John 3:18

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

John 3:18 KJV stands as a powerful declaration of the eternal consequences of belief and unbelief in Jesus Christ. It succinctly presents the two possible spiritual states for humanity, emphasizing the immediate and profound impact of one's response to God's provision of salvation.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' profound discourse with Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, who came to Jesus by night. The conversation begins with Jesus explaining the necessity of being "born again" or "born from above" to see the kingdom of God. Following this, Jesus transitions to the broader concept of God's love for the world, famously stated in John 3:16, which declares that God gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:17 then clarifies that Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. Verse 18 elaborates on this salvation and the condition for it, as well as the alternative.

Key Themes

  • Salvation by Faith: The verse unequivocally states that "He that believeth on him is not condemned." This highlights the central New Testament doctrine that salvation and freedom from divine judgment come through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works or human merit. This concept echoes the assurance found in Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus."
  • Present Condemnation of Unbelief: Conversely, "he that believeth not is condemned already." This is a critical point: condemnation is not merely a future event for those who reject Christ, but a present spiritual reality. Their unbelief has already sealed their judgment, placing them outside the sphere of God's grace and under His righteous wrath.
  • The Uniqueness of Jesus Christ: The reason for condemnation is the failure to believe "in the name of the only begotten Son of God." This emphasizes Jesus' unique divine identity and singular role as the Savior. His "name" represents His person, authority, character, and saving work. To reject Him is to reject God's ultimate provision for salvation, as underscored in Acts 4:12, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "condemned" is krino (κρίνω), which means "to judge" or "to decide." In this context, it carries the force of a negative judgment or sentence, leading to separation from God.
  • "Only begotten" translates monogenes (μονογενής), a powerful term signifying "unique," "one of a kind," or "the only one of its kind." It emphasizes Jesus' unparalleled relationship with the Father, not implying that He was created, but that He is distinct in His divine Sonship.

Practical Application

John 3:18 presents humanity with a stark choice and its immediate spiritual implications. For believers, it offers profound assurance and peace, knowing they are "not condemned." For those who have not yet believed, it serves as a solemn warning and an urgent call to consider their spiritual state. It underscores the critical importance of faith in Jesus Christ as the sole means of escaping divine judgment and receiving eternal life. This verse motivates evangelism, reminding believers of the eternal stakes involved in sharing the good news of Jesus' saving work.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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