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

JOHN 17:2KJV
Know the Bible

John 17:2 (KJV)

What does John 17:2 mean?

John 17:2 says that God the Father has given Jesus authority over all people, so that Jesus can give eternal life to everyone the Father has given to him. This verse highlights Jesus’ unique role in granting eternal life, which comes from the authority given by God.

In this verse, Jesus is praying to God the Father, speaking about the special authority he has received. The setting is just before Jesus’ arrest, during his prayer for his followers. The verse shows that Jesus’ power over “all flesh” (meaning all humanity) is for the purpose of giving eternal life, but this gift is specifically for those whom the Father has given to him.

The Greek behind John 17:2

  • The word “power” is ἐξουσία (exousia), which often means authority or the right to act. Here, it emphasizes that Jesus has been officially given the right to act on behalf of all people, not just a select group.
  • The phrase “all flesh” is πᾶς σάρξ (pas sarx), a common way in Greek to refer to all human beings. This shows the scope of Jesus’ authority is universal, not limited by nationality or background.
  • The word “eternal” is αἰώνιος (aiōnios), meaning everlasting or without end. This points to the kind of life Jesus gives—not just ongoing existence, but a life of a different, unending quality.

Why John 17:2 matters

  • John 17:2 clarifies that Jesus’ authority over humanity is not for judgment or domination, but for the purpose of giving eternal life.
  • This verse connects Jesus’ mission directly to God’s will, showing that the gift of eternal life is a coordinated act between the Father and the Son.
  • The verse sets up the rest of Jesus’ prayer in John 17, where he continues to talk about his followers and what it means to belong to him.

Where else these words appear

“eternal” Greek G166 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
  • John 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
  • 1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

“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:

“life” Greek G2222 · used in 126 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
  • Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

“flesh” Greek G4561 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
  • Romans 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
  • Ephesians 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.