John 17:2

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

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}.

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

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

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

John 17:2 is a significant verse within Jesus' "High Priestly Prayer," revealing the scope of His authority and the purpose for which it was granted by the Father.

Context

This verse is found at the very beginning of Jesus' extensive prayer recorded in John chapter 17. Spoken just hours before His crucifixion, this prayer offers a profound insight into the relationship between Jesus and the Father, and Jesus' heart for His disciples and future believers. Verse 2 immediately follows Jesus' declaration that the "hour is come" for Him to be glorified, setting the stage for the divine authority He possesses and its ultimate goal.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Authority Over All Flesh: The Father has given Jesus ultimate "power over all flesh." This is a declaration of His universal authority, not just over humanity but over creation, setting Him apart as sovereign. This power is not for dominion in an earthly sense but for a specific divine purpose.
  • The Purpose: Granting Eternal Life: The primary reason for Jesus' authority is to give eternal life. This highlights that eternal life is a gift mediated through Jesus Christ, made possible by His authority and work.
  • The Father's Giving: Eternal life is given specifically to "as many as thou hast given him." This points to the Father's sovereign plan and election, where a specific group of people is "given" by the Father to the Son to receive this life. This underscores that salvation originates with God the Father.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "eternal life" in Greek is zoe aionios (ζωὴν αἰώνιον). In John's Gospel, this term means more than just unending existence; it signifies a quality of life, a participation in God's own life, characterized by knowing God and Jesus Christ (as seen in John 17:3). It is a present reality for believers, not just a future hope.

Related Scriptures

This verse connects with other passages emphasizing Jesus' authority and the nature of eternal life. Jesus' declaration of having all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth in Matthew 28:18 echoes the authority mentioned here. The concept of eternal life being a gift through belief in Jesus is foundational to the Gospel message (see John 3:16). The idea that the Father "gives" people to Jesus is also found elsewhere in John, such as John 6:37, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me."

Reflection

John 17:2 offers immense comfort and assurance to believers. It reminds us that eternal life is not something we earn, but a precious gift secured by the absolute authority of Jesus Christ, according to the Father's perfect plan. Our salvation is grounded in the sovereign work of God the Father and the powerful ministry of God the Son. This truth should lead us to worship and trust in the one who has power over all things and uses that power to grant life everlasting.

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.

  • 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.

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