Introduction: The Argument Over “Only”
Unitarian apologists and Muslim debaters often cite John 17:3 (and John 17:1–5), focusing heavily on the word “ONLY” to argue that it functions strictly as a limiting adjective—meaning the Father alone is God to the singular, absolute exclusion of the Son and the Holy Spirit.
When engaging with a Muslim friend or unitarian seeker (kababayan), begin by posing a foundational logical question:
“When the Bible uses the word ‘only’ in a passage, does it automatically exclude the possibility of a second or third person or entity mentioned elsewhere in the same Scripture?”
The expected and logical answer is No.
Part I: Contextual Diagnostic Questions on John 17:1–5
To help seekers examine the full context of Christ’s High Priestly Prayer in John 17:1–5, guide them through these eight direct scriptural questions:
Divine Fatherhood: Do you accept that the True God can be called “Father,” since Jesus explicitly addresses God as His Father? (Yes / No)
Identity of the Son: Is Jesus the person specifically referred to as the “Son”? (Yes / No)
Universal Authority: Does Jesus possess divine authority over all flesh and every person in the world? (Yes / No)
Basis of Eternal Life: Does Jesus grant eternal life to those who acknowledge God as Father? (Yes / No)
Dual Knowledge: Do you accept that eternal life is grounded in knowing both the Father and Jesus Christ whom He sent? (Yes / No)
Divine Sonship: Do you acknowledge that Jesus is explicitly identified as the Son of God in this text? (Yes / No)
Pre-Incarnate Existence: Do you believe that Christ dwelt in the personal presence of the Father before the material world was created? (Yes / No)
Co-Equal Glory: Do you accept that Christ possessed the exact same heavenly glory beside the Father before the foundation of the world? (Yes / No)
Part II: The Genesis 22 Precedent (Isaac vs. Ishmael)
To prove that “only” does not always mean “singly to the total exclusion of others,” turn to Genesis 22:2, 12, 16:
Genesis 22:2: “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love...”
Genesis 22:12: “...you have not withheld your son, your only son from Me.”
Genesis 22:16: “...because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son...”
Interactive Study Questions:
Historical Record: When God calls Isaac Abraham’s “only son,” do you mean Isaac was literally the solitary, single son Abraham ever had? (Yes / No)
Ishmael’s Existence: Are you aware that Scripture explicitly records Ishmael as Abraham’s firstborn son in Genesis 16:15 and Genesis 17:20? (Yes / No)
Non-Limiting Scope: Do you accept that the word “only” (yachid in Hebrew) is not being used here as a strict numerical limit? (Yes / No)
Exalted Status: Can you see that Isaac is called “only” because he was the uniquely promised child, the sole covenantal heir, and the lineage through whom the Messiah would be born? (Yes / No)
Part III: Emotional and Relational Depth of “Only” (Yachid)
Consider Amos 8:10:
“...I will make it like mourning for an only son [yachid], and its end like a bitter day.”
Here, the word “only” refers to the deep, irreplaceable love and value a parent holds for a uniquely cherished child. It expresses unparalleled affection, uniqueness, and supreme value—much like Jacob’s intense grief when he believed his beloved son Joseph had died (Genesis 37:31–36).
Hermeneutical Rule & Conclusion
When an entity, person, or divine Person is modified by terms like “ONE” or “ONLY,” but other biblical texts reveal additional Persons sharing the exact same nature or species of existence, the word “only” must never be misused as a restrictive boundary to strip Deity from the Son or the Holy Spirit.
In John 17:3, “the Only True God” exalts the uncreated nature of Deity above all false, created idols—while verses 1–5 simultaneously affirm that Jesus Christ shares the Father’s eternal presence, divine authority, life-giving power, and pre-existent glory.