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John 3:21

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 3:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But he that doeth the truth cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest, that they have been wrought in God.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But he that doeth the truth cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest, that they have been wrought in God.
John 3:21 — American Standard Version

Context — John 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil.
20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, lest his works should be reproved.
21But he that doeth the truth cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest, that they have been wrought in God.
22After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
23And John also was baptizing in Enon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
24For John was not yet cast into prison.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But he that doth truth, etc.] That which is true, right and good: “he whose work is just”, as the Ethiopic version renders it; or, “he that does that which is right”, so the Persic; that which is according to the will of God, and from a principle of love to him, and with a view to his glory: cometh to the light; to Christ, and to his word, and ordinances: that his deeds may be made manifest; being brought to the light, to the test, and standard, whether they, are right, or wrong; and that it may appear, that they are wrought in God; or “by God”; by his assistance, and gracious influence, without which men can do nothing; for it is God that works in them both to will and to do: or, “according…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“doeth truth--whose only object in life is to be and do what will bear the light. Therefore he loves and "comes to the light," that all he is and does, being thus thoroughly tested, may be seen to have nothing in it but what is divinely wrought and divinely approved. This is the "Israelite, indeed, in whom is no guile."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Are that doeth truth - He who does right, or he that obeys the truth. Truth here is opposed to error and to evil. The sinner acts from falsehood and error. The good man acts according to truth. The sinner believes a lie - that God will not punish, or that there is no God, or that there is no eternity and no hell. The Christian believes all these, and acts as if they were true. This is the difference between a Christian and a sinner. Cometh to the light - Loves the truth, and seeks it more and more. By prayer and searching the Scriptures he endeavors to ascertain the truth, and yield his mind to it. May be made manifest - May be made clear or plain; or that it may be made plain that his deeds…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“He that practiseth the truth (that is, true religion) cometh to the light - So even Nicodemus, afterward did. Are wrought in God - That is, in the light, power, and love of God. John 3:22”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he that: Joh 1:47, Joh 5:39; Psa 1:1-3, Psa 119:80, Psa 119:105, Psa 139:23, Psa 139:24; Isa 8:20; Act 17:11, Act 17:12; Jo1 1:6 that his: Joh 15:4, Joh 15:5; Isa 26:12; Hos 14:8; Co1 15:10; Co2 1:12; Gal 5:22, Gal 5:23, Gal 6:8; Eph 5:9; Phi 1:11, Phi 2:13; Col 1:29; Heb 13:21; Pe1 1:22; Pe2 1:5-10; Jo1 2:27-29, Jo1 4:12, Jo1 4:13, Jo1 4:15, Jo1 4:16; Rev 3:1, Rev 3:2, Rev 3:15 they are: Jo3 1:11 John 3:22”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification