Greek word · Strong's G3779

οὕτω

hoútō · adverb · “thus, in this way”

In a sentence

Houtōs means «thus, in this way» — and is the word at the heart of John 3:16: «God thus (houtōs) loved the world.» God loved like this — with such intensity, in such a way.

Houtōs is an unassuming adverb «in this manner, thus.» John 3:16 surprises in the Greek: «God houtōs loved the world.» Not «so much» but «in this way» — the cross is the way.

Translations often render it «so loved,» which sounds about intensity. The Greek emphasizes the manner: God loved like this — by giving his only Son. The verse is more shocking, not less, when houtōs is heard rightly.

Strong's reference

Definition: in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

KJV usage: after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 1 John 4:11 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.