King James Bible
"That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life."
Jesus extends salvation universally to anyone who places faith in him, breaking Jewish exclusivity. The Greek word for 'believeth' implies ongoing trust rather than mere intellectual assent, emphasizing a relational commitment to Christ. This promise rescues believers from spiritual death and eternal separation from God. The negative formulation underscores the default human condition apart from faith—a perishing state that the lifted serpent metaphor (v.14) was meant to remedy. The contrast pivots from avoiding destruction to receiving God's own quality of life that begins now and extends forever. This life transcends mere duration, offering present transformation and future resurrection hope.