John 17:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 17:3
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Chapter Context
John 17 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, creation, fellowship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 90-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed late first-century challenges from both Judaism and emerging Gnostic thought.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
John 17:3
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Analysis
Jesus defines eternal life: 'And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent' (haute de estin he aionios zoe hina ginoskosin se ton monon alethinon theon kai hon apesteilas Iesoun Christon). Eternal life (zoe aionios) is not merely endless existence but knowing (ginoskosin) God. The verb ginosko indicates experiential, intimate knowledge, not mere intellectual awareness. The description 'the only true God' (ton monon alethinon theon) affirms monotheism - one genuine God exists. Critically, Jesus includes knowing Himself: 'and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.' This places Jesus alongside the Father as object of saving knowledge - a staggering claim to deity. Eternal life consists in relationship with Father and Son. This definition transforms soteriology - salvation is not escaping hell but knowing God through Christ.
Historical Context
This comes from Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, offered before His arrest. The prayer reveals Jesus' intimate communion with the Father and His understanding of His mission. In Jewish thought, knowing God meant covenant relationship, not abstract philosophy. Prophets promised a day when 'the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD' (Isaiah 11:9). Jesus claims to mediate this knowledge - no one knows the Father except through the Son (Matthew 11:27). Early church understood that Christianity's distinctiveness lay in knowing God personally through Christ. Gnostic heresies claimed secret knowledge (gnosis) brought salvation; orthodox Christianity countered that knowing God through Christ was openly available through faith. Aquinas distinguished natural knowledge of God (through reason) from supernatural knowledge (through revelation). Reformation emphasized that knowing God required Spirit-illumination. Modern evangelicalism sometimes reduces salvation to transactional forgiveness; this verse emphasizes relational knowledge.
Reflection
- How does defining eternal life as knowing God transform our understanding of salvation from legal transaction to personal relationship?
- Why does Jesus include knowing Himself alongside knowing the Father - what does this teach about His identity?
Word Studies
- Eternal: αἰώνιος (Aiōnios) G166 - Eternal, everlasting
Cross-References
- References God: John 3:17, 3:34, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Isaiah 61:1
- Eternal Life: 1 John 5:20
- Truth: 1 John 4:6
- Parallel theme: John 17:21, 17:23, 17:25, Hosea 6:3