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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/3-15.htm" title="John 3:15">◄</a> John 3:16 <a href="/john/3-17.htm" title="John 3:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/john/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/john/3.htm">New International Version</a> 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. <a href="/nlt/john/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> “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. <a href="/esv/john/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. <a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For God so loved the world that He gave the only begotten Son, so that everyone believing in Him should not perish, but should have eternal life. <a href="/kjv/john/3.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/john/3.htm">New King James Version</a> For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. <a href="/nasb_/john/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. <a href="/nasb/john/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. <a href="/nasb77/john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. <a href="/lsb/john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. <a href="/amp/john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. <a href="/csb/john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. <a href="/hcsb/john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. <a href="/asv/john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/john/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. <a href="/erv/john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. <a href="/gnt/john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. <a href="/isv/john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his unique Son so that everyone who believes in him might not be lost but have eternal life. <a href="/msb/john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/john/3.htm">NET Bible</a> For this is the way 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. <a href="/nheb/john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For this is how God loved the world: he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have life without end. <a href="/wbt/john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. <a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For so greatly did God love the world that He gave His only Son, that every one who trusts in Him may not perish but may have the Life of Ages. <a href="/web/john/3.htm">World English Bible</a> For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for God so loved the world that He gave the only begotten Son, that everyone who is believing in Him may not perish, but may have continuous life. <a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For God so loved the world that He gave the only begotten Son, so that everyone believing in Him should not perish, but should have eternal life. <a href="/ylt/john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for God did so love the world, that His Son -- the only begotten -- He gave, that every one who is believing in him may not perish, but may have life age-during. <a href="/slt/john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that every one believing in him perish not, but have eternal life.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting. <a href="/cpdv/john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that all who believe in him may not perish, but may have eternal life. <a href="/nabre/john/3.htm">New American Bible</a> For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. <a href="/nrsvce/john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For God so loved the world, that he even gave his only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For God loved the world in this way: so much that he would give up his Son, The Only One, so that everyone who trusts in him shall not be lost, but he shall have eternal life.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes on him should not perish, but have eternal life. <a href="/godbey/john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that every one believing on Him may not perish but have eternal life.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that every one who believeth in him should not perish, but have life eternal. <a href="/mace/john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have eternal life. <a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For so greatly did God love the world that He gave His only Son, that every one who trusts in Him may not perish but may have the Life of Ages. <a href="/worrell/john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that every one who believes on Him should not perish, but have eternal life;<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him might not perish, but have everlasting life:<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/3-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=721" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">For God So Loved</a> 15that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. 16<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: Houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).">so</a> <a href="/greek/25.htm" title="25: ēgapēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.">loved</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2889.htm" title="2889: kosmon (N-AMS) -- Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).">world</a> <a href="/greek/5620.htm" title="5620: hōste (Conj) -- So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.">that</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: edōken (V-AIA-3S) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">He gave</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3439.htm" title="3439: monogenē (Adj-AMS) -- Only, only-begotten; unique. From monos and ginomai; only-born, i.e. Sole.">one and only</a> <a href="/greek/5207.htm" title="5207: Huion (N-AMS) -- A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a son, used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.">Son,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">that</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pas (Adj-NMS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">everyone</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who</a> <a href="/greek/4100.htm" title="4100: pisteuōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.">believes</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">in</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/622.htm" title="622: apolētai (V-ASM-3S) -- From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.">shall not perish</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echē (V-PSA-3S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">have</a> <a href="/greek/166.htm" title="166: aiōnion (Adj-AFS) -- From aion; perpetual.">eternal</a> <a href="/greek/2222.htm" title="2222: zōēn (N-AFS) -- Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.">life.</a> 17For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/5-8.htm">Romans 5:8</a> But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. <a href="/1_john/4-9.htm">1 John 4:9-10</a> This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. / And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. <a href="/romans/8-32.htm">Romans 8:32</a> He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things? <a href="/ephesians/2-4.htm">Ephesians 2:4-5</a> But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, / made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! <a href="/1_john/5-11.htm">1 John 5:11-12</a> And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. / Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. <a href="/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12-13</a> But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— / children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God. <a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">1 John 3:1</a> Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. <a href="/galatians/2-20.htm">Galatians 2:20</a> I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. <a href="/titus/3-4.htm">Titus 3:4-7</a> But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, / He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. / This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ... <a href="/2_corinthians/5-19.htm">2 Corinthians 5:19-21</a> that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. / Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. / God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. <a href="/isaiah/53-5.htm">Isaiah 53:5-6</a> But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. / We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. <a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29</a> The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">1 Peter 1:18-21</a> For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, / but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot. / He was known before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake. ... <a href="/john/6-40.htm">John 6:40</a> For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” <a href="/acts/4-12.htm">Acts 4:12</a> Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.God.<a href="/luke/2-14.htm">Luke 2:14</a> Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.<a href="/romans/5-8.htm">Romans 5:8</a> But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.<a href="/2_corinthians/5-19.htm">2 Corinthians 5:19-21</a> To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation… gave.<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14,18</a> And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth… <a href="/genesis/22-12.htm">Genesis 22:12</a> And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.<a href="/mark/12-6.htm">Mark 12:6</a> Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.that whosoever.<a href="/john/3-15.htm">John 3:15</a> That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.<a href="/matthew/9-13.htm">Matthew 9:13</a> But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.<a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">1 Timothy 1:15,16</a> This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/3-15.htm">Age-During</a> <a href="/john/3-15.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/john/1-18.htm">Begotten</a> <a href="/john/3-15.htm">Believes</a> <a href="/john/3-15.htm">Believeth</a> <a href="/john/2-19.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/john/3-15.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/luke/18-30.htm">Everlasting</a> <a href="/john/3-15.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/luke/24-4.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/luke/7-48.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/john/1-18.htm">Only-Begotten</a> <a href="/john/3-15.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/john/3-15.htm">Trusts</a> <a href="/john/1-29.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/3-36.htm">Age-During</a> <a href="/john/3-36.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/john/3-18.htm">Begotten</a> <a href="/john/3-18.htm">Believes</a> <a href="/john/3-18.htm">Believeth</a> <a href="/john/10-10.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/john/3-36.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/john/3-36.htm">Everlasting</a> <a href="/john/3-33.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/john/3-29.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/john/11-5.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/john/3-18.htm">Only-Begotten</a> <a href="/john/10-28.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/john/3-18.htm">Trusts</a> <a href="/john/3-17.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">John 3</div>1. <a href="/john/3-1.htm">Jesus teaches Nicodemus the necessity of being born again,</a> 14. <a href="/john/3-14.htm">of faith in his death,</a> 16. <a href="/john/3-16.htm">the great love of God toward the world,</a> 18. <a href="/john/3-18.htm">and the condemnation for unbelief.</a> 22. <a href="/john/3-22.htm">Jesus baptizes in Judea.</a> 23. <a href="/john/3-23.htm">The baptism, witness, and doctrine of John concerning Jesus.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The Greek word for "world" (kosmos) indicates the entirety of creation, highlighting God's inclusive plan. This love is rooted in the Old Testament, where God's covenant with Abraham promised blessings to all nations (<a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a>). The love of God is a central theme throughout Scripture, seen in passages like 1 <a href="/john/4-9.htm">John 4:9-10</a>, which speaks of God's love manifested through sending His Son.that He gave His one and only Son The giving of His "one and only Son" underscores the uniqueness and preciousness of Jesus. The term "one and only" (monogenes) signifies Jesus' unique relationship with the Father, as seen in <a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>. This act of giving is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a>, which foretells the birth of a son who will be called "Mighty God." The sacrificial nature of this gift is foreshadowed in the story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22), where God provides a ram as a substitute, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice.that everyone who believes in Him The invitation to "everyone who believes" highlights the accessibility of salvation through faith. Belief in Jesus is a central tenet of the New Testament, as seen in passages like <a href="/romans/10-9.htm">Romans 10:9-10</a>, which emphasizes confessing and believing in Jesus for salvation. This belief is not mere intellectual assent but involves trust and reliance on Jesus as Savior and Lord. The concept of faith is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, exemplified by figures like Abraham, whose faith was credited as righteousness (<a href="/genesis/15-6.htm">Genesis 15:6</a>).shall not perish The phrase "shall not perish" contrasts with the eternal life offered through belief in Jesus. Perishing refers to eternal separation from God, a theme consistent with the warnings found throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/matthew/25-46.htm">Matthew 25:46</a>, where Jesus speaks of eternal punishment. This highlights the seriousness of rejecting God's offer of salvation and the dire consequences of unbelief.but have eternal life "Eternal life" is a central promise of the Gospel, signifying not just unending existence but a quality of life in relationship with God. This life begins at the moment of faith and continues into eternity, as seen in <a href="/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3</a>, where Jesus defines eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ. The concept of eternal life is rooted in the hope of resurrection and the new creation, as prophesied in <a href="/isaiah/65-17.htm">Isaiah 65:17</a> and fulfilled in <a href="/revelation/21.htm">Revelation 21:1-4</a>, where God dwells with His people in a renewed creation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The Creator and Sustainer of the universe, who demonstrates His love for humanity by giving His Son. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_world.htm">The World</a> Refers to all of humanity, emphasizing the universal scope of God's love and the offer of salvation. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ (the Son)</a> The one and only Son of God, sent into the world to provide salvation through His sacrificial death and resurrection. 4. <a href="/topical/b/believers.htm">Believers</a> Those who place their faith in Jesus Christ, receiving the promise of eternal life. 5. <a href="/topical/e/eternal_life.htm">Eternal Life</a> The gift of everlasting life with God, contrasted with perishing, which signifies eternal separation from God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_god's_love.htm">The Nature of God's Love</a> God's love is unconditional and sacrificial, demonstrated by giving His only Son for the salvation of the world. <a href="/topical/t/the_universality_of_the_gospel.htm">The Universality of the Gospel</a> The offer of salvation is extended to all people, regardless of background or status, emphasizing the inclusivity of the Gospel message. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_faith.htm">The Call to Faith</a> Belief in Jesus is the sole requirement for receiving eternal life, highlighting the importance of personal faith and trust in Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_assurance_of_salvation.htm">The Assurance of Salvation</a> Those who believe in Jesus are assured of eternal life, providing hope and security in the promise of God. <a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_the_gospel_message.htm">The Urgency of the Gospel Message</a> The contrast between perishing and eternal life underscores the urgency of sharing the Gospel with others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 3</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_come_to_judge_the_world.htm">Did Jesus come to judge the world?</a> <a href="/q/does_jesus_have_love_for_me.htm">Does Jesus have love for me?</a> <a href="/q/does_limited_atonement_oppose_god's_love.htm">Does limited atonement contradict God's universal love?</a> <a href="/q/for_whom_did_jesus_die.htm">For whom did Jesus die?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) The last verse has spoken of "every one who believeth." The thought went beyond the limits that Rabbis set to the kingdom of God. Its only limit is humanity. This thought is now repeated and strengthened by the "might not perish," and the love of God is made the foundation on which it rests. Perhaps no verse in the Bible has been so much explained as this; perhaps no verse can be so little explained. Most young preachers have sermons upon it; older men learn that its meaning must be felt and thought rather than spoken. Still less can it be written; and this Note may not attempt to do more than indicate some lines of thought which may help to lead to others.God so loved the world.--Familiar as the words are to us, they were uttered to Nicodemus for the first time. They are the revelation of the nature of God, and the ground of our love to God and man. (Comp. Notes on <a href="/context/1_john/4-7.htm" title="Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God.">1John 4:7-11</a>.)His only begotten Son.--Here, once again, the Old Testament Scriptures suggest and explain the words used. Every Jew knew, and loved to think and tell of his forefather who was willing to sacrifice his own and only son in obedience to what he thought to be the will of God (Genesis 22). But Love gives, and does not require, sacrifice. God wills not that Abraham should give his son, but He gave His only begotten Son. The dread power that man has ever conceived--that is not God; the pursuing vengeance that sin has ever imagined--that is not God; the unsatisfied anger that sacrifice has ever suggested--that is not God. But all that human thought has ever gathered of tenderness, forgiveness, love, in the relation of father to only child--all this is, in the faintness of an earth-drawn picture, an approach to the true idea of God. Yes, the true idea is infinitely beyond all this; for the love for the world gives in sacrifice the love for the only begotten Son.Believeth in.--Better, believeth upon. The preposition is not the same as in the last verse. (Comp. <a href="/john/1-12.htm" title="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:">John 1:12</a>.) There the thought was of the Son of Man lifted up, in whom every one who believes and can interpret spiritual truth, ever has eternal life. Here the thought is of the Son of God given for the world, and every one who believes upon, casts his whole being upon Him, and, like Abraham, in will rests all upon God, finds that God has provided Himself a lamb for a burnt-offering instead of human sacrifice or death.Everlasting life.--Better, as the same Greek word is rendered in the previous verse, eternal life. For the meaning of this word see Note on <a href="/matthew/25-46.htm" title="And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.">Matthew 25:46</a>. It is of frequent use in this Gospel (seventeen times), and always used in reference to life.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 16-21. - (3) Divine love and judgment. Verse 16. - For God so loved the world. The Divine love to the whole of humanity in its condition of supreme need, i.e. apart from himself and his grace, has been of such a commanding, exhaustless, immeasurable kind, that it was equal to any emergency, and able to secure for the worst and most degraded, for the outcast, the serpent-bitten and the dying, a means of unlimited deliverance and uplifting. The Divine love is the sublime source of the whole proceeding, and it has been lavished on "the world." This world cannot be the limited "world" of the Augustinian, Calvinian interpreters - the world of the elect; it is that "whole world" of which St. John speaks in <a href="/1_john/2-2.htm">1 John 2:2</a>. "God will have all men to be saved" (<a href="/1_timothy/2-4.htm">1 Timothy 2:4</a>). Calvin himself says, "Christ brought life, because the heavenly Father loves the human race, and wishes that they should not perish." Pharisaic interpretations of the Old Testament had left the outside world in judgment, to cursing and condign punishment, and had made Abrahamic descent and sacramental privilege the conditions of life and honour and royal freedom. Here the poor world is seen to be the object of such love, that he - the Father-God - gave, "delivered up," we do not know certainly to "what," but we may judge from the context that it was such a deliverance, or such giving up. as is involved in the uplifting of the Son of man upon his cross of humiliation and shame. But the Lord in,educes a more wonderful term to denote his own personality. This "Son of man" is none other than his only begotten Son (cf. notes, <a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14, 18</a>). Just as Abraham had not kept back his only begotten son from God, so God has not withheld his perfect Image, his Well-beloved, his Eternal Logos, the perfect ideal of sonship. He gave him with the following view: that whosoever believeth in him (εἰς αὐτὸν) may not perish, but have eternal life. The previous saying is repeated as in a grand refrain for which a deeper reason and fuller explanation have been supplied. Perishing, ruin, the issues of poisonous corruption, might and would, by the force of natural law, work themselves out in the destinies of men. The awful curse was spreading, but it may be arrested. None need be excluded. Looking is living. Believing in this manifestation of Divine love is enough. This is the first, high, main condition. Appropriation of such a Divine gift unriddles the mysteries of the universe, emancipates from the agelong bondage, confers a life which is beyond the conditions or occasions of dissolution. This verse is infinite in its range, and, notwithstanding a certain vagueness and indefiniteness of expression, presents and enshrines the most central truth of Divine revelation. When the terms "gave," "only begotten Son," "believeth," "life," "perishing," "God," "the world," are fully interpreted, then the words of this text gather an ever-augmenting force and fulness of meaning; and they may have been expanded to meet the prejudices of Nicodemus or the difficulties of disciples. The idea of gift and giver and the ends of the giving may have at once suggested to the Pharisaic mind the grand distinction between Israel and the world, and the inquiry may have been made - Is not Messiah, then, about to judge the world, to summon all the nations round to hear their doom? To some such heart-deadening query, to some such conscience-benumbing scepticism, our Lord continued - No; this love to the world on the part of God, this condition of faith on the side of man, thus laid down, is perfectly honest and sincere - <a href="/commentaries/john/3-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. so Οὕτως (Houtōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3779.htm">Strong's 3779: </a> Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows). loved ἠγάπησεν (ēgapēsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_25.htm">Strong's 25: </a> To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. world κόσμον (kosmon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2889.htm">Strong's 2889: </a> Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). that ὥστε (hōste) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_5620.htm">Strong's 5620: </a> So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore. He gave ἔδωκεν (edōken) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. [His] τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. one and only μονογενῆ (monogenē) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3439.htm">Strong's 3439: </a> Only, only-begotten; unique. From monos and ginomai; only-born, i.e. Sole. Son, Υἱὸν (Huion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5207.htm">Strong's 5207: </a> A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. everyone πᾶς (pas) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. who ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. believes πιστεύων (pisteuōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. in εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. Him αὐτὸν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. shall not perish ἀπόληται (apolētai) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_622.htm">Strong's 622: </a> From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively. but ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. have ἔχῃ (echē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. eternal αἰώνιον (aiōnion) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_166.htm">Strong's 166: </a> From aion; perpetual. life. ζωὴν (zōēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2222.htm">Strong's 2222: </a> Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/3-16.htm">NT Gospels: John 3:16 For God so loved the world that (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/3-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 3:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 3:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/3-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 3:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 3:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>