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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - John 3:36 - 3:36
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
He that believeth not (ὁ ἀπειθῶν)
More correctly, as Rev., obeyeth not. Disbelief is regarded in its active manifestation, disobedience. The verb πείθω means to persuade, to cause belief, to induce one to do something by persuading, and so runs into the meaning of to obey, properly as the result of persuasion. See on Act 5:29. Compare 1Pe 4:17; Rom 2:8; Rom 11:30, Rom 11:31. Obedience, however, includes faith. Compare Rom 1:5, the obedience of faith.
Shall not see (οὐκ ὄψεται)
Compare the future tense with the present “hath eternal life,” and the simple life with the fully developed idea eternal life. He who believes is within the circle of the life of God, which is essentially eternal. His life “is hid with Christ in God.” Life eternal is to know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent. Hence, to such an one, eternal life is not merely something future. It is a present possession. He hath it. The unbelieving and disobedient, instead of having eternal life, shall not have life: shall not even see it (compare see the kingdom of God, Joh 3:3). He shall have no perception of life simply considered, much less of eternal life, the full and complex development of life.
The wrath of God (ὀργὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ)
Both ὀργὴ and θυμός are used in the New Testament for wrath or anger, and without any commonly observed distinction. Ὁργη denotes a deeper and more permanent sentiment; a settled habit of mind; while θυμός is a more turbulent, but temporary agitation. Both words are used in the phrase wrath of God, which commonly denotes a distinct manifestation of God's judgment (Rom 1:18; Rom 3:5; Rom 9:22; Rom 12:19). Ὁργὴ (not θυμός) also appears in the phrase the wrath to come (Mat 3:7; Luk 3:7; 1Th 2:16, etc.). Compare wrath of the Lamb (Rev 6:16).
Abideth (μένει)
The present tense. As the believer hath life, so the unbeliever hath wrath abiding on him. He lives continually in an economy which is alienated from God, and which, in itself, must be habitually the subject of God's displeasure and indignation.