King James Bible
"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."
This establishes God's motivation as profound love directed toward all humanity, not just Israel. The Greek word for 'world' (kosmos) emphasizes the universal scope of divine love, marking a radical departure from exclusive religious nationalism. God's love manifests in the supreme sacrifice of sending his unique Son. The term 'gave' encompasses both the incarnation and crucifixion, while 'only begotten' (monogenes) stresses Christ's singular relationship to the Father. Salvation is made universally accessible through faith rather than ethnic identity or religious performance. The present tense 'believeth' suggests ongoing trust, not merely intellectual assent. The verse presents two contrasting destinies: perishing (eternal separation from God) versus eternal life (unending fellowship with God). This life begins now through faith and extends beyond physical death, embodying both present transformation and future hope.