John 3 21

John 3:21 kjv

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John 3:21 nkjv

But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."

John 3:21 niv

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.

John 3:21 esv

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."

John 3:21 nlt

But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants. "

John 3 verses

John 3 21 Meaning

John 3:21 describes the distinguishing characteristic of those who are genuinely committed to God’s truth. While others, preferring darkness, conceal their evil deeds, the one who "doeth truth" willingly comes into the light. The purpose of this transparency is that their actions may be revealed as having been "wrought in God," meaning they are not born of human effort or selfish ambition, but are divinely inspired and enabled. This verse highlights a fundamental difference between those who walk in spiritual darkness and those who walk in God's illuminating presence, showcasing the desire for divine approval and a life lived in integrity.

John 3 21 Context

John 3:21 concludes Jesus' dialogue with Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, who visited Jesus at night. The broader context of John chapter 3 centers on the necessity of spiritual rebirth ("born again") to enter the Kingdom of God (vv. 3-8), God's profound love expressed through giving His Son (vv. 16-17), and the spiritual consequences of accepting or rejecting Christ (vv. 18-21). The verse directly contrasts with verses 19-20, which state that people love darkness over light because their deeds are evil and they shun the light lest their deeds be exposed. This sets up a profound spiritual dualism, a common theme in the Johannine writings, distinguishing between those aligned with the light (truth, righteousness, God) and those aligned with darkness (evil, falsehood, the world). Historically, Jewish thought, influenced by Qumran texts, also understood life in terms of a struggle between the "sons of light" and the "sons of darkness." Jesus here articulates that genuine discipleship involves a desire for spiritual transparency and a life of ethical truth, revealing that their good actions stem from a divine source rather than human striving or pretense.

John 3 21 Word analysis

• But (Greek: ἀλλά, alla): This conjunction strongly contrasts the actions of those described in verse 20 with the behavior of those who follow truth in verse 21. It marks a clear distinction between two fundamentally different spiritual postures.
• he that doeth (Greek: ποιῶν, poiōn, from poieō): This is a present active participle, signifying continuous and habitual action. It denotes not mere intellectual assent or theoretical belief, but a practical, ongoing, and intentional living out of something. It means "the one who practices," "the one who performs," or "the one who acts."
• truth (Greek: τὴν ἀλήθειαν, tēn alētheian): In John's Gospel, "truth" is profound. It refers not merely to factual accuracy, but to ethical integrity, spiritual reality, and ultimate revelation. It is closely connected to God's nature and is ultimately personified in Jesus Christ (Jn 14:6). "Doing truth" means living authentically according to God's character and will, demonstrating faithfulness and sincerity in word and deed.
• cometh (Greek: ἔρχεται, erchetai): Present tense, indicating an active, deliberate, and characteristic movement. It shows a voluntary approach, not a forced revelation. This person is willing to be exposed.
• to the light (Greek: πρὸς τὸ φῶς, pros to phōs): "Light" in John symbolizes divine revelation, holiness, life, and the presence of God Himself, ultimately embodied in Jesus Christ (Jn 1:4-9; 8:12). Coming to the light means embracing spiritual reality and submitting to God's illuminating gaze and standard.
• that (Greek: ἵνα, hina): Introduces a purpose clause. The intention behind "coming to the light" is revelation.
• his deeds (Greek: αὐτοῦ τὰ ἔργα, autou ta erga): Refers to the individual's actions, works, or practices. These are the concrete expressions of their inner character and spiritual state.
• may be made manifest (Greek: φανερωθῇ, phanerōthēi): From phaneroō, meaning "to make visible, to reveal, to bring to light, to show openly." The subjunctive mood expresses a potential or desired outcome. These deeds are not hidden or disguised; they are revealed in their true nature.
• that (Greek: ὅτι, hoti): This second "that" introduces the content of what will be manifested or revealed.
• they are wrought (Greek: ἠργασμένα ἐστίν, eirgasmena estin, from ergazomai): A perfect passive participle, indicating actions that have been completed and whose results remain. It means "have been worked," "have been performed," or "have been accomplished." The passive voice signifies that these deeds are not merely human endeavors but have an external source of energy or initiative.
• in God (Greek: ἐν θεῷ, en theōi): This prepositional phrase indicates the sphere, source, or agency through which the deeds are done. It means "by God," "with God's enablement," or "originating from God." True good deeds are not generated by human capacity alone, but by God's power and guidance, flowing from a life submitted to Him.

Words-Group analysis

• But he that doeth truth: This phrase emphasizes an active, lifestyle-driven commitment to divine truth. It's not about merely believing certain doctrines, but about actively embodying and living by God's revealed reality, which impacts ethical choices and moral conduct.
• cometh to the light: This signifies a voluntary movement towards transparency and divine scrutiny. Unlike those who hide their evil, the one doing truth welcomes illumination because they have nothing to conceal that is inconsistent with the light. This implies a desire for accountability and alignment with God.
• that his deeds may be made manifest: The primary purpose is revelation. The intention is not to hide, but to show plainly. This manifestation serves to vindicate the nature of the deeds and ultimately to glorify God, demonstrating His work in the believer.
• that they are wrought in God: This crucial clause defines the quality and source of genuinely good works. They are not merely morally commendable human efforts, but actions initiated, enabled, and sustained by God Himself. This connects to the understanding that true righteousness flows from a regenerated heart, empowered by divine grace.

John 3 21 Bonus section

The concept of "doing truth" resonates deeply with the covenant language in the Old Testament, where walking in God's ways and obeying His commands (e.g., Deut 13:4; Mic 6:8) were synonymous with righteousness and fidelity. In John's Gospel, however, "the truth" is fully embodied in Jesus Christ (Jn 1:14, 14:6). Therefore, "doing truth" also implies a vital relationship with Christ, whose very life and teachings are truth. It speaks to an active, Christ-like life where one's conduct consistently reflects divine principles. The desire for manifestation also touches on the eschatological reality of ultimate judgment, where all hidden things will be brought into light (Lk 12:2-3). This verse offers assurance to the one living authentically for God, as their deeds, wrought in Him, will stand the test of scrutiny and ultimately bring glory to God, who enabled them.

John 3 21 Commentary

John 3:21 offers a profound contrast to the preceding verses, establishing a spiritual divide based on one's relationship with light and darkness. The individual who "doeth truth" is one whose entire life, beliefs, and actions are in alignment with God's ethical and spiritual reality. This is not simply about intellectual assent to truth, but about practicing it in daily life—a spiritual integrity that actively expresses itself. Such a person is characterized by a desire for openness; they "cometh to the light." Unlike those who hide their deeds, they welcome divine scrutiny because they seek divine approval, not human acclaim. The ultimate purpose of this transparency is the revelation that their deeds are "wrought in God." This means these good works are not self-generated, nor are they an attempt to earn salvation. Instead, they are the fruit of a regenerated life, supernaturally enabled and empowered by God Himself. They are the outworking of God's grace and indwelling Spirit. This verse reminds us that genuinely righteous living stems from God's work within us, demonstrating the divine source and quality of transformed lives. For example, acts of genuine charity or sacrificial service, when performed "in God," are done out of pure love for Him and His glory, not for personal gain or recognition.