John 3:16 β "For God So Loved the World"
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.
What Does John 3:16 Mean?
John 3:16 is perhaps the most well-known verse in the entire Bible. Jesus speaks these words to Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, during a nighttime conversation. The verse captures the essence of the Christian gospel: God's love for humanity is so profound that He gave His only Son as a sacrifice, so that anyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. The word "world" (Greek: kosmos) emphasizes that this love is universal β not limited to one nation or people group.
Application: This verse reminds us that salvation is a gift rooted in love, not earned by works. It invites everyone β regardless of background β to receive eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 in Context
Showing context from the King James Version (KJV)
John 3:16 in 4 Translations
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who said John 3:16?
These are the words of Jesus Christ, spoken to Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, during a private nighttime conversation recorded in the Gospel of John.
Why is John 3:16 so famous?
It is considered the most concise summary of the Christian gospel β God's love, the gift of His Son, the requirement of faith, and the promise of eternal life β all in a single verse.
What does "only begotten Son" mean?
The Greek word "monogenΔs" means "one and only" or "unique." It emphasizes that Jesus has a unique, one-of-a-kind relationship with God the Father β not that He was created, but that He is the singular Son of God.
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