Within its biblical context, John 3:16 emerges during Jesus' nighttime discourse with Nicodemus, a Pharisee searching for truth (John 3:1–21,)). The verse proclaims, 'For God so loved the world...' The Greek word for 'world' is 'κόσμος' (kosmos), signifying the totality of fallen humanity—Jews and Gentiles alike. 'He gave his only begotten Son': Here, the phrase 'only begotten' is 'μονογενής' (monogenēs), emphasizing Christ's unique, one-of-a-kind relationship with the Father (cf. Hebrews 1:3, Colossians 1:15-20, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+1%3A3%2C+Colossians+1%3A15-20&version=KJV). This sets Jesus apart ontologically and eternally: He is the true Son, not a created being (contrary to some sectarian interpretations). The concept draws on the Hebrew Scripture's patterns of sacrificial devotion (see Genesis 22:2, Isaac as the 'only son': https://www.chabad.org/library/biblecdo/aid/8210/showrashi/true/jewish/Chapter-22.htm). The offer that 'whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life' centralizes 'πίστις' (pistis, faith) as the instrument of salvation—aligning with reformation doctrines of sola fide (faith alone) and sola gratia (grace alone). God's initiative—His grace—mirrors the covenant faithfulness seen throughout redemptive history. The verse also anchors the historic doctrine of substitutionary atonement: Christ is given so believers 'should not perish,' echoing Isaiah's prophecy of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53, https://www.chabad.org/library/biblecdo/aid/15941/showrashi/true/jewish/Chapter-53.htm), fulfilled in Jesus’ redemptive mission. Timelessly, this passage crystallizes both God's infinite love and the universal invitation to salvation through Christ.