Here is John 3:16 in Greek:
Greek Text (John 3:16)
Οὕτως γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ᾽ ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον.
Transliteration (for pronunciation help)
Houtōs gar ēgapēsen ho Theos ton kosmon, hōste ton huion ton monogenē edōken, hina pas ho pisteuōn eis auton mē apolētai all’ echē zōēn aiōnion.
English Translation (NKJV)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Key Word Breakdown (Relevant to Your Study)
| Greek Word | Transliteration | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Οὕτως | Houtōs | “in this way,” “thus,” “so” | The key word you’re focusing on |
| γὰρ | gar | “for” | Connects to the previous verse |
| ἠγάπησεν | ēgapēsen | “loved” | Aorist tense – a decisive act of love |
| τὸν μονογενῆ | ton monogenē | “the only begotten / unique Son” | Emphasizes uniqueness |
| ἔδωκεν | edōken | “gave” | Points to the cross |
| ἵνα | hina | “that” / “so that” | Purpose clause |
| πιστεύων | pisteuōn | “believing” | Present active participle – ongoing faith |
| μὴ ἀπόληται | mē apolētai | “should not perish” | Strong negation |
| ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον | echē zōēn aiōnion | “have eternal life” | Present tense – ongoing possession |
Short Note You Can Use
In the Greek text of John 3:16, the verse begins with the word Οὕτως (Houtōs), which means “in this way” or “in this manner.” It does not primarily mean “how much,” but rather points to the method of God’s love — by giving His only Son to be lifted up, just as The Bronze Serpent was lifted up in the wilderness (see John 3:14).