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.

For {G1063} God {G2316} so {G3779} loved {G25} the world {G2889}, that {G5620} he gave {G1325} his {G846} only begotten {G3439} Son {G5207}, that {G2443} whosoever {G3956} believeth {G4100} in {G1519} him {G846} should {G622} not {G3361} perish {G622}, but {G235} have {G2192} everlasting {G166} life {G2222}.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only and unique Son, so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life, instead of being utterly destroyed.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

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

Commentary

John 3:16 (KJV)

"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."

Commentary

This verse, often called the "Gospel in a nutshell," encapsulates the core message of Christianity. It comes within Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, explaining the necessity of spiritual rebirth and the nature of God's salvation.

  • God's Love: The phrase "God so loved the world" highlights the immense, unparalleled nature of God's love. It is not limited to a specific group but extends to all humanity ("the world"), despite their sin and separation from Him.
  • The Gift: God's love is demonstrated through action: "that he gave his only begotten Son." Jesus, His unique and precious Son, was sent as a sacrifice. The term "only begotten" (Greek: monogenes) emphasizes Jesus' unique relationship with the Father, not implying a beginning of existence, but rather His unique status and nature as the Son.
  • Salvation through Belief: The condition for receiving the benefits of this gift is belief ("whosoever believeth in him"). This faith is not mere intellectual assent but trust and reliance upon Jesus.
  • The Outcome: The result of belief is salvation from destruction ("should not perish") and the reception of eternal life ("but have everlasting life"). "Everlasting life" is not just endless existence but a quality of life, a relationship with God that begins now and continues forever.

This verse serves as a foundational statement about God's initiative in salvation, the central role of Jesus Christ, and the path to eternal life through faith. It assures believers of God's profound love and the certainty of their salvation in Christ.

See also 1 John 4:9-10 for a similar expression of God's love shown through sending His Son.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 5:8 (871 votes)

    But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

  • 1 John 4:9 (618 votes)

    In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

  • 1 John 4:10 (618 votes)

    Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.

  • John 3:15 (439 votes)

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

  • Romans 8:32 (434 votes)

    He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

  • John 11:25 (400 votes)

    Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

  • John 11:26 (400 votes)

    And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?