Devine Scripture

John 16:11

What does John 16:11 mean?

A plain-English look at John 16:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 16:11 means

The Spirit convicts concerning judgment because the prince of this world has been judged. Jesus declares that the decisive verdict has already fallen on the evil ruler who drives the world’s rebellion. The cross and resurrection mark his defeat. Therefore, judgment is not a vague future fear but a present reality announced by the Spirit. This exposes the world’s alignment with a condemned leader and summons people to switch allegiance. It also encourages disciples: the opposition they face is led by one already sentenced. The Spirit’s witness thus both warns and comforts, insisting that God’s justice has broken in and that the apparent triumphs of evil are temporary and hollow.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Of being judged, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world hath been judged.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And of judgment: because the prince of this world is already judged.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

Context

This completes the triad begun in verse 8. After naming unbelief and true righteousness, Jesus points to the devil’s judgment as the ground for the Spirit’s message about judgment. This anticipates the chapter’s climax, where Jesus proclaims, “I have overcome the world.” Before He turns to the Spirit’s guidance of the disciples, He solidifies their confidence: the enemy is judged. Next, Jesus addresses the disciples’ limited capacity and promises progressive guidance into truth.

v.10of righteousness, because I go to the Father, and ye behold me no more;

v.11This passage

v.12I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 17:30

    The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent:

  • Hebrews 6:2

    of the teaching of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

  • Genesis 3:15

    and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

  • Hebrews 2:14

    Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

  • Romans 14:10

    But thou, why dost thou judge thy brother? or thou again, why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of God.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:4

    in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them.

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