John 3:15
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστεύων
believeth
G4100
πιστεύων
believeth
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
4 of 12
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἀπόληται,
perish
G622
ἀπόληται,
perish
Strong's:
G622
Word #:
8 of 12
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
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.John 3:36He 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.John 6:40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.John 20:31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.Hebrews 7:25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.1 John 5:1Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.Isaiah 45:22Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.John 1:12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:John 6:47Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
Historical Context
The Numbers 21 account describes Israelites bitten by serpents who were healed by looking at a bronze serpent on a pole. The serpent represented their sin and judgment; looking in faith brought healing. Similarly, Christ 'made sin for us' (2 Corinthians 5:21) was lifted on the cross, and those who look in faith receive life.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the bronze serpent illustration help explain the necessity and mechanism of Christ's death?
- What does 'whosoever believeth' teach about the scope of salvation's offer?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The purpose of being lifted up: 'That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.' This is the first of three references to Christ being 'lifted up' in John (also 8:28, 12:32). The condition is belief; the result is eternal life; the alternative is perishing. The scope—'whosoever'—opens salvation to all who believe. The cross, like the bronze serpent, becomes the instrument of deliverance for those who look in faith.