Verse in Greek
Οὕτω γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ’ ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον.
Focus Topic: The ἵνα-Clause and the Subjunctive Mood
This verse presents a powerful example of the use of ἵνα introducing a purpose/result clause followed by two verbs in the subjunctive mood. This structure is both grammatically elegant and theologically rich.
Explanation of the Subjunctive Mood
In Koine Greek, the subjunctive mood expresses possibility, intention, or result. It frequently follows conjunctions like ἵνα (“in order that”, “so that”). In John 3:16, the conjunction ἵνα governs two subjunctives: ἀπόληται and ἔχῃ.
| Greek Word | Mood | Tense | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| ἀπόληται | Subjunctive | Aorist | Definitive avoidance — “should not perish” |
| ἔχῃ | Subjunctive | Present | Ongoing experience — “may have eternal life” |
Why Two Subjunctives?
The combination of aorist and present subjunctive in the same clause is deliberate. The aorist ἀπόληται points to the decisive, once-for-all nature of perishing, while the present ἔχῃ reflects the continuous and enduring reality of possessing eternal life. This juxtaposition reinforces the fullness of the promise: a complete deliverance from destruction and a sustained participation in life.
Other Key Observations
- ἵνα introduces both purpose and result — the theological goal of the giving of the Son.
- πιστεύων (present active participle) emphasizes ongoing, continual faith rather than a one-time act.
- μὴ is used to negate the subjunctive verb ἀπόληται, a common pattern in Koine Greek.
Implications for Reading
Understanding this grammatical construction enhances the depth of our reading. The structure of John 3:16 does more than convey information — it shapes the theology of the verse by highlighting both the decisive rescue and the abiding life given to the one who believes. The Greek grammar reveals the intentionality behind the wording and underscores the hope embedded in the gospel message.
