But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that becoming a child of God isn't about inherent ability or earning a right, but about receiving a delegated authority or "privilege" from God. This transformative power is given the moment someone believes in Jesus' name, signifying a profound shift in identity and belonging based solely on trust.
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
English Standard Version (ESV)
As John the Baptist testifies about Jesus, the narrative highlights the stark contrast between the world's rejection of the Light and the divine opportunity offered to those who receive Him. While the nation of Israel largely missed their visitation, this verse explains that individuals who accept Jesus by believing in His name are granted the extraordinary privilege of becoming God's children. This transformation, described in the following verse, is not based on human lineage or will but is a supernatural birth from God.
The world didn't recognize Jesus when He arrived. Yet, some people did receive Him. What does that kind of reception look like?
The verse contrasts the world's rejection with the reception given to Jesus. When it says 'as many as received Him,' it’s talking about a conscious, active choice. It’s not just passively accepting an idea; it's welcoming a person, the very Word of God made flesh.
This reception wasn't based on Jesus' outward appearance or worldly status. In fact, many who were influential and expected Him rejected Him. Instead, the reception described here is an act of faith – believing in His name. This means trusting not just that He is who He says He is, but trusting in Him, His character, His promises, and His authority. It's a soul-level acceptance of His divine identity and mission.
What incredible privilege comes from believing in Jesus? It’s more than just acceptance; it’s a fundamental change in status.
The phrase 'gave the right' (or 'power,' 'authority') is crucial. It signifies that becoming a child of God isn't something we earn or achieve through our own merit. It’s a gift, a granted privilege bestowed by God through Jesus.
This 'right' implies legitimacy and belonging. It’s not a flimsy permission but a secure, authoritative status. It’s like being given the keys to a kingdom or a legal right to an inheritance. This transformation means moving from being an outsider to an insider, from spiritual orphanhood to adoption into God's family.
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What does it truly mean to be a 'child of God'? It's a new identity that bypasses human lineage and belongs to a divine source.
The term 'children' (teknon in Greek) here signifies a relationship based on shared nature and life, not just legal status (which 'son' – uios – might imply). Those who receive Jesus aren't just adopted; they are fundamentally changed, born into a new spiritual reality.
This new birth is explicitly stated in the following verses (John 1:13) as being 'born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.' This highlights that our identity as God's children originates entirely from God’s own life-giving power, not from our human ancestry, desires, or efforts. It’s a divine impartation, making us partakers of His nature.
Understand the original words
exousia · Greek Noun
The divine authority, legal power, or privilege granted by God to those who believe, enabling them to transition into a new spiritual status.
pisteuō · Greek Verb
To place one's full trust, reliance, and commitment in Christ, acknowledging Him as the object of one's saving faith.
This passage echoes John 1:12 by stating that believers in Christ are all children of God through faith, emphasizing that this status is not earned but received through belief in Jesus.
Romans 8:15This verse highlights the transformation from slavery to adoption, mirroring the 'right to become children of God' granted in John 1:12, and showing that we receive this status through the Spirit.
1 John 3:1This passage directly reflects John 1:12's theme of becoming children of God, urging believers to consider the love the Father has shown in granting this status, and linking it to the world not knowing us because it did not know Christ.
Ephesians 2:12-13These verses describe the state of Gentiles before Christ as separate from God and without hope, contrasting with the 'right to become children of God' granted to those who believe, showing how faith in Christ brings us near.
John 1:13This verse immediately follows John 1:12 and explains the nature of this new sonship, clarifying that it's a spiritual birth, not based on human lineage or will, which deeply enriches the understanding of becoming a child of God.
ellicottJohn 1:12: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"
(12) Yet the light ever shineth, and the better things lie hidden. As many as received him.—The words are less wide and yet more wide than “His own.” The nation as such rejected Him; individuals in it accepted Him; but not individuals of that nation only. All who according to their light and means accept Him, receive from Him an authority and in Him a moral power, wh…
vincentJohn 1:12: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"
As many as (ὅσοι)Denoting individuals, as οἱ ἴδιοι (John 1:11) signified the nation at large.Received (ἔλαβον)The simple verb of the compound παρέλαβον in John 1:11. The meaning of the two verbs is substantially the same (so Alford, De Wette, and apparently Meyer), though some recognize a difference, as Milligan and Moulton, who render παρέλαβον accepted, an…
The verse emphasizes that becoming a child of God isn't about inherent ability or earning a right, but about receiving a delegated authority or "privilege" from God. This transformative power is given the moment someone believes in Jesus' name, signifying a profound shift in identity and belonging based solely on trust.
As John the Baptist testifies about Jesus, the narrative highlights the stark contrast between the world's rejection of the Light and the divine opportunity offered to those who receive Him. While the nation of Israel largely missed their visitation, this verse explains that individuals who accept Jesus by believing in His name are granted the extraordinary privilege of becoming God's children. This transformation, described in the following verse, is not based on human lineage or will but is a supernatural birth from God.
As John the Baptist testifies about Jesus, the narrative highlights the stark contrast between the world's rejection of the Light and the divine opportunity offered to those who receive Him. While the nation of Israel largely missed their visitation, this verse explains that individuals who accept Jesus by believing in His name are granted the extraordinary privilege of becoming God's children. This transformation, described in the following verse, is not based on human lineage or will but is a supernatural birth from God.
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God," — The verse emphasizes that becoming a child of God isn't about inherent ability or earning a right, but about receiving a delegated authority or "privilege" from God. This transformative power is give…
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Last reviewed October 2026