John 1:12

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:

But {G1161} as many as {G3745} received {G2983} him {G846}, to them {G846} gave he {G1325} power {G1849} to become {G1096} the sons {G5043} of God {G2316}, even to them that believe {G4100} on {G1519} his {G846} name {G3686}:

But to as many as did receive him, to those who put their trust in his person and power, he gave the right to become children of God,

But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—

But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name:

John 1:12 (KJV) stands as a foundational verse in the Gospel, powerfully articulating the path to a new spiritual identity and relationship with God. It declares that while the world may not recognize or accept Jesus, those who actively receive Him are granted the extraordinary privilege of becoming God's children.

Context

This verse is part of the profound prologue to John's Gospel (John 1:1-18), which introduces Jesus as the eternal "Word" (Logos) who was with God and was God. The preceding verses highlight the Word's creative power (John 1:3), His role as the light of men (John 1:4), and the world's general failure to comprehend or receive Him (John 1:10). Crucially, John 1:11 notes that "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." John 1:12 then offers a hopeful contrast: despite widespread rejection, there is a specific, blessed outcome for those who *do* receive Him, setting the stage for the Gospel's central message of salvation through faith.

Key Themes

  • The Act of Receiving and Believing: The phrase "received him" is paralleled by "believe on his name," emphasizing that saving faith is an active, personal acceptance of Jesus Christ. It's not merely intellectual assent but a welcoming of His person and work into one's life. To "believe on his name" signifies trusting in everything Jesus is and represents – His authority, character, and redemptive mission.
  • Divine Empowerment and Authority: The KJV translates "power" from the Greek word exousia (ἐξουσία), which more accurately means "authority" or "right." This highlights that becoming a child of God is not an inherent human capability or earned status, but a divinely conferred privilege, a legal and spiritual right granted by God Himself to those who believe.
  • New Spiritual Identity: The ultimate outcome is the transformation into "sons of God." This speaks to a radical change in relationship and identity. It signifies a spiritual birth, an adoption into God's family, granting believers an intimate, filial relationship with the Creator of the universe. This concept is further explored by Jesus in His discourse on being born again in John 3:3.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "power" here is exousia (ἐξουσία), which differs from dynamis (δύναμις), meaning inherent strength or miraculous power. Exousia denotes delegated authority, a right, or a privilege. This distinction is crucial: God doesn't give us the *strength* to become His children, but the *right* or *authority* to be declared and live as such through faith in Christ. The phrase "believe on his name" (πιστεύουσιν εἰς τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ) implies more than just believing *about* Jesus; the preposition "eis" (εἰς) suggests believing *into* Him, indicating a deep, personal commitment and union with His person.

Practical Application

John 1:12 offers immense encouragement and clarity for anyone seeking a relationship with God. It underscores that:

  • Salvation is a Gift: Becoming a child of God is not achieved through human effort, lineage, or religious rituals, but through a simple act of faith in Jesus Christ.
  • Identity in Christ: For those who believe, this verse establishes a profound new identity. We are no longer merely creatures, but beloved children of God, with all the rights and privileges that entail, including the Spirit of adoption which allows us to cry, "Abba, Father" (Galatians 4:6).
  • Universal Invitation: The phrase "as many as received him" highlights the universal scope of this invitation. It is open to all, regardless of background, who choose to place their trust in Jesus.
This verse calls us to examine our own acceptance of Jesus Christ and to embrace the incredible truth of our divine sonship through Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Galatians 3:26

    For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

  • Romans 8:14

    For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

  • 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:17

    Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

  • 2 Corinthians 6:18

    And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

  • Galatians 4:6

    And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

  • John 3:18

    He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

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