John 3:15
What does John 3:15 mean?
A plain-English look at John 3:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 3:15 means
This verse states the glorious purpose of Jesus being "lifted up" — so that "whosoever believeth may in him have eternal life." The provision of salvation is universal in its offer: "whosoever" implies no exclusions based on race, status, or past sins. The means is simple: "believeth." The result is profound: "eternal life," which is not merely endless existence but a quality of life—God's life—that begins now and continues forever, found in Christ alone.
John 3:15 in context
John 3 — You Must Be Born Again
By night a Pharisee named Nicodemus comes to Jesus, half-confessing him as a teacher sent from God. Jesus cuts past the compliment: 'except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' Religion will not do; reformation will not do; only a new birth by water and the Spirit. The chapter rises to the most-quoted verse in the Bible — 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son' — and ends with John the Baptist's last public testimony: 'He must increase, but I must decrease.'
- New birth
- The Spirit
- God's love for the world
- Faith and life
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000that whosoever believeth may in him have eternal life.
KJV
King James Version · 1611That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901that whosoever believeth may in him have eternal life.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So that whoever has faith may have in him eternal life.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862that every one who is believing in him may not perish, but may have life age-during,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752That whosoever believeth in him may not perish, but may have life everlasting.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890that every one who believes on him may [not perish, but] have life eternal.
Context
Immediately following the prophecy of the Son of Man being lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness, this verse reveals the redemptive purpose of that act. It clarifies that the lifting up of Jesus is for the express purpose of granting eternal life to all who believe. This pivotal statement directly precedes the most famous declaration of God's love, elaborating on the reason behind such a magnificent offer of salvation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 19:10
For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.
- John 16:33
These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
- Matthew 18:10
See that ye despise not one of these little ones: for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
- John 6:40
For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
- John 3:36
He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.
- 1 Corinthians 1:18
For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.
Sermon ideas from John 3:15
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What John 3:15 teaches us about new birth
What John 3:15 teaches us about the spirit
What John 3:15 teaches us about god's love for the world
What John 3:15 teaches us about faith and life
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Bible Verses About Being Born Again
Being born again refers to a spiritual rebirth, a transformative process initiated by God and experienced through faith in Jesus Christ.
Topic
Bible Verses About Eternal Life
Eternal life, a gift from God, is knowing Him and Jesus Christ, and living forever in His presence.
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Bible Verses About the Love of God
Exploring God's boundless love for humanity, a central theme woven throughout all of Scripture, offering comfort and hope.
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