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Bible verse
John 3:17
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
What it means
Jesus makes His purpose clear: He came not to condemn the world but to rescue it. Many imagine God as eager to punish, arms crossed and waiting to catch us failing. Yet the Father sent His Son on a mission of salvation, not condemnation. Jesus steps into our brokenness to heal, not to shame. This is unimaginably good news for anyone weighed down by guilt. The cross is proof that God's heart toward us is mercy, and everyone who trusts in Him finds welcome instead of judgment.
John 3:17 at a glance
| Reference | John 3:17 |
|---|---|
| Book | John |
| Chapter to read it in | John 3 |
| Topic | gods 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.
- 1 John 4:14
- Luke 19:10
- John 12:47-48
- John 6:57
- John 6:40
- John 6:29
- 1 Timothy 2:5-6
- John 20:21
- 1 John 2:2
- John 17:3
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info, used under CC BY.
Questions people ask
Where do I find John 3:17?
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 3:17?
Readers most often set it beside 1 John 4:14, Luke 19:10, John 12:47-48, John 6:57. Each is listed under Read it in context.
How can I pray John 3:17?
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 Christ, you love the people of John 3:17 more than we can. We bring you John 3:17, gods love. Let your Body in that place love one another and be one. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Live this
Three small things you can do this week.
- Read all of John 3 today, not only the one verse.
- Write John 3:17 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
Christ meets people in a place, and then walks on with them. Here are doors that walk on.
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.
