That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
JOHN 3:15KJVWhat does John 3:15 mean?
John 3:15 says that anyone who believes in Jesus will not be destroyed but will have eternal life. The verse promises lasting life to all who trust in him, making belief in Jesus the key to escaping spiritual ruin.
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader, during a nighttime conversation. Jesus explains that just as people looked to a bronze serpent for healing in Moses’ time, now people must look to him in faith for life that lasts forever. The verse sets up the famous statement in John 3:16 and highlights the importance of faith in Jesus for salvation.
The Greek behind John 3:15
- πιστεύω (pisteuō, "believeth"): This Greek word means to trust or have faith in someone. Here, it is not just intellectual agreement but a personal trust in Jesus.
- αἰώνιος (aiōnios, "eternal"): This word describes something that is not just endless in time but also of a different, divine quality. It points to a kind of life that comes from God, not just life that goes on forever.
- ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi, "perish"): This word means to be lost or destroyed. The verse contrasts perishing with having eternal life, showing the seriousness of the choice.
Why John 3:15 matters
- John 3:15 makes clear that eternal life is available to everyone, not just a select group, as long as they believe in Jesus.
- The verse connects Jesus’ mission to Old Testament events, helping readers see the continuity in God’s plan.
- It sets up the famous message of John 3:16, showing that the offer of eternal life is central to Jesus’ teaching.