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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
John 3:16 stands as a profound encapsulation of the Gospel, revealing the boundless nature of God's love for a fallen world, demonstrated supremely through the sacrificial giving of His uniquely begotten Son. This divine act of love provides the pathway for all who place their trust in Jesus to be rescued from spiritual destruction and to receive the gift of eternal life, a life characterized by an enduring relationship with God Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is embedded within Jesus' nocturnal conversation with Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council (the Sanhedrin), as recorded in [John 3](/john/3 "John 3 - Jesus and Nicodemus"). The discussion begins with Nicodemus's acknowledgment of Jesus as a teacher sent from God. Jesus immediately shifts the conversation to the necessity of being "born again" or "born from above" ([John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Born Again")), a concept that initially bewilders Nicodemus. Jesus then explains that this spiritual birth is "of water and the Spirit" ([John 3:5](/john/3-5 "John 3:5 - Born of Water and Spirit")), drawing a parallel to the wind, which is unseen but whose effects are evident ([John 3:8](/john/3-8 "John 3:8 - The Spirit's Work")). John 3:16 serves as the climactic explanation of *why* this spiritual rebirth is necessary and *how* it is made possible: through God's loving provision of His Son. The verses immediately following [John 3:17-21](/john/3-17-21 "John 3:17-21 - Judgment and Light") further elaborate on the purpose of Christ's coming—not to condemn, but to save—and the consequence of rejecting the light.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nicodemus, as a "ruler of the Jews" and a Pharisee, represented the religious elite of first-century Judaism. His background would have emphasized adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions as the path to righteousness and God's favor. The concept of a Messiah was deeply ingrained in Jewish thought, but it was often understood in political or nationalistic terms—a deliverer who would free Israel from Roman oppression. Jesus' teaching on spiritual rebirth and God's universal love for "the world" would have been revolutionary and challenging to Nicodemus's established worldview, which might have presumed God's primary focus was on Israel. The idea of God "giving" His Son would have resonated with the Old Testament sacrificial system, yet simultaneously transcended it, pointing to a unique, once-for-all offering. The term "world" (Greek: *kosmos*) in John's Gospel often carries a dual meaning, referring to the created order but also to humanity in its fallen, alienated state, underscoring the vastness and undeserved nature of God's love.
* **Key Themes:** [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Salvation") masterfully weaves together several foundational theological themes prevalent throughout the Gospel of John. Foremost is the **unparalleled love of God** (agape love), which is not merely an emotion but an active, self-sacrificial commitment. This love is directed towards "the world," highlighting its universal scope, contrasting with any narrow, exclusive understanding of divine favor. Another central theme is the **unique identity and mission of Jesus as the "only begotten Son"**. He is not merely a prophet or a teacher, but the unique divine Son, sent by the Father for a redemptive purpose. The verse also underscores the **necessity and nature of belief (faith)** as the means by which humanity accesses God's salvation, emphasizing that salvation is a gift received through trust, not earned through works. Finally, the verse powerfully contrasts **perishing** (spiritual destruction and separation from God) with **everlasting life** (a qualitative, eternal relationship with God that begins in the present), a theme that runs throughout John's Gospel, particularly in passages like [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Hearing and Believing") and [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life Defined").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** Refers to the supreme Divinity, the one true God. In this context, it emphasizes the ultimate source of love and salvation. The verse attributes the initiative and the immense act of giving to this supreme being, highlighting His character as loving and sovereign.
* **loved (Greek, _agapáō'_):** This verb denotes a divine, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love. It is not merely affection or emotional attachment, but a deliberate, purposeful benevolence that seeks the highest good of the beloved, even at great cost to the lover. Here, it describes God's active choice to redeem humanity despite their sin.
* **only begotten (Greek, _monogenḗs'_):** This term signifies "unique," "one of a kind," or "sole." It does not imply that the Son was created or had a beginning of existence, but rather emphasizes His unique relationship with the Father—He is the Father's one and only Son, distinct in nature and origin from all creation. It underscores His singular status and irreplaceable role in God's redemptive plan.
* **perish (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** Means to destroy fully, to lose, or to be ruined. In a spiritual context, it refers to eternal separation from God, spiritual death, and ultimate ruin, not annihilation. It stands in stark contrast to "everlasting life," highlighting the dire consequence of unbelief.
* **believeth (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** To have faith in, upon, or with respect to a person or thing; to credit; by implication, to entrust. This is not merely intellectual assent to facts about Jesus, but a trusting reliance upon Him for salvation, involving commitment and surrender. It is the active response required from humanity to receive God's gift.
* **everlasting (Greek, _aiṓnios'_):** Pertaining to eternity, perpetual, or without end. When combined with "life," it signifies not merely unending existence, but a quality of life—a participation in God's own eternal life, characterized by fellowship, righteousness, and joy, which begins in the present and continues infinitely.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For God so loved the world,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine motivation for salvation: God's immense and unparalleled love (agape) for all humanity, despite their sinful state and rebellion against Him. The "so" (Greek: *hoútō*) emphasizes the *degree* and *manner* of this love, leading to the subsequent action.
* **"that he gave his only begotten Son,"**: This reveals the profound and costly demonstration of God's love. The act of "giving" signifies a sacrificial offering. His "only begotten Son" (Greek: *monogenḗs huiós*) highlights the uniqueness and preciousness of Jesus, emphasizing His singular relationship with the Father and His divine nature. This gift is the ultimate expression of divine love.
* **"that whosoever believeth in him"**: This clause introduces the condition and scope of salvation. The "whosoever" (Greek: *pâs ho pisteúōn*) underscores the universal invitation and accessibility of salvation to anyone, regardless of background, who places their faith or trust "in him" (Jesus). Belief here is not mere intellectual acknowledgment but a deep, personal reliance and commitment.
* **"should not perish,"**: This states the negative outcome averted by belief. "Perish" (Greek: *apóllymi*) signifies spiritual ruin, eternal separation from God, and condemnation. God's purpose in giving His Son is to rescue humanity from this ultimate destruction.
* **"but have everlasting life."**: This states the positive outcome received by belief. "Everlasting life" (Greek: *zōḗ aiṓnios*) is not merely unending existence but a profound, qualitative life that is divine in origin, characterized by an intimate, eternal relationship with God, beginning in the present and extending into eternity. It is the full, abundant life that God intends for humanity.

#### Literary Devices
John 3:16 is rich in literary devices that enhance its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, particularly seen in the juxtaposition of "perish" and "everlasting life." This highlights the two starkly different destinies available to humanity, emphasizing the gravity of the choice presented. The phrase "God *so* loved the world" employs **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, underscoring the immeasurable and extraordinary nature of God's love, which goes beyond human comprehension or expectation. The use of "only begotten Son" serves as a form of **Emphasis** or **Unique Designation**, stressing Jesus' singular relationship with the Father and His unparalleled status, setting Him apart from all other beings. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Summary Statement** or **Gospel in a Nutshell**, encapsulating the core message of Christian salvation in a concise yet comprehensive manner. The structure itself, moving from God's motivation to His action, to humanity's response, and finally to the resulting outcomes, demonstrates a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship, making the theological argument both logical and compelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 3:16 is a cornerstone of Christian theology, articulating the very heart of God's redemptive plan. It reveals that salvation originates not from human merit or effort, but purely from the overflowing, self-sacrificial love of God (agape). This love is so immense that it compelled Him to offer His most precious possession, His unique Son, as the ultimate sacrifice for a rebellious world. The verse underscores the universal scope of God's saving intention, extending the invitation to "whosoever" believes, thereby dismantling any notion of an exclusive or limited salvation. It firmly establishes Jesus Christ as the singular means of salvation, emphasizing that eternal life is not merely endless existence but a qualitative, intimate relationship with God, secured through faith in His Son. This foundational truth profoundly shapes Christian understanding of God's character, humanity's need, and the singular efficacy of Christ's work.

* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")
* [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy")
* [1 John 4:9-10](/1_john/4-9-10 "1 John 4:9-10 - God's Love Sent His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 3:16 invites us to pause and deeply ponder the unfathomable depth of God's love. It challenges any notion that we must earn God's favor or that His love is conditional. Instead, it declares that His love is proactive, sacrificial, and extended to a world that did not deserve it. For those who have placed their trust in Christ, this verse offers profound assurance of salvation and the promise of a life that transcends earthly limitations, rooted in an eternal relationship with God. For those who have not yet believed, it stands as a clear, compelling invitation to embrace the greatest gift ever offered. It calls us to respond to such immense love not with apathy, but with humble faith and a life transformed by gratitude. This verse should inspire us to reflect God's love in our own lives, extending grace and truth to those around us, just as God extended it to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the phrase "God so loved the world" challenge my preconceived notions about God's character or His relationship with humanity?**
* **What does it mean for me, personally, to "believe in him" beyond intellectual assent? How does my life demonstrate this belief?**
* **In what ways does understanding "everlasting life" as a quality of relationship, not just endless time, change my perspective on my present existence?**
* **How can the truth of John 3:16 motivate me to share the Gospel with others, reflecting God's love and generosity?**

### FAQ

**What does "only begotten Son" mean in John 3:16?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "only begotten" is *monogenḗs* (G3439). It does not mean that Jesus was "begotten" in the sense of being created or having a beginning of existence, as if He were born like a human child. Rather, it signifies His unique, singular, and incomparable relationship with the Father. He is the Father's "one and only" Son, distinct in nature and origin from all creation. This term emphasizes His unique divine sonship and His unparalleled status as the one through whom God's redemptive plan is accomplished. It highlights that Jesus is not merely *a* son of God, but *the* Son of God, sharing the very nature of God, as further explained in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh").

**Is "belief" in John 3:16 merely intellectual agreement, or something more?**

Answer: The "belief" (Greek: *pisteúō*, G4100) described in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God's Love and Salvation") is far more than simple intellectual assent to facts about Jesus. It encompasses a deep, personal trust, reliance, and commitment to Him. It means entrusting one's entire spiritual well-being to Christ, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior, and surrendering to His authority. This kind of belief results in a transformed life, demonstrating itself through obedience and a desire to follow Christ, as seen in passages like [James 2:19](/james/2-19 "Faith Without Works Is Dead") which contrasts mere intellectual belief with true, saving faith.

**What is the difference between "perish" and "everlasting life" in this verse?**

Answer: "Perish" (Greek: *apóllymi*, G622) in this context refers to spiritual ruin, eternal separation from God, and ultimate condemnation, not annihilation of existence. It signifies a state of spiritual death and judgment. In contrast, "everlasting life" (Greek: *zōḗ aiṓnios*, G2222, G166) is not merely unending existence, but a qualitative, rich, and abundant life that is divine in nature. It is a life characterized by an intimate, eternal relationship with God, beginning at the moment of belief and continuing forever. Jesus Himself defines it in [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "Eternal Life Defined") as knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. It is a participation in God's own eternal life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 3:16 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the "only begotten Son" (Greek: *monogenḗs huiós*), uniquely qualified to bridge the chasm between a holy God and a sinful humanity, precisely because of His divine nature and singular relationship with the Father. God's "so great" love (Greek: *hoútō agapáō*) is not an abstract concept but is concretely manifested in the historical event of Christ's incarnation, life, death, and resurrection. Jesus is the sacrificial "gift" (Greek: *dídōmi*) of God, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, as proclaimed by John the Baptist in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His death on the cross, often foreshadowed in the Old Testament (e.g., the bronze serpent lifted up in [Numbers 21:9](/numbers/21-9 "Numbers 21:9 - The Bronze Serpent"), which Jesus references in [John 3:14](/john/3-14 "John 3:14 - Son of Man Lifted Up")), is the means by which humanity is saved from perishing (Greek: *apóllymi*). Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered death, offering the promise of "everlasting life" (Greek: *zōḗ aiṓnios*) to all who believe in Him. Thus, John 3:16 is not merely a statement about God's love, but a declaration of the saving power inherent in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the very embodiment and fulfillment of God's eternal plan.

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

Romans 5:8

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

1 John 4:9

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

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

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

Romans 8:32

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

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

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