"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
— John 3:16 (NIV)
John 3:16 is the verse people mean when they search the reference for "for God so loved the world." This page is the passage and a plain reading. The line-by-line study is John 3:16 meaning. The wider reflection on eternal life in this verse is John 3:16 and eternal life. God's love shown at the cross in Paul is God's love Bible: Romans 5:8. God's nature as love is God is love Bible verse and 1 John 4:8.
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The verse
John 3:16 (NIV) reads: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
The King James says, "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." Same sentence: God's love, the gift of the Son, and life for whoever believes.
What the verse is saying
Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus. "So" means in this way — God's love is shown by giving his unique Son. The world is not already lovely; it is the people who need rescue. "Gave" matches the "lifted up" of the verses just before. "Whoever believes" names how the gift is received. "Shall not perish but have eternal life" sets the two outcomes side by side.
This page stays with the reference. The study page opens the clauses one by one: John 3:16 meaning.
How people use John 3:16
People look up the reference for Sunday school, evangelism, funerals, and cards that quote "for God so loved the world." Churches teach it next to John 3:14-18. It fits when someone needs the shortest statement of why God sent the Son. Related love pages on this site are What does the Bible say about love and Bible verses about love.
Questions people ask
What does John 3:16 say?
It says God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
What does for God so loved the world mean?
It means God's love took the form of giving his Son. "So" is the manner of the love, not a vague mood. See John 3:16 meaning.
Is John 3:16 only about heaven later?
Eternal life is life with God, begun in the one who believes. The verse also names perishing as what the gift answers. Read John 3:16 and eternal life.
How does this relate to God is love?
1 John 4:8 names God's nature. John 3:16 shows that love in the giving of the Son. See God is love Bible verse and 1 John 4:8.
Where should I read next?
For the study, read John 3:16 meaning. For the cross in Paul, read God's love Bible: Romans 5:8. For a daily verse, open Bible verse of the day.
