Question 1

What does John 17:2 mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

The Greek behind John 17:2

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Why John 17:2 matters

Accepted Answer

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.

John 17:2 (KJV)