Question 1

What does John 17:1 mean?

Accepted Answer

John 17:1 shows Jesus speaking directly to God the Father, saying that the time has come for his mission to reach its climax. Jesus asks the Father to glorify him, so that he, in turn, can bring glory to the Father. In this verse, Jesus is praying just before his arrest and crucifixion, with his disciples present. The phrase "the hour is come" points to a decisive moment in Jesus' life and purpose. The request for glory is not about fame, but about revealing God's true character and purpose through what is about to happen.

Question 2

The Greek behind John 17:1

Accepted Answer

"Glorify" (δοξασον, doxason): This word means to honor, reveal, or make known the true nature of someone. Here, Jesus is asking God to reveal his true identity and purpose through the events that are about to unfold. "Hour" (ὥρα, hōra): In John's Gospel, "the hour" often refers to the specific time of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. It signals a turning point in the story, where everything Jesus came to do is about to be fulfilled. "Father" (πατήρ, patēr): Jesus addresses God with an intimate term, showing a close relationship. This sets the tone for the whole prayer that follows in John 17.

Question 3

Why John 17:1 matters

Accepted Answer

John 17:1 marks the beginning of what is often called Jesus' "High Priestly Prayer," a unique moment where Jesus prays for himself, his disciples, and future believers. The verse clarifies that Jesus' idea of being "glorified" is deeply connected to his suffering and death, not worldly success or honor. This prayer highlights the unity and shared purpose between Jesus and the Father, which becomes a central theme in the rest of the chapter.

John 17:1 (KJV)