnation is not a future event they might face; it is their current spiritual state. Their rejection of God's provision in Christ means they remain under the just judgment for their sin, a judgment that is already in effect.
* **"because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."** This final clause provides the precise reason for the present condemnation: the failure to believe in the "name" of Jesus, who is uniquely identified as "the only begotten Son of God." "The name" signifies His person, His divine authority, His character, and His saving work. To disbelieve in His name is to reject God's ultimate and exclusive means of salvation, thus sealing one's state of condemnation.

#### Literary Devices
John 3:18 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Antithesis** or **Contrast** is the most prominent, setting up a clear opposition between "he that believeth" and "he that believeth not," and their respective outcomes: "is not condemned" versus "is condemned already." This stark juxtaposition emphasizes the binary nature of humanity's spiritual state before God. **Repetition** of key terms like "believeth" and "condemned" reinforces the central actions and their consequences, driving home the verse's core message. Furthermore, the phrase "condemned **already**" serves as a powerful **Emphasis**, highlighting the immediate and present reality of judgment for unbelief, rather than a deferred future event. Finally, the concluding phrase "the **only begotten** Son of God" acts as a form of **Exclusivity**, underscoring Jesus' unique divine identity and singular role as the sole object of saving faith, thereby intensifying the gravity of rejecting Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 3:18 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the nature of salvation and divine judgment. It unequivocally establishes faith in Jesus Christ as the sole means by which humanity can escape condemnation and receive eternal life. This truth is rooted in God's perfect justice and boundless love, as He has provided a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him through His Son. The verse reveals that God's judgment is not arbitrary but is directly tied to one's response to His ultimate revelation in Christ. To reject Christ is to reject the very light and life offered by God, thereby choosing to remain in a state of spiritual darkness and under the just consequences of sin. This underscores the profound responsibility placed upon every individual to respond to the Gospel.

* [Mark 16:16](/mark/16-16 "Mark 16:16 - Belief and Baptism")
* [Romans 3:23-24](/romans/3-23-24 "Romans 3:23-24 - Justification by Grace Through Faith")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 3:18 offers both profound assurance and a solemn warning. For those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, it is a source of immense peace and security, confirming that they are "not condemned" and stand righteous before God through Christ's atoning work. This truth should ignite a deep sense of gratitude and motivate a life lived in joyful obedience and service. Conversely, for those who have not yet believed, the verse serves as an urgent and sobering call to repentance and faith. It clarifies that spiritual condemnation is not a distant threat but a present reality for those outside of Christ, underscoring the critical importance of responding to the Gospel without delay. This passage also compels believers to engage in evangelism with compassion and urgency, understanding the eternal stakes involved in sharing the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, who alone offers escape from this present condemnation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me personally to be "not condemned" through faith in Jesus? How does this truth impact my daily life and sense of security?**
* **How does the idea of being "condemned already" for unbelief challenge or deepen my understanding of God's justice and mercy?**
* **In what ways can I more effectively share the urgency and hope of John 3:18 with those who have not yet believed in Jesus?**
* **How does my understanding of Jesus as "the only begotten Son of God" shape my worship and commitment to Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "condemned already" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "condemned already" (Greek: ἤδη κέκριται, _ḗdē kékritai_) means that for those who do not believe in Jesus Christ, their state of judgment is not a future event but a present reality. It signifies that their spiritual separation from God and their guilt before Him are already established facts because they have rejected God's ultimate provision for salvation in His Son. Their unbelief has sealed their fate, placing them under the righteous wrath of God in the here and now, even before the final judgment. This immediate condemnation underscores the gravity and the present consequences of rejecting Christ, as highlighted by Jesus' words in [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - The Reason for Condemnation").

**Why is belief in Jesus' "name" so important for salvation?**

Answer: In biblical thought, a "name" (Greek: ὄνομα, _ónoma_) represents the full person, character, authority, and reputation of an individual. Therefore, to "believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God" means to place one's complete trust and reliance not merely on a concept or an idea, but on the very person of Jesus Christ—His divine identity, His unique relationship with the Father, His authority as God's Son, and His finished work on the cross. It encompasses believing in who He is and what He has done. This is crucial because Jesus is the exclusive means of salvation, as declared in [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through Jesus' Name"), where Peter states, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 3:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the divine standard by which humanity is judged or justified. As the "only begotten Son of God," Jesus embodies the unique and singular relationship with the Father, making Him the exclusive revelation of God's character and the sole mediator between God and humanity. His coming into the world, as described in [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus' Mission to Save"), was not to condemn, but to offer salvation. Yet, by His very presence, He became the dividing line: belief in Him brings life and freedom from condemnation, while unbelief inherently results in a state of judgment. Jesus, therefore, is not merely the subject of our belief; He is the very embodiment of the judgment and salvation described. His death on the cross absorbed the condemnation that humanity deserved, and His resurrection vindicated Him as the righteous Son of God, offering justification to all who believe. Thus, He is the one appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead, as affirmed in [Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God's Appointed Judge"), and the only way to the Father, as He Himself declared in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). In Christ, the stark reality of John 3:18 is fully realized: He is the one through whom we are either "not condemned" or "condemned already."

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

1 John 5:10

¶ He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

Mark 16:16

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Romans 8:1

¶ [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

John 5:24

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

1 John 5:12

He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

John 3:36

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Romans 5:1

¶ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: