John 3:14-16 NIV

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 3:14-15

3:14-15 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that every one who believes in him may have eternal life. John goes back to a strange Old Testament story which is told in Numbers 21:4-9 . On their journey through the wilderness the people of Israel murmured and complained and regretted that they had ever left Egypt. To punish them God sent a plague of deadly, fiery serpents; the people repented and cried for mercy. God instructed Moses... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 3:16

3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that every one who believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. All great men have had their favourite texts; but this has been called "Everybody's text." Herein for every simple heart is the very essence of the gospel. This text tells us certain great things. (i) It tells us that the initiative in all salvation lies with God. Sometimes Christianity is presented in such a way that it sounds as if God had to be... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 3:14

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness ,.... The history referred to is in Numbers 21:8 . There is, in many things, an agreement between this serpent, and Jesus Christ: as in the matter of it, it was a brazen serpent; it was made not of gold, nor of silver, but of brass, the meaner metal, and was a very unlikely means, of itself, to heal the Israelites; and might be despised by many: this may denote the meanness of Christ in his human nature, in his birth and parentage, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 3:15

That whosoever believeth in him ,.... Whether Jew or Gentile, a greater, or a lesser sinner, and of whatsoever state and condition, age or sex; and though ever so weak a believer, provided his faith, is of the right kind: not an historical or temporary one, a mere assent to the truth of things respecting his person, office, and work; but such a faith, by which a soul sees a glory, fulness, and suitableness in him as a Saviour; goes to him, ventures on him, commits itself to him, lays hold on... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 3:16

For God so loved the world ,.... The Persic version reads "men": but not every man in the world is here meant, or all the individuals of human nature; for all are not the objects of God's special love, which is here designed, as appears from the instance and evidence of it, the gift of his Son: nor is Christ God's gift to every one; for to whomsoever he gives his Son, he gives all things freely with him; which is not the case of every man. Nor is human nature here intended, in opposition to,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 3:14

As Moses lifted up - He shows the reason why he descended from heaven, that he might be lifted up, i.e. crucified, for the salvation of man. kind, and be, by the appointment of God, as certain a remedy for sinful souls as the brazen serpent elevated on a pole, Numbers 21:9 , was for the bodies of the Israelites, which had been bitten by the fiery serpents in the wilderness. It does not appear to me that the brazen serpent was ever intended to be considered as a type of Christ. It is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 3:15

That whosoever believeth - Bp. Pearce supposes that this verse is only the conclusion of the 16th, and that it has been inserted in this place by mistake. The words contain the reason of the subject in the following verse, and seem to break in upon our Lord's argument before he had fully stated it. The words, μη αποληται αλλα , may not perish but, are omitted by some very ancient MSS. and versions. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 3:16

For God so loved the world - Such a love as that which induced God to give his only begotten son to die for the world could not be described: Jesus Christ does not attempt it. He has put an eternity of meaning in the particle οὑτω , so, and left a subject for everlasting contemplation, wonder, and praise, to angels and to men. The same evangelist uses a similar mode of expression, 1 John 3:1 ; : Behold, What Manner of love, ποταπην αγαπην , the Father hath bestowed upon us. From the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 3:14

Verse 14 14.And as Moses lifted up the serpent. He explains more clearly why he said that it is he alone to whom heaven is opened; namely, that he brings to heaven all who are only willing to follow him as their guide; for he testifies that he will be openly and publicly manifested to all, that he may diffuse his power over men of every class. (62) To be lifted up means to be placed in a lofty and elevated situation, so as to be exhibited to the view of all. This was done by the preaching of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 3:16

Verse 16 16.For God so loved the world. Christ opens up the first cause, and, as it were, the source of our salvation, and he does so, that no doubt may remain; for our minds cannot find calm repose, until we arrive at the unmerited love of God. As the whole matter of our salvation must not be sought any where else than in Christ, so we must see whence Christ came to us, and why he was offered to be our Savior. Both points are distinctly stated to us: namely, that faith in Christ brings life to... read more

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 3:14-15

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 3:16

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 3:14

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 3:15

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 3:16

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 3:14

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 3:15

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 3:16

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 3:14

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 3:16

Group of Brands