John 3:20 darby — For every one that does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light that his works may not be shewn as they ar…

Darby Bible

“For every one that does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light that his works may not be shewn as they are;”

— John 3:20, Darby Bible

What does this verse mean?

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John 3:20 in Other Translations

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John 3 — Context

17

ForGod has not sent his Son into the world that he may judge the world, but that the world may be saved through him.

18

He that believes on him is not judged: but he that believes not has been already judged, because he has not believed on the name of the only-begotten Son ofGod.

19

And this is the judgment, that light is come into the world, and men have loved darkness rather than light; for their works were evil.

20

For every one that does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light that his works may not be shewn as they are;

21

but he that practises the truth comes to the light, that his works may be manifested that they have been wrought inGod.

22

After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he abode with them and baptised.

23

And John also was baptising in Aenon, near Salim, because there was a great deal of water there; and they came to [him] and were baptised:

John 3:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does John 3:20 say?
John 3:20 in the Darby Bible reads: “For every one that does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light that his works may not be shewn as they are; ”
Where is John 3:20 in the Bible?
John 3:20 is found in the New Testament, in the book of John, chapter 3, verse 20.
Who wrote John?
John is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, son of Zebedee. It was written c. AD 85–95.
What is the book of John about?
John's Gospel opens not in Bethlehem but "in the beginning," declaring Jesus to be the eternal Word made flesh. Through seven sign-miracles and seven "I AM" sayings, it presents Jesus as the bread, the light, the way, and the resurrection — that we might believe and have life in his name.
What are the major themes of John?
John explores themes including Word Made Flesh, Belief, Eternal Life, I AM, Love. These themes shape the meaning and context of John 3:20.
What translation should I read John 3:20 in?
John 3:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize John 3:20?
John 3:20 reads (DARBY): “For every one that does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light that his works may not be shewn as they are; ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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