John 17:2

2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.

John 17:2 in Other Translations

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

2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.

2 For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him.

2 You put him in charge of everything human So he might give real and eternal life to all in his charge.

2 even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life.

2 After all, you've given him authority over all humanity so that he can give eternal life to all those you gave to him.

2 for You gave Him authority over all flesh; so He may give eternal life to all You have given Him.

2 You gave him authority over all people. He gives eternal life to all those you have given him.

John 17:2 Meaning and Commentary

John 17:2

As thou hast given him power over all flesh
All men, in distinction from angels; and these as fallen, as weak, frail, sinful, and mortal creatures; men of every nation, Jew or Gentile, and of every character, elect or non-elect: not but that he has also a power over angels; nor is his power over men limited to their "flesh" or bodies, but reaches to their spirits or souls also: which power is a governing, disposing, and judicial one; he rules them with a sceptre of righteousness, he disposes of them in providence as he pleases, and will judge them at the last day: and this is a power that is "given" him by his Father, and is not that original power over all things he has as God, and the Creator of them, which is natural, essential, and underived; but is a derived and delegated power, which he has as Mediator, as subservient to the ends and designs of his office: and as God glorified him as such, by giving him this power; so he glorifies him again, by acknowledging it, and by using it for the end for which it is given:

that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him;
eternal life is a gift, and not owing to the merits of men; indeed there is no merit in men's works, no, not in the best; for these are previously due to God, cannot be profitable to him, if done aright, are not done in the creature's strength, but through the grace of God, and bear no proportion to eternal life; which is in Christ's gift: not only the promise of it is in him, but that itself; it is put into his hands, and he came into this world, that his people might have it; he has procured it, and has removed what lay in the way of their enjoyment of it; he has a right to bestow it, and their right unto it comes by him, through his blood and righteousness: the persons on whom he confers this gift, are not all men, but such as the Father in the everlasting covenant has given to him, as his people and portion, his spouse and children, his jewels and his treasure, to be saved and enjoyed by him; whom he has chosen and preserved in him, and made his care and charge; to these, and every one of these, Christ gives this great blessing; nor shalt any of them come short of it; and it is for the sake of this, that all creatures and things, all power in heaven and in earth, are given to him.

John 17:2 In-Context

1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.

2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.

3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.

5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

Cross References

• 1. S Matthew 28:18
• 2. S Matthew 25:46
• 3. ver 6,9,24; Daniel 7:14; John 6:37,39