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.

He that believeth {G4100} on {G1519} the Son {G5207} hath {G2192} everlasting {G166} life {G2222}: and {G1161} he that believeth not {G544} the Son {G5207} shall {G3700} not {G3756} see {G3700} life {G2222}; but {G235} the wrath {G3709} of God {G2316} abideth {G3306} on {G1909} him {G846}.

Whoever trusts in the Son has eternal life. But whoever disobeys the Son will not see that life but remains subject to God’s wrath.”

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him.”

He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.

John 3:36 (KJV) powerfully summarizes the dual outcomes of humanity's response to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It presents a stark contrast between salvation and condemnation, emphasizing the critical importance of faith.

Context

This verse concludes a significant discourse in the Gospel of John, primarily rooted in Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus about new birth (John 3:3). While the initial dialogue was with Nicodemus, the latter part of the chapter, including verse 36, transitions into a broader theological exposition, possibly John the Baptist's testimony or John the Evangelist's commentary. It directly follows the profound declaration of God's love in giving His only begotten Son, underscoring the choice presented to all humanity.

Key Themes

  • The Power of Belief for Everlasting Life

    The first part of the verse declares a blessed reality: "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." This belief is not merely intellectual assent but a trust, reliance, and commitment to Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God. The word "hath" (present tense) indicates that everlasting life is a present possession for the believer, not just a future hope. This life is eternal in duration and divine in quality, a participation in God's own life.

  • The Consequence of Unbelief: Abiding Wrath

    The second part starkly contrasts this: "and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." Unbelief is presented not as a passive state but as an active rejection with severe consequences. "Shall not see life" signifies exclusion from the very essence of God's life and blessing. The phrase "the wrath of God abideth on him" is particularly potent. It implies that God's righteous judgment, which is already present due to sin, remains on the unbeliever. It's not something new that comes upon them, but a state from which they are never delivered unless they believe. This echoes themes found in Romans 1:18 regarding God's wrath revealed against ungodliness.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Believeth" (Greek: pisteuō): This verb signifies more than intellectual acknowledgment; it implies a deep, active trust and reliance. It's a dynamic faith that leads to a relationship.
  • "Everlasting life" (Greek: aiōnios zōē): Often translated as "eternal life," this phrase emphasizes not just endless duration but also the quality of life—a life that is divine, spiritual, and perfect, originating from God Himself.
  • "Wrath of God" (Greek: orgē tou theou): This isn't capricious human anger, but God's settled, holy opposition to sin and unrighteousness. It is a just and righteous response to humanity's rebellion against His perfect standard, as seen in Romans 6:23.

Practical Application

John 3:36 serves as both a profound promise and a solemn warning. For those who believe, it offers immense comfort and assurance of their present possession of everlasting life through Christ. For those who have not yet believed, it highlights the urgent need to respond to the Gospel. It underscores the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus and reminds us that our eternal destiny hinges on our response to Him. The verse calls believers to share this vital truth, recognizing the eternal stakes involved in accepting or rejecting God's provision for salvation.

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 5:24

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

  • John 1:12

    But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:9

    For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

  • Ephesians 5:6

    Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

  • John 3:15

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

  • 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.

  • 1 John 5:10

    ¶ He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
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