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John 3:18
ESV Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
NIV Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
NASB The one who believes in Him is not judged; the one who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
CSB Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.
NLT There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.
KJV He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
NKJV “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

What does John 3:18 mean?

According to this passage (John 3:16–17), God's love was demonstrated by sending Jesus to us. Rather than coming to judge, Jesus came to save anyone who would believe in Him. This verse emphasizes that there are only two options: life through Christ or death. Scripture offers an open, hopeful view of salvation due to God's love. Yet it also presents God as holy, and the consequences for rejecting Him are dire.

According to the Bible, every person is guilty of sin (Romans 3:23). Everyone deserves to be separated from God (Romans 6:23). Those who do not believe are "condemned already," in the present tense. We have already been declared guilty (John 3:19), because we are guilty. God's love and patience cause Him to delay judgment (2 Peter 3:9), so we have an opportunity for Christ to pay our penalty for us.

The Bible clearly says we are saved by faith in Christ (Romans 10:9–10; Titus 3:5), but also that we are saved only through faith in Christ (John 14:6). Those who don't believe in Him cannot, and will not, find eternal life (John 3:36; Acts 4:12).
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