John 17:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

As {G2531} thou hast given {G1325} him {G846} power {G1849} over all {G3956} flesh {G4561}, that {G2443} he should give {G1325} eternal {G166} life {G2222} to {G3739} as many as {G3956}{G846} thou hast given {G1325} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

just as you gave him authority over all mankind, so that he might give eternal life to all those whom you have given him.

Berean Standard Bible

For You granted Him authority over all people, so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 17:2, a pivotal verse within Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, profoundly articulates the scope of Christ's divine authority and its ultimate redemptive purpose. It reveals that the Father has bestowed upon the Son universal power over all humanity, not for arbitrary dominion, but specifically so that the Son might bestow the gift of eternal life upon those whom the Father has sovereignly entrusted to Him. This verse underscores the unified will and cooperative work of the Father and the Son in the salvation of humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 17:2 is nestled within the profound "High Priestly Prayer" of Jesus, delivered just hours before His arrest and crucifixion. This prayer, spanning the entire seventeenth chapter of John's Gospel, serves as a theological climax to Jesus' public ministry and private teachings to His disciples. It immediately follows Jesus' declaration in [John 17:1](/john/17-1 "John 17:1 - Jesus Prays for His Glorification") that "the hour is come" for Him to be glorified, setting the stage for the revelation of His divine authority and its purpose. The prayer progresses from Jesus' glorification and His relationship with the Father (vv. 1-5), to His intercession for His immediate disciples (vv. 6-19), and finally to His petition for all future believers (vv. 20-26), emphasizing unity and their participation in the divine life. Verse 2 explicitly states the mechanism by which the Father's glorification of the Son (v. 1) will be realized: through the Son's power to grant eternal life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' prayer takes place in the shadow of the Passover festival in Jerusalem, a time of immense religious and national significance for Jews. The concept of "power" (Gk. _exousía_) would have resonated deeply within a Roman-occupied Judea, where earthly power was visibly exercised by imperial authorities. However, Jesus' understanding of power is radically different; it is not for worldly conquest but for spiritual salvation. The idea of God "giving" people to a chosen figure has Old Testament precedents, such as God giving Israel to Moses or a remnant to the prophets, but here it takes on a new, ultimate salvific dimension. The phrase "all flesh" (Gk. _pas sarx_) is a common biblical idiom for humanity, emphasizing the universal scope of Jesus' authority, contrasting with the limited earthly dominion of any human ruler.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is rich with several foundational theological themes prevalent throughout John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty of God the Father** in salvation, as He is the one who "gives" both authority to the Son and individuals to the Son for eternal life. This divine initiative is a recurring motif, seen in passages like [John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All Whom the Father Gives Will Come") and [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - No One Can Come Unless the Father Draws Them"). Secondly, it underscores the **Mediatorial Role of Jesus Christ**, emphasizing that eternal life is not directly accessible but is granted _through_ Him, by virtue of the authority the Father has conferred upon Him. This aligns with Jesus' self-identification as "the way, the truth, and the life" in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). Thirdly, the verse defines the **Nature and Scope of Eternal Life** not merely as unending existence, but as a qualitative, present reality characterized by knowing God, as further elaborated in [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God"). Finally, it touches upon the theme of **Divine Election and Predestination**, as eternal life is given specifically to "as many as thou hast given him," pointing to a chosen people whom the Father has set apart for salvation through the Son.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **power (Greek, _exousía'_):** From G1849. This word signifies not merely raw strength or might (Gk. _dynamis_), but rather "privilege," "authority," "right," or "delegated influence." It denotes a legitimate, inherent, or conferred right to act or rule. In this context, it emphasizes that Jesus' universal dominion over "all flesh" is not usurped but is a divine prerogative graciously bestowed upon Him by the Father, enabling Him to fulfill His redemptive mission.
* **all (Greek, _pâs'_):** From G3956. This term means "all," "every," or "the whole." When combined with "flesh," it emphasizes the comprehensive and universal scope of Jesus' authority. His power extends over all humanity, without exception, establishing His rightful sovereignty over every individual, whether they acknowledge it or not. This universality is foundational to His ability to offer eternal life to a specific group within humanity.
* **eternal (Greek, _aiṓnios'_):** From G166. This adjective describes "life" (Gk. _zōḗ_) as "perpetual," "everlasting," or "of the ages." In Johannine theology, "eternal life" is not merely quantitative (endless duration) but profoundly qualitative. It refers to a participation in God's own life, characterized by a deep, personal relationship with God and Jesus Christ, which begins in the present and extends into eternity. It is the very life of God, imparted to believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As thou hast given him power over all flesh,"**: This opening clause establishes the premise for Jesus' subsequent action. The Father is the ultimate source of authority, having sovereignly "given" or entrusted to Jesus a comprehensive "power" (Gk. _exousía_) that extends universally "over all flesh," meaning all humanity. This highlights the divine commission and the Father's active role in empowering the Son for His redemptive work.
* **"that he should give eternal life"**: This phrase reveals the specific purpose for which Jesus was granted such immense authority. The conjunction "that" (Gk. _hína_) denotes divine purpose or result. Jesus' power is not for earthly domination or self-glory, but singularly focused on the bestowal of "eternal life." This underscores the salvific aim of His mission and the precious gift He mediates.
* **"to as many as thou hast given him."**: This concluding clause specifies the recipients of this eternal life. It is not given indiscriminately to every individual within "all flesh," but precisely to those whom the Father has sovereignly "given" to the Son. This points to the Father's selective and purposeful election, where a specific company of believers is drawn by the Father and entrusted to the Son to receive the gift of eternal life, highlighting the collaborative and intentional nature of divine salvation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the repeated phrase "thou hast given him," emphasizing the Father's sovereign act of giving both authority and recipients to the Son. This creates a balanced structure that highlights the divine initiative in salvation. The phrase "all flesh" serves as a **Synecdoche**, where "flesh" (a part of a human being) stands for "all humanity" or "every person," underscoring the universal scope of Jesus' authority. Furthermore, the verse functions as a concise **Statement of Purpose**, clearly articulating the _telos_ (end goal) of Jesus' delegated authority: the granting of eternal life to a chosen people. This teleological framing provides profound insight into the divine economy of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 17:2 encapsulates the profound Trinitarian cooperation in salvation, affirming the Father's sovereign initiative in bestowing authority upon the Son, and the Son's mediatorial role in dispensing eternal life. This verse underscores that salvation is not a human achievement but a divine gift, rooted in the Father's eternal plan and executed through the Son's power. It reveals that Jesus' authority, though universal, is specifically purposed for the redemption of a chosen people, emphasizing both the breadth of His dominion and the particularity of His saving work. This divine orchestration assures believers that their eternal security is grounded in the unwavering will and power of God.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")
* [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - Jesus' Universal Authority")
* [John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All Whom the Father Gives")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 17:2 offers a profound anchor for our faith, reminding us that our eternal destiny is not precariously balanced on our own efforts or merits, but securely held in the sovereign hands of God the Father and God the Son. The immense "power over all flesh" granted to Jesus is not for judgment (though that will come), but primarily for the gracious purpose of bestowing "eternal life." This truth should fill us with deep gratitude and humble assurance. If we are among those whom the Father has "given" to the Son, then our salvation is a settled matter, a divine decree executed by the One who holds all authority. This understanding should inspire us to live lives of worship and trust, knowing that the ultimate power in the universe is wielded on behalf of our redemption. It also calls us to consider the preciousness of the gift of eternal life—a qualitative participation in God's own life—and to live in light of that present reality, allowing it to transform our daily walk.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus' "power over all flesh" for the purpose of giving eternal life deepen your trust in His sovereignty?**
* **In what ways does knowing that the Father "gives" people to the Son affirm the security of your salvation?**
* **How does the concept of "eternal life" as a present, qualitative reality (not just future duration) impact your daily living and relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**Does "all flesh" mean everyone receives eternal life?**

Answer: While Jesus has "power over all flesh" (meaning all humanity), the verse clearly states that He gives eternal life "to as many as thou hast given him." This indicates that while His authority is universal, the *application* of eternal life is specific to those whom the Father has chosen and drawn to the Son. It does not imply universal salvation, but rather a universal scope of authority for a particular salvific purpose. This distinction is crucial in understanding the balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in salvation, as seen in passages like [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - No One Can Come Unless the Father Draws Him").

**What is the difference between "power" (Gk. _exousía_) and "might" (Gk. _dynamis_)?**

Answer: In the New Testament, _exousía_ (power) refers to legitimate authority, right, or privilege to act, often delegated. It's about the right to rule or command. _Dynamis_ (might) refers to inherent ability, strength, or miraculous power. While Jesus possesses both, [John 17:2](/john/17-2 "John 17:2 - Jesus' Power to Give Eternal Life") specifically uses _exousía_ to emphasize that His ability to grant eternal life is not merely an act of strength, but a divinely conferred right and authority from the Father. This distinction highlights the legal and relational aspect of His divine commission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 17:2 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus as the ultimate Mediator of life. The "power over all flesh" given to Him by the Father is the very authority by which He accomplishes the New Covenant. This authority culminated in His atoning death on the cross, where He, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the sins of the world, and in His glorious resurrection, where He demonstrated His victory over death and the grave. It is through His finished work that He is able to "give eternal life" to those "given" to Him by the Father. This eternal life is not merely a future hope but a present reality, a participation in the resurrected life of Christ Himself, as believers are [united with Him in His death and resurrection](/romans/6-3-5 "Romans 6:3-5 - United with Christ in Death and Resurrection"). The promise of eternal life, secured by Jesus' unparalleled authority and sacrifice, is the very essence of the Gospel, inviting all who believe to receive this divine gift and experience the [fullness of life in Him](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Came That We May Have Life Abundantly").

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

John 10:28

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.

John 10:29

My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.

John 6:39

And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

John 6:37

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

Daniel 7:14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

John 17:24

¶ Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.