But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

JOHN 1:12KJV
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John 1:12 (KJV)

What does John 1:12 mean?

John 1:12 says that anyone who receives Jesus and believes in his name is given the right or authority to become a child of God. This means that becoming part of God’s family is not limited by background or status, but is open to all who trust in Jesus.

In this verse, the writer John is explaining to his readers that while not everyone accepted Jesus, those who did were given something special—a new relationship with God. The verse highlights a shift from simply knowing about God to being welcomed as his children, based on faith in Jesus.

The Greek behind John 1:12

  • ἐξουσία (exousia, “power”): This word is often understood as “authority” or “right,” not just raw power. John is saying that believers are given the official status or privilege to become God’s children, not just the ability.
  • τέκνα (tekna, “sons”): This Greek word means “children” and is not limited to males. It emphasizes belonging to God’s family, not just a formal title.
  • πιστεύουσιν (pisteuousin, “believe”): The Greek carries the sense of ongoing trust or reliance, not just a one-time agreement. It points to a continuing relationship of faith in Jesus’ name.
  • ὄνομα (onoma, “name”): In the Greek context, “name” refers to the whole person and character of Jesus, not just the word “Jesus.” Believing “on his name” means trusting in who he truly is.

Why John 1:12 matters

  • John 1:12 clears up the idea that being part of God’s family is automatic or based on heritage; it is a gift given to those who personally receive and trust Jesus.
  • The verse emphasizes that faith is not just intellectual agreement, but a personal trust in Jesus’ identity and work.
  • This statement connects to the wider message of John’s Gospel, which focuses on belief in Jesus as the way to true life and relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“sons” Greek G5043 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

“power” Greek G1849 · used in 93 verses

  • Matthew 7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
  • Luke 20:20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
  • Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

“as” Greek G3745 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
  • Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
  • Romans 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.