John 3:36
What does John 3:36 mean?
A plain-English look at John 3:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 3:36 means
This verse presents the final, conclusive consequence of one's response to the Son. "He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life"—a present possession for those who embrace Christ by faith. Conversely, "he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life." This indicates that deliberate disobedience to Christ is rooted in unbelief and results in remaining under "the wrath of God." This isn't a future judgment but a present spiritual reality, a continuous state of separation from God's life and favor.
John 3:36 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 · 2000He 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He who has faith in the Son has eternal life; but he who has not faith in the Son will not see life; God's wrath is resting on him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862he who is believing in the Son, hath life age-during; and he who is not believing the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God doth remain upon him.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He that believeth in the Son hath life everlasting: but he that believeth not the Son shall not see life: but the wrath of God abideth on him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He that believes on the Son has life eternal, and he that is not subject to the Son shall not see life, but the wrath ofGod abides upon him.
Context
This verse serves as a powerful summary and conclusion to John the Baptist's final testimony and the broader discussion on belief and unbelief. It unequivocally states the eternal consequences of one's relationship with the Son—either present eternal life through belief or the abiding wrath of God through disobedience. This definitive statement climaxes the chapter's theological arguments, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the choice presented by Christ.
v.35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
v.36This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 21:8
But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.
- Psalms 2:12
Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him.
- John 6:47
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth hath eternal life.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:9
For God appointed us not unto wrath, but unto the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
- Romans 1:17
For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith.
- Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.
Sermon ideas from John 3:36
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What John 3:36 teaches us about new birth
What John 3:36 teaches us about the spirit
What John 3:36 teaches us about god's love for the world
What John 3:36 teaches us about faith and life
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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
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