John 3:17
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀπέστειλεν
sent
G649
ἀπέστειλεν
sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
3 of 22
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸν
Son
G5207
υἱὸν
Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
7 of 22
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 22
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
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμος
the world
G2889
κόσμος
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
11 of 22
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμος
the world
G2889
κόσμος
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
15 of 22
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
16 of 22
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
σωθῇ
might be saved
G4982
σωθῇ
might be saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
18 of 22
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμος
the world
G2889
κόσμος
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
20 of 22
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
Cross References
1 John 4:14And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.Luke 19:10For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.John 6:57As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.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 6:29Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.John 20:21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.1 John 2:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.John 5:45Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.John 11:42And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
Historical Context
In the context of Jesus' nocturnal dialogue with Nicodemus, this verse addresses Jewish expectations of Messiah as judge who would condemn Gentiles and vindicate Israel. Jesus reframes the mission: salvation precedes judgment as God's priority. The broader context of John's Gospel shows that judgment results from response to light (3:19-21), not from divine desire to condemn. In the early church, this verse countered both Jewish nationalism (which expected judgment on Gentiles) and Greek fatalism (which saw gods as capricious). The emphasis on God's saving intent rather than condemning will became foundational to Christian soteriology. Church Fathers like Athanasius cited this verse against Arian denials of Christ's full divinity, arguing that only God can save the world.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's saving purpose rather than condemning intent transform our view of evangelism and mission?
- Why is it significant that judgment results from rejection rather than being God's primary purpose in sending Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse provides the essential balance to 3:16, clarifying God's redemptive purpose. The Greek conjunction gar (for) indicates that verse 17 explains verse 16's love. God sent His Son not eis katakrino (to condemn) but hina sothe (that the world might be saved). The verb sothe derives from sozo, meaning to rescue, heal, deliver, and preserve. The repetition of 'world' (kosmos) emphasizes the universal scope of salvation offered. The purpose clause 'that the world through him might be saved' establishes Christ as the exclusive means of salvation - salvation comes dia autou (through Him). This verse addresses the misunderstanding that Christ's mission was primarily judicial rather than redemptive. While judgment occurs as response to rejection, salvation remains God's primary intent.