Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 3:16

"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." — John 3:16 (ASV)

Commentators are divided as to whether vv.16–21 are a direct continuation of the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus or represent only the author’s comment on Jesus’ words. In either case, they express the most important message of the Gospel, emphasized elsewhere in many ways, that salvation is a gift received only by believing God for it. The nature of belief is implied in the illustration of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness (v.14). It consists of accepting something, not doing something. The result of belief is that one is freed from condemnation, receives eternal life, and lives in a relation of total honesty with God.

“Eternal” (GK 173) refers not only to the duration of existence but also to the quality of life as contrasted with futility. Eternal life is a deepening and growing experience. It can never be exhausted in any measurable span of time, but it introduces a totally new quality of life. The verb “perish” (GK 660) depicts the opposite of salvation. It means to fail completely of fulfilling God’s purpose and consequently to be excluded forever from his fellowship. Its use here clearly implies that those without God are hopelessly confused in purpose, alienated from him in their affections, and futile in their efforts.

The presentation of the good news of God’s love offers only two options: to believe or to perish. Eternal life, which is accepted by believing, is a gift of God and brings with it the fullest blessings God can bestow. To perish does not mean to cease to exist; it means to experience utter failure, futility, and loss of all that makes existence worthwhile.