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<!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 3:21 But 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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/3-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/43_Jhn_03_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 3:21 - For God So Loved" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But 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." /><script 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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.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/3-20.htm" title="John 3:20">◄</a> John 3:21 <a href="/john/3-22.htm" title="John 3:22">►</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> But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. <a href="/nlt/john/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” <a href="/esv/john/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” <a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But 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.” <a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> but the one practicing the truth comes to the Light, that his works may be manifest as having been done in God." <a href="/kjv/john/3.htm">King James Bible</a> But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. <a href="/nkjv/john/3.htm">New King James Version</a> But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” <a href="/nasb_/john/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But the one who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds will be revealed as having been performed in God.” <a href="/nasb/john/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” <a href="/lsb/john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been done by God.” <a href="/amp/john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But whoever practices truth [and does what is right—morally, ethically, spiritually] comes to the Light, so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are—accomplished in God [divinely prompted, done with God’s help, in dependence on Him].” <a href="/csb/john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.” <a href="/hcsb/john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> But he that doeth the truth cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest, that they have been wrought in God. <a href="/cev/john/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But everyone who lives by the truth will come to the light, because they want others to know that God is really the one doing what they do. <a href="/erv/john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> But he that doeth the truth cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest, that they have been wrought in God. <a href="/gwt/john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But people who do what is true come to the light so that the things they do for God may be clearly seen. <a href="/gnt/john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> But those who do what is true come to the light in order that the light may show that what they did was in obedience to God. <a href="/isv/john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may become evident that his actions have God's approval." <a href="/msb/john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But 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.? <a href="/net/john/3.htm">NET Bible</a> But the one who practices the truth comes to the light, so that it may be plainly evident that his deeds have been done in God. <a href="/nheb/john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But the one who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God." <a href="/wbt/john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But he that doeth truth, cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. <a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But he who does what is honest and right comes to the light, in order that his actions may be plainly shown to have been done in God. <a href="/web/john/3.htm">World English Bible</a> But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> but he who is doing the truth comes into the light, that his works may be revealed, that in God they are having been worked.” <a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> but the one practicing the truth comes to the Light, that his works may be manifest as having been done in God." <a href="/ylt/john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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.' <a href="/slt/john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But he doing the truth comes to the light, that his works might be manifested, that they are wrought in God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But he that doth truth, cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest, because they are done in God. <a href="/cpdv/john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But whoever acts in truth goes toward the Light, so that his works may be manifested, because they have been accomplished in God.” <a href="/nabre/john/3.htm">New American Bible</a> But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God. <a href="/nrsvce/john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But he who does truthful things comes to the light, so that his works may be known, that they are done through God. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But he who does The Truth comes to The Light, so that his works may be revealed, that they are performed by God.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But he that does the truth, comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest that they are done in God.<CM> <a href="/godbey/john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>but every one doing the truth comes to the light, that his works may be made manifest, because they have been wrought in God.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But he who practices the truth, cometh to the light, that his actions may be evident, as being done for God.<CM> <a href="/mace/john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but he that doth right, cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, because they are agreeable to the will of God. <a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But he who does what is honest and right comes to the light, in order that his actions may be plainly shown to have been done in God. <a href="/worrell/john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>but he that does the truth comes to the Light, that his works may be made manifest, that they have been wrought in God."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>But he that acts <Fr>according to<FR> truth, cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/3-21.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=772" 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> …20Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</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.">whoever</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">practices</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- 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/225.htm" title="225: alētheian (N-AFS) -- From alethes; truth.">truth</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: erchetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To come, go. ">comes</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.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/5319.htm" title="5319: phanerōthē (V-ASP-3S) -- To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent.">it may be seen clearly</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</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.">what he</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.">has done</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">has been</a> <a href="/greek/2038.htm" title="2038: eirgasmena (V-RPM/P-NNP) -- To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. ">accomplished</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theō (N-DMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God.”</a> 22After this, Jesus and His disciples went into the Judean countryside, where He spent some time with them and baptized.…<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/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8-14</a> For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, / for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. / Test and prove what pleases the Lord. ... <a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5-7</a> And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. / 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/2-29.htm">1 John 2:29</a> If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him. <a href="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17-18</a> Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow. / He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation. <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a> You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. <a href="/romans/13-12.htm">Romans 13:12-14</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. / Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. / Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">2 Corinthians 4:6</a> For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:5</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. <a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Philippians 2:15</a> so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world <a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1-3</a> Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. <a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Proverbs 4:18</a> The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. <a href="/psalms/112-4.htm">Psalm 112:4</a> Light dawns in the darkness for the upright—for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous. <a href="/isaiah/2-5.htm">Isaiah 2:5</a> Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD. <a href="/micah/7-8.htm">Micah 7:8-9</a> Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. / Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the LORD, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are worked in God.he that.<a href="/john/1-47.htm">John 1:47</a> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!<a href="/john/5-39.htm">John 5:39</a> Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.<a href="/psalms/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1-3</a> Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful… that his.<a href="/john/15-4.htm">John 15:4,5</a> Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me… <a href="/isaiah/26-12.htm">Isaiah 26:12</a> LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.<a href="/hosea/14-8.htm">Hosea 14:8</a> Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.they are.<a href="/3_john/1-11.htm">3 John 1:11</a> Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/3-20.htm">Actions</a> <a href="/john/3-19.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/luke/20-37.htm">Clearly</a> <a href="/john/3-20.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/luke/11-46.htm">Help</a> <a href="/luke/20-20.htm">Honest</a> <a href="/john/3-20.htm">Light</a> <a href="/john/1-31.htm">Manifest</a> <a href="/john/2-11.htm">Manifested</a> <a href="/john/3-15.htm">Order</a> <a href="/mark/8-32.htm">Plainly</a> <a href="/matthew/5-19.htm">Practices</a> <a href="/matthew/5-19.htm">Practises</a> <a href="/john/2-11.htm">Revealed</a> <a href="/john/1-12.htm">Right</a> <a href="/john/1-31.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/john/3-11.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/john/1-47.htm">True.</a> <a href="/john/3-20.htm">Works</a> <a href="/john/2-23.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/5-29.htm">Actions</a> <a href="/john/7-4.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/john/10-24.htm">Clearly</a> <a href="/john/5-20.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/john/12-6.htm">Help</a> <a href="/acts/6-3.htm">Honest</a> <a href="/john/8-12.htm">Light</a> <a href="/john/7-4.htm">Manifest</a> <a href="/john/9-3.htm">Manifested</a> <a href="/john/5-7.htm">Order</a> <a href="/john/10-24.htm">Plainly</a> <a href="/acts/19-18.htm">Practices</a> <a href="/john/7-19.htm">Practises</a> <a href="/john/9-3.htm">Revealed</a> <a href="/john/4-17.htm">Right</a> <a href="/john/4-52.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/john/4-18.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/john/3-32.htm">True.</a> <a href="/john/5-17.htm">Works</a> <a href="/john/6-2.htm">Wrought</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>But whoever practices the truth This phrase emphasizes the importance of living according to God's truth. In the biblical context, "truth" is often associated with God's Word and His commandments (<a href="/psalms/119-160.htm">Psalm 119:160</a>). Practicing the truth involves aligning one's actions with the teachings of Jesus, who is described as "the way, the truth, and the life" (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>). This concept is rooted in the Hebrew understanding of truth as faithfulness and reliability, suggesting a life of integrity and obedience to God's will.comes into the Light The "Light" symbolizes Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "Light of the world" (<a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>). Coming into the Light implies a willingness to be exposed to the truth of Christ and to live transparently before God and others. This imagery of light versus darkness is prevalent throughout Scripture, representing the contrast between good and evil, knowledge and ignorance, salvation and condemnation (<a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8-14</a>). The act of coming into the Light signifies repentance and a desire for spiritual transformation.so that it may be seen clearly This phrase suggests that the actions of those who practice the truth are meant to be visible and evident to others. It reflects the biblical principle that believers are to be "the light of the world" (<a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a>), demonstrating their faith through good works. The visibility of one's deeds serves as a testimony to the transformative power of God's truth in a believer's life, encouraging others to glorify God.that what he has done has been accomplished in God. This final phrase acknowledges that any good deeds or righteous living are ultimately the result of God's work in an individual's life. It underscores the doctrine of divine grace, where human efforts are empowered and sustained by God's Spirit (<a href="/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13</a>). This aligns with the teaching that believers are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand (<a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Ephesians 2:10</a>). The phrase also highlights the importance of giving glory to God for any accomplishments, recognizing His sovereignty and providence in all things.<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 having a conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, about spiritual rebirth and the kingdom of God. 2. <a href="/topical/n/nicodemus.htm">Nicodemus</a> A Pharisee who comes to Jesus at night seeking understanding about His teachings. This conversation is part of a larger discourse on being born again. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The setting of this conversation, as Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Passover festival.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/l/living_in_truth.htm">Living in Truth</a> Practicing truth is not just about honesty but living in accordance with God's will and commandments. It involves a lifestyle that reflects God's character. <a href="/topical/c/coming_into_the_light.htm">Coming into the Light</a> Coming into the light means living openly and transparently before God and others. It involves confessing sins and allowing God's truth to illuminate our lives. <a href="/topical/a/accomplished_in_god.htm">Accomplished in God</a> Our good works and righteous living are not of our own doing but are accomplished through God's power and grace. This should lead to humility and gratitude. <a href="/topical/c/contrast_with_darkness.htm">Contrast with Darkness</a> The verse implies a contrast with those who do evil and avoid the light. Believers are called to be distinct from the world by living in the light. <a href="/topical/w/witness_to_others.htm">Witness to Others</a> Living in the light serves as a testimony to others, showing that our actions are empowered by God and pointing them to His truth.<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/can_an_omnipotent_being_limit_itself.htm">What are the unfruitful works of darkness?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_walk_in_truth_and_love.htm">How can we walk in truth and love together?</a> <a href="/q/what_constitutes_willful_sin.htm">What constitutes willful sin?</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>(21) He that doeth truth is opposed to "him that practiseth evil." With fixed purpose he doeth not that which is evil or worthless, but that which, when every veil by which it is hidden from himself or others is removed, remains morally true. Regarding truth as the work of life, he cometh to the light, and though for him too it will be a revelation of sins and errors, and deeds of shame, he hates them the moment he knows them, cuts them from his life at whatever cost, and carries his whole being to the light that it may become really true, and that its true works may be made manifest. He will hate the darkness, for he can have nothing to conceal in it. He will love the light, for everything which it reproves he reproves too, and every ray he can gather from it becomes part of the truth which is his life-work. For the remarkable expression "to do the truth," which, with its opposite "to do a lie" (<a href="/john/8-44.htm" title="You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stayed not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.">John 8:44</a>; <a href="/revelation/21-27.htm" title="And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defiles, neither whatever works abomination, or makes a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.">Revelation 21:27</a>; <a href="/revelation/22-15.htm" title="For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and fornicators, and murderers, and idolaters, and whoever loves and makes a lie.">Revelation 22:15</a>), is common in Rabbinic writers, comp. <a href="/job/13-4.htm" title="But you are forgers of lies, you are all physicians of no value.">Job 13:4</a>, and <a href="/1_john/1-6.htm" title="If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:">1John 1:6</a>; and for "walking in truth," comp. <a href="/2_john/1-4.htm" title="I rejoiced greatly that I found of your children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.">2John 1:4</a>, and <a href="/context/3_john/1-3.htm" title="For I rejoiced greatly, when the brothers came and testified of the truth that is in you, even as you walk in the truth.">3John 1:3-4</a>. In <a href="/1_corinthians/13-6.htm" title="Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;">1Corinthians 13:6</a>, "truth" is opposed to "iniquity." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - But he that doeth the truth - who is "of the truth," and "heareth his voice" (<a href="/john/18-37.htm">John 18:37</a>), he who is "morally true," inwardly sincere, who would never shrink from a genuine self-revelation - cometh to the light. This remarkable expression allies itself with many other words of Christ, and suggests that in the heart of Judaism and of mankind generally, amid and notwithstanding the darkness which prevailed, there were found elect souls, taught of the Spirit, longing for more light, yearning to know the truth about themselves, however humiliating it might prove to be. This is confirmed by St. Paul's argument (<a href="/romans/1.htm">Romans 1</a> and 2), where some Gentiles who have not the Law are admitted to do by nature the things contained in the Law, and even to become a law unto themselves; and where, in contradistinction to the hopelessly rebellious, Paul assumes that there are some who "by patient continuance in well doing, seek for glory, honour, and immortality." These "do the truth, and have no pleasure in unrighteousness." They are "taught of God," they have "seen and heard from the Father" some of the great things of the Law. The Holy Spirit has opened their eyes to see great things in the Law, and they come to the light. They are not afraid of the revelation it will make. They may be humbled and pained by the disclosure, but there is a Divine luxury in such pain. The purpose of the coming to the light on the part of one who doeth the truth, is in order that his works may be made manifest. This is the precise contrary of the conduct of the man whose eye is scaled and whose heart is made fat by sin. Such a one dreads conviction, the outward affirmation or utterance of the inwardly known κρίσις; and therefore shrinks from conviction or any conduct which will promote it. He flees from the man of God, he disdains the revealing Word, he rejects the blessed Christ, he loves the darkness, this is his condemnation. On the other hand, the sincere man, who is honest with himself, is supremely anxious for the true light to bear down upon his "works." He is willing that they should be manifested. If he is deceiving himself with false hopes, he yearns that these should disappear before the shining of the true light. If his works will bear examination, then let him know the verdict which is unconsciously being given by the revelation of the light. It is a nice question to determine the meaning of the ὅτι. The current interpretation is for, or because, they are wrought in God; i.e. the sincere man desires this self-manifestation, comes to the light because his works have been inwrought by Divine grace. He loves the light, he does the truth because God has wrought within him to will and to do. In other words, the work of grace is in every case the adequate explanation of such a contrast to the common condition of human nature. Godet suggests that ὅτι here has the meaning of "that," and urges that the Greek usage in <a href="/john/4-35.htm">John 4:35</a> and other passages will justify the translation, he cometh... manifest, that they are wrought in God, as though this Divine revelation were the real end of his coming to the light. This appears to me to be incompatible with the fact. The man who doeth the truth may yet need very much instruction before he accepts the Divine Original of his own conduct, or desires the manifestation to others of the Divine Source of his humble search. The more current translation, "because," is in harmony with the facts of Christian and religious experience, and is in keeping with the biblical assurance, that all good, all holiness, sincerity, and upright striving, just such as Nicodemus was then displaying, is God's own work, and is the result of his grace. Nicodemus comes, asks questions, receives weighty answers, and retires. We do not know the immediate result of these most wonderful words upon him; but we do find him taking the part of Jesus before the Sanhedrin (<a href="/john/7-50.htm">John 7:50, 51</a>); and from <a href="/john/19-39.htm">John 19:39</a> we learn that, though a secret disciple, he did not disdain to come out of his hiding place to houour the corpse of the Crucified. The death of Jesus, which had blasted the hopes of the apostles, had fired those of Nicodemus. Every word of this discourse is compatible with the position of the great Prophet at this early period of his ministry, is suited to the Pharisaic mind, and adapted to meet its difficulties and correct its prejudices. If a few expressions, such as "the only begotten Son," "this is the condemnation, that," "he that doeth the truth," are found in writings which are John's undoubted composition, the circumstance may be explained that he borrowed them from Jesus. This is quite as rational (not to say legitimate and reverential) as to suppose, because of them, that John invented them, and betrayed their origin by placing them in the lips of Jesus. We do not suppose that John has mechanically recited the whole of the words that were spoken on either side, but preserved those heads of discourse which rise like mountain peaks above the oceans of thought between them, and are linked together by the glory which they severally reflect from the sublime personality of the Son of man. <a href="/commentaries/john/3-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. whoever 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. practices ποιῶν (poiōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine 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. truth ἀλήθειαν (alētheian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_225.htm">Strong's 225: </a> From alethes; truth. comes 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. so 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. it may be seen clearly φανερωθῇ (phanerōthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5319.htm">Strong's 5319: </a> To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. [what] he 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. has done 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. has been ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. accomplished εἰργασμένα (eirgasmena) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2038.htm">Strong's 2038: </a> To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. God.” Θεῷ (Theō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/3-21.htm">John 3:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/3-21.htm">John 3:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/3-21.htm">John 3:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/3-21.htm">John 3:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/3-21.htm">John 3:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/3-21.htm">John 3:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/3-21.htm">John 3:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/3-21.htm">John 3:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/3-21.htm">John 3:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/3-21.htm">John 3:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/3-21.htm">NT Gospels: John 3:21 But he who does the truth comes (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/3-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 3:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 3:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/3-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 3:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 3:22" /></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>