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.
King James Version
World English Bible (WEB)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
American Standard Version (ASV)
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.
What this verse means
The best-known summary of the gospel: God's love moved first, and faith is how we receive it.
A closer look at John 3:16
John 3:16 is spoken inside Jesus’ night conversation with Nicodemus, where the image of Moses lifting the serpent in the wilderness explains why the Son of Man must be lifted up. God so loved the world describes the source of the gift; whosoever believeth describes the open reach of the invitation; should not perish and everlasting life describe the stakes. The verse is compact, but it is not detached from the surrounding conversation about new birth, light, and truth.
Two shortcuts distort it. First, reducing love to a vague sentiment loses the costly action of giving the Son. Second, using the verse as a slogan against anyone who is asking questions ignores its setting: Jesus is patiently teaching a religious seeker. Read in context, John 3:16 is both welcome and claim — God moves toward the world in love, and the proper response is trust in the Son rather than admiration at a distance.
A short prayer
Father, thank You for loving the world — and me — enough to give Your Son. Help me trust Him today.
Read in context — John 3
14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Related verses
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”1 John 3:18
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”1 John 4:18
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”1 Timothy 6:12
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;”2 Corinthians 1:3
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”2 Corinthians 12:9
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