John 17 3

John 17:3 kjv

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

John 17:3 nkjv

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

John 17:3 niv

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

John 17:3 esv

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

John 17:3 nlt

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.

John 17 verses

John 17 3 Meaning

This verse defines eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent. It establishes a relationship-based understanding of life that extends beyond earthly existence. True knowledge of God and Christ is the foundation for this everlasting life.

John 17 3 Context

This verse is part of Jesus' high priestly prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane before His crucifixion. Jesus is praying for Himself, His disciples, and all future believers. This specific verse, in chapter 17, acts as an introduction or foundational statement to His intercessory prayer, laying out the very essence of what He desires for those who follow Him – a life that is truly lived through relationship with God. Historically, this prayer offers intimate insights into Jesus' thoughts and His divine purpose before His imminent suffering and death. The disciples listening would have understood "eternal life" through a Jewish lens, often tied to God's kingdom and resurrection, but Jesus refines and elevates this understanding to a relational depth.

John 17 3 Word Analysis

• "And this": Refers back to the petition or desire Jesus has expressed or will express.
• "is": Present tense verb indicating a continuous state of being; this is the definition.
• "eternal" (αἰώνιος - aionios): Pertains to the age, or an indefinite period, but in a biblical context, it specifically denotes the life pertaining to the age to come, characterized by quality and duration, lived in fellowship with God.
• "life" (ζωή - zōē): Refers to the fullest sense of life, not merely biological existence, but spiritual vitality and communion with God.
• "to know" (γινώσκω - ginōskō): Implies a deep, intimate, and experiential knowledge, not just intellectual assent, but a relational knowing akin to marriage or deep friendship. This involves apprehension and perception, moving beyond mere information to personal acquaintance.
• "you": Refers to the Father, the direct recipient of this prayer.
• "the": Emphasizes exclusivity.
• "only" (μόνος - monos): Denotes uniqueness and singularity.
• "true" (ἀληθινός - alēthinos): Authentic, real, genuine, as opposed to shadowy or false representations.
• "God": The divine being.
• "and": Connects the knowledge of the Father and the Son.
• "Jesus Christ" (Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν - Iēsoun Christon): Jesus the Messiah, signifying His identity and mission.
• "whom": Relative pronoun introducing a description of Jesus Christ.
• "you": Again, referring to the Father.
• "sent" (πέμπω - pemō): Indicates delegation, dispatch, and the divine mission Jesus fulfilled.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "eternal life" (ἡ αἰώνιος ζωὴ - hē aiōnios zōē): This phrase is central to Jesus' teaching, defining salvation not as an endpoint, but as a quality of relationship and existence initiated now and continuing forever. It is characterized by the presence of God.
• "to know the only true God" (γινώσκουσιν σὲ τὸν ὄντα μόνον ἀληθινὸν θεόν - ginōskousin se ton onta monon alēthinon theon): This highlights monotheism, identifying the Father as the sole genuine divinity. The knowledge described is not just factual but relational, a deep personal understanding.
• "and Jesus Christ whom you sent" (καὶ ὃν ἀπέστειλας Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν - kai hon apesteilas Iēsoun Christon): This clause establishes Jesus Christ as the appointed messenger and agent of the Father, making the knowledge of Him indispensable for knowing the Father and for eternal life.

John 17 3 Bonus Section

The concept of "knowing" God in the Old Testament (e.g., Jeremiah 31:34, Hosea 6:6) often implies a covenantal relationship and obedience, not just intellectual understanding. Jesus expands this by showing that this deeper knowledge of God is intimately tied to a personal relationship with Him, as the Son who perfectly reveals the Father (John 1:18, Matthew 11:27). This verse encapsulates the core of Jesus' mission: to bring humanity into true knowledge of God. It distinguishes genuine spiritual life from mere religious observance or abstract belief, emphasizing relational communion. The knowledge of God and Jesus Christ is not a passive acquisition but an active engagement with the divine personhood of the Father and the Son. This truth emphasizes that belief in Christ is not an optional addition to knowing God, but the essential gateway.

John 17 3 Commentary

Eternal life is not a future reward simply received; it is a present reality established through a personal relationship. Knowing God the Father involves recognizing His singular, true nature. This knowledge is inseparable from knowing Jesus Christ, as Jesus is the Father's unique revelation. To be sent by the Father signifies Jesus' divine authority and mission to make God known. Therefore, authentic knowledge of God is mediated through Jesus, and this intimate, experiential understanding is the very substance of eternal life, transforming present existence and guaranteeing future fellowship.