King James Version

What Does John 17:2 Mean?

John 17:2 in the King James Version says “As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” — study this verse from John chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 17:2 · KJV

Eternal Life

Context

1

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

2

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

3

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

4

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

Read John 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As thou hast given him power over all flesh (ἐξουσίαν πάσης σαρκός, exousian pasēs sarkos)—The Father has delegated universal sovereignty to the Son. Exousia means delegated authority, not inherent power; it emphasizes Christ's role as Mediator between God and humanity. All flesh encompasses every human being without exception, Jew and Gentile alike.

That he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him—The purpose of Christ's authority is soteriological: to bestow eternal life (ζωὴν αἰώνιον, zōēn aiōnion) upon the elect. This verse reveals both divine sovereignty (the Father gives people to the Son) and Christ's mediatorial work (He gives them eternal life). The gift is particular, not universal—as many as (πᾶν ὅ, pan ho) distinguishes the elect from 'all flesh' in general. This is the heart of Reformed soteriology: Christ's salvific authority extends to all, but His saving work is effectual only for those given Him by the Father.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This is part of Jesus's High Priestly Prayer (John 17), prayed in the upper room or en route to Gethsemane on the night before His crucifixion. This prayer reveals the eternal covenant between Father and Son regarding redemption. First-century Jews would have understood 'power over all flesh' as Messianic authority fulfilling Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man receives dominion over all peoples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's universal authority over 'all flesh' relate to His particular mission to save 'as many as thou hast given him'?
  2. What assurance does it give you that eternal life comes through Christ's delegated authority from the Father, rather than human merit or decision?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καθὼς1 of 15

“As”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

δώσῃ2 of 15

“he should give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτοῖς3 of 15

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐξουσίαν4 of 15

“power”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

πᾶν5 of 15

“as many as”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

σαρκός6 of 15

“flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

ἵνα7 of 15

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

πᾶν8 of 15

“as many as”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὃ9 of 15

“to”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δώσῃ10 of 15

“he should give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτοῖς11 of 15

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

δώσῃ12 of 15

“he should give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτοῖς13 of 15

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ζωὴν14 of 15

“life”

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

αἰώνιον15 of 15

“eternal”

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 17:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 17:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 10:28-29John 6:39John 6:37Daniel 7:14Matthew 28:18John 17:24

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