A familiar Bible saying, checked in context
For God so loved the world
Word for word
These words begin John 3:16 in the KJV and lead into the verse's statement about God's giving.
By @The..Mustard..Seed · Updated
Read the relevant KJV passage
John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Compare the evidence
The following sentence says the Son was sent so the world might be saved through him, continuing the thought beyond the familiar opening.
John 3:17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
First John returns to the theme of God’s love being manifested through the sending of his Son.
1 John 4:9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
What the context adds
The opening words of John 3:16 are exact KJV wording and need no correction. The full verse and surrounding conversation give those familiar opening words their setting. Jesus has been speaking with Nicodemus about new birth, the Spirit, and the Son of man. Verse 17 follows with the purpose of sending the Son; verses 18–21 move into belief, judgment, and light. First John 4:9–10 offers another passage about God’s love and the sending of the Son, with a different audience and emphasis.
A question to carry forward
What do the sentences immediately after John 3:16 add to its familiar opening?
Keep reading
Read John 3:14–21 and follow the words “loved,” “gave,” and “believeth.”
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