What does John 3:16 mean?
Quick answer
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." This single verse summarizes the gospel: God’s love, the Son’s gift, our believing response, and the promise of life that never ends.
"God so loved" — not begrudgingly, not partially. He acted out of love.
"The world" — not just Jews, not just the deserving. The scope is breathtaking.
"Whoever believes" — the door is wide; the condition is faith. "Should not perish but have eternal life" — eternal life starts now and never ends.
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Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.