What Does John 16:11 Mean in the King James?

Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
John 16:11 · KJV
The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

This verse in the Selah Decoded Version

The world’s ruler is not the final judge; the ruler himself already stands under judgment.

The ruler of this world stands judged now, and that verdict remains in force. The world’s apparent order does not have the final say over what is true or who holds authority.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

The belief that the power ruling the world is beyond judgment, and therefore has the final word, is undone here.

κέκριται

kekritai

GROWS FROM

κρίνω

krinō

To distinguish, decide, or judge.

⁨κέκριται⁩ (kekritai, has been judged) is a completed judgment with an ongoing result: the ruler stands under its verdict. The word family shows judgment as a decision that draws a line, not merely a vague feeling of condemnation.

ALSO GROWS

krisis: decision, judgment

κρίσις

This is the noun translated “judgment” in the verse; it names the decisive act behind the ruler’s verdict.

krima: verdict, judgment

κρίμα

This branch makes the result of judging explicit: a verdict is rendered.

kritēs: judge

κριτής

The same root names the one who decides, tying judgment to authority.

ἄρχων

archōn

GROWS FROM

ἄρχω

archō

To rule, lead, or begin.

“prince” in this verse is archōn. ⁨ἄρχων⁩ (archōn, ruler) belongs to a word family where ruling and beginning meet. The one presented as ordering this world is himself subject to the verdict; his rule is not beyond judgment.

ALSO GROWS

archē: beginning, rule, or principality

ἀρχή

This branch links a ruler’s authority with the order or domain over which that ruler presides.

archēgos: leader, pioneer, originator

ἀρχηγός

This related word shows how the root can describe one who leads or stands at the head.

The powers that appear to rule the world are themselves brought under judgment and exposed.

A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.
Psalm 82:1 · KJVThe powers gathered as rulers are themselves placed before the one who judges.
Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
John 12:31 · KJVThe world’s judgment and the ruler’s removal are named together.
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Colossians 2:15 · KJVThe powers that seem to govern are stripped of their claim and openly exposed.
Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
John 12:31 · KJV

John 12:31 uses ⁨κρίσις⁩ (krisis, judgment) and repeats “the prince of this world.” John 16:11 makes the status of that judgment clear: the ruler has been judged and stands under the verdict.

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John 16:11 KJV Meaning