For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

JOHN 3:20KJV
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John 3:20 (KJV)

What does John 3:20 mean?

John 3:20 says that anyone who does evil avoids the light because they do not want their actions to be exposed and corrected. The verse explains that people who act wrongly prefer to stay hidden, fearing that coming into the light will reveal and challenge what they have done.

In this part of John’s Gospel, Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus, a Jewish leader, about spiritual truths. The “light” refers to truth, goodness, or even Jesus himself, while “evil” means actions that go against what is right. The verse highlights the natural tendency for people to hide wrongdoing rather than face honest examination.

The Greek behind John 3:20

  • φῶς (phōs) — “light”: This word is used twice in the verse and often represents truth, goodness, or God’s presence. Here, it emphasizes the idea of openness and exposure.
  • ἐλέγχω (elenchō) — “reproved”: This word means to expose, convict, or show something to be wrong. The verse suggests that people avoid the light because they do not want their actions to be shown as wrong or to be corrected.
  • μισεῖ (misei) — “hateth”: This word is strong, meaning more than simple dislike. It implies active rejection or hostility toward the light, showing a deliberate choice to stay away from truth.

Why John 3:20 matters

  • John 3:20 clarifies that the reason people avoid Jesus or the truth is not always ignorance, but sometimes a desire to keep their actions hidden.
  • The verse helps explain the contrast between those who seek truth and those who resist it, which is a key theme in Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus.
  • Understanding this verse sheds light on the broader message of John 3, where Jesus talks about spiritual rebirth and the difference between living in darkness and coming into the light.

Where else these words appear

“evil” Greek G5337 · used in 4 verses

  • John 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
  • Titus 2:8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
  • James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

“reproved” Greek G1651 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
  • Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

“doeth” Greek G4238 · used in 36 verses

  • Luke 3:13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
  • Acts 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
  • Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

“hateth” Greek G3404 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • Luke 19:14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.
  • Ephesians 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: