It has been called “the greatest verse in the Bible.” If you are familiar with Scriptures then you may quickly think I refer to John 3:16. You’re right.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Now let’s look at this verse more closely part by part as a way to study it. This is a suggestion from “How to Study the Bible” included in The Open Bible (Thomas Nelson Publishers).

(FOR) GOD — the greatest person;
SO LOVED — the greatest devotion;
THE WORLD — the greatest number;
(THAT) HE GAVE — the greatest act;
HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON — the greatest gift;
THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES (IN HIM) — the greatest condition;
SHALL NOT PERISH — the greatest mercy;
(BUT) HAVE ETERNAL LIFE —
the greatest result.

There definitely are great ideas revealed in this one verse. John 3:16 is likely the one verse best known by the most people. It is even more important to be known in the heart than in the head only. Do you understand the difference?

Of course, if we have opportunities to read… study… learn… meditate on additional verses then we should and will benefit. John 3:16 is a great verse with which to start.

It’s rich in its message. It’s deep in meaning. It’s great in its life-changing revelation. It’s a source of hope. May we learn it. May it lead us toward a lifelong love of the Word of God and of the God of the Word.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world but that the world should be saved through Him.” (John 3:16, 17)

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)