John 3:16“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.”
Read in context: John chapter 3 (full chapter) · King James Version (public domain)
Holy Bible · King James Version
John 3:16
“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.” — read online, free, in the King James Version.
The most quoted verse in Christianity. Spoken by Jesus to Nicodemus, it summarises the gospel in one sentence: God's love, the gift of the Son, and eternal life for those who believe.
About this text: How the KJV differs from modern translations →
Frequently asked questions
What does John 3:16 mean?
John 3:16 is a one-sentence summary of the Christian gospel: God loves the world so deeply that he gave his only Son, and everyone who believes in him receives eternal life rather than perishing.
What Bible translation is this?
This is the King James Version (1611) — the classic English translation, in the public domain and free to read and quote.
Where can I read this verse in full context?
The complete text is free to read at fourfaiths.com/bible/john/3/ — no account, no download, with every chapter of the Bible.
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