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Bible verse
John 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.”
What it means
Perhaps the most beloved sentence in the Bible: God's love for the world is not distant or theoretical. It moved Him to give His own Son, so that anyone, anyone at all, who trusts in Jesus receives eternal life. It is an open invitation, and your name fits inside the word "whosoever."
John 3:16 at a glance
| Reference | John 3:16 |
|---|---|
| Book | John |
| Chapter to read it in | John 3 |
| Topic | love |
| Passages linked to it | 10 |
| Translation on this page | King James Version (public domain) |
Read it in context
Scripture explains Scripture. These passages are linked to this one most often by readers.
- Romans 5:8
- 1 John 4:9-10
- Romans 8:32
- John 3:15
- John 11:25-26
- John 6:40
- John 3:36
- 1 John 4:19
- John 10:28
- 1 Timothy 1:15-16
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info, used under CC BY.
Questions people ask
Where do I find John 3:16?
It is in John, in John 3. Reading the whole chapter shows who is speaking, to whom, and why.
What other passages go with John 3:16?
Readers most often set it beside Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:9-10, Romans 8:32, John 3:15. Each is listed under Read it in context.
How can I pray John 3:16?
Read it slowly once, then say it back to God in your own words, one phrase at a time. Stop on the phrase that stays with you and stay there. You can also ask the family of God on The Living Bread to pray it with you.
Pray this
Lord Jesus, you see John 3:16 and you know every person there by name. We bring you John 3:16, love. Make us people who love one another there. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Live this
Where to begin this week.
- Read all of John 3 today, not only the one verse.
- Write John 3:16 where you will see it, and read it aloud at the start and end of the day.
- Tell one person what this verse means to you, and ask what verse has carried them.
Where this fits in the walk with Christ
Nothing here is a finish line. It is one door into a life with Christ and with His people.
Read it, pray it, live it
On The Living Bread you can read the whole chapter, save this verse, ask Simon to explain it, pray it over your life, and share it with someone who needs it today.
