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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/17.htm">New International Version</a> Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. <a href="/nlt/john/17.htm">New Living Translation</a> And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. <a href="/esv/john/17.htm">English Standard Version</a> And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. <a href="/bsb/john/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. <a href="/blb/john/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. <a href="/kjv/john/17.htm">King James Bible</a> And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. <a href="/nkjv/john/17.htm">New King James Version</a> And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. <a href="/nasb_/john/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. <a href="/nasb/john/17.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. <a href="/nasb77/john/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. <a href="/lsb/john/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. <a href="/amp/john/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true [supreme and sovereign] God, and [in the same manner know] Jesus [as the] Christ whom You have sent. <a href="/csb/john/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent —Jesus Christ. <a href="/hcsb/john/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent—Jesus Christ. <a href="/asv/john/17.htm">American Standard Version</a> And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, even Jesus Christ. <a href="/cev/john/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent. <a href="/erv/john/17.htm">English Revised Version</a> And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, even Jesus Christ. <a href="/gwt/john/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> This is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent. <a href="/gnt/john/17.htm">Good News Translation</a> And eternal life means to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, whom you sent. <a href="/isv/john/17.htm">International Standard Version</a> And this is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent—Jesus the Messiah. <a href="/msb/john/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. <a href="/net/john/17.htm">NET Bible</a> Now this is eternal life--that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent. <a href="/nheb/john/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> This is everlasting life, that they may know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ. <a href="/wbt/john/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. <a href="/wey/john/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And in this consists the Life of the Ages--in knowing Thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. <a href="/web/john/17.htm">World English Bible</a> This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and this is the continuous life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Him whom You sent—Jesus Christ; <a href="/blb/john/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. <a href="/ylt/john/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and this is the life age-during, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and him whom Thou didst send -- Jesus Christ; <a href="/slt/john/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And this is eternal life, that they might know thee the only true God, and whom thou hast sent, Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now this is eternal life: That they may know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. <a href="/cpdv/john/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. <a href="/nabre/john/17.htm">New American Bible</a> Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. <a href="/nrsvce/john/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And this is life eternal, that they might know you, that you are the only true God, even the one who sent Jesus Christ. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/17.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “But these things are eternal life: 'They shall know you, for you alone are The God of Truth, and Yeshua The Messiah whom you have sent.' “<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/17.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And this is life eternal, to know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent. <a href="/godbey/john/17.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>But this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou didst send.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/17.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> and this is eternal life, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou hast sent, Jesus, the Messiah. <a href="/mace/john/17.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and this is life eternal, to acknowledge thee to be the only true God, and Jesus to be the Messiah whom thou hast sent. <a href="/wey/john/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And in this consists the Life of the Ages--in knowing Thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. <a href="/worrell/john/17.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>And this is the eternal life, that they know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ Whom Thou didst send.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/17.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>and this is life eternal, to know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/17-3.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=5998" 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/17.htm">Prayer for the Son</a> …2For You granted Him authority over all people, so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him. 3<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Now</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: hautē (DPro-NFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/166.htm" title="166: aiōnios (Adj-NFS) -- From aion; perpetual.">eternal</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2222.htm" title="2222: zōē (N-NFS) -- Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.">life,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">that</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: ginōskōsin (V-PSA-3P) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">they may know</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: se (PPro-A2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">You,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3441.htm" title="3441: monon (Adj-AMS) -- Only, solitary, desolate. Probably from meno; remaining, i.e. Sole or single; by implication, mere.">only</a> <a href="/greek/228.htm" title="228: alēthinon (Adj-AMS) -- True (lit: made of truth), real, genuine. From alethes; truthful.">TRUE</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theon (N-AMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsoun (N-AMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christon (N-AMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hon (RelPro-AMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">whom</a> <a href="/greek/649.htm" title="649: apesteilas (V-AIA-2S) -- From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.">You have sent.</a> 4I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.…<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="/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_john/5-20.htm">1 John 5:20</a> And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. <a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a> This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. <a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Philippians 3:8-10</a> More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ / and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith. / I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death, <a href="/1_john/1-2.htm">1 John 1:2-3</a> And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. / We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. <a href="/hosea/6-6.htm">Hosea 6:6</a> For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. <a href="/1_timothy/2-3.htm">1 Timothy 2:3-4</a> This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, / who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. <a href="/2_peter/1-2.htm">2 Peter 1:2-3</a> Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. / His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. <a href="/matthew/11-27.htm">Matthew 11:27</a> All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-6.htm">1 Corinthians 8:6</a> yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist. <a href="/isaiah/53-11.htm">Isaiah 53:11</a> After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. <a href="/john/5-24.htm">John 5:24</a> Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life. <a href="/john/6-40.htm">John 6:40</a> For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” <a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6-7</a> Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. / If you had known Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” <a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a> For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.this.<a href="/john/17-25.htm">John 17:25</a> O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.<a href="/john/8-19.htm">John 8:19,54,55</a> Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also… <a href="/1_chronicles/28-9.htm">1 Chronicles 28:9</a> And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.the only.<a href="/john/14-9.htm">John 14:9,10</a> Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? … <a href="/2_chronicles/15-3.htm">2 Chronicles 15:3</a> Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.<a href="/jeremiah/10-10.htm">Jeremiah 10:10</a> But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.and Jesus.<a href="/john/3-17.htm">John 3:17,34</a> For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved… <a href="/john/5-36.htm">John 5:36,37</a> But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me… <a href="/john/6-27.htm">John 6:27-29,57</a> Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/17-2.htm">Age-During</a> <a href="/john/17-2.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/john/12-34.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Consists</a> <a href="/john/17-2.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/john/17-1.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/17-2.htm">Life</a> <a href="/john/16-13.htm">True.</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/13-48.htm">Age-During</a> <a href="/acts/3-21.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/john/20-31.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-9.htm">Consists</a> <a href="/acts/13-46.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/john/18-1.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/19-3.htm">Life</a> <a href="/john/17-11.htm">True.</a><div class="vheading2">John 17</div>1. <a href="/john/17-1.htm">Jesus prays to his Father.</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/17.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/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now this is eternal life Eternal life is a central theme in the Gospel of John, emphasizing not just a future promise but a present reality for believers. In the Jewish context, eternal life was often associated with the age to come, but Jesus redefines it as a present relationship with God. This phrase highlights the qualitative aspect of eternal life, focusing on a deep, personal relationship with God rather than merely an unending existence.that they may know You The concept of "knowing" in biblical terms goes beyond intellectual understanding; it implies an intimate, personal relationship. In the Hebrew tradition, to know someone often meant to have a deep, covenantal relationship, as seen in <a href="/genesis/4.htm">Genesis 4:1</a>. This knowledge is relational and experiential, emphasizing a heart connection with God.the only true God This phrase underscores the monotheistic belief central to Jewish and Christian faiths. In a world filled with polytheistic beliefs, Jesus affirms the existence of one true God, distinguishing Him from false gods and idols. This echoes the Shema from <a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4</a>, a foundational declaration of faith for the Israelites.and Jesus Christ The use of "Christ" (Messiah) affirms Jesus' role as the anointed one, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the coming Savior. This title connects Jesus to the messianic expectations of the Jewish people, as seen in passages like <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a> and <a href="/daniel/9-25.htm">Daniel 9:25-26</a>, which speak of a suffering servant and an anointed ruler.whom You have sent This phrase emphasizes the mission and divine origin of Jesus. The sending of Jesus by the Father is a recurring theme in John's Gospel, highlighting the unity and purpose within the Trinity. It reflects the fulfillment of prophecies such as <a href="/isaiah/61.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a>, where the Messiah is described as being sent to bring good news. This mission underscores the redemptive plan of God, with Jesus as the central figure in the salvation narrative.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, Jesus is praying to the Father. He is the central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, and the Savior of humanity. 2. <a href="/topical/g/god_the_father.htm">God the Father</a> Referred to as "the only true God" in this verse, He is the recipient of Jesus' prayer and the one who sent Jesus into the world. 3. <a href="/topical/e/eternal_life.htm">Eternal Life</a> A key concept in Christian theology, eternal life is described here as knowing God and Jesus Christ. It is not just a future promise but a present reality for believers. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a> While not directly mentioned in this verse, they are the immediate audience of Jesus' prayer in <a href="/bsb/john/17.htm">John 17</a>, representing all believers. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_world.htm">The World</a> The broader context of Jesus' prayer includes His mission to the world and the disciples' role in it.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_eternal_life.htm">Understanding Eternal Life</a> Eternal life is not merely a future hope but a present relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It involves an intimate knowledge of God, which transforms our daily lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_exclusivity_of_salvation.htm">The Exclusivity of Salvation</a> Jesus identifies the Father as "the only true God," emphasizing the exclusivity of salvation through Christ alone. This challenges believers to hold firm to the truth of the Gospel in a pluralistic world. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_knowing_god.htm">The Importance of Knowing God</a> Knowing God is more than intellectual assent; it is a relational and experiential knowledge that impacts how we live. This calls for a deep, personal relationship with God through prayer, study, and obedience. <a href="/topical/m/mission_and_purpose.htm">Mission and Purpose</a> As Jesus was sent by the Father, believers are also sent into the world to make God known. This mission is rooted in the knowledge of God and His love. <a href="/topical/p/prayer_as_a_means_of_knowing_god.htm">Prayer as a Means of Knowing God</a> Jesus' prayer in <a href="/bsb/john/17.htm">John 17</a> models how prayer is a vital means of growing in our knowledge of God and aligning our will with His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 17</a> <a href="/q/why_does_jesus_call_the_father_god.htm">If Jesus is God, why does He call the Father "the only true God" (John 17:3)?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_it_mean_to_truly_know_god.htm">What does it mean to truly know God?</a> <a href="/q/benefits_of_studying_theology.htm">What are the benefits of studying theology?</a> <a href="/q/what_rewards_await_us_in_heaven.htm">What rewards await us in heaven?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) And this is life eternal.--For these words, which are more frequent in St. John than in any other of the New Testament writers, comp. <a href="/context/john/3-15.htm" title="That whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.">John 3:15-16</a>; <a href="/john/3-36.htm" title="He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God stays on him.">John 3:36</a>; <a href="/john/5-24.htm" title="Truly, truly, I say to you, He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life.">John 5:24</a>; <a href="/john/5-39.htm" title="Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.">John 5:39</a>; <a href="/john/6-27.htm" title="Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give to you: for him has God the Father sealed.">John 6:27</a>; <a href="/john/6-40.htm" title="And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.">John 6:40</a>; <a href="/john/6-47.htm" title="Truly, truly, I say to you, He that believes on me has everlasting life.">John 6:47</a>; <a href="/john/6-54.htm" title="Whoever eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, has eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.">John 6:54</a>; <a href="/john/6-68.htm" title="Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? you have the words of eternal life.">John 6:68</a>; <a href="/john/10-28.htm" title="And I give to them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.">John 10:28</a>; <a href="/john/12-25.htm" title="He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal.">John 12:25</a>; <a href="/john/12-50.htm" title="And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatever I speak therefore, even as the Father said to me, so I speak.">John 12:50</a>; <a href="/1_john/1-2.htm" title="(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show to you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested to us;)">1John 1:2</a>; <a href="/1_john/2-15.htm" title="Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.">1John 2:15</a>; <a href="/1_john/3-15.htm" title="Whoever hates his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.">1John 3:15</a>; <a href="/1_john/5-11.htm" title="And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.">1John 5:11</a>; <a href="/1_john/5-13.htm" title="These things have I written to you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may believe on the name of the Son of God.">1John 5:13</a>; <a href="/1_john/5-20.htm" title="And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.">1John 5:20</a>. The thought of the previous verse is that the Messianic work of Christ is to give eternal life to those whom God has given Him. The thought of the following verse is that He has accomplished this work. In this verse He shows in what its accomplishment consists--viz., in revealing to men the only true God through Jesus Christ. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - The life eternal, of which Jesus has just spoken, is this (cf. for construction, <a href="/john/15-12.htm">John 15:12</a>; <a href="/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11, 23</a>; <a href="/1_john/5-3.htm">1 John 5:3</a>), that they might know - should come to know - thee, the only veritable God. All ideas of God which deviate from or fall short of "the Father" revealed to us by Christ, are not the veritable God, and the knowledge of them is not life eternal. The Father is here set forth as the fens Deitatis. This does not exclude "the Son," but is inconceivable without him. The Fatherhood expresses an eternal relation. The one element involves the ether as integral to itself: "I am in the Father, and the Father in me." There is a knowledge of the Father possible even now. "Henceforth, he has said, ye have seen him, and known him;" yet not till the veil is lifted, and we see face to face, shall we know as we are known (<a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">1 Corinthians 13:12</a>; <a href="/1_john/3-2.htm">1 John 3:2</a>), shall we see him as he is. And him whom thou didst send, Jesus the Christ (not Jesus to be, or as Christ, but rather "Jesus the Christ," as the expansion and explanation of the more indefinite term, "him whom thou didst scud"). Why does our Lord add to this expression one that at first sight seems so incompatible with the idea of this prayer? It has led so careful and reverential a commentator as Westcott to remove the difficulty by supposing that the whole verse is a gloss of the evangelist, expressing the sense of what our Lord may have uttered at greater length. We are loath to admit this method of exegesis, especially as the sole reasons for it are the supposed strangeness of our Lord's here using a phrase so unaccustomed, and thus giving himself not only his Personal Name, but his own official title. It is unusual. The phrase does undoubtedly belong to a later period for its current and constant use. Yet it must not be forgotten (1) that this is a unique moment in his career, and unique expressions may be anticipated; (2) that it was calculated to strengthen his disciples, to allow them to hear once from his own lips the solemn claim to Messiahship (see Godet); (3) that John himself at once adopted it as his own (<a href="/acts/3-6.htm">Acts 3:6, 20</a>; <a href="/1_john/1-3.htm">1 John 1:3</a>; <a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">1 John 2:1, 22</a>; <a href="/1_john/3-22.htm">1 John 3:22</a>; <a href="/1_john/4-2.htm">1 John 4:2, 3</a>; <a href="/1_john/5-1.htm">1 John 5:1-20</a>; <a href="/revelation/1-1.htm">Revelation 1:1, 2, 5</a>); moreover, . . . <a href="/commentaries/john/17-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Now δέ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. this αὕτη (hautē) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. eternal αἰώνιος (aiōnios) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_166.htm">Strong's 166: </a> From aion; perpetual. life, ζωὴ (zōē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2222.htm">Strong's 2222: </a> Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life. that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. they may know γινώσκωσιν (ginōskōsin) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. You, σὲ (se) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <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. only μόνον (monon) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3441.htm">Strong's 3441: </a> Only, solitary, desolate. Probably from meno; remaining, i.e. Sole or single; by implication, mere. TRUE ἀληθινὸν (alēthinon) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_228.htm">Strong's 228: </a> True (lit: made of truth), real, genuine. From alethes; truthful. God, Θεὸν (Theon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Jesus Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. Christ, Χριστόν (Christon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. whom ὃν (hon) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. You have sent. ἀπέστειλας (apesteilas) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_649.htm">Strong's 649: </a> From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/17-3.htm">NT Gospels: John 17:3 This is eternal life that they should (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/17-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 17:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 17:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/17-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 17:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 17:4" /></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>