Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet Outreach

John 3:16

As probably the most well-known verse in the New Testament, John 3:16 speaks of a very great love that is beyond human comprehension. This study briefly considers some key words to see if the Greek manuscript sheds light on a deeper message from the Creator.

THE VERSE
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

THE STUDY
Love [Greek term: agapaō]. AGAPAO emphasizes a deliberate assent of the will as a matter of principle, duty and propriety. Father YHWH loves Humanity — whom He made in His image — with a deliberate, intentional love. There’s no “sentimentalism.” YHWH’s love is the same as He is — eternal, strong: For I am YHWH, I change not [Malachi 3:6]; God is not a man that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent [Numbers 23:19]; Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the father of lights with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning [James 1:17]. This love cannot be changed or erased; it is the controlling force in divine government.

World [Greek term: kosmos]. The very core/root definition of KOSMOS is “to take care of.” Taking care of what? The inhabitants of this world, the world itself. KOSMOS highlights YHWH as the Creator of all things. The Greek grammar indicates KOSMOS is the thing directly receiving the action or effect of the verb — in this case, AGAPAO. YHWH extends His deliberate love to all because He created all — but that love directly benefits only those who respond to it.

Gave [Greek term: didōmi]. This word means to bestow, bring forth, commit, offer or grant. The Greek verb form not only indicates the time but also the type of action. In this case, DIDOMI highlights the act of giving. Love is genuine only when it’s in action (i.e., not paying “lip service”). YHWH’s love for sinners led Him to give all He had for their salvation (Romans 5:8).

Whosoever [Greek term: pas]. This Greek term stresses the individuality of the components of the group (“everyone” — the aforementioned KOSMOS). To clarify this concept, it may help to consider the Wycliffe translation (1394) of John 3:16: “For God louede so the world, that he yaf his oon bigetun sone, that ech man that bileueth in him perische not, but haue euerlastynge lijf” — which makes clear the scope of individuality (i.e., “ech man”).

Believeth [Greek term: pisteuō]. Believing isn’t simply thinking a thing as “true,” but having faith in something; to credit or to entrust. The very core/root definition of PISTEUO is “to be persuaded, give credence to.” Taken one step further, the language root for “to be persuaded” comes from the notion of convincing or assenting to. Hence, PISTEUO stresses a deep-rooted conviction of faith through evidence, an assent to such a thing being true (Hebrews 11:1-3). The Greek verb form indicates a continuing aspect — suggesting growth (“believe and keep on believing”) and not a static, one-time event (“once saved, always saved”).

Life [Greek term: zōē]. This word means literal vitality. ZOE is the thing directly receiving the action or effect of the verb — in this case, PISTEUO, which is literally life-giving. In short, Belief gives Life; the verse refers to belief in YHWH as being literally life-giving to Mankind (as opposed to not believing, which is sin and death — John 16:7-9, Romans 6:23).

TAKEAWAY THOUGHT
Studying this single verse is the greatest subject that can engage the minds of Mankind. If people would more carefully and thoughtfully contemplate the love of YHWH, their faith would be strengthened. Give John 3:16 a second look!