John 17:3

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

And {G1161} this {G3778} is {G2076} life {G2222} eternal {G166}, that {G2443} they might know {G1097} thee {G4571} the only {G3441} true {G228} God {G2316}, and {G2532} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, whom {G3739} thou hast sent {G649}.

And eternal life is this: to know you, the one true God, and him whom you sent, Yeshua the Messiah.

Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

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

John 17:3 (KJV)

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Commentary

This verse is part of Jesus' profound High Priestly Prayer, offered just before his crucifixion. In this prayer, Jesus speaks about his relationship with the Father, his mission, and prays for his disciples and all future believers.

Here, Jesus provides a clear definition of "life eternal." It is not merely unending existence, but a specific quality of life characterized by knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ, whom He sent.

  • Knowing God: The Greek word used for "know" (γινώσκω - *ginōskō*) implies more than just intellectual understanding. It signifies a deep, personal, experiential relationship and fellowship. Eternal life is rooted in this intimate knowledge of the one true God.
  • Knowing Jesus Christ: Eternal life is also inextricably linked to knowing Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as the one sent by God. This acknowledges Jesus' unique role as the Messiah and the mediator between God and humanity.
  • The Essence of Eternal Life: This verse teaches that eternal life is not something we receive only after death, but a present reality that begins the moment we enter into a relationship with God through Christ. It is a life participating in the very life of God Himself.

The emphasis is on relationship rather than just adherence to rules or beliefs. Knowing God and Jesus Christ is the core of what it means to have eternal life.

Cross-Reference: See also 1 John 5:20, which reiterates the importance of knowing the true God and being in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Application: This verse challenges us to examine the nature of our relationship with God. Is our faith centered on truly knowing Him and Jesus Christ in a personal, ongoing way, or is it merely based on facts or traditions? Pursuing deeper intimacy with God is the essence of the Christian life.

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.

  • 1 John 5:20

    And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

  • 1 John 5:11

    And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

  • 1 John 5:12

    He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

  • Jeremiah 9:23

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

  • Jeremiah 9:24

    But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.

  • John 17:25

    O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.

  • John 3:17

    For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
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