John 3:15

KJV

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

KJV (with Strong's)

That {G3363} whosoever {G3956} believeth {G4100} in {G1519} him {G846} should {G622} not {G3363} perish {G622}, but {G235} have {G2192} eternal {G166} life {G2222}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life.

Berean Standard Bible

that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.

American Standard Version

that whosoever believeth may in him have eternal life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 3:15 encapsulates the profound purpose of Christ's redemptive work, declaring that anyone who places their faith in Him will escape spiritual destruction and instead receive the gift of eternal life. This verse, situated within Jesus' pivotal discourse with Nicodemus, unveils the universal scope of God's salvific offer, contrasting the dire consequence of unbelief with the glorious reality of a life lived in communion with God, both now and forevermore.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 3:15 serves as the climactic statement of purpose following Jesus' analogy of the bronze serpent in [John 3:14](/john/3-14 "John 3:14 - The Son of Man Lifted Up"). The preceding verses detail Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee, about the necessity of spiritual rebirth ([John 3:3-8](/john/3-3-8 "John 3:3-8 - Born Again")). Jesus transitions from the abstract concept of new birth to the concrete means by which it is achieved: belief in the Son of Man, who must be "lifted up." Verse 15 directly explains the *result* of this belief, establishing the core Gospel promise that is further amplified in the famous [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"). It clarifies that Jesus' impending sacrifice is not merely a historical event but a divine act designed to offer salvation to all who believe.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nicodemus, as a "ruler of the Jews" ([John 3:1](/john/3-1 "John 3:1 - Nicodemus Comes to Jesus")), represents the Jewish religious establishment of Jesus' time. His nighttime visit suggests a cautious curiosity or perhaps a fear of public scrutiny. The reference to the bronze serpent in [Numbers 21:4-9](/numbers/21-4-9 "Numbers 21:4-9 - The Bronze Serpent") would have been a well-known Old Testament narrative to Nicodemus. In that account, Israelites bitten by venomous snakes were healed by merely looking at the bronze serpent lifted on a pole. This historical event provides a powerful cultural and theological backdrop for Jesus' explanation: just as physical healing came through looking in faith, spiritual healing and life come through believing in the "lifted up" Son of Man. The Jewish expectation of the Messiah often focused on a conquering king, making Jesus' emphasis on a suffering, "lifted up" figure, and the spiritual nature of His kingdom, a challenging concept for Nicodemus to grasp.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several foundational themes within the Gospel of John and Christian theology. The most prominent is **Salvation by Faith**, emphasizing that eternal life is a gift received through belief, not through works or adherence to the Law. It highlights the **Contrast between Perishing and Eternal Life**, presenting two starkly different destinies based on one's response to Jesus. "Perishing" signifies spiritual ruin and separation from God, while "eternal life" denotes a quality of divine life that begins in the present and extends into eternity. Furthermore, the phrase "whosoever" underscores the **Universality of God's Offer**, demonstrating that salvation is available to all people, regardless of their background, status, or past sins, who choose to believe in Jesus. This theme anticipates the global reach of the Gospel message found throughout the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **believeth (Greek, _pisteúō_):** This verb signifies more than mere intellectual assent; it denotes a deep, active trust, reliance, and commitment to Jesus Christ. It implies a personal surrender and an ongoing relationship, where one places their confidence and hope entirely in Him. It is the fundamental human response required for salvation.
* **perish (Greek, _apóllymi_):** This word describes a state of utter ruin, loss, and destruction, not annihilation. In this context, it refers to spiritual death, eternal separation from God, and the judgment that awaits those who reject Christ. It is the opposite of receiving eternal life.
* **life (Greek, _zōḗ_):** This term refers to a quality of existence, specifically divine life, rather than mere biological existence (_bios_). It is the very life of God, characterized by fellowship with Him, righteousness, joy, and peace. When modified by "eternal" (Greek, _aiōnios_), it emphasizes that this life is not merely endless in duration but possesses the very nature and quality of God's own everlasting being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That whosoever believeth in him":** This opening clause establishes the condition for receiving the promise. "Whosoever" (Greek, _pâs_) emphasizes the universal scope of God's offer, making salvation accessible to all humanity without distinction. The phrase "believeth in him" specifies the object of this saving faith: Jesus Christ. The preposition "in" (Greek, _eis_) indicates a movement towards and a resting in, implying a deep, personal commitment and trust that culminates in identification with Christ.
* **"should not perish":** This negative consequence highlights the dire alternative to belief. To "perish" (Greek, _apóllymi_) means to suffer spiritual ruin, to be eternally separated from God's presence and blessing. This clause underscores the gravity of humanity's fallen state and the necessity of divine intervention to avoid this ultimate destruction.
* **"but have eternal life":** This clause presents the glorious, positive outcome of belief, standing in stark contrast to perishing. "Have" (Greek, _échō_) implies a present possession, not merely a future hope; believers *already* possess eternal life. "Eternal life" (Greek, _zōḗ aiṓnios_) is not just endless existence but a distinct quality of life—a participation in God's own divine, unending life, characterized by intimate fellowship with Him.

#### Literary Devices
John 3:15 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. **Contrast** is central, starkly juxtaposing "perish" with "eternal life," highlighting the two possible spiritual destinies dependent on one's response to Christ. This antithetical parallelism emphasizes the critical choice presented to humanity. There is also an implicit **Analogy** or **Typology** at play, building directly on the preceding verse's reference to the bronze serpent in the wilderness. Just as looking in faith at the serpent brought physical preservation, believing in the "lifted up" Son of Man brings spiritual preservation and life. The use of **Inclusivity** through the word "whosoever" (Greek, _pâs_) serves as a powerful rhetorical device, broadening the scope of salvation beyond any ethnic or social boundaries, making the Gospel accessible to all.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 3:15 stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology, revealing God's profound love and the singular path to salvation. It underscores that eternal life is not earned through human effort or merit but is a gracious gift from God, freely offered to all who respond in faith. This verse establishes the fundamental truth that salvation is found exclusively in Jesus Christ; He is the unique mediator and the sole source of true life. It speaks to God's desire for humanity's redemption, demonstrating His initiative in providing a way for sinful people to be reconciled to Him and escape the just consequences of their sin. The promise of "eternal life" emphasizes the qualitative, not just quantitative, nature of salvation—a life of intimate, unending fellowship with God Himself.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and the Gift of His Son")
* [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief Lead to Salvation")
* [1 John 5:11-12](/1_john/5-11-12 "1 John 5:11-12 - Eternal Life is in His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 3:15 offers profound assurance and a clear directive for every believer. It reminds us that our salvation is secured not by our fluctuating feelings or imperfect performance, but by the steadfast object of our faith: Jesus Christ. This truth should ignite a deep sense of gratitude and peace, knowing that the eternal destiny of spiritual ruin has been averted, and we are now recipients of a life that transcends earthly limitations. For those who have believed, it calls us to live in the present reality of eternal life, allowing its values and perspectives to shape our daily choices and priorities. Furthermore, the universal scope implied by "whosoever" compels us to share this life-giving message with others, recognizing that the same opportunity for salvation is extended to everyone, everywhere. It challenges us to examine the depth and authenticity of our own belief—is it a genuine, active trust in Christ alone, leading to a transformed life?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "believing in him" practically mean for my daily life and decisions?**
* **How does the promise of "eternal life" impact my perspective on present challenges and earthly pursuits?**
* **In what ways can I more effectively share the "whosoever" message of John 3:15 with those around me?**

### FAQ
**What does "perish" mean in the context of John 3:15?**
Answer: In John 3:15, "perish" (Greek, _apóllymi_) does not mean annihilation or ceasing to exist. Instead, it refers to spiritual ruin, eternal separation from God, and the experience of divine judgment for sin. It signifies a state of ultimate spiritual loss and condemnation, distinct from the blessed reality of eternal life offered through Christ. This concept is further elaborated in passages like [Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment and Eternal Life").

**Is "eternal life" merely endless existence?**
Answer: No, "eternal life" (Greek, _zōḗ aiṓnios_) is far more than just endless duration. While it certainly implies an unending existence, its primary emphasis is on the *quality* of life—a life that is characteristic of God Himself. It is a spiritual, divine life that begins the moment one believes in Jesus, marked by an intimate, living relationship with God. This divine life transforms the believer, empowering them to live in accordance with God's will and experience His presence fully, both now and throughout eternity, as Jesus Himself explained in [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - This is Eternal Life").

**Does "whosoever" imply that everyone will automatically receive eternal life?**
Answer: No, "whosoever" (Greek, _pâs_) emphasizes the *availability* of salvation to all people, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or social status. It highlights the inclusive nature of God's offer, demonstrating that salvation is not limited to a select group but is open to anyone who chooses to believe in Jesus. It does not mean universal salvation, but rather universal accessibility, contingent upon the individual's act of faith, as seen in the broader context of [John 3:16-18](/john/3-16-18 "John 3:16-18 - Belief and Condemnation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 3:15 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the "him" in whom one must believe, the very Son of God who came into the world not to condemn it, but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save the World")). The promise of escaping perishing and receiving eternal life is made possible only through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. Just as the bronze serpent was lifted up for physical healing, Jesus was "lifted up" on the cross, becoming the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world, thereby offering spiritual healing and life to all who look to Him in faith ([John 12:32-33](/john/12-32-33 "John 12:32-33 - Jesus Lifted Up")). He is the embodiment of "eternal life" itself, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). Thus, John 3:15 is a direct invitation to embrace the life that is found uniquely in Christ, the one who conquered death and offers everlasting communion with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 6:40

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 12:44

¶ Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

John 12:46

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

John 3:36

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

1 John 5:11

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

1 John 5:13

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.