John 3:16 is one of the most recognizable scriptures from the Bible. During the nineties and early 2000s, it became popularized, appearing on shirts, bracelets, hats, keychains, wallets, and pretty much everything in between. Christians did not promote it as the “best Bible verse,” but the ease in how it can be memorized, the application behind it, and the way it sums up the Gospel made it viable for evangelizing.

In the context of the Bible, the passage takes place in the Gospel of John where Jesus is speaking a religious leader named Nicodemus. The priest is clearly nervous about speaking with the Christ, as most religious leaders of the day despised Jesus, but he wanted to know more here.

The Asbury Bible Commentary describes the interaction as “perhaps the bestknown biblical text in the history of the church, is an excellent summation of both John and the Gospel of Christ.” Author Eugene E. Carpenter adds, “Thus the brief narrative portion of this text prepares the way for profound teaching.”

I could not agree more. With this in mind, I had to share 10 of my favorite translations of John 3:16.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (NKJV)

“For here is the way God loved the world—he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.” (TPT)

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (HCSB)

“For God so loveth the world, that he hath given his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (Geneva 1599)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (ESV)

“For this is how God loved the world: he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (NJB)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (TLV)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (ASV)

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review. While you are at it, check out these 10 Bible Verses To Encourage You. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.

Look for me on social media! Facebook: Author Jacob Airey | Instagram: realjacobairey | Twitter: @realJacobAirey | MeWe: Link | YouTube: StudioJake | Minds: Link | Rumble: StudioJake Media | Gettr: Click Here