John 16:11

John 16:11, in plain English

The Spirit reveals that judgment has already fallen, not on God's people but on the prince of this world. Satan has been condemned. The battle is already won.

Why it's here

If you ever feel like evil is winning, this verse says otherwise. The enemy has already been judged. The verdict is in. The cross sealed it.

Who's speaking

Jesus announces the enemy's defeat through the Spirit's revelation.

Where it sits in the story

The enemy is defeated. The cross that looked like his greatest victory was actually his final undoing. The Spirit comes to remind the world: the battle is over, the verdict is in, and the prince of this world has been condemned.

The scholarly reading

Judgment is demonstrated by the condemnation of 'the prince of this world' (ho archōn tou kosmou toutou). Satan's defeat at the cross proves that the power of evil has been decisively broken.

Language and setting

This is the third reference to the 'prince of this world' in John (12:31, 14:30, 16:11). The perfect tense 'has been condemned' (kekritai) indicates a completed action with ongoing results: Satan's judgment is already accomplished at the cross.

Voice

Jesus explains how the Spirit reveals the reality of divine judgment.

Significance

The Spirit will show the world that the real judgment has already fallen, not on Jesus but on Satan. The prince of this world has been condemned at the cross. The one who seemed to triumph at Calvary was actually the one who lost everything.

9in regard to sin, because they do not believe in Me;

10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me;

11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned.

12I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it.

13However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.

Read all of John 16 — Jesus warns of persecution and promises the Spirit of truth. A woman in labor forgets her anguish when the child arrives — and so will they.