John 3:35

KJV

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

The Father {G3962} loveth {G25} the Son {G5207}, and {G2532} hath given {G1325} all things {G3956} into {G1722} his {G846} hand {G5495}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the Father loves the Son and has put everything in his hands.

Berean Standard Bible

The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in His hands.

American Standard Version

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 3:35 powerfully articulates the profound, intrinsic love between God the Father and God the Son, revealing this divine affection as the foundational reason for the Father's complete entrustment of all authority, power, and dominion into the Son's hands. This verse, spoken by John the Baptist, serves as a pivotal theological statement affirming Jesus' supreme and unparalleled position as the divine agent through whom God's entire redemptive plan is executed, encompassing creation, judgment, and salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes John the Baptist's final public testimony concerning Jesus, following the pivotal conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in the earlier part of [John 3](/john/3 "John 3 - Nicodemus and John's Testimony"). John's disciples express concern that all are flocking to Jesus, prompting John to clarify his role as the forerunner, not the Messiah. He emphatically declares that he must decrease while Jesus must increase, emphasizing Jesus' heavenly origin and supreme authority ([John 3:30-31](/john/3-30-31 "John 3:30-31 - John the Baptist Decreases, Jesus Increases")). Verse 35 serves as the theological underpinning for John's assertion of Jesus' preeminence, explaining *why* Jesus is above all and receives the Spirit without measure—because the Father has given Him absolute authority. The subsequent verse, [John 3:36](/john/3-36 "John 3:36 - The Consequence of Belief or Disbelief"), then outlines the eternal consequences of responding to this divinely appointed Son.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish thought, the concept of a father entrusting his son with the management of his affairs was common, especially for an heir. However, the scope of "all things" in this verse transcends any human analogy, pointing to a divine delegation of cosmic authority. The "hand" (Hebrew: *yad*, Greek: *cheir*) was a pervasive biblical idiom symbolizing power, authority, and control. When God's hand is mentioned, it signifies His sovereign power in creation, judgment, and deliverance. For the Father to give "all things into his hand" would have immediately conveyed to a Jewish audience an unparalleled transfer of divine prerogative, far exceeding any human delegation. This statement also implicitly contrasts with the authority given to prophets or kings, asserting Jesus' unique, divine status.
* **Key Themes:** John 3:35 contributes significantly to several major theological themes within the Gospel of John and broader biblical revelation. It underscores the profound and eternal **love within the Trinity**, specifically between the Father and the Son, which is the very basis for the Son's unique role and authority. This verse also highlights **Jesus' supreme authority and sovereignty**, establishing Him as the ultimate agent of God's will. The phrase "hath given all things into his hand" signifies a total **divine delegation** of power, dominion, and judgment from the Father to the Son, confirming Jesus' absolute control over all aspects of God's redemptive plan and creation. This theme is echoed throughout John's Gospel, such as when Jesus declares, "[All that the Father gives me will come to me](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All Who Come to Jesus")," or when He asserts His authority to "[lay down my life and take it up again](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' Authority Over His Life")".

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **loveth (Greek, _agapáō'_):** This verb signifies a deep, unconditional, and purposeful love, characteristic of God's nature. Unlike *philéō* (φιλέω), which can denote affection or friendship, *agapáō* describes a volitional, self-sacrificing, and perfect love that seeks the highest good of the beloved. Here, it describes the eternal, perfect relationship between the Father and the Son, which is the very foundation for the Son's unique role and the Father's entrustment of all things to Him.
* **hath given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb means "to give," "to bestow," or "to deliver." In this context, it denotes a deliberate and complete transfer of authority and possession. It is not a temporary loan but a permanent endowment. The perfect tense ("hath given") emphasizes that this is a completed action with ongoing results, signifying a settled and established reality of the Son's authority.
* **hand (Greek, _cheír'_):** While literally referring to the physical appendage, in this idiomatic expression, "hand" powerfully symbolizes power, authority, and control. To have something "in one's hand" means to have complete mastery and dominion over it. When applied to God, it signifies absolute sovereignty. The Father giving "all things into his hand" means the Son possesses full divine prerogative and control over all creation, salvation, and judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Father loveth the Son":** This foundational clause reveals the intimate, eternal, and perfect relationship within the Godhead. The Father's love for the Son is not merely an emotion but a deep, purposeful, and volitional affection that undergirds all divine action. This love is the ultimate reason for the Son's unique position and the subsequent delegation of authority. It speaks to the unity and perfect harmony of the Trinity.
* **"and hath given all things into his hand":** This clause describes the profound consequence and manifestation of the Father's love for the Son. "All things" (Greek: *pâs*) is comprehensive, encompassing everything in creation, providence, and redemption. The phrase "into his hand" is a powerful idiom signifying complete authority, control, and dominion. It means the Son has been fully entrusted with the execution of God's plan, including the power to judge, save, and rule over all creation. This is not a partial or temporary delegation but an absolute and permanent endowment of divine power.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Idiom** and **Symbolism**. The phrase "hath given all things into his hand" is a powerful idiom that transcends its literal meaning. The "hand" **symbolizes** ultimate power, authority, and control, a common biblical motif. By stating that "all things" are in the Son's hand, the text conveys absolute and comprehensive dominion, far more than a mere physical holding. This idiomatic expression effectively communicates the totality of the Father's entrustment to the Son. Furthermore, the verse uses **Personification** by attributing the human action of "loving" and "giving" to the divine persons of the Father and the Son, making their divine relationship and actions comprehensible to human understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 3:35 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of the Trinity and the absolute authority of Jesus Christ. It underscores that the Son's power is not self-derived but divinely bestowed by the Father, rooted in an eternal, perfect love. This delegation of "all things" signifies Jesus' comprehensive authority over creation, salvation, and judgment, making Him the sole mediator between God and humanity. It highlights the Father's complete trust and delight in the Son, affirming Jesus' unique identity as the one through whom God's redemptive purposes are perfectly fulfilled.

* [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"): "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."
* [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son"): "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son."
* [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy in Creation and All Things"): "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding the profound truth of John 3:35 offers immense comfort, security, and a firm foundation for our faith. If the Father, in His infinite love, has entrusted "all things" into the hands of the Son, then the one who governs the universe, orchestrates history, and holds our very lives is none other than the perfectly loved and infinitely capable Son of God. This means there is no aspect of our existence—our past, present, or future; our struggles, sins, or triumphs—that falls outside of His sovereign authority. We can rest assured that His power to save, sustain, and ultimately judge is absolute and divinely sanctioned. Our trust is placed in the One who is not merely powerful, but whose power is rooted in the perfect love of the Father. This calls us to a deeper level of surrender and worship, knowing that the ultimate authority rests with the One who loves us unconditionally and perfectly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Father's perfect love for the Son inform your understanding of Jesus' authority and His actions in your life?**
* **If "all things" have been given into Jesus' hand, what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender more fully to His sovereign control?**
* **How does the absolute authority of Jesus, as described in this verse, provide comfort or challenge your perspective on suffering and uncertainty?**

### FAQ

**What does "all things" refer to in John 3:35?**

Answer: "All things" (Greek: *pâs*) in this context refers to the totality of God's creation, providence, and redemptive plan. It encompasses everything that exists—heaven and earth, visible and invisible realms—as well as all authority over life, death, judgment, and salvation. This comprehensive delegation means that Jesus Christ has been given complete dominion over the universe and is the sole agent through whom God's purposes are accomplished. This is consistent with other biblical passages, such as [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy in Creation and All Things"), which states that "by him were all things created... and by him all things consist."

**How does this verse relate to the concept of the Trinity?**

Answer: John 3:35 provides a profound insight into the relationship within the Trinity. It highlights the distinct persons of the Father and the Son, yet emphasizes their perfect unity and shared purpose. The Father's "love" for the Son is the basis for the Son's authority, demonstrating a harmonious, co-equal, and co-eternal relationship. While the Father delegates authority to the Son, it does not imply inferiority but rather a functional distinction within the Godhead for the purpose of redemption. The Son's authority is derived from and sanctioned by the Father, underscoring the divine order and cooperation within the Trinity. This verse, along with others like [John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - I and the Father are One"), helps us understand the mysterious yet unified nature of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 3:35 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the comprehensive authority Jesus demonstrated throughout His earthly ministry, culminating in His death, resurrection, and ascension. The Father's eternal love for the Son, as revealed here, is the very foundation for the Son's mission to redeem humanity. Jesus' miracles, His power over nature, disease, and demons, and His authority to forgive sins all testify to the "all things" given into His hand. His sacrificial death on the cross, far from being a defeat, was the ultimate act of obedience to the Father's will, demonstrating His authority over sin and death. The resurrection and ascension are the definitive proofs that "all things" have indeed been given to Him, establishing Him as the reigning King and Judge. As the resurrected Lord, Jesus declares, "[All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Authority")" (Matthew 28:18), echoing the very truth of John 3:35. He is the one through whom God executes His plan of salvation, the one who holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")), and the one to whom every knee will one day bow ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, John 3:35 is not merely a statement about past delegation but a living truth that defines Jesus' present reign and future return.

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

Matthew 28:18

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

John 5:22

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

John 5:20

For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

Luke 10:22

All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and [he] to whom the Son will reveal [him].

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.

Matthew 11:27

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him].

Ephesians 1:22

And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church,