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The idea is complex. It involves the conceptions of authoritative examination, of unquestionable proof, of decisive judgment, of punitive power. Whatever the final issue may be, he who "convicts" another places the truth of the case in dispute in a close light before him, so that it must be seen and acknowledged as truth. He who then rejects the conclusion which this exposition involves, rejects it with his eyes open and at his peril. Truth seen as truth carries with it condemnation to all who refuse to welcome it. The different aspects of this " conviction" are brought out in the usage of the word in the New Testament.

1. There is the thorough testing of the real nature of the facts (John 3:29; Ephesians 5:13).

2. The application of the truth thus ascertained to the particular person affected (James 2:9; Judges 15:22; 1 Corinthians 14:24; 2 Timothy 4:2; cf. Matthew 18:15; John 8:9).

3. And that in chastisement (1 Timothy 5:20; Titus 1:9; Titus 2:15; cf. Ephesians 5:11); or with a distinct view to the restoration of him who is in the wrong (Revelation 3:19; Hebrews 12:5; Titus 1:13). The Gospel of St. John itself is a monument of the Spirit's conviction of the world concerning —

I. SIN (John 3:19-21; John 5:28, &c.; 38-47; 8:21, &c.; 34-47; 9:41; 14:27; 15:18-24).

II. RIGHTEOUSNESS (John 5:30; John 7:18, 24; John 8:28, 46, 50, 54; John 12:32; John 14:31; John 18:37).

III. JUDGMENT (John 12:31; John 14:30; John 18:15).

(Bp. Westcott.)

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KJV: And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

WEB: When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment;