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class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/john/1.htm">New International Version</a> Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— <a href="/nlt/john/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. <a href="/esv/john/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, <a href="/bsb/john/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— <a href="/blb/john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to be children of God--to those believing in His name, <a href="/kjv/john/1.htm">King James Bible</a> 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: <a href="/nkjv/john/1.htm">New King James Version</a> But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: <a href="/nasb_/john/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, <a href="/nasb/john/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, <a href="/nasb77/john/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, <a href="/lsb/john/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, <a href="/amp/john/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name— <a href="/csb/john/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, <a href="/hcsb/john/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, <a href="/asv/john/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name: <a href="/cev/john/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Yet some people accepted him and put their faith in him. So he gave them the right to be the children of God. <a href="/erv/john/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name: <a href="/gwt/john/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> However, he gave the right to become God's children to everyone who believed in him. <a href="/gnt/john/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> Some, however, did receive him and believed in him; so he gave them the right to become God's children. <a href="/isv/john/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> However, to all who received him, those believing in his name, he gave authority to become God's children, <a href="/msb/john/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God? <a href="/net/john/1.htm">NET Bible</a> But to all who have received him--those who believe in his name--he has given the right to become God's children <a href="/nheb/john/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God's children, to those who believe in his name, <a href="/wbt/john/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: <a href="/wey/john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But all who have received Him, to them--that is, to those who trust in His name--He has given the privilege of becoming children of God; <a href="/web/john/1.htm">World English Bible</a> But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name: <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> but as many as received Him, to them He gave authority to become sons of God—to those believing in His Name, <a href="/blb/john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to be children of God--to those believing in His name, <a href="/ylt/john/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> but as many as did receive him to them he gave authority to become sons of God -- to those believing in his name, <a href="/slt/john/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And as many as received him, he gave them authority to be the children of God, to them believing on his name:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But as many as received him, he gave them power to be made the sons of God, to them that believe in his name. <a href="/cpdv/john/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Yet whoever did accept him, those who believed in his name, he gave them the power to become the sons of God. <a href="/nabre/john/1.htm">New American Bible</a> But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, <a href="/nrsvce/john/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But those who received him, to them he gave power to become sons of God, especially to those who believed in his name; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But those that received him, to them he gave authority to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his Name,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But as many as received him, to them he gave the privilege of be coming the children of God, even to those who believe on his name; <a href="/godbey/john/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But so many as received Him, to them gave He the right to become the children of God, to those believing on His name: <a href="/haweis/john/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But as many as did receive him, on them he bestowed authority to become children of God, even on those who believe on his name: <a href="/mace/john/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but to as many as received him, and believed on him, he granted the privilege of being the sons of God. <a href="/wey/john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But all who have received Him, to them--that is, to those who trust in His name--He has given the privilege of becoming children of God; <a href="/worrell/john/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those believing in His name; <a href="/worsley/john/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But as many as received Him, to them granted He the privilege to become the children of God, even to them that believe on his name; <a href="/parallel/john/1-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=65" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/1.htm">The Witness of John</a> …11He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3745.htm" title="3745: hosoi (RelPro-NMP) -- How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As.">all who</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: elabon (V-AIA-3P) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">did receive</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to those</a> <a href="/greek/4100.htm" title="4100: pisteuousin (V-PPA-DMP) -- From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.">who believed</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">in</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3686.htm" title="3686: onoma (N-ANS) -- Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a name.">name,</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: edōken (V-AIA-3S) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">He gave</a> <a href="/greek/1849.htm" title="1849: exousian (N-AFS) -- From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.">the right</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genesthai (V-ANM) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">to become</a> <a href="/greek/5043.htm" title="5043: tekna (N-ANP) -- A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.">children</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God—</a> 13children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/galatians/3-26.htm">Galatians 3:26</a> You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. <a href="/romans/8-14.htm">Romans 8:14-17</a> For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. / For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” / The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ... <a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">1 John 3:1-2</a> Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. / Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. <a href="/ephesians/1-5.htm">Ephesians 1:5</a> He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will, <a href="/romans/9-8.htm">Romans 9:8</a> So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-18.htm">2 Corinthians 6:18</a> And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” <a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a> For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9-10</a> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. / Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. <a href="/galatians/4-4.htm">Galatians 4:4-7</a> But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, / to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons. / And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” ... <a href="/hebrews/2-10.htm">Hebrews 2:10-11</a> In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting for God, for whom and through whom all things exist, to make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. / For both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. <a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a> Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. <a href="/revelation/21-7.htm">Revelation 21:7</a> The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son. <a href="/isaiah/56-5.htm">Isaiah 56:5</a> I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. <a href="/hosea/1-10.htm">Hosea 1:10</a> Yet the number of the Israelites will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or counted. And it will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’ <a href="/deuteronomy/14-1.htm">Deuteronomy 14:1</a> You are sons of the LORD your God; do not cut yourselves or shave your foreheads on behalf of the dead,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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:received.<a href="/matthew/10-40.htm">Matthew 10:40</a> He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.<a href="/matthew/18-5.htm">Matthew 18:5</a> And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.<a href="/colossians/2-6.htm">Colossians 2:6</a> As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:to them.<a href="/isaiah/56-5.htm">Isaiah 56:5</a> Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.<a href="/jeremiah/3-19.htm">Jeremiah 3:19</a> But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.<a href="/hosea/1-10.htm">Hosea 1:10</a> Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.power.<a href="/john/2-23.htm">John 2:23</a> Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.<a href="/john/3-18.htm">John 3:18</a> He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.<a href="/john/20-31.htm">John 20:31</a> But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/23-50.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/john/1-7.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/luke/24-41.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/luke/24-41.htm">Believing</a> <a href="/luke/23-29.htm">Children</a> <a href="/john/1-7.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/luke/23-35.htm">God's</a> <a href="/luke/24-12.htm">However</a> <a href="/luke/24-49.htm">Power</a> <a href="/revelation/21-6.htm">Privilege</a> <a href="/john/1-11.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/john/1-11.htm">Received</a> <a href="/luke/23-41.htm">Right</a> <a href="/luke/16-11.htm">Trust</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/2-18.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/john/1-50.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/john/2-11.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/john/3-15.htm">Believing</a> <a href="/john/1-13.htm">Children</a> <a href="/john/1-50.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/john/1-51.htm">God's</a> <a href="/john/2-22.htm">However</a> <a href="/john/2-11.htm">Power</a> <a href="/romans/3-1.htm">Privilege</a> <a href="/john/1-16.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/john/1-16.htm">Received</a> <a href="/john/3-21.htm">Right</a> <a href="/john/2-24.htm">Trust</a><div class="vheading2">John 1</div>1. <a href="/john/1-1.htm">The divinity, humanity, office, and incarnation of Jesus Christ.</a> 15. <a href="/john/1-15.htm">The testimony of John.</a> 39. <a href="/john/1-39.htm">The calling of Simon and Andrew, Philip and Nathanael</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But to all who did receive Him This phrase emphasizes the universal offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. The term "receive" implies an active acceptance and welcoming of Jesus into one's life. In the context of the Gospel of John, receiving Jesus is more than a mere acknowledgment; it involves a personal relationship and commitment. This echoes the invitation in <a href="/revelation/3-20.htm">Revelation 3:20</a>, where Jesus stands at the door and knocks, waiting for individuals to open their hearts to Him. The concept of receiving Christ is also seen in the parable of the sower (<a href="/matthew/13-23.htm">Matthew 13:23</a>), where the good soil represents those who hear the word and understand it, leading to a fruitful life.to those who believed in His name Belief in His name signifies trust and faith in the identity and mission of Jesus. In Jewish culture, a name represents the essence and character of a person. Believing in Jesus' name means acknowledging Him as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Savior of the world. This belief is not merely intellectual assent but involves a deep-seated trust and reliance on Jesus for salvation. The importance of belief is a recurring theme in John's Gospel, as seen in <a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>, which highlights the necessity of faith for eternal life. The name of Jesus is powerful and central to Christian faith, as seen in <a href="/acts/4-12.htm">Acts 4:12</a>, where salvation is found in no one else.He gave the right to become children of God— This phrase highlights the transformative power of faith in Christ. The "right" or "authority" to become children of God is a legal and relational term, indicating a change in status from being outside God's family to being fully adopted as His children. This adoption is a key theme in the New Testament, as seen in <a href="/romans/8-15.htm">Romans 8:15-17</a> and <a href="/galatians/4-4.htm">Galatians 4:4-7</a>, where believers are described as heirs with Christ. The concept of becoming children of God also fulfills Old Testament prophecies and promises, such as <a href="/hosea/1-10.htm">Hosea 1:10</a>, where it is foretold that those who were not God's people will be called "sons of the living God." This new identity as God's children is not based on human effort or lineage but solely on God's grace and the believer's faith in Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure of the Gospel of John, referred to as "Him" in this verse. He is the Word made flesh, the Son of God, and the Savior of the world. 2. <a href="/topical/b/believers.htm">Believers</a> Those who "received Him" and "believed in His name." This group includes all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, regardless of their background or previous beliefs. 3. <a href="/topical/c/children_of_god.htm">Children of God</a> A new identity given to believers. This term signifies a spiritual rebirth and adoption into God's family, highlighting a personal and intimate relationship with God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/receiving_and_believing.htm">Receiving and Believing</a> To become a child of God, one must both receive Jesus and believe in His name. This involves a personal acceptance and trust in who Jesus is and what He has done. <a href="/topical/t/the_right_to_become.htm">The Right to Become</a> The term "right" (Greek: exousia) indicates authority or privilege. Believers are granted the authority to become children of God, a status that is not earned but given by grace. <a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a> As children of God, believers have a new identity. This identity is not based on earthly status or achievements but on their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_adoption.htm">Spiritual Adoption</a> The concept of becoming children of God speaks to the spiritual adoption believers experience. This adoption brings with it the rights and responsibilities of being part of God's family. <a href="/topical/l/living_as_children_of_god.htm">Living as Children of God</a> Believers are called to live in a manner that reflects their new identity. This includes growing in faith, exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit, and sharing the love of Christ with others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 1</a> <a href="/q/advice_for_a_new_convert.htm">What guidance do you have for a new convert?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_i_become_a_child_of_god.htm">How do I become a child of God?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_being_born_of_god_mean.htm">What does being born of God mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_being_a_child_of_god.htm">What defines being a child of God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) Yet the light ever shineth, and the better things lie hidden.As many as received him.--The words are less wide and yet more wide than "His own." The nation as such rejected Him; individuals in it accepted Him; but not individuals of that nation only. All who according to their light and means accept Him, receive from Him an authority and in Him a moral power, which constitutes them members of the true none to which He came, and the true children of God. They receive in acceptance the right which others lost in rejection. (Comp. Romans 9-11) The word rendered "received" is not quite the same as the word so rendered in <a href="/john/1-11.htm" title="He came to his own, and his own received him not.">John 1:11</a>. The latter is the welcome which may be expected as due from His own home. This is the reception given without a claim.To them that believe on his name repeats the width of the condition, and at the same time explains what receiving Him means. It seems natural to understand the "name" of the only name which meets us in this context, that is, of the Logos or Word, the representation of the will, character, nature of God. (See on <a href="/john/1-18.htm" title="No man has seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.">John 1:18</a>.) To "believe on" is one of St. John's characteristic words of fuller meaning. To believe is to accept as true; "devils believe and tremble" (<a href="/james/2-19.htm" title="You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble.">James 2:19</a>). To believe in is to trust in, confide in. To believe on, has the idea of motion to and rest upon: it is here the going forth of the soul upon, and its rest upon, the firm basis of the eternal love of the eternal Spirit revealed in the Word. (Comp. Pearson On the Creed, Art. 1, p. 16.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 12, 13. - But before the apostle advances to the central statement of the entire proem, he stops to show that, though the whole world, though man as an organized mass, though Israel as a favoured and selected theocracy, have refused to know and confess his supreme claims, yet there has always been an election of grace. All have not perished in their unbelief. Some have received him. The twelfth and thirteenth verses do, indeed, in their full meaning, refer unmistakably to the entire ministry of the living Christ to the end of time; but surely every word of it applies primarily (though not exclusively) to the whole previous pleadings of the Light and Life - to the ministry of the pre-existing and eternal Logos, and to the privileges and possibilities consequent thereupon. As many as received him. This phrase is subsequently explained as being identical with "believed in his Name." The simple verb ἔλαβον, is less definite than are its compounds with κάτα and παρά, used in the previous verses (5, 11). The acceptance is a positive idea, is broader, more manifold, less restricted as to manner of operation, than the negative rejection which took sharp and decisive form. The construction is irregular. We have a nominativus pendens followed by a clause in the dative; as much as if he had written, "There are, notwithstanding all the rejections, those who received him." To these, the evangelist says, however many or few they may be, who believe in his Name, he - the subject of the previous sentence - gave the authority and capability of becoming children of God. Believing in his Name is discriminated from believing him. The construction occurs thirty-five times in the Gospel, and three times in the First Epistle - and the Name here especially present to the writer is the Logos, the full revelation of the essence, character, and activity, of God. John, writing in the close of his life, surveys a glorious company of individuals who, by realizing as true the sum of all the perfections of the manifested Word, by believing in his Name, have also received as a gift the sense of such union to the Son of God that they become alive to the fact that they too are the offspring of God. This realization of the Divine fatherhood, which had been so obscure before, is itself the origination within them of filial feeling. Thus a new life is begotten and supervenes upon the old life. This new life is a new humanity within the bosom or womb of the old, and so it corresponds with the Pauline doctrine of new creation and of resurrection. Ἐξοσία is more than opportunity, and less than (δύναμις) power; it is rightful claim (which is itself the gift of God) to become what they were not before, seeing that a Divine generation has begotten them again. They are born from above. The Spirit of the Son has passed into them, and they cry, "Abba, Father." This Divine begetting is still further explained and differentiated from ordinary human life. The writer distinctly repudiates the idea that the condition he speaks of is a consequence of simple birth into this world. This is done in a very emphatic manner (οἵ here in the masculine, is the well known constructio ad sensum, and refers to τέκνα Θεοῦ). Who were begotten from God, not from (or, of) blood. (The plural word αἱμάτων has been variously rendered by expositors: Augustine regarding it as a reference to the blending of the blood of both sexes in ordinary generation; Meyer, as not different from the singular in meaning, giving numerous passages in the classics where this or an equivalent usage of the plural for the singular occurs. The suggestion of Moulton is more satisfactory - that it points to pride of race, common enough in Israel, but not peculiar to Jews.) John repudiates for this "generation" any connection with mere hereditary privilege. No twice-born Brahmin, no dignified race, no descendant of Abraham, can claim it as such, and the writer further discriminates it, as though he would leave no loophole for escape: Nor yet from the will of the flesh, nor even from the will of the man (ἀνδρὸς not ἀνθρώπου). Some, very erroneously, have supposed that "the flesh" here refers to "woman" in contradistinction to "man," and numerous efforts have been made to point out the threefold distinction. The simplest and most obvious interpretation is that "the will of the flesh" here means the human process of generation on its lower side, and "the will of the man" the higher purposes of the nobler side of human nature, which lead to the same end. Special dignity is conferred by being the son of a special father; but however honoured such might be, as in the case of an Abraham, a David, a Zacharias, such paternity has nothing to do with the sonship of which the evangelist is thinking. Doubtless this triumphant new beginning of humanity can only be found in the full revelation of the name of the incarnate Logos; but surely the primary application of the passage is to the fact that, notwithstanding the stiff-necked rejection of the Logos by the peculiar possession and people of his love, there were, from Abraham to Malachi and to John the Baptist, those who did recognize the Light and live in the love of God. The author of <a href="/psalms/16.htm">Psalm 16, 17, 23, 25, 103, 119</a>, and a multitude beyond calculation, discerned and received him, walked in the light of the Lord, were kept in perfect peace, found in the Lord their most exceeding joy. "Like as a father pitieth his chihlren, so the Lord pitied them." He nourished and brought up children, and to the extent to which they appreciated his holy Name they therein received as a gift the capability and claim to call him their Father. This was not a question of human fatherhood or hereditary privilege at all, but of gracious exchanges of affection between these children of his love and the Eternal, who had fashioned them in his image and regenerated them by his Holy Spirit. To restrict any element of this passage to conscious faith in the Christ is to repudiate the activity of the Logos and Spirit before the Incarnation, and almost compels a Sabellian interpretation of the Godhead. Even now the grandeur of the biblical doctrine of the Trinity - a doctrine which treats these relations as eternal and universal - compels us to believe that whenever among the sons of men there is a soul which receives the Logos in this light, i.e. apart from the special revelation of the Logos in the flesh, to such a one he gives the capacity and claim of sonship. John certainly could not mean to imply that there had never been a regenerated soul until he and his fellow disciples accepted their Lord. Up to this point in his argument he has been disclosing the universal and the special operations of the Logos who in the beginning was with God and was God, the Source of all life, the Giver of all light, the veritable Light which shines upon every man, which does more even than that - which made a long continued series of approaches to his own specially instructed and prepared people. Prophecy all through the ages has had a wondrous function to bear witness to the reality of this Light, that all might believe in it, that all might become sons by faith; but, alas darkness, prejudice, depravity, corruption - "darkness" did not apprehend the nature, name, or mystery, of love. And so he proceeds to describe the greatest, the most surprising, supreme energy of the Eternal Logos - that which illustrates, confirms, brings into the most forcible relief, the nature of his personality, and the extent of the obligation under which he has placed the human race; and proves in the most irresistible way, not only the character and nature of God, but the actual condition of humanity. The great extent of the literature and the imposing controversies which have accumulated over the entirely unique sentence that here fellows render any treatment of it difficult. A volume rather than a page or two is required to exhibit the significance of a verse which is probably the most important collocation of words ever made. <a href="/commentaries/john/1-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. to αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. all who ὅσοι (hosoi) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3745.htm">Strong's 3745: </a> How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As. did receive ἔλαβον (elabon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. Him, αὐτόν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. to those τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. who believed πιστεύουσιν (pisteuousin) Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. in εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. name, ὄνομα (onoma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3686.htm">Strong's 3686: </a> Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'. He gave ἔδωκεν (edōken) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. the right ἐξουσίαν (exousian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1849.htm">Strong's 1849: </a> From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence. to become γενέσθαι (genesthai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. children τέκνα (tekna) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5043.htm">Strong's 5043: </a> A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child. of God— Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/1-12.htm">NT Gospels: John 1:12 But as many as received him (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/1-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 1:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 1:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/1-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 1:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 1:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>