New Testament
John 3:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
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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 John 3:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
John 3:16 shows God’s love through what he gave: his one and only Son. The invitation is open to everyone who believes in Jesus. The verse contrasts two outcomes—perishing and having eternal life—and promises eternal life to those who believe in him.
How to apply John 3:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the depth of God's love and the importance of faith in Jesus. We can share this message of hope with others, reminding them that belief in Christ leads to eternal life. It also calls us to live in a way that reflects this love in our daily interactions.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary · John 3:16 Meaning
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Nicodemus Comes at Night (John 3:1–21)
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Jesus
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
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Plain Meaning
God loved the world so much that He gave His Son. The gift was costly: His one and only Son. The purpose was rescue — anyone who believes in the Son will not perish but will live forever. "Perish" and "everlasting life" are set against each other as two outcomes. Believing in the Son is what determines which outcome a person receives.
Read It in Context
Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who came to Him at night. Just before this verse, Jesus compared Himself to a bronze serpent Moses once lifted up on a pole, saying that He must be lifted up in the same way so that believers would not perish. Verse 16 explains the reason behind that: God's love for the world.
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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 3:16 mean?
John 3:16 expresses God's profound love for humanity, stating that He gave His only Son, Jesus, so that anyone who believes in Him can have eternal life instead of facing spiritual death.
What is the significance of 'only begotten Son' in John 3:16?
The term 'only begotten Son' refers to Jesus as the unique and divine Son of God, emphasizing His special relationship with the Father and the importance of His sacrifice for humanity's salvation.
What does 'eternal life' mean in John 3:16?
'Eternal life' in John 3:16 refers to a lasting relationship with God that begins in this life through faith in Jesus and continues forever in His presence after death.
Why is John 3:16 considered important?
John 3:16 is important because it summarizes the core message of Christianity, highlighting God's love, the gift of Jesus, and the promise of salvation for all who believe.
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