John 3:16 Explained
"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." — John 3:16 (KJV)
John 3:16 is the most quoted verse in the Bible — Jesus' summary of the gospel in twenty-five words. It compresses the entire Christian story into a single sentence: God's love, his Son, our faith, our future.
Context
Jesus is speaking with Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who came to him by night with questions about the kingdom of God. After explaining the need to be 'born again,' Jesus lands on this verse — the heart of his answer about how God's love is offered to the world. The 'world' (Greek kosmos) here means all humanity, not just Israel.
What it means
Four movements in one sentence. (1) 'God so loved' — divine love is the cause of everything that follows. (2) 'the world' — that love includes all people, not a select few. (3) 'he gave his only begotten Son' — the cost of love is real; God did not stand back. (4) 'whosoever believeth' — the response is open to anyone, and the gift is eternal life, not a transaction earned.
How to pray it
Pray this verse one phrase at a time. Begin: 'For God so loved the world' — let yourself be included in that 'world.' Then 'that he gave his only begotten Son' — sit in the costliness of the gift. Then 'whosoever believeth in him' — name your belief, however unsteady. Close with 'should not perish, but have everlasting life' — receive the promise rather than chase it.
Carry this verse with you
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