What does John 3:20 mean?

John 3:20 states, "For everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed" (NIV). This verse is part of a larger discourse between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, which begins in John 3:1 and continues through John 3:21. To fully understand John 3:20, we must consider its context within this conversation and the broader themes of the Gospel of John.

In John 3, Jesus is explaining to Nicodemus the necessity of being "born again" to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). This concept of new birth is tied to the transformative power of belief in Jesus Christ, which brings spiritual renewal and salvation. Jesus emphasizes that this new birth is a work of the Spirit, not merely a physical or ritualistic act (John 3:5-8). The conversation culminates in the well-known verse, John 3:16, which encapsulates the Gospel message: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

John 3:19-21 serves as a conclusion to this dialogue and provides a stark contrast between those who accept the light (Jesus) and those who reject it. Jesus uses the metaphor of light and darkness to illustrate the moral and spiritual states of individuals. Light represents truth, righteousness, and the presence of God, while darkness symbolizes sin, evil, and separation from God. This theme of light and darkness is recurrent throughout the Gospel of John (e.g., John 1:4-5, John 8:12).

John 3:20 specifically addresses the reaction of those who do evil when confronted with the light. The verse reveals several key insights:

1. Hatred of the Light: "For everyone who does evil hates the light..." The term "evil" here refers to actions and behaviors that are contrary to God's will and character. Those who persist in such deeds develop an aversion to the light, which is a metaphor for Jesus and His teachings. This hatred is not merely a passive dislike but an active opposition. It signifies a deep-seated resistance to the transformative power of Christ's truth and righteousness.

2. Fear of Exposure: "...and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed." The fear of exposure is a profound psychological and spiritual barrier. The light of Christ reveals the true nature of one's actions and intentions. For those who are entrenched in sin, this exposure is threatening because it brings to light their moral failings and the need for repentance. The fear of judgment and the potential consequences of being exposed can lead individuals to avoid the light altogether.

This verse highlights the human tendency to hide from accountability and the discomfort that comes with acknowledging one's sins. It also underscores the self-deceptive nature of sin, where individuals may rationalize their actions to avoid facing the truth. The refusal to come into the light is ultimately a rejection of the opportunity for redemption and transformation that Jesus offers.

The broader context of John 3:19-21 contrasts this response with that of those who live by the truth: "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). Those who embrace the light do so with the understanding that their deeds will be exposed, but they are willing to undergo this exposure because they seek to align their lives with God's will. This willingness to come into the light is a mark of genuine faith and repentance.

From a theological perspective, John 3:20 speaks to the condition of the human heart and the pervasive influence of sin. It illustrates the spiritual blindness that sin causes, preventing individuals from recognizing their need for God's grace. The verse also points to the transformative power of Christ's light, which not only exposes sin but also offers the hope of redemption.

In practical terms, this verse challenges believers to examine their own lives and attitudes toward the light of Christ. It calls for a willingness to confront and confess one's sins, trusting in God's mercy and forgiveness. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of living transparently and honestly before God and others.

The writings of Christian thinkers such as Augustine and C.S. Lewis provide further insights into the themes of light and darkness. Augustine, in his "Confessions," speaks of the inner turmoil and resistance he experienced before coming to faith, reflecting the struggle described in John 3:20. C.S. Lewis, in "The Great Divorce," explores the idea of individuals clinging to their sins and rejecting the light of heaven, illustrating the self-imposed separation from God that John 3:20 depicts.

In summary, John 3:20 is a profound statement about the human condition and the response to the light of Christ. It reveals the inherent conflict between sin and righteousness, the fear of exposure that keeps individuals in darkness, and the transformative power of coming into the light. This verse, set within the broader narrative of Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, calls us to embrace the light, confess our sins, and live in the truth of God's grace and love.