The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
The Father {G3962} loveth {G25} the Son {G5207}, and {G2532} hath given {G1325} all things {G3956} into {G1722} his {G846} hand {G5495}.
the Father loves the Son and has put everything in his hands.
The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in His hands.
The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
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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,
John 3:35 (KJV): "The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand."
Context
This verse is part of John the Baptist's final public testimony about Jesus. Following Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in the earlier part of the chapter, John's disciples express concern that everyone is going to Jesus. John clarifies his role as the forerunner and emphatically points to Jesus as the One who comes from heaven, is above all, and receives the Spirit without measure (John 3:31-34). Verse 35 serves as a foundational statement supporting Jesus' supreme authority and heavenly origin, explaining why John must decrease and Jesus must increase.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The word translated "loveth" is agapao (ἀγαπάω), indicating a deep, unconditional, and purposeful love, characteristic of God's nature. The phrase "hath given all things into his hand" is a powerful idiom signifying complete control and possession. It implies total authority and power, underscoring Jesus' unique position not just as Messiah, but as divine Lord.
Reflection and Application
Understanding that the Father "loveth the Son" and has given Him "all things" provides immense comfort and assurance to believers. It means that the one who holds everything in His hand is the very Son whom the Father loves perfectly. This complete authority means Jesus is fully capable of saving, sustaining, and judging. Our faith is placed in One who has received "all power... in heaven and in earth." Therefore, we can trust Him completely with our lives and eternal destiny, knowing that His authority is absolute and divinely sanctioned.