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: (John 1:12 KJV)
But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12 ASV)
but as many as received him, to them gave he [the] right to be children of God, to those that believe on his name; (John 1:12 DBY)
But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name: (John 1:12 WEB)
but as many as did receive him to them he gave authority to become sons of God–to those believing in his name, (John 1:12 YLT)
Interlinear
But <de> as many as <hosos> received <lambano> him, <autos> to them <autos> gave he <didomi> power <exousia> to become <ginomai> the sons <teknon> of God, <theos> even to them that believe <pisteuo> on <eis> his <autos> name: <onoma> (John 1:12 KJV)
Albert Barnes’ Commentary
Verse 12. To as many as received him. The great mass; the people; the scribes and Pharisees rejected him. A few in his lifetime received him, and many more after his death. To receive him, here, means to believe on him. This is expressed at the end of the verse.
Gave he power. This is more appropriately rendered in the margin by the word right or privilege. Comp. Ac 1:7; 5:4; Ro 9:21; 1Co 7:37; 8:9; 9:4,5.
Sons of God. Children of God by adoption. See Barnes for Mt 1:1. Christians are called sons of God–
1st. Because they are adopted by him, 1Jo 3:1.
2nd. Because they are like him; they resemble him and have his spirit.
3rd. They are united to the Lord Jesus, the Son of God–are regarded by him as his brethren (Mt 25:40), and are therefore regarded as the children of the Most High.
On his name. This is another way of saying believeth in him. The name of a person is often put for the person himself, Joh 2:23 Joh 2:18; 1Jo 5:13. From this verse we learn,
1st. That to be a child of God is a privilege-far more so than to be the child of any man, though in the highest degree rich, or learned, or honoured. Christians are therefore more honoured than any other men.
2nd. God gave them this privilege. It is not by their own works or deserts; it is because God chose to impart this blessing to them, Eph 2:8; Joh 15:16.
3rd. This favour is given only to those who believe on him. All others are the children of the wicked one, and no one who has not confidence in God can be regarded as his child. No parent would acknowledge one for his child, or approve of him, who had no confidence in him, who doubted or denied all he said, and who despised his character. Yet this the sinner constantly does toward God, and he cannot, therefore, be called his son.
{p} “as many as received him” Isa 56:4-5; Ro 8:15; 1Jo 3:1
{1} “power to become” or, “the right or privilege”