What Does John 3:16 Mean ?

When it comes to reading the Bible there are certain passages and verses that are more well known than others.
There are some that nearly everyone can quote or could explain, and there are some that are a little less familiar. In this article let's see what does John 3:16 mean...

1) What is John 3:16 ?

One of the more commonly known verses is John 3:16. This verse, which appears in the King James Version of the Bible is one of the most famous and it’s actually considered to be the very essence of Christianity. ✝

That’s why we’re going to talk some more about it here. This Bible verse, found in chapter 3, verse 16 of the Gospel of John, of the New Testament) encapsulates a portion of the discussion between Jesus and Nicodemus, ruler of the Jews.

The discussion pertains to who could ‘see the kingdom of God’ and of salvation and condemnation.

It is throughout this section that more is revealed pertaining to Jesus, God and the way in which each can contribute to the way in which salvation is promised to those who believe.

2) John 3:16 In The Bible

The first thing to look at is the verse itself. 📜

If you’ve never seen it before, or if you haven’t realized what the specific location of it is, this is the verse under that we talk about when we mention John 3:16.

A. John 3:16 King James Version

Gospel of John of the New Testament, Chapter 3, Verse 16

"For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish,
but have everlasting life."
John 3:16

B. Who Wrote John 3:16 ?

The apostle John wrote this verse. Throughout the Gospel, he calls himself the "disciple whom Jesus loved". 

John and his brother James are fishermen. Before becoming a disciple and apostle of Jesus Christ, John was apparently a disciple of John the Baptist.

C. When Was John 3:16 Written ? 

We don't know exactly when John wrote this Gospel. The proposed dates for its writing range from 60 AD to 100 AD. 📖

Early Christian writers of the second century A.D. suggested that John wrote this book at Ephesus in Asia Minor (modern Turkey).

3) John 3:16, What Does It Mean ?

Now, if you’re looking to explain the scripture john 3:16 to someone else it’s important to understand exactly what is meant when this is revealed in the Bible.

While all those who read the Bible understand that God has sacrificed and given of himself to help them, there is more to it than that as well. In fact, this particular scripture explains the immense sacrifice God made in sacrificing not just something of himself, but his only child.

Anywho have children of their own can understand how immense this sacrifice would be.

Giving your child for what is considered the ‘greater good’ would be an impossible decision for any parent, and yet, it was a decision that God made for each of us.❤ In order to provide the best of us with ‘everlasting life’ he chose to allow his own son to die.

And all that God asks of us in return is that we believe in him and believe in his son, and believe in the sacrifice that both have made for us. In so doing, it is possible to have the everlasting life that was promised. 🙏

If you want to explain this verse, explain the immense love of a parent for their child and the even stronger love that God must have had for the people of our world to be willing to sacrifice that child.

And further, explain the way that we can each achieve the full benefit of what God has done for us by one simple act, believing in him.

A. Meaning of "World" in John 3:16

There is a perfect harmony between the different attributes of God.
His holiness demands that the sinner be purified and His justice demands that sins be punished. 😈

But His love has provided a means so that the guilty can be purified, forgiven and justified.
God does not love sin, but He always has the happiness of His creature in mind.
"For God so loved the world..." 

If you like this verse, you will probably love these beautiful John 3:16 Bracelets. 

B. He Gave Us His Only Begotten Son

No human being can escape the scourge of sickness, old age and death. 👴 Yet, this is not what God originally intended. He offered the first humans the opportunity to live forever in a paradise on earth.

But on one condition: obey him. God warned them that if they disobeyed, they would die. 💀

The apostle Paul explains: "Death has spread to all men because all have sinned. Therefore, even though he could not turn a blind eye to the disobedience of the first man, he did not condemn all mankind to eternal suffering and death because of one man's sin."

Quite the contrary! By applying the legal principle of "life for life," he balanced the two scales of justice, thereby restoring to obedient humans the possibility of everlasting life.

But how, in practical terms, can we compensate for the loss of perfect human life ? A life of equal value to Adam's had to be offered, or sacrificed a perfect human life.

C. That Whosoever Believeth in Him Shall not Perish, 
but Have Everlasting Life.

The last part of John 3:16 contains God's promise to those who exercise faith in the ransom and conform their lives to His standards.

God wants the faithful one "not to perish, but have everlasting life."

In many places, the Bible speaks of the heavenly conditions that will prevail on earth. Judge for yourself by reading these passages: Psalm 37:9-11; 46:8, 9; 72:7, 8, 16; Isaiah 35:5, 6; 65:21-23; Matthew 5:5; John 5:28, 29; Revelation 21:4.

These verses herald the end of war, famine, sickness, and death. They refer to a time when humans will have the joy of building their homes, cultivating their plots of land, and raising their children in a peaceful environment.

Don't you want to live in such a world ? We have good reason to believe that these promises will soon come true.

4) John 3:16 In Sporting Events

Have you ever been to a sporting event where John 3:16 seemed to be broadcast by a player or by fans in the stadium ? 🏈

If you’ve thought that you saw this verse you were likely not mistaken, it’s actually been found in a number of different sporting events.

Football players including Tim Tebow have used this reference in games. Wrestlers such as Steve Austin have also used the reference for their own events. 

Now, it’s not just sports personalities and players that are using the reference. It’s actually fans and those fans are not always using it in support of particular players or even the game itself. 🤟

Rather, they’re using this reference as a way to spread the Bible itself to those who are watching the game.

By holding up signs from the stands they’re hoping to be seen not only by the thousands of people at the game, but the millions who could potentially be watching the game on TV, either live or through replays. 

The idea behind using this particular verse is that it is one that is relatively easy for anyone to understand.

Those who see the signs and advertisements for this Bible verse are likely to search for it. When they do, this verse seems to tell them that they have been given something amazing and wonderful, and in order to receive it, very little is required of them. It’s a simple message that means a great deal. 

5) Why John 3:16 Is So Popular ?

So, just why is this particular Bible verse so popular ? Perhaps it’s because of the simplicity of the message. It’s something that even young children, learning the Bible for the first time, can understand.

It’s also something that is simple to explain to those who have never seen it before.

On top of that, it’s also a message that seems so powerful and beautiful all at the same time. The idea that God loves all of us so much that he would make such an immense sacrifice seems unimaginable, and yet, it’s something that this particular Bible verse makes very clear.

Reading this message truly makes people think twice about their beliefs and their sense of themselves. 

If you’re looking for a Bible verse that really encompasses the strength of your faith and that will help others to understand what Christianity truly is, John 3:16 is definitely the verse to show them.

It’s a verse that will make a huge difference in how you feel about your religion and it’s a verse that makes sure you can stand firm and b, in the face of anything that you might come up against.

A. John 3:16 on Forever 21 Bags

The owners and founders of Forever 21 brand are Christians and have decided to share their faith by having the "John 3:16" written at the bottom of all the shopping bags in their stores. 🛍

B. John 3:16 on In and Out Cups

The bible verse is all subtle, discreetly placed on various cups and packages, simply representing the book and the number of the verse. 🥤

6) Conclusion of John 3:16

No matter what is happening in your life, this verse is going to give you the ability to continue on and that’s the most important thing.

Never give up, never back down and always make sure that you’re pushing yourself to represent your own love and your devotion to your God. ✝

7) Songs About John 3:16

Read next: What does the Lord’s prayer mean? Probably the best known prayer in the world, let's take a look at what this biblical verse from Matthew says...