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

JOHN 16:11KJV
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John 16:11 (KJV)

What does John 16:11 mean?

John 16:11 says that judgment is coming because the "prince of this world"—a phrase referring to the devil or Satan—has already been judged. This means that evil's power has been decisively dealt with, and its defeat is certain.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples shortly before his arrest, explaining what the Holy Spirit will do after Jesus leaves. In this verse, Jesus assures them that the final outcome over evil is not in doubt; the ruler of this world has already been condemned in God’s eyes, showing that God’s justice will prevail.

The Greek behind John 16:11

  • "judgment" (κρίσις, krisis): This Greek word means a legal decision or verdict. Here, it points to a decisive act of justice, not just a general sense of judgment.
  • "prince" (ἄρχων, archōn): This term means a ruler or leader. In this context, it refers to the spiritual power behind the world’s opposition to God.
  • "world" (κόσμος, kosmos): This word often means the organized system of human society apart from God. Here, it highlights that the "prince" rules over a world in rebellion.
  • "judged" (κέκριται, kekritai): This verb is in a form that means the judgment has already happened and its effects continue. It stresses that the defeat of the "prince" is not just future but already accomplished in a decisive way.

Why John 16:11 matters

  • John 16:11 clears up the idea that evil is still in control; Jesus says the real power behind evil is already judged, so the outcome is not uncertain.
  • This verse connects to Jesus’ larger teaching about the Holy Spirit’s role: the Spirit will show the world that God’s justice is real and that evil’s defeat is settled.
  • Understanding this verse helps readers see that Jesus’ death and resurrection are not just about personal salvation but also about the cosmic victory over evil.

Where else these words appear

“prince” Greek G758 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Luke 23:13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
  • Acts 4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

“judgment” Greek G2920 · used in 47 verses

  • Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
  • Luke 11:31 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
  • 1 Timothy 5:24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.

“this” Greek G5127 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
  • John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
  • Romans 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

“judged” Greek G2919 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
  • Acts 21:25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?