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Book of John - Chapter 3 - Verse 16

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.

Meaning

This famous verse from the Bible, found in John 3:16, speaks of the immense love that God has for all of humanity. The verse illustrates the concept of divine love through the sacrifice of God giving his only Son, Jesus Christ, to the world. This act of sacrificial love was to provide a way for people to be saved from eternal separation from God due to sin. The verse emphasizes that through belief in Jesus, individuals can attain eternal life, a life that transcends physical death and is spent in the presence of God.

The phrase "whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" underscores the inclusivity of God's love, which is available to anyone who chooses to believe in Jesus. This affirmation of God's love and the promise of eternal life serve as a source of hope, comfort, and assurance for believers. It reminds individuals of the extraordinary lengths God went to demonstrate his love for humanity and how faith in Jesus can lead to a life of eternal significance and fulfillment.

Theological Overview

One of the most well-known verses in the Bible, John 3:16, highlights the incredible love of God for humanity. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the sacrificial nature of God's love, as He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to save the world from sin. The term "only begotten Son" signifies Jesus' unique and special role as the one and only Son of God. The word "believeth" in the verse signifies more than just acknowledgment or intellectual acceptance; it denotes a deep and personal faith in Jesus as the Savior. Through belief in Jesus, individuals are promised eternal life, free from the consequences of sin and death. The phrase "everlasting life" implies not just a lengthened temporal existence, but a quality of life characterized by communion with God and the fullness of His blessings. John 3:16 encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith – the infinite love of God displayed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

American Standard Version

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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