John 3:17

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 3:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him.
John 3:17 — American Standard Version

Context — John 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For God sent not his Son into the world, etc.] God did send his Son into the world in the likeness of sinful flesh, being made of a woman, and made under the law; and which is an instance of his great love, and not of any disrespect to his Son, or of any inequality between them: but then this was not to condemn the world; even any part of it, or any in it: not the Gentiles, as the Jews thought he would; for though God had suffered them to walk in their own ways, and had winked at, or overlooked the times of their ignorance, and had sent no prophet unto them, nor made any revelation of his will, or any discovery of his special grace unto them; yet he sent his Son now, not to destroy them for…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“not to condemn, &c.--A statement of vast importance. Though "condemnation" is to many the issue of Christ's mission (Joh 3:19), it is not the object of His mission, which is purely a saving one.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To condemn the world - Not to judge, or pronounce sentence on mankind. God might justly have sent him for this. Man deserved condemnation, and it would have been right to have pronounced it; but God was willing that there should be an offer of pardon, and the sentence of condemnation was delayed. But, although Jesus did not come then to condemn mankind, yet the time is coming when he will return to judge the living and the dead, Act 17:31; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:31-46. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world - Although many accuse him of it. John 3:18”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“God: Joh 5:45, Joh 8:15, Joh 8:16, Joh 12:47, Joh 12:48; Luk 9:56 but: Joh 1:29, Joh 6:40; Isa 45:21-23, Isa 49:6, Isa 49:7, Isa 53:10-12; Zac 9:9; Mat 1:23, Mat 18:11; Mat 1:23, Mat 18:11; Luk 2:10, Luk 2:11, Luk 19:10; Ti1 2:5, Ti1 2:6; Jo1 2:2, Jo1 4:14 John 3:18”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification