Bible Verse

John 3:16

Jesus is speaking with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, who came to Jesus at night seeking to understand his teachings.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

— John 3:16 (NIV)

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Other Translations

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

— ESV

"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

"For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

— NLT

Understanding the Context

Book Context

The Gospel of John emphasizes Jesus' divine nature and his role as the Son of God. Chapter 3 contains Jesus' famous conversation about being 'born again' and God's redemptive plan for humanity.

Historical Background

This conversation takes place early in Jesus' ministry, likely in Jerusalem. Nicodemus represents the religious establishment seeking to understand who Jesus is.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

"For God so loved the world"

This establishes the foundation of the Gospel: God's love is not limited to a chosen few but extends to all of humanity. The word 'so' (Greek: houtos) emphasizes the manner and extent of God's love.

"that he gave his one and only Son"

God's love is demonstrated through action—the giving of His Son. 'One and only' (Greek: monogenes) indicates unique, one-of-a-kind status, emphasizing Jesus' special relationship with the Father.

"that whoever believes in him"

Salvation is offered universally ('whoever') but received personally ('believes'). Faith in Christ is the means by which we receive God's gift of eternal life.

"shall not perish but have eternal life"

Two destinies are contrasted: perishing (eternal separation from God) versus eternal life (an unending relationship with God that begins now and continues forever).

Key Themes

God's unconditional loveSalvation through faithJesus as God's gift to humanityEternal lifeGrace

Applying This Verse to Your Life

  1. 1

    Recognize that you are deeply loved by God, regardless of your past or current circumstances.

  2. 2

    Understand that salvation is a gift received through faith, not earned through works.

  3. 3

    Share this good news with others who need to hear about God's love.

  4. 4

    Live in the security and freedom that comes from knowing you have eternal life.

  5. 5

    Let God's love for you transform how you love others.

Questions for Reflection

  • What does it mean to you personally that God loved the world enough to give His Son?
  • How has believing in Jesus changed your life?
  • Who in your life needs to hear about God's love today?
  • How can you live differently knowing you have eternal life?

Related Scripture

Romans 5:8

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

1 John 4:9-10

"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him."

Ephesians 2:8-9

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."

John 1:12

"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

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