Abstract
John 3:16 is probably the most popular and widely proclaimed
proof-text for God’s love for all of humankind – the “world”. This
interpretation of the verse is based on a meaning for which the
Greek word cosmos can be used, but the word is used to denote
many other meanings as well. The one interpretation of cosmos as
“world” is then read into all instances where cosmos appears,
including John 3:16. This position is held and defended by some in
an almost fanatical manner by some. However, if this verse is
exegetically considered in its primary context, the Fourth Gospel, it
becomes clear that John 3:16 does not speak of God’s universal
love of all of human kind. Far from it. The verse indeed has a
completely different meaning.
Pursuit of Percipience 