CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 3:20 Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/3-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/43_Jhn_03_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 3:20 - For God So Loved" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/john/3-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/john/3-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/john/">John</a> > <a href="/john/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/3-19.htm" title="John 3:19">◄</a> John 3:20 <a href="/john/3-21.htm" title="John 3:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/john/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/john/3.htm">New International Version</a> Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. <a href="/nlt/john/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. <a href="/esv/john/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. <a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. <a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For everyone practicing evil hates the Light and does not come to the Light, so that his works may not be exposed; <a href="/kjv/john/3.htm">King James Bible</a> For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. <a href="/nkjv/john/3.htm">New King James Version</a> For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. <a href="/nasb_/john/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, so that his deeds will not be exposed. <a href="/nasb/john/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. <a href="/nasb77/john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. <a href="/lsb/john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light lest his deeds be exposed. <a href="/amp/john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For every wrongdoer hates the Light, and does not come to the Light [but shrinks from it] for fear that his [sinful, worthless] activities will be exposed and condemned. <a href="/csb/john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. <a href="/hcsb/john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. <a href="/asv/john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, lest his works should be reproved. <a href="/cev/john/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> People who do evil hate the light and won't come to the light, because it clearly shows what they have done. <a href="/erv/john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> For every one that doeth ill hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, lest his works should be reproved. <a href="/gwt/john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> People who do what is wrong hate the light and don't come to the light. They don't want their actions to be exposed. <a href="/gnt/john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> Those who do evil things hate the light and will not come to the light, because they do not want their evil deeds to be shown up. <a href="/isv/john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Everyone who practices wickedness hates the light and does not come to the light, so that his actions may not be exposed. <a href="/msb/john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. <a href="/net/john/3.htm">NET Bible</a> For everyone who does evil deeds hates the light and does not come to the light, so that their deeds will not be exposed. <a href="/nheb/john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, so that his works will not be exposed. <a href="/wbt/john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. <a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For every wrongdoer hates the light, and does not come to the light, for fear his actions should be exposed and condemned. <a href="/web/john/3.htm">World English Bible</a> For everyone who does evil hates the light and doesn’t come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for everyone who is doing wicked things hates the light, and does not come into the light, that his works may not be detected; <a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For everyone practicing evil hates the Light and does not come to the Light, so that his works may not be exposed; <a href="/ylt/john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for every one who is doing wicked things hateth the light, and doth not come unto the light, that his works may not be detected; <a href="/slt/john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For every one doing bad things hates the light, and he comes not to the light, lest his works should be rebuked.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For every one that doth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, that his works may not be reproved. <a href="/cpdv/john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For everyone who does evil hates the Light and does not go toward the Light, so that his works may not be corrected. <a href="/nabre/john/3.htm">New American Bible</a> For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. <a href="/nrsvce/john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For every one who does detested things hates the light, and he does not come to the light, because his works cannot be covered. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For everyone who does what is hateful, hates The Light and does not come to The Light, lest his works should be convicted.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For every one that does evil, hates the light, and comes not to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. <a href="/godbey/john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>For every one doing evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, in order that his works may not be convicted;<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For every one whose practices are foul hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, that his actions may not be brought to conviction. <a href="/mace/john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for every one that doth evil, hateth the light, and shunneth the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. <a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For every wrongdoer hates the light, and does not come to the light, for fear his actions should be exposed and condemned. <a href="/worrell/john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>For every one that practices evil hates the Light, and comes not to the Light, lest his works should be reproved;<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>For every one that doth evil, hateth the light; and he cometh not to the light, least his deeds should be reproved.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/3-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=764" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">For God So Loved</a> …19And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. 20<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pas (Adj-NMS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">Everyone</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who</a> <a href="/greek/4238.htm" title="4238: prassōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require. ">does</a> <a href="/greek/5337.htm" title="5337: phaula (Adj-ANP) -- Worthless, wicked, base. Apparently a primary word; foul or flawy, i.e. wicked.">evil</a> <a href="/greek/3404.htm" title="3404: misei (V-PIA-3S) -- To hate, detest, love less, esteem less. From a primary misos; to detest; by extension, to love less.">hates</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5457.htm" title="5457: phōs (N-ANS) -- Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.">Light,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">does not</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: erchetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To come, go. ">come</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">into</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5457.htm" title="5457: phōs (N-ANS) -- Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.">Light</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">for fear that</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-NNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: erga (N-NNP) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">deeds</a> <a href="/greek/1651.htm" title="1651: elenchthē (V-ASP-3S) -- (a) I reprove, rebuke, discipline, (b) I expose, show to be guilty. Of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish.">will be exposed.</a> 21But 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.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Ephesians 5:11-13</a> Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. / For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. / But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself. <a href="/romans/13-12.htm">Romans 13:12</a> The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. <a href="/1_john/1-6.htm">1 John 1:6-7</a> If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. <a href="/1_john/2-9.htm">1 John 2:9-11</a> If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness. / Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him. / But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. <a href="/proverbs/4-19.htm">Proverbs 4:19</a> But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. <a href="/job/24-13.htm">Job 24:13-17</a> Then there are those who rebel against the light, not knowing its ways or staying on its paths. / When daylight is gone, the murderer rises to kill the poor and needy; in the night he is like a thief. / The eye of the adulterer watches for twilight. Thinking, ‘No eye will see me,’ he covers his face. ... <a href="/isaiah/29-15.htm">Isaiah 29:15</a> Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?” <a href="/isaiah/30-1.htm">Isaiah 30:1</a> “Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:5-8</a> For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. / So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. / For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/4-3.htm">2 Corinthians 4:3-4</a> And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. / The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14</a> Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? <a href="/micah/3-2.htm">Micah 3:2</a> You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. <a href="/amos/5-10.htm">Amos 5:10</a> There are those who hate the one who reproves in the gate and despise him who speaks with integrity. <a href="/psalms/36-1.htm">Psalm 36:1-4</a> For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD. An oracle is in my heart regarding the transgression of the wicked man: There is no fear of God before his eyes. / For his eyes are too full of conceit to detect or hate his own sin. / The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing. ... <a href="/psalms/82-5.htm">Psalm 82:5</a> They do not know or understand; they wander in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For every one that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.every.<a href="/john/7-7.htm">John 7:7</a> The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.<a href="/1_kings/22-8.htm">1 Kings 22:8</a> And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.<a href="/job/24-13.htm">Job 24:13-17</a> They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof… reproved.<a href="/ephesians/5-12.htm">Ephesians 5:12,13</a> For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/11-48.htm">Actions</a> <a href="/john/3-19.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/luke/20-23.htm">Detected</a> <a href="/john/3-19.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-16.htm">Exposed</a> <a href="/luke/24-37.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/luke/21-17.htm">Hated</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-14.htm">Hates</a> <a href="/luke/14-26.htm">Hateth</a> <a href="/john/3-19.htm">Light</a> <a href="/luke/23-40.htm">Reproved</a> <a href="/ezekiel/11-25.htm">Shewn</a> <a href="/john/3-19.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/john/3-19.htm">Works</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-9.htm">Wrongdoer</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/3-21.htm">Actions</a> <a href="/john/3-21.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Detected</a> <a href="/john/5-29.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/acts/7-21.htm">Exposed</a> <a href="/john/5-14.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/john/7-7.htm">Hated</a> <a href="/john/7-7.htm">Hates</a> <a href="/john/7-7.htm">Hateth</a> <a href="/john/3-21.htm">Light</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-24.htm">Reproved</a> <a href="/john/10-32.htm">Shewn</a> <a href="/acts/2-23.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/john/3-21.htm">Works</a> <a href="/john/18-30.htm">Wrongdoer</a><div class="vheading2">John 3</div>1. <a href="/john/3-1.htm">Jesus teaches Nicodemus the necessity of being born again,</a> 14. <a href="/john/3-14.htm">of faith in his death,</a> 16. <a href="/john/3-16.htm">the great love of God toward the world,</a> 18. <a href="/john/3-18.htm">and the condemnation for unbelief.</a> 22. <a href="/john/3-22.htm">Jesus baptizes in Judea.</a> 23. <a href="/john/3-23.htm">The baptism, witness, and doctrine of John concerning Jesus.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Everyone who does evil This phrase refers to those who practice sin and live in opposition to God's commandments. In biblical context, "evil" is often associated with actions that are contrary to God's nature and will. The concept of evil is rooted in the fall of man (Genesis 3), where sin entered the world through Adam and Eve's disobedience. Throughout Scripture, evil is depicted as a force that corrupts and separates humanity from God (<a href="/isaiah/59-2.htm">Isaiah 59:2</a>).hates the Light The "Light" symbolizes Jesus Christ, who is described as the "Light of the world" (<a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>). In the prologue of John's Gospel, Jesus is introduced as the true Light that gives light to everyone (<a href="/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9</a>). The hatred of the Light by those who do evil reflects the spiritual conflict between darkness and light, a theme prevalent in John's writings. This enmity is rooted in the natural human inclination to resist divine truth and righteousness (<a href="/romans/8-7.htm">Romans 8:7</a>).and does not come into the Light This phrase indicates a deliberate choice to avoid exposure to the truth and holiness of Christ. The refusal to come into the Light is a rejection of the opportunity for repentance and transformation. In the cultural context of the time, light was associated with knowledge, purity, and divine presence, while darkness symbolized ignorance and sin. The reluctance to approach the Light underscores the human tendency to hide from God, as seen in Adam and Eve's response to their sin (<a href="/genesis/3-8.htm">Genesis 3:8</a>).for fear that his deeds will be exposed The fear of exposure highlights the convicting power of the Light, which reveals the true nature of one's actions and intentions. This fear is rooted in the awareness of guilt and the potential for judgment. The concept of exposure is linked to the idea of divine judgment, where all hidden things will be brought to light (<a href="/ecclesiastes/12-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:14</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">1 Corinthians 4:5</a>). The exposure of deeds is not only a revelation of sin but also an invitation to repentance and redemption through Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, Jesus is explaining the nature of light and darkness to Nicodemus, a Pharisee. 2. <a href="/topical/n/nicodemus.htm">Nicodemus</a> A Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council who comes to Jesus at night to seek understanding. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_light.htm">The Light</a> Symbolically represents Jesus and the truth of God, which exposes sin and darkness. 4. <a href="/topical/e/evil_deeds.htm">Evil Deeds</a> Actions that are contrary to God's will and are done in darkness to avoid exposure. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_world.htm">The World</a> The broader context in which this conversation takes place, representing humanity's fallen state and need for redemption.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_light_and_darkness.htm">The Nature of Light and Darkness</a> Light represents truth, purity, and the presence of God. Darkness symbolizes sin, ignorance, and separation from God. <a href="/topical/f/fear_of_exposure.htm">Fear of Exposure</a> Those who engage in evil deeds avoid the light because it reveals their true nature. This fear of exposure keeps them in darkness. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a> Coming into the light requires repentance and a willingness to have one's deeds exposed and transformed by God's truth. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_the_light.htm">Living in the Light</a> Believers are called to live transparently, allowing God's light to guide their actions and expose areas needing growth. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_church.htm">The Role of the Church</a> The church should be a community where light is celebrated, and members encourage one another to walk in truth and righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 3</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_garima_gospels.htm">How can we reveal the works of darkness?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'one_nation_under_god'_mean.htm">Why do people prefer darkness over light?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_expose_dark_deeds.htm">How can we reveal the works of darkness?</a> <a href="/q/why_prefer_darkness_to_light.htm">Why do people prefer darkness over light?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light.--In this and the next verse we have the explanation of the choice of the darkness and rejection of the light. The fact itself is first stated more strongly. Not only does the man that doeth evil love darkness rather than light, but he hates the light. (Comp. Note on <a href="/john/7-7.htm" title="The world cannot hate you; but me it hates, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.">John 7:7</a>.) Its presence makes manifest and reproves his works, which he would hide even from himself. It illumines the dark and secret chambers of the heart, and reveals thoughts and deeds which conscience, seeing in this light, trembles at, and turns away to darkness that it may hide itself from its own gaze.It has been often noted that the word "doeth," in this and the following verse, represent different words in the original. Perhaps we may distinguish them in English by rendering this verse: "Every one that practiseth evil." It is not less important to note that the word for evil here differs from the word so rendered' in the last clause of the previous verse. Strictly, and the change of word seems to demand a strict interpretation (comp. Note on <a href="/john/5-29.htm" title="And shall come forth; they that have done good, to the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, to the resurrection of damnation.">John 5:29</a>), it is not that which is positively, but that which is negatively, evil--that which is trivial, poor, worthless. The man who practiseth such things misses the aim of life, and turns from the light that would point it out to him. He does many things, but forgets that one thing is needful, and spends a life-time in trifles without any permanent result. We are familiar with the thought that immorality shuns the light and warps the will, and thus darkens knowledge and weakens faith; but we remember too seldom the deadening effect of an unreal and aimless existence which is not truly a life.Should be reproved.--The margin will show that our translators felt a difficulty about this word (see Notes on <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm" title="Moreover if your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone: if he shall hear you, you have gained your brother.">Matthew 18:15</a>), where it is rendered "tell him his fault," and comp. the other instances in this Gospel, <a href="/john/8-9.htm" title="And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the oldest, even to the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the middle.">John 8:9</a>; <a href="/john/8-46.htm" title="Which of you convinces me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do you not believe me?">John 8:46</a> ("convince" in both), and especially <a href="/john/16-8.htm" title="And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:">John 16:8</a> ("reprove," and margin "convince"). The moral idea is exactly illustrated by the action of light, which makes manifest the wrong, and leads the conscience to see it and repent of it. It is through this chastening that the man passes from darkness to light. It is because men shrink from this chastening that they hate the light. (Comp. Notes on the remarkable parallel in <a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm" title="And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.">Ephesians 5:11</a> et seq.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - This verse expounds and supplies a further and causal explanation of the relation of conduct to character. For every one that praetiseth bad things (πράσσειν and ποιεῖν are contrasted, not only here, but in <a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Romans 1:32</a>; <a href="/romans/2-3.htm">Romans 2:3</a>; <a href="/romans/7-15.htm">Romans 7:15, 19, 20</a>. See Trench's 'Syn. N.T.,' p. 340). The first suggests the repeated acts of a man's conduct, his habits, his practice, and not unfrequently it has a bad sense attributed to it, while the second, ποιεῖν, refers to the full expression of an inward life, and is more appropriate to denote the higher deeds and grander principles). This practice of bad ways (φαῦλα) leads infallibly, by the just judgment of God, to a hatred of that which will reveal and confound the transgressor. Every one, etc., hateth the light (this shows that we cannot err in giving to μᾶλλον in ver. 19 the sense of potius), and the hardening process which is a judgment of God upon man, ever going on, becomes more conspicuous in this, that he cometh not to the light, in order that his works may not be convicted; i.e. lest his works should be revealed - shown to him and to others in their true light. The night time, during which so many evil things, base things, unclean things, are practised, was darkening down over Jerusalem when our Lord was speaking, and would give fateful emphasis to these solemn words. This love of darkness proceeded from a hatred of the revealing power of the light. This rejection of the only begotten Son of God proceeded from a long habit of sin, showing more emphatically than before the need of radical spiritual regeneration - a birth of water and of the Spirit. The rejection of the Christ's claim to cleanse the temple - a fact of which Nicodemus, as Sanhedrist, must have been fully aware - was a striking illustration of his great argument. The "dread of the light is both moral pride and moral effeminacy" (Meyer). (See parallel in <a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Ephesians 5:11, 12</a>.) <a href="/commentaries/john/3-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Everyone πᾶς (pas) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. who ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. does πράσσων (prassōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4238.htm">Strong's 4238: </a> To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require. evil φαῦλα (phaula) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5337.htm">Strong's 5337: </a> Worthless, wicked, base. Apparently a primary word; 'foul' or 'flawy', i.e. wicked. hates μισεῖ (misei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3404.htm">Strong's 3404: </a> To hate, detest, love less, esteem less. From a primary misos; to detest; by extension, to love less. the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Light, φῶς (phōs) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5457.htm">Strong's 5457: </a> Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. {does} not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. come ἔρχεται (erchetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. into πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Light φῶς (phōs) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5457.htm">Strong's 5457: </a> Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness. for fear that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. deeds ἔργα (erga) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. will be exposed. ἐλεγχθῇ (elenchthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1651.htm">Strong's 1651: </a> (a) I reprove, rebuke, discipline, (b) I expose, show to be guilty. Of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/3-20.htm">John 3:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/3-20.htm">John 3:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/3-20.htm">John 3:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/3-20.htm">John 3:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/3-20.htm">John 3:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/3-20.htm">John 3:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/3-20.htm">John 3:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/3-20.htm">John 3:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/3-20.htm">John 3:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/3-20.htm">John 3:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/3-20.htm">NT Gospels: John 3:20 For everyone who does evil hates (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/3-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 3:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 3:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/3-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 3:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 3:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>