“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17 KJV

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

John 3:16-17 NIV

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”

John 3:16-17 NLT

I used these 3 different Bibles, God’s Holy Living Word, for a reason. For as you can see they each describe these two abundantly important verses in completely different ways. So….

Begotten: What does Begotten mean? Brought into existence. Jesus exists because God exists. Jesus is of God His Father, and God is of Jesus His Son. It’s extremely important that we always acknowledge that Jesus is the Only Begotten Son of God.

Both the latter versions say

“one and only son”. That’s a completely false statement.

John 1:12 says…But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

So as you can see, we all have the same opportunity to become children of God.

Another phrase: “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish”, “that whosoever believes in him shall not perish” or “so that everyone who believes in him will not perish”: all 3 of these say something different.

The KJV says whosoever believeth in Jesus should not perish, meaning whosoever truly and fully believes in Jesus deep in their heart they don’t have to perish. God doesn’t want anyone to perish. It’s our choice. That’s why He says, “should not perish” for it’s a personal choice.

The NIV says whosoever believes in him shall not perish. This version implies that none of us shall perish. It takes away the personal decision. “Shall” is used to express what is inevitable; perishing. But that’s not why Jesus was sent. He was sent so we all could have the choice to know God. Before Jesus came, God was the God of Israel and not the Gentiles (everyone else). Only certain people could have a close relationship with God. But when Jesus came to this earth He made a way that anyone could choose to have a personal relationship with God through salvation.

The NLT says, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish. This version is taking away the conviction. This implies all you need to do is believe in Him and you will not perish. There is more to it than just believing in Him. Because Satan believes in Him but he was cast out of heaven. The demons believe in Him but they aren’t of God. It takes more than just believing. It’s a deep inner humbling remorse for the wickedness you’ve partaken of and when you truly accept Jesus as your Savior you no longer want any part of wickedness.

I used only these 3 versions to show the importance of knowing which Bible to read, study and fill yourself up with. I know people use the excuse that the others are easier to read; I once thought the same. That was before salvation and God opened His word to me. When we read and study with His help, He will open the words to us in an abundantly deep way. It is extremely important to have the correct Bible for our spiritual growth with God. I can personally testify that while looking at the KJV Bible with sinner’s eyes, yes it may seem very hard to understand. As well as, when we try to read it without God’s encouragement. We should desire the truth.

Reconsider your Bible, question if it’s changing His word. Question if it’s cultivating Godly growth in your life. Pray about which Bible asking God to guide you. Then, follow Him.