Devine Scripture

John 17:2

What does John 17:2 mean?

A plain-English look at John 17:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 17:2 means

Here, Jesus specifies the scope of the authority the Father has given Him: power over all humanity. The purpose of this universal authority is not dominion for its own sake, but rather to grant eternal life to those whom the Father has specifically chosen and given to the Son. This highlights the sovereign work of God in salvation, where the Father elects, and the Son, through His sacrifice, powerfully brings that eternal life to those chosen ones. It underscores that eternal life is a gift, rooted in God's prior gracious selection.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Even as you gave him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all those whom you have given to him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

according as Thou didst give to him authority over all flesh, that--all that Thou hast given to him--he may give to them life age-during;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he may give eternal life to all whom thou hast given him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

as thou hast given him authority over all flesh, that [as to] all that thou hast given to him, he should give them life eternal.

Context

Building on the opening request for glorification, this verse clarifies the divine commission underlying Jesus' impending work. It provides a theological explanation for *how* Jesus will glorify the Father: by exercising the authority given to Him to impart eternal life. This detail is crucial for understanding the nature of Jesus' mission and His unique role as the dispenser of ultimate spiritual blessing.

v.1These things spake Jesus; and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that the Son may glorify thee:

v.2This passage

v.3And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, even Jesus Christ.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Colossians 3:3

    For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

  • Philippians 2:10

    that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth,

  • John 10:28

    and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.

  • John 6:37

    All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

  • Romans 6:23

    For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  • Jude 1:21

    keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

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