John 3:21

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

But {G1161} he that doeth {G4160} truth {G225} cometh {G2064} to {G4314} the light {G5457}, that {G2443} his {G846} deeds {G2041} may be made manifest {G5319}, that {G3754} they are {G2076} wrought {G2038} in {G1722} God {G2316}.

But everyone who does what is true comes to the light, so that all may see that his actions are accomplished through God.”

But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.”

But he that doeth the truth cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest, that they have been wrought in God.

Context of John 3:21

John 3:21 concludes a profound section of Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and ruler of the Jews. This discourse, which began with the necessity of being born again, transitions into the nature of belief and unbelief, and the stark contrast between light and darkness. Verses 19 and 20 explain that people love darkness because their deeds are evil and they do not want their actions exposed. Verse 21 presents the counterpoint: those who embrace truth and light.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Nature of Truth and Deeds: The phrase "he that doeth truth" implies more than intellectual assent to truth; it signifies living a life characterized by integrity, sincerity, and obedience to divine principles. Such a person's actions align with the light, rather than hiding from it. This contrasts sharply with those who prefer darkness because their deeds are evil (John 3:19).
  • Embracing the Light: "Cometh to the light" refers to a willing and open approach to Jesus Christ, who is the spiritual light of the world (John 8:12). It signifies a readiness to have one's life examined and transformed by divine revelation. This act of coming to the light is an act of faith and transparency.
  • Manifestation of Deeds: The purpose of coming to the light is "that his deeds may be made manifest." This manifestation is not for condemnation but for validation. It reveals the true nature of one's actions, distinguishing genuine righteousness from mere outward show or self-righteousness.
  • Divine Empowerment: The most significant aspect is "that they are wrought in God." This indicates that the good deeds performed by those who "do truth" are not products of human effort or merit alone. Instead, they are empowered, initiated, and sustained by God's grace and Spirit. True spiritual deeds are those that originate from and are accomplished through a relationship with God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "wrought in God" translates the Greek ergasmena en Theō (ἐργασμένα ἐν Θεῷ). The word ergasmena refers to things "worked" or "accomplished." The preposition en means "in" or "by." This emphasizes that the actions are not merely done *for* God, but are fundamentally *by* or *through* God's active involvement and power. It highlights the divine origin and empowerment of genuine Christian living, underscoring that our good works are a result of God working within us (Philippians 2:13).

Practical Application

John 3:21 calls believers to a life of transparency and integrity before God. It encourages us not to hide our actions but to live openly in His light, allowing Him to expose any darkness and purify our motives. Our good deeds, when truly "wrought in God," become testimonies to His transforming power rather than our own achievements. This verse reminds us that genuine faith is active, and true spiritual works are always a product of divine grace working through human willingness, leading to a life that honors God and reflects His character.

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 1:6

    If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

  • Psalms 139:23

    Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

  • Psalms 139:24

    And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

  • 3 John 1:11

    Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

  • Ephesians 5:9

    (For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

  • 1 John 4:15

    Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

  • 1 John 4:16

    And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

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