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    Salvation

    John 3:16

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    “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.”

    — John 3:16 (KJV)

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    What Does John 3:16 Mean?

    This verse, spoken by Jesus to Nicodemus, summarizes the entire gospel message. It reveals God's immense love for humanity, the sacrifice of His Son, and the promise of eternal life through faith.

    How to Apply This Verse

    John 3:16 invites us to receive God's gift of salvation. Believing in Jesus means trusting Him completely for forgiveness and eternal life. This verse reminds us that salvation is available to everyone who believes.

    Historical Context

    Jesus spoke these words to Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, during a nighttime meeting around AD 27-28. Nicodemus came seeking answers about Jesus' miraculous signs. First-century Judaism emphasized God's covenant love for Israel specifically, so Jesus' declaration that God loved 'the world'—including Gentiles—was revolutionary.

    Original Language

    ἀγαπάω(agapaō — Greek)

    'Agapaō' describes God's unconditional, self-sacrificial love—not emotional affection (philéō) or familial love (storgē), but deliberate, covenant-keeping love that acts in the beloved's best interest regardless of merit.

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    What does John 3:16 mean?

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    Verses like John 3:16

    Similar KJV scriptures on the same theme

    Related Teachings

    Beatitudes, Commandments, and Parables connected to this verse:

    Parable

    The Parable of the Prodigal Son

    Both reveal God's extravagant love for the lost

    Read more
    Parable

    The Parable of the Lost Sheep

    God seeks every lost soul with relentless love

    Read more

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage:

    Healing
    Old Testament

    The Bronze Serpent

    Bitten Israelites were healed by looking at a serpent of brass lifted up on a pole.

    Read the miracle
    Signs & Wonders
    New Testament

    Water Turned into Wine

    Jesus' first public miracle at a wedding in Cana turned six water pots into the best wine.

    Read the miracle
    Resurrection
    New Testament

    The Raising of Lazarus

    After four days in the tomb, Lazarus came forth at the command of Jesus.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of the Man Born Blind

    Jesus anointed a man's eyes with clay and gave sight to one born blind from birth.

    Read the miracle

    Related Scriptures

    Romans 5:8
    1 John 4:9
    Ephesians 2:8-9

    More Verses About Salvation

    Ephesians 2:8-9

    For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

    Romans 10:9

    That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

    John 14:6

    Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

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