Bible verses about God's love
John 3:16, Romans 5:8 and 1 John 4:9-10 are the Bible verses people turn to most about God's love. They say it was shown in giving his Son, and that it came first, before anyone earned it. All eleven are below in full.
Free to read, no account. Last updated November 9, 2026. Scripture: King James Version and World English Bible (public domain).
1.John 3:16
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.
In the World English Bible
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Jesus explains why God sent him. The reason given is love, and the scope is the whole world.
2.Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
In the World English Bible
But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Paul points to the cross as the proof of God's love, offered while people were still far from him.
3.1 John 4:9-10
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
In the World English Bible
By this God’s love was revealed in us, that God has sent his only born Son into the world that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
John says love is defined by what God did first, not by how much people love him in return.
4.1 John 3:1
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
In the World English Bible
See how great a love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him.
John sounds amazed. The kind of love the Father gives is big enough to make people his children.
5.Ephesians 3:17-19
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
In the World English Bible
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, and to know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Paul prays that readers would grasp how wide, long, high and deep Christ's love goes, even though it goes past knowing.
6.Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
In the World English Bible
The LORD, your God, is among you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.
A rare picture of God singing over his people. It describes joy, quiet and presence all together.
7.Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
In the World English Bible
The LORD appeared of old to me, saying, “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore I have drawn you with loving kindness.
God speaks to a people who had been taken from home. The love described is long lasting, and he draws them back.
8.Psalm 103:11-12
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
In the World English Bible
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his loving kindness toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Two images of distance: the height of the sky above the earth, and east from west. Both describe God's love and forgiveness.
9.Psalm 36:5-7
Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
In the World English Bible
Your loving kindness, LORD, is in the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God. Your judgments are like a great deep. LORD, you preserve man and animal. How precious is your loving kindness, God! The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings.
The writer reaches for the biggest things he can think of, sky and mountains and ocean, to describe steadfast love.
10.Isaiah 49:15-16
Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
In the World English Bible
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, these may forget, yet I will not forget you! Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Your walls are continually before me.
A mother may forget her baby, God says, but he won't forget his people. He pictures their names written on his hands.
11.John 15:9
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
In the World English Bible
Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love.
Jesus tells his friends the love he has for them matches the love the Father has for him. He asks them to stay in it.
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Read today's verseQuestions
What is a good Bible verse about God's love?
John 3:16 is a good place to start. Jesus explains why God sent him. The reason given is love, and the scope is the whole world.
What does the Bible say about God's love?
It says God's love is shown in action. Romans 5:8 points to the cross, John 3:16 to the sending of his Son, and 1 John 4:9-10 says the love came first. Psalm 36:5-7 and Ephesians 3:17-19 reach for images of size to describe how far it goes.
Does God love everyone?
John 3:16 speaks of the world, not a select few. Psalm 103:11-12 and Romans 5:8 describe love offered to people who haven't earned it. Christians sometimes discuss what that means for each person, and a pastor or a longer study can take that further.
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Made by Lamplight, a small Sarvixo product. Notes on each verse are ours, written with AI tools and checked against the passage. The verses are printed exactly as published.