John 3:20
"Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed...." — John 3:20 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations.
“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.”John 3:20 (NIV)
Compare NIV, KJV, ESV, NLT, MSG, and NASB side by side →
Surrounding verses
Read John 3:20 with the verses next to it, then open John 3 in full.
When people use this verse
People often open John 3:20 when they are looking for Scripture on fear, anxiety and fear, come as you are.
Related topics
Get another verse
Same randomizer as the rest of the site — tap for another NIV verse from this book, a related topic, or the priority collection.
“The Word Became FleshIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
— John 1:1
What is this verse about?
John 3:20 is found in the New Testament, in the book of John. This verse comes from chapter 3, which can be read in full at the John chapter 3 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.
How people apply it
As you reflect on John 3:20, consider how God's truth applies to your current circumstances. Scripture is living and active — it speaks into every season of life. Let this verse shape your thoughts, decisions, and relationships as you walk in faith.
Related verses
Curated from this site's topic lists — not a keyword scan of the verse text.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:13For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Psalms 23:4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalms 27:1The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalms 139:14I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Ephesians 6:5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
Ephesians 6:19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
Ephesians 6:20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
A short prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth revealed in John 3:20. Open my heart to receive Your Word and transform my life. Help me apply this Scripture faithfully and share its hope with others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Quick answers
What does John 3:20 mean?
"Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed...." — John 3:20 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations. The original biblical context enriches our understanding of how this verse applies today.
What is the context of John 3:20?
John 3:20 is found in the New Testament, in the book of John. This verse comes from chapter 3, which can be read in full at the John chapter 3 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.
How does John 3:20 read in other translations?
John 3:20 is available in NIV, KJV, ESV, NLT, MSG, and NASB on this page. Open the compare view to read them side by side.