New Testament
John 3:14
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Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,
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And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
What John 3:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus draws a parallel between an event from the Old Testament and His own future crucifixion. When the Israelites were in the wilderness, God instructed Moses to lift up a bronze serpent on a pole to heal those who had been bitten by poisonous snakes. Anyone who looked at the serpent was saved from death. Similarly, Jesus, referred to as the 'Son of Man,' must be lifted up on the cross. This act will provide salvation to all who believe in Him. The lifting up signifies not only His crucifixion but also His exaltation and the necessity of faith in Him for eternal life. Just as the Israelites had to look at the serpent to be healed, people today must look to Jesus in faith to receive spiritual healing and eternal life. This verse emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus as the means of salvation, highlighting God's provision for humanity's sin and suffering through His Son.
How to apply John 3:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to place our faith in Jesus for salvation. Just as the Israelites looked to the bronze serpent for healing, we must look to Christ, recognizing His sacrifice on the cross as the source of our spiritual healing and eternal life. Trusting in Him transforms our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Nicodemus Comes at Night (John 3:1–21)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 3:14 mean?
John 3:14 compares Jesus' crucifixion to the bronze serpent Moses lifted in the wilderness. Just as looking at the serpent healed the Israelites, believing in Jesus brings spiritual healing and eternal life.
What is the significance of the serpent in John 3:14?
The serpent in John 3:14 symbolizes healing and salvation. Just as the Israelites were saved from death by looking at the bronze serpent, Jesus' crucifixion offers salvation to all who believe in Him.
How does John 3:14 relate to faith?
John 3:14 emphasizes the necessity of faith in Jesus for salvation. Just as the Israelites had to look at the serpent to be healed, people today must look to Jesus in faith to receive eternal life.
What is the context of John 3:14?
John 3:14 is part of a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, where Jesus explains His mission and the need for spiritual rebirth. The reference to Moses and the serpent illustrates the connection between Old Testament events and His own sacrifice.
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