Exegesis of John 3:16-21
Exegesis of John 3:16-21
Exegesis of John 3:16-21
Presented to
Dr. Leo Percer
Of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary
Lynchburg, VA
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for
NGRK 506-D02
Greek Tools
By
Ryan Sebastian
Lynchburg Virginia
August 22, 2010
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONSiii
1. INTRODUCTION 1
Before A.D. 70 1
3. AUTHOR 2
Internal Evidence 2
External Evidence 3
4. COMMENTARY 4
Verse 16 4
Verse 17 6
Verse 18 7
Verse 19 8
Verse 20 9
Verse 21 10
5. THEOLOGICAL POINTS 11
Christology 12
ii
Soteriology 12
6. APPLICATIONS 13
7. CONCLUSION 14
APPENDIX A16
APPENDIX B 19
BIBLIOGRAPHY 21
iii
LIST OF ABREVIATIONS
QS Quamran Scrolls
Rom. Romans
Eph. Ephesians
Deut. Deuteronomy
Heb. Hebrews
Ps. Psalms
Lev. Leviticus
Gen. Genesis
1 Jn. 1 John
Matt. Matthew
2 Cor. 2 Corinthians
Rev. Revelation
iv
1 Pet. 1 Peter
Tit. Titus
Ac. Acts
Jn. John
Lk. Luke
Mk. Mark
INTRODUCTION
The Gospel of John is rooted in the concept of salvation and the means of obtaining it.
The passage of John 3:16-21 falls in the overall context of chapter 3. The chapter begins with
the story of Nicodemus and contains the first of the extensive theological discourses of Jesus.1
John pursues the aspiration of showing that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God.2 The passage
of John3:16-21 reveals the means of obtaining salvation and reveals why some do not accept the
free gift of salvation. A deep examination of this passage is crucial to the understanding of the
concept of salvation.
For years scholars have debated the scripting of the Gospel of John. Two main opinions
exist about the dates. Some scholars believe that the Gospel was written pre-A.D. 70 and others
Before A.D. 70
According to some scholars, the Gospel of John was scripted prior to the destruction of
the Temple, which occurred in A.D. 70. The Gospel of John is not one of the Synoptic Gospels
and therefore did need the collection of them to be written. This helps to support that the Gospel
1
Gerald L. Borchert, John 1-11, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman and Holman
Publishers, 1996), 169.
2
Leon Morris, The Gospel According to John, The New International Commentary on the New Testament
(Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdman’s Publishing Company, 1995), 185.
3
Rodney A. Whiacare, John, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series, vol. 4, ed, Grant R. Osborne
(Downers Grove: Inter Varsity Press, 1999), 25.
1
2
was written at an earlier date. This Gospel expresses many features of an Israel prior to A.D 70.
For example, John mentions that the temple, thus suggesting an earlier date. Also, the Gospel
does not give an apparent indication that the temple was destroyed.4
Most biblical scholars hold to the position that the Gospel of John was written after A.D.
70. The historical outlining of Judaism and Johannine Christianity helps to support this date.
When looking at the Gospel, John seems to imply a separation between the Church and
synagogue. When looking at John more in depth (9:22; 12:42; 16:2), it seems to imply that
Christians were being put out of the synagogue. Many scholars believe that the pinnacle
moments of separation were part of the liturgy of the synagogue, which is called the Twelfth
Benediction. This liturgy cursed any heretics of the Jewish faith. It is believed that Christians
were targeted by this prayer, which ultimately resulted in their banishment from the synagogue.
The Twelfth Benediction was most likely constructed in the A.D. 80s or even later.5
AUTHOR
Internal Evidence
Many scholars reject to the authorship of John the son of Zebedee. In response, one must
search the internal evidence of the authorship of the Gospel of John to its fullest. Does the
evidence conclude that the author was not an early disciple of Jesus Christ? This is the question
that scholars and Christians in general need to ask themselves when examining this Gospel.
4
Ibid., 25.
5
Whiacare, 25.
3
Important evidence of this is that the Gospel of John does not have any of the Synoptic
stories the son of Zebedee was present. This is not a dogmatic piece of evidence, but it does
make the scholar ponder on this silent argument. 6 There must be clarification to determine if
John the son of Zebedee and the “unnamed disciple” are the same or separate. The Johnnine
When looking closely at the Gospel of John one can conclude that the author is regarded
by the public as an authoritative source of the message of Jesus Christ (19:35; 21:24). The
specific verses note (John 19:35; 21:24) a clear reference to the third person. You can find
phrases such as “he who saw” (ho eroakos), “his testimony” (autou martyria), and “we know”
(oidamen). These phrases extend the argument that others were involved in authenticating the
author. Gerald L. Borchert has noted that the Gospel of John was a written testimony that
replaced the oral testimony of John after his death. The recipients are believed to be the
External Evidence
When examining any book of the Bible one must look to external evidence just as much
as the internal. External evidence is evidence that consists outside the book being examined.
This can be writings of other church fathers or other documents referencing to the author of the
book.
witness of the early church in reference to the authorship of the Gospel of John. Irenaeus was
the bishop of Lyons in the second century. “He wrote: ‘John, the disciple of the Lord, who
6
Borchert, 84.
4
leaned on his breast, also published the gospel while living at Ephesus in Asia.’”7 Irenaeus has
also noted that Ephesus “was founded by Paul and John lived there til the time of Trajan.”8
He stated concerning the Gospel: “Last of all John, perceiving that the bodily facts had been
made plain in the spiritual gospel.”9 Clement has also noted that John went to Ephesus after the
death of Domitian. During this time, John went around appointing bishops and strengthening the
surrounding churches. 10
COMMENTARY
Verse 16
It is quite interesting that the Greek phrase “to&n uivo&n” has been translated as “His
only” in NASB and “one and only” in the NIV and NLT when it actually means “His Son.” The
word “monogenh” (monogenēs) is translated as “begotten one” in the NASB, but translated as
“His one and only Son” in the NIV and NLT. “Begotten” is translated from the word
“monogenh” (monogenēs), which means “only born or only begotten in respect of peculiar
generation.” This word can be found in Jn. 1:14, Lk. 7:12, and many others.11
7
George R. Beasley-Murray, John, Word Biblical Commentary, vol. 36, ed. Bruce M. Metzger (Nashville:
Tomas Nelson Publishers, 1999), lxvi.
8
Ibid.
9
Ibid.
10
Ibid.
11
Wesley J. Perschbacher, The New Analytical Greek Lexicon (Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 1990),
279.
5
A very powerful word in this verse is “love.” It is derived from the word “ajgapajw”
(agapaō), which means “to love; in the New Testament usually active love of God for his Son
and His people, and the active love his people are to have for God, each other, and even
enemies.” You can find an example in Revelation 12:11.12 This word is used in the aorist tense
(hjgavphsen), which expresses that God’s love is in action.13 God’s love is an conditional love
The term “world” is connected with God’s love. It is translated from the word “kojsmox”
(kosmos), which means “world, earth, world system, whole universe, or adornment.” In the
context of this verse it means the world is a structure divergence to God.”14 How can one receive
salvation? It is through the word “believe.” This term is derived from the word “pioteujw”
(pisteuō), which means “to believe, to put one’s faith in, trust, with and implication that actions
based on that trust may follow or entrust.”15 God gave His Son for the world; man in return,
When examining the verbs for “loved” (egapesen) and “gave” (edoken) one must come to
the conclusion that these two verbs articulate the genuine self-giving nature of God. He sent
(apesteilen) His “only Son” (monogenous huiou) to die for the sins of man. Borchert has noted
that this verse is open to interpretation of who receives salvation. The Calvinist will focus on
12
James Strong, The Strongest Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan,
2001), 1475.
13
Hendrickson, 139.
14
Strong, 1511.
15
Ibid., 1524.
6
“God” in loving the world by the giving of his Son. In contrast, the Arminian choose to focus on
the word “whoever” to support human freedom and decision making concerning salvation.16
The entire Gospel message is surrounded by John 3:16. God does not just express His
love to a certain group of individuals, but to the entire world. His love is not stagnant or even
self-centered, but reaches out to the world and gathers people to Himself. This verse describes
the pattern of God’s true love, which is sacrificial. True sacrificial love connotes itself without
the guarantee that the love will be acknowledged or returned. This is expressed in Rom. 5:8,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us
(NIV).”17 The verbs for “loved” (egapesen) and “gave” (edoken) here articulate the authentic
self-giving character of God in having “sent” (apesteilen) his “only Son” (monogenous huiou) on
Verse 17
Again the word “world” appears in verse 17. It still is derived from the word “kojsmox”,
which mean “world, earth, world system, whole universe or adornment.19 When examining this
verse, one should pay close attention to the term “judge.” It comes from the word “krivnh/”
(krine), which means “to separate, to make a distinction between, or to exercise judgment
upon.”20 The difference in this verse is that “krivnh” is in the subjunctive mood. It is introduced
16
Borchert, 183.
17
Bruce B. Barton and Phillip W. Comfort, David R. Veerman, and Neil Wilson, John, Life Application
Commentary (Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, 1993), 63.
18
Borchert, 183.
19
Strong, 1511.
20
Perschbacher, 248.
7
with the word “i@na,” which is used in statements of purpose.21 Jesus’ purpose was not to judge
The most important word is “saved.” It is translated from the word “syjzw” (sōzō),
which means “to save, rescue, and deliver; to heal; by extension: to be in right relationship with
God.”22 Some people will be condemned as the product of Christ’s coming into the world (v.
19); however, Jesus came to this world not to condemn this world, but to save it. His purpose
Verse 18
The world “believes” (pisteuō) again appears in verse 18 and has the connotation of one
putting their trust or faith in something.24 “Judge” is derived from the word “krijnetai/”
(krinetai), which means “to separate, to make a distinction between, or to exercise judgment
upon.” This verb is in the perfect indicative which indicates that the weight is on the ensuing
condition of the action.25 Human choice is so vital in this Gospel because it is the abrupt
character of judgment and condemnation. Judgment is not presiding in the future that calms the
non-Christian into comfort. In this Gospel, the apostle John clarifies that the judgment has
“already” (ede) presided on the nonbeliever. The thought is not the possibility of judgment, but
Verse 19
This verse is in the past tense, and indicates that their judgment has been laid. “Men
loved darkness and their deeds were evil.”27 The word “loved” appears again in verse 19. It
continues to have the same interpretational meaning as verse 16.28 The term “Light” first appears
in verse 19 and is translated from the word “yw`x”, which means “light; daylight; firelight.” The
world “Light” in this verse translates as “the light of Divine truth, spiritual illumination.29 The
word “world” also appears again in verse 19. Here John describes a system that is in opposition
to God.30
Hating, darkness, and practicing evil are all set against the light, which is living by the
truth and the works that are performed through God. It has been noted by some commentary
writers such as Gerald Borchert, that the contrast between light and darkness is parallel to the
ethical dualism of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Here there was a distinction assessed between the sons
of light and the sons of darkness (QS). According to the Apostle John, those who were of
darkness were children of the devil, who is the prince (archon) of this world (Jn. 8:44; 12:31).31
When examining John 3:19 one can conclude that those who fear disclosure from the
“Light” are those who are doing evil in this world. In Eph. 5:13-14 it states, “But all things that
are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He
says: ‘Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light (NKJV).’”
27
J. Ramsey Michaels, John, New International Biblical Commentary, vol. 4 (Peabody: Hendrickson
Publishers, 1989), 62.
28
Strong, 1475.
29
Ibid., 1541.
30
Ibid., 1511.
31
Borchert, 186.
9
The evil deeds of man are exposed by the light. In contrast, people who strive to do evil must do
it in the dark, so they cannot be caught in their actions. The non-believer and believer alike do
not want their lives exposed to God’s light due to fear of what will be discovered or what the
burden the “light” places on them. The evildoer does not predominantly want to be changed.
One should not be taken by surprise when a non-believer is threatened by a believer’s aspiration
to obey God. The children of God must continue to pray that non-believers will come to see how
much better it is to live a life engulfed in God’s light rather than the darkness of Satan.32
Verse 20
In verse 20 the NLT states that the people’s “sins” will be exposed, but the NASB and the
NIV use the term “deeds.” The terminology use of “sin” is a harsher and more accurate term
The term “Light” again appears in verse 20. As stated before “Light” is translated from
the word “yw`x” (phōs) and continues the same meaning from previous verses.33 “Reproved”
comes from the word “ejlevgcw” (elegchō), which means to expose; to rebuke, refute, show
fault; to convince, convict.” In the context of this verse it means “to detect, lay bare, or
expose.”34
For man to come to the light implies to have one’s darkness revealed for what it truly is
and rebuked for what it is as well. No one prefers this uncomfortable process, especially
unrelenting wrongdoing. The apprehension of constructive admonition keeps men away from
Verse 21
“Practices” is derived from the word “poiejw” (poieō), which means to be devoted to,
follow, or practice.” This word is complex and can be translated in several forms.36 The term
“truth” is connected to the term “practice.” It is translated from the word “ajlhvqeia,” which
means “truth, truthfulness; corresponding to reality.” In the context of this verse it means
“practice in accordance with Gospel truth.”37 “Practicing the truth” refers to one who is in a
correct relationship with God. The term “Light” appears again and still has the connotation of
“the light of Divine truth, spiritual illumination.”38 A very important word for a complete
translation of this verse is the term “manifested.” It is derived from the word “fanerovw”
(phaneroō), which means to appear, be disclosed, displayed, or revealed.”39 The light manifests
The essential component that connects verse 19 and 21 is the term krijsix, which is
translated “judgment.” This term is used for separation and condemnation form Jesus, the
“Light.” He has come to this world, which is dark and evil, to bring the hope of salvation. When
man comes to the light, they have a choice to make. They can choose to move toward it or away
from it. Those that move towards the light, move towards salvation. The latter depart from the
36
Ibid., 1525.
37
Ibid., 1477.
38
Ibid., 1541.
39
Ibid., 1539.
40
Beasley-Murray, 51.
11
THEOLOGICAL POINTS
When one interprets a passage of Scripture, it does not mean misrepresentation of the
facts. The Gospel of John is an interpretative manuscript. When examining the book of John,
one can find that there is a lot of material that is excluded in the Synoptic Gospels and some that
are similar. If one does not concur with John’s viewpoint of Jesus, then most of the book would
be disputed. In contrast, if John is correct, then the Word was undeniably made flesh and dwelt
among man. If this is the case, then the Gospel of John is of the highest importance for the
Christology
There are many ways that Jesus Christ was described in the Gospel of John. He was
described as The Word, Son of God, a prophet, The Messiah, King of Israel, and many others.42
George R. Beasley-Murray noted that most scholars recognize rudiments of Christology in the
Gospel of John pertaining to a last name notion. The phrase “the Son of God” is an example.
An interesting aspect of the donation of “the Son” in the Gospel of John is the close
connection with the phrase “the Son of Man.” This aspect foreshadows the Synoptic Gospels, but
in the Gospel of John the task of “the Son” aligns with the functions of the “Son of Man.” In
John 1:51, it proclaims the intercession of the redemptive power of heaven through the “Son of
Man.” Also, John 12:31 states the discourse of Jesus before the High Priest, which can also be
located in Mark 14:62. All of this indicates that the acts of the “Son of Man” are the works of
41
Morris, 35.
42
Beasley-Murray, lxxxi.
12
God through Him. Therefore, the union with the Father is stressed. It is stressed in correlation
to “the Son” in John 10:30 and in correlation to the “Son of Man” in John 8:28.43
Soteriology
The well-known statement of John 3:16 connects the manifestation of the Son of God
with His death for the salvation of the world. When examining this verse one can determine that
His sending was “soteriologically determined.”44 In the Gospel of John, the phrase “lifting up”
corresponds with the death of the Son of Man. “It is the supreme moment of His obedience
which reconciles the world to God and is one with the Resurrection which brings life to the
world.” 45 The phrase “lifting up,” when in reference to the Son of Man, involves the judgment
of this godless world that refuses the “light” of God (John 3:16-21). The stress of this Gospel is
APPLICATIONS
Sacrificial love is sagacious in looking for ways to congregate the desires of those who
are loved. In relation to God, the sacrificial love was infinitely practical. It went out to save
those who had no hope of salvation for themselves. God’s sacrifice was dearly paid to save the
world. The phrase “He gave His only begotten Son” constitutes the greatest price that God could
43
Ibid., lxxxiii.
44
Ibid., lxxxiv.
45
Ibid.
13
pay. The Greek term “monogenh” (monogene), which is translated into “only begotten,” asserts
The offer of salvation is to whoever believes. To believe in Jesus Christ is greater that an
intellectual acknowledgement. Believing means putting trust and assurance in Jesus Christ that
He alone can save the unbeliever. Jesus paid the price for man’s sin and acknowledged mans
punishment in order that humanity would not perish. The word “perish” does not describe a
physical death, rather, it invokes, a “spiritual death,” which is eternity apart from God in Hell.
Everlasting life with God is offered to those who believe in Jesus Christ. 46
In John 3:19, to do what is true means to come to Jesus Christ, which is the light. The
Christian’s life will clearly exemplify the light in every aspect if the Christian is truly living in
the light of Jesus. Christ living in the believer allows the believer to withstand exposure to the
brightest light because the believer’s deeds will be honest and pure. More clarification of this
God does not divulge everything concerning man that requires change immediately. As
the life of the believer or the non-believer moves towards God’s light, they become engulfed in
His presence. The Christian and non-Christian become more aware of sin and to the benefits of
being in the light of God. This can be compared to a dark room full of people. When the light
comes on, it takes time for everyone’s eyes to grow familiar to seeing with the light on. The
Holy Spirit makes the believer sensitive to sin and causes a desire for continual repentance.48
46
Barton, 63.
47
1 John 1:5-7, This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and
in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie
and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one
another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin (NASB).
48
John 16:7-11, “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the
Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. “And He, when He comes, will convict the world
concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning
righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of
14
Once the unbeliever is in the light of God, they must fight against temptation and study the light
of His Word.49
CONCLUSION
The examination of John 3:16-21 is an essential part of the Christian faith. One cannot
truly understand the sacrificial love of God and how to obtain salvation without a proper
understanding of this passage. This passage expresses the reasoning why some choose to stay in
their unbelief and sinful nature. The non-believer and believer alike are afraid of the
illumination of sin that is revealed by the “Light,” which is Jesus Christ. John 3:16-21 is the
Gospel in a few verses. It is the responsibility of the Christian to manifest the message of this
Introduction
a) God so loved! (Deut. 33: 27, Heb. 6: 17, 18, Job 34: 21, Ps. 139, Lev. 11: 44, Gen. 1,2).
b) The "world" (kosmos) is not the world John said to "love not," (I Jn. 2: 15,).
c) The immensity of God’s love for man is seen in the entire unworthiness of man to be a
a) The love (agapao) of God is unselfish and seeks the well-being of the ones He loves.
i) Only begotten derives from the Geek word monogenes, which means one of a kind.
ii) God sacrificed His only begotten Son for sinful humanity.
b) The phrase "shall not perish (me apoletai) is literally translated "may not perish."
16
17
5) Positive principle
b) "Everlasting life" is investigative of the splendor and delight which awaits the believer in
Jesus Christ.
c) "Everlasting life" is the legacy which is kept in heaven for the believer.
i) Illustration: I Pet. 1: 4
JOHN 3:17-18
a) God does not want anyone to perish or be condemned. He wants man to be saved (Jn.
3:17).
7) Faith in God
a) The believer will not be condemned, unlike those who do not believe
i) Jn. 3:18
i) Jn. 3:19a
ii) Jn1:5, 9
b) There are those who love the darkness instead of the “light” because of their evil actions.
i) Jn. 3:19b
c) Their love for the things of this world has caused them to reject the salvation of Jesus
Christ.
i) Lk. 16:14
a) They know that coming to Jesus will expose their evil deeds
i) Jn. 3:20
i) Jn. 3:21
Conclusion: Salvation is offered to all if to whom truly believe that Jesus Christ is their Lord,
God, and Savior. Have you truly given your life to Him or have you been hiding from his
APPENDIX B
16
“For
that He gave
in Him
but
17
“For
but
18
“He who believes in Him
20
is not judged;
because
he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19
“This is the judgment,
and
20
“For everyone who does evil hates the Light,
and
21
“But
Barton, Bruce B., and Phillip W. Comfort, and David R. Veerman, and Neil Wilson. John. Life
Application Commentary. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, 1993.
Beasley-Murray, George R. John. Word Biblical Commentary. Nashville: Tomas Nelson
Publishers, 1999.
Borchert, Gerald L. John 1-11. The New American Commentary. Nashville, TN: Broadman and
Holman, 1996.
Hendrickson, William. John. New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House,
1953.
Michaels, J. Ramsey. John. New International Biblical Commentary. Peabody: Hendrickson
Publishers, 1989.
Morris, Leon. The Gospel According to John. The New International Commentary on the New
Testament. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdman’s Publishing Company, 1995.
Mounce, William D. Greek for The Rest of Us: Mastering Bible Study Without Mastering
Biblical Languages. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003.
Perschbacher, Wesley J. The New Analytical Greek Lexicon. Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers,
1990.
Strong, James. The Strongest Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 2001.
Whiacare, Rodney A. John. The IVP New Testament Commentary Series. Downers Grove: Inter
Varsity Press, 1999.
21