John 1:12

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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,

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 1:12 serves as a pivotal statement in the Gospel's prologue, articulating the profound spiritual transformation available to humanity. While the world largely failed to recognize or embrace the incarnate Word, this verse declares that those who actively welcome Jesus are granted an extraordinary divine privilege: the authority and right to be recognized and become true children of God, a status conferred through genuine faith in His person and redemptive work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 1:12 is situated within the profound and highly theological prologue of John's Gospel, spanning [John 1:1-18](/john/1-1-18 "John 1:1-18 - The Prologue: The Word Incarnate"). This prologue introduces Jesus as the eternal Logos (Word) who was with God and was God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word in the Beginning")), the agent of creation ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")), and the source of life and light for humanity ([John 1:4-5](/john/1-4-5 "John 1:4-5 - Life, Light, and Darkness")). The narrative then shifts to the world's response, noting that the light shone in the darkness, but the darkness did not comprehend it. Critically, [John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "John 1:10-11 - The World Did Not Know Him") highlights the tragic reality that "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not." John 1:12 then introduces a stark and hopeful contrast to this widespread rejection, presenting the gracious alternative for those who *do* receive Him, thus setting the stage for the Gospel's core message of salvation through faith in Christ.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "sons of God" held significant meaning in both Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures, though with different nuances. In the Old Testament, Israel was collectively referred to as God's "son" ([Exodus 4:22](/exodus/4-22 "Exodus 4:22 - Israel, My Son")), and kings could be seen as adopted sons of God ([Psalm 2:7](/psalm/2-7 "Psalm 2:7 - You Are My Son")). However, a personal, intimate sonship for individual believers was not fully developed until the New Covenant. The Jewish people, particularly, often believed their lineage from Abraham guaranteed their status before God. John 1:12 radically redefines this, asserting that spiritual sonship is not based on physical descent or national identity, but on a personal, active reception of Jesus. This would have been a revolutionary concept to many, challenging established religious frameworks and opening the door of salvation to all, Jew and Gentile alike, who believe.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several overarching themes in John's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Salvation by Grace through Faith**, emphasizing that spiritual birth is a divine gift, not a human achievement. It highlights the **Sovereignty of God** in granting this privilege, while simultaneously underscoring the **Human Responsibility** to "receive" and "believe." The verse also introduces the profound theme of **New Spiritual Identity** – the transformation from being merely creatures to becoming "children of God," a relationship of intimate belonging and familial privilege. This new identity is a direct result of the **Incarnation of the Word**, as it is through Jesus's coming that humanity is offered this unparalleled access to the Father. This theme of new birth and divine parentage is further elaborated by Jesus in His conversation with Nicodemus in [John 3](/john/3 "John 3 - Nicodemus and Being Born Again").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **received (Greek, _lambánō_):** This verb signifies an active, intentional taking hold of something, an acceptance or welcoming. It implies more than passive observation; it is a deliberate act of embracing Jesus, His person, and His claims. Unlike *dechomai* (which can mean to receive what is offered), *lambánō* suggests a more proactive engagement, a personal appropriation of Christ.
* **power (Greek, _exousía_):** Crucially, this word does not denote raw strength or miraculous ability (*dynamis*), but rather "authority," "right," or "privilege." It signifies a divinely granted authorization or warrant. Believers are not given the *ability* to become children of God through their own effort, but rather the *legal and spiritual right* or *privilege* to be recognized as such by God Himself. This authority is delegated by God through Christ.
* **become (Greek, _gínomai_):** This verb means "to come into being," "to be made," or "to turn into." In this context, it speaks of a transformative process, a radical change in status and nature. It indicates a spiritual birth, a new creation, where one moves from a state of alienation to one of filial relationship with God. It emphasizes that this is not an inherent state for all humans, but a new reality brought about by receiving Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But as many as received him,"**: This opening phrase immediately sets up a contrast ("But," from Greek *dé*) with the preceding verses that describe the world's rejection of Jesus. The phrase "as many as" highlights the universal scope of the invitation – it is open to anyone, regardless of background or previous status, who chooses to actively welcome and embrace Jesus. It underscores the necessity of a personal response.
* **"to them gave he power"**: Here, "he" refers to Jesus, the incarnate Word. The "power" (Greek *exousía*) He gives is not an internal strength or capability of the individual, but a divinely bestowed right, authority, or privilege. This emphasizes that becoming a child of God is entirely a gift from Christ, not an earned status. It is a legal and spiritual entitlement granted by the Son Himself.
* **"to become the sons of God,"**: This is the extraordinary outcome of receiving Christ. "Sons of God" (Greek *téknon theou*) signifies a new spiritual identity and relationship. It implies a spiritual birth and adoption into God's family, granting believers an intimate, familial relationship with the Creator, characterized by love, inheritance, and access. This status is not inherent to all humanity but is a direct result of this divine enablement.
* **"[even] to them that believe on his name:"**: This final clause clarifies and defines what it means to "receive him." The two phrases are parallel and synonymous. To "believe on his name" (Greek *pisteúō eis to onoma autou*) signifies more than mere intellectual assent to facts about Jesus; the preposition "on" (Greek *eis*) indicates a deep, personal trust and commitment *into* His person, character, authority, and redemptive work. It is a full reliance upon who He is and what He has done, leading to a transformative union with Him.

#### Literary Devices
John 1:12 masterfully employs several literary devices. The conjunction "**But**" (Greek *dé*) at the beginning signals a sharp **Contrast** with the preceding verses ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "John 1:10-11 - The World Did Not Know Him")), which depict the world's general failure to recognize and receive Jesus. This contrast highlights the grace and distinction of those who *do* respond in faith. Furthermore, the verse exhibits clear **Parallelism** between the phrases "as many as received him" and "to them that believe on his name." These two expressions are not merely repetitive but are synonymous, reinforcing the active, personal nature of saving faith. Receiving Jesus is equated with believing in His name, emphasizing that genuine faith is a welcoming embrace of His person and authority. Finally, the phrase "**sons of God**" functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing a new spiritual identity, an intimate familial relationship with God, and the full rights and privileges of divine adoption. It is a metaphorical expression of spiritual rebirth and belonging.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 1:12 profoundly articulates the New Testament doctrine of spiritual adoption and new birth, emphasizing that true sonship with God is not a birthright, a racial privilege, or an achievement through human effort, but a gracious gift bestowed by God upon those who respond in faith to Jesus Christ. This divine "power" or "authority" to become children of God underscores the radical transformation that occurs when one receives Christ, moving from alienation to intimate relationship. It highlights God's initiative and generosity in extending this privilege, making it accessible to "as many as" believe, thus demonstrating the universal scope of His redemptive plan.

* [Romans 8:14-17](/romans/8-14-17 "Romans 8:14-17 - Children of God by the Spirit")
* [Galatians 3:26](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26 - Sons of God Through Faith in Christ Jesus")
* [1 John 3:1-2](/1_john/3-1-2 "1 John 3:1-2 - Behold, What Manner of Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 1:12 offers profound comfort and clarity, serving as a cornerstone for understanding our relationship with God. It reminds us that our spiritual identity as children of God is not earned through our own merit, good deeds, or religious heritage, but is a gracious gift freely given by God to those who simply "receive" and "believe" in Jesus. This truth liberates us from the burden of striving for acceptance and invites us into a secure, loving, and eternal relationship with our Heavenly Father. Embracing this divine sonship means recognizing our inherent value and belonging, living with the confidence of an heir, and walking in the authority and privilege granted by Christ. It calls us to live lives that reflect our new family likeness, demonstrating the love, grace, and truth of our Father to a world that desperately needs to know Him. This verse challenges us to continually examine the depth of our "receiving" and "believing," ensuring that our faith is an active, personal commitment to Jesus, not merely intellectual assent.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have I truly "received" Jesus into my life, beyond mere intellectual agreement?**
* **How does understanding my identity as a "son/daughter of God" impact my daily walk and my perception of myself?**
* **If this "power" is a divinely granted authority, how should I exercise this privilege in my life and interactions with others?**
* **What practical steps can I take to deepen my "belief on His name" and live more fully as a child of God?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "receive him" and "believe on his name"? Are they different?**

Answer: While distinct in phrasing, "to receive him" and "to believe on his name" are presented as synonymous and complementary actions in [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Power to Become Sons of God"). To "receive him" implies an active welcome, an embracing of Jesus into one's life, acknowledging His person and authority. To "believe on his name" goes beyond mere intellectual assent to facts about Jesus; the Greek preposition *eis* ("on" or "into") suggests a deep, personal trust and commitment *into* His very being, character, and redemptive work. It's a full reliance on who He is and what He has done. Together, they describe the singular act of saving faith: a personal, active, and trusting embrace of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

**Does "power to become the sons of God" imply we earn our sonship?**

Answer: No, the "power" (Greek *exousía*) mentioned in [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Power to Become Sons of God") does not refer to an inherent human ability or strength to earn divine sonship. Instead, *exousía* signifies a divinely granted "authority," "right," or "privilege." It means that God, through Jesus, bestows upon believers the legal and spiritual warrant to be recognized and live as His children. This sonship is entirely a gift of grace, freely given by God to those who believe, rather than something achieved through human effort or merit. It highlights the divine initiative and the transformative nature of this new relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 1:12 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the unique and eternal Son of God. Humanity's ability to "become the sons of God" is entirely predicated on Jesus's incarnation, His perfect life, His atoning death, and His glorious resurrection. As the one through whom all things were made ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")), Jesus possesses the inherent "power" (authority) to grant this extraordinary privilege. He became man ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) to redeem those under the law, "that we might receive the adoption as sons" ([Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4-5 "Galatians 4:4-5 - Adoption as Sons")). Through His sacrifice, He removes the barrier of sin, enabling a new covenant relationship where believers are not just forgiven, but brought into God's very family. He is the "firstborn among many brethren" ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")), making it possible for us to share in His sonship, not by nature, but by grace through faith. The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus sends, then confirms this adoption, allowing believers to cry out, "Abba, Father" ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). Thus, John 1:12 is a powerful declaration of the new humanity forged in Christ, where believers are united to the Son and, through Him, brought into the intimate, loving relationship with the Father that Jesus Himself enjoys.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.