Devine Scripture

John 3:21

What does John 3:21 mean?

A plain-English look at John 3:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 3:21 means

In contrast to those who shun the light, this verse describes the one who "doeth the truth." Such a person comes willingly to the light (Jesus) so that their deeds may be "made manifest, that they have been wrought in God." This doesn't mean their works are inherently perfect, but that their intention and source are from God, seeking His approval rather than hiding from His gaze. It signifies an honest, open heart that desires to walk in integrity before God and allow His light to reveal any truth or falsehood in their actions.

John 3:21 in context

John 3 — You Must Be Born Again

By night a Pharisee named Nicodemus comes to Jesus, half-confessing him as a teacher sent from God. Jesus cuts past the compliment: 'except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' Religion will not do; reformation will not do; only a new birth by water and the Spirit. The chapter rises to the most-quoted verse in the Bible — 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son' — and ends with John the Baptist's last public testimony: 'He must increase, but I must decrease.'

  • New birth
  • The Spirit
  • God's love for the world
  • Faith and life

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But he whose life is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his acts have been done by the help of God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but he who is doing the truth doth come to the light, that his works may be manifested, that in God they are having been wrought.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he that doth truth cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest: because they are done in God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but he that practises the truth comes to the light, that his works may be manifested that they have been wrought inGod.

Context

In sharp contrast to the previous verse, which described those who hate the light, this verse presents the positive response of those who "doeth the truth." It completes the explanation of human choice regarding light and darkness, showing the outcome of an honest heart. This concludes Jesus's dialogue with Nicodemus on a note of spiritual integrity, before the narrative shifts to the activities of Jesus’s disciples and John the Baptist.

v.20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, lest his works should be reproved.

v.21This passage

v.22After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judæa; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 5:22

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

  • 2 Corinthians 1:12

    For our glorying is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

  • 3 John 1:11

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

  • Psalms 119:80

    Let my heart be perfect in thy statutes, That I be not put to shame. כ KAPH.

  • Isaiah 8:20

    To the law and to the testimony! if they speak not according to this word, surely there is no morning for them.

  • 1 Peter 1:22

    Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently:

Sermon ideas from John 3:21

Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.

  • What John 3:21 teaches us about new birth

  • What John 3:21 teaches us about the spirit

  • What John 3:21 teaches us about god's love for the world

  • What John 3:21 teaches us about faith and life

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