John 3:20

doeth evil The Greek word for -doeth" is not the same as that in the next verse; but it is not quite certain that any distinction of meaning is intended, although John 5:29 inclines one to think so. There the words are paired in precisely the same way as here. On the other hand in Romans 7:15-20 these same two words are interchanged indifferently, each being used both of doing good and of doing evil. In order to make a distinction practiseth evilhas been suggested. But -evil" also requires re-translation, for in the Greek it differs from -evil" in John 3:19. The meaning in this verse is rather -frivolous, good-for-nothing, worthless." He that practiseth worthless things (the aimless trifler), hateth the light, which would show him the true value of the inanities which fill up his existence.

lest his deeds should Better, in order that his works may not.

reproved The margin gives -discovered." In John 8:9 the same word is translated -convict," in John 8:46 -convince," and in John 16:8 -reprove" with -convince" in the margin. Of all these -convict" is perhaps the best; in order that his works may not be convicted of being worthless, proved to be what they really are. See note on Matthew 18:15.