FocusGlory and eternal life
Connection to the wholeJesus speaks of the completed work entrusted to Him and identifies eternal life in relation to knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He sent.
interpretation John 17:3
KJVAnd this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Read it in context
Jesus' prayer concerning His mission
Start reading at John 17:1 (John 17:1 to John 17:5).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus speaks of the completed work entrusted to Him and identifies eternal life in relation to knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He sent.
- 17:1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
- 17:2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
- 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
- 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
- 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 17:1–17:26): Jesus addresses the Father in prayer concerning Himself, His disciples, and those who will believe through their word. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Jesus' prayer concerning His mission. Read John 17:1 through John 17:5 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus speaks of the completed work entrusted to Him and identifies eternal life in relation to knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He sent. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus' prayer concerning His mission (John 17:1 to John 17:5). Start reading at John 17:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 17:1, John 17:5, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- this John 17:25 John 8:19,54-55 1 Chr 28:9 Ps 9:10 Isa 53:11 Jer 9:23-24 Jer 31:33-34 Hos 6:3
- the only John 14:9-10 2 Chr 15:3 Jer 10:10 1 Cor 8:4 1 Thess 1:9 1 Tim 6:15-16 1 John 5:20
- and Jesus John 3:17,34 John 5:36-37 John 6:27-29,57 John 7:29 John 10:36 John 11:42 John 12:49-50 John 14:26
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 17
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
Prayer for the disciples
John 17:6–19FocusKeeping and sanctifying
Connection to the wholeJesus prays for those given Him, asking that they be kept and sanctified as they remain in the world and are sent into it.
interpretation Prayer for future believers
John 17:20–26FocusUnity, witness, and love
Connection to the wholeThe prayer widens to those who will believe through the disciples' word, joining their unity and love with the world's recognition of Jesus' mission.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.