Robertson Word Pictures - John 3:20 - 3:20

Online Resource Library

Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com

Robertson Word Pictures - John 3:20 - 3:20


(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)

This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

That doeth ill (ho phaula prassōn). The word phaulos means first worthless and then wicked (usually so in N.T.) and both senses occur in the papyri. In Joh 5:29 see contrast between agatha poieō (doing good things) and phaula prassō (practising evil things).

Hateth the light (misei to phōs). Hence talks against it, ridicules Christ, Christianity, churches, preachers, etc. Does it in talk, magazines, books, in a supercilious tone of sheer ignorance.

Cometh not to the light (ouk erchetai pros to phōs). The light hurts his eyes, reveals his own wickedness, makes him thoroughly uncomfortable. Hence he does not read the Bible, he does not come to church, he does not pray. He goes on in deeper darkness.

Lest his works should be reproved (hina mē elegchthēi ta erga autou). Negative final clause (hina mē) with first aorist passive subjunctive of elegchō, old word to correct a fault, to reprove, to convict. See also Joh 8:46; Joh 16:8. To escape this unpleasant process the evil man cuts out Christ.