John 3:15

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

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

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

that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.

that whosoever believeth may in him have eternal life.

John 3:15 KJV: "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life."

Commentary on John 3:15 (KJV)

This powerful verse from the King James Version encapsulates the core message of the Gospel, following Jesus' explanation to Nicodemus about salvation. It clarifies the purpose behind the Son of Man being "lifted up" (as mentioned in John 3:14), drawing a parallel to the bronze serpent lifted by Moses in the wilderness (Numbers 21:9). Just as looking at the serpent brought physical healing, believing in Jesus brings spiritual salvation and life.

Context

John 3 records Jesus' late-night conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews. Jesus has just spoken about the necessity of being born again and compared his impending sacrifice to the serpent lifted in the wilderness. Verse 15 serves as the immediate consequence and promise of that sacrificial act – salvation for those who believe.

Key Themes

  • Belief: The condition for receiving salvation is belief ("whosoever believeth"). This belief is not mere intellectual agreement but a deep trust, reliance, and commitment to Jesus Christ.
  • Perishing vs. Eternal Life: The verse presents a stark contrast. Without belief, the destiny is to "perish," which signifies spiritual ruin, separation from God, and eternal death. With belief, the promise is to "have eternal life," which is not just endless existence but a quality of life, a relationship with God that begins now and lasts forever.
  • Universality: The phrase "whosoever" highlights the inclusive nature of God's offer of salvation. It is available to anyone, regardless of background, ethnicity, or past deeds, who places their faith in Jesus.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "believeth" is pisteuō, which implies a active, ongoing state of trusting and relying on Jesus. "Eternal life" is zōē aiōnios, indicating a life that is characteristic of the age to come and of God Himself, a quality of divine life granted to the believer.

Reflection and Application

John 3:15 is a foundational promise for every Christian. It simplifies the path to salvation: believe in Jesus. It reassures believers of their secure future and present possession of eternal life. It calls us to examine our own faith – is it a genuine trust and reliance on Jesus? This verse encourages sharing the Gospel, knowing that the promise of salvation is for "whosoever" believes.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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