John 16 11

John 16:11 kjv

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

John 16:11 nkjv

of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

John 16:11 niv

and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

John 16:11 esv

concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

John 16:11 nlt

Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.

John 16 verses

John 16 11 Meaning

The Holy Spirit convicts or convinces the world "of judgment" because the adversary, the "ruler of this world," has already been definitively judged and defeated through Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension. This judgment signifies a decisive, completed verdict against cosmic evil, establishing Christ's authority and ultimately sealing the doom of sin's originator. The Spirit reveals this crucial truth, compelling humanity to recognize the decisive shift in spiritual authority.

John 16 11 Context

John 16:11 is part of Jesus' "farewell discourse" (John 13-17) given to His disciples just before His crucifixion. Specifically, it follows Jesus' promise to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). In John 16:8-11, Jesus explains the threefold work of the Holy Spirit in convicting the "world" (humanity hostile to God). The Spirit will convict the world "concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me" (v. 9); "concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me" (v. 10); and "concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged" (v. 11). This verse is the third point in this sequence, revealing that the Spirit's work includes declaring a verdict over evil's dominion. The disciples are facing Jesus' departure and impending persecution, making this revelation of ultimate victory a source of strength and understanding.

John 16 11 Word analysis

• of judgment (περὶ κρίσεως, peri kriseōs): "Peri" (concerning, about) points to the subject of the Spirit's conviction. "Kriseōs" (judgment) refers not merely to condemnation but to a definitive decision, a legal verdict, a decisive separation. It encompasses the process, the act, and the result of a divine judicial decree. The world needs to understand that a final verdict has been passed regarding its ultimate fate and the fate of its true master.
• because (ὅτι, hoti): This is a causal conjunction, explaining why the Holy Spirit convicts the world concerning judgment. The reason for this judgment being recognized is rooted in a specific, already accomplished event.
• the ruler of this world (ὁ ἄρχων τοῦ κόσμου τούτου, ho archōn tou kosmou toutou):
  • ὁ ἄρχων (ho archōn): "The ruler," "the chief," "the prince," "the one in authority." This is a consistent title in John's Gospel (Jn 12:31, 14:30) and implicitly elsewhere in the NT (Eph 2:2, 2 Cor 4:4) for Satan. It highlights his powerful influence and dominion over the fallen human system.
  • τοῦ κόσμου τούτου (tou kosmou toutou): "Of this world." Here, "world" (kosmos) refers not to the physical creation, but to humanity in its rebellion and estrangement from God, governed by systems and values opposed to divine truth. Satan is portrayed as having usurped control over this spiritual domain.
• is judged (κέκριται, kekritai): This is a crucial verb. It is a perfect passive indicative form of the verb κρίνω (krinō, to judge).
  • Perfect Tense: Indicates a completed action in the past with ongoing, lasting results into the present. The judgment of Satan is not future; it has already definitively taken place.
  • Passive Voice: Implies the action was performed by an external agent, i.e., God through Christ.
  • The verdict has been issued. His legal status is irrevocably sealed. This judgment was effected primarily through Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension, which publicly defeated the powers of darkness.
• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "of judgment, because...": The Spirit's role in bringing the world to a knowledge of ultimate justice is directly tied to the reason provided, underscoring that God's plan for rectifying all evil is already in motion and confirmed.
  • "the ruler of this world is judged": This phrase delivers the core truth. It’s a divine pronouncement declaring that the arch-enemy of God and humanity is already conquered. The focus isn't on a future event, but a finished act that irrevocably alters the spiritual landscape, signifying a monumental shift in authority from darkness to Christ.

John 16 11 Bonus section

This verse implies that while Satan's judgment is a settled fact, his execution and full binding are yet future (Rev 20:10). His power is broken, his authority dethroned, and his final end assured, but he remains active as the "god of this world" (2 Cor 4:4) for a time, albeit a defeated foe. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in light of this accomplished victory, discerning Satan's schemes and standing firm in Christ's authority, even while spiritual warfare continues (Eph 6:12). This truth provides a theological basis for believers' confidence, knowing that the ultimate cosmic battle has already been won by their Lord.

John 16 11 Commentary

John 16:11 reveals a profound truth about Christ's victory and the Holy Spirit's ministry. The Spirit's conviction concerning judgment is based on the foundational truth that the "ruler of this world," Satan, has already received his decisive legal verdict. This judgment was accomplished primarily at the cross, where Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them (Col 2:15). His resurrection and ascension further confirm this decisive victory, establishing His ultimate authority and sealing Satan's fate. The Spirit, therefore, does not point to a future judgment of Satan, but to a completed event that has profound, ongoing consequences. By revealing that Satan "is judged," the Spirit undermines his claim to power, exposes the spiritual blindness of the world that serves him, and demonstrates the absolute triumph of God's righteous rule through Christ. This truth liberates believers and serves as a call for the world to recognize its true allegiance and the final authority of Christ.