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

JOHN 17:3KJV
Know the Bible

John 17:3 (KJV)

What does John 17:3 mean?

John 17:3 says that eternal life is not just about living forever, but about truly knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom God has sent. According to this verse, the heart of eternal life is a real, personal relationship with God and with Jesus.

In this scene, Jesus is praying to God the Father on the night before his crucifixion, speaking openly about what matters most. Jesus defines "eternal life" not as a future reward, but as something rooted in knowing—having a deep, ongoing connection with—God and himself. This verse highlights the central role of relationship, rather than just knowledge or belief, in what Jesus describes as eternal life.

The Greek behind John 17:3

  • The Greek word "γινώσκω" (ginōskō, "know") often means more than just intellectual knowledge; it carries the sense of personal experience or relationship. Here, it points to a living, ongoing connection with God and Jesus, not just knowing facts about them.
  • The phrase "μόνος ἀληθινός θεός" (monos alēthinos theos, "the only true God") emphasizes exclusivity—Jesus is saying there is one genuine God, not many, and he is addressing him directly.
  • The word "ζωὴ αἰώνιος" (zōē aiōnios, "life eternal") refers to a quality of life that is both unending and deeply connected to God, not just endless existence.

Why John 17:3 matters

  • John 17:3 clarifies that eternal life, according to Jesus, is not just about duration but about relationship—knowing God and Jesus personally.
  • This verse helps correct the common misunderstanding that eternal life is only about what happens after death, showing instead that it begins with knowing God here and now.
  • In the context of Jesus' prayer, John 17:3 reveals what Jesus himself sees as central to his mission: making it possible for people to know God truly through him.

Where else these words appear

“true” Greek G228 · used in 25 verses

  • Luke 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
  • Revelation 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

“only” Greek G3441 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

“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.

“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.