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who was john 3:16 first spoken to?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

This verse is part of a nighttime conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and leader among the Jews. Nicodemus comes to Jesus with questions, acknowledging Jesus' divine origin, and Jesus speaks to him about spiritual rebirth and the nature of God's saving purpose.

What does this passage suggest about the breadth of God's love and the path to 'eternal life'?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Romans 5:8

    Highlights God's love demonstrated while humanity was still sinful.

  • 1 John 4:9

    Echoes the theme of God sending his Son as an expression of love.

  • Genesis 22:2

    Relates to the theme of God asking for a 'one and only son' in a different context.

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