What is the meaning of John 17:2?

For You granted Him authority

- The Father deliberately bestows full authority on the Son (Matthew 28:18; Colossians 1:19).

- This gift signals trust and unity within the Godhead (John 5:19–23).

- Because His authority is granted, it is also irrevocable and supreme (Hebrews 1:3–4).

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over all people

- Christ’s rule is universal—nothing and no one lies outside His jurisdiction (Philippians 2:10–11).

- His authority extends to salvation and judgment alike (Acts 17:31; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

- This reach assures believers that no competing power can overturn His purposes (Romans 8:38–39).

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so that He may give eternal life

- The purpose of His authority is life-giving, not merely ruling (John 10:28).

- Eternal life is a present possession and future hope (John 3:36; 1 John 5:11–13).

- Because Jesus holds authority, He can guarantee the permanence of that life (John 11:25–26).

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to all those You have given Him

- Salvation is personal: the Father has entrusted specific people to the Son (John 6:37, 39).

- This gift-language underscores grace; we are recipients, not achievers (Ephesians 2:8–9).

- The same divine sovereignty that grants authority secures the believer’s destiny (John 10:29; Romans 8:30).

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summary

John 17:2 reveals a divine chain of grace: the Father grants the Son unmatched authority, extending over every person, with the express aim of imparting eternal life to those the Father entrusts to Him. Christ’s universal reign ensures nothing can thwart His life-giving mission, and the believer rests securely in the purposeful, coordinated love of Father and Son.