John 17:10 (KJV)

What does John 17:10 mean?

John 17:10 means that everything belonging to Jesus also belongs to the Father, and everything belonging to the Father belongs to Jesus; Jesus is honored and made known through those who belong to him. This verse highlights the deep unity between Jesus and the Father, and how Jesus is glorified through his followers.

In John 17:10, Jesus is praying to God the Father on the night before his crucifixion, speaking about his relationship with his disciples. Jesus is explaining that there is no separation between what is his and what is the Father's—they share everything completely. He also points out that his own honor and reputation are seen in the lives of those who follow him.

The Greek behind John 17:10

• πάντες (pantes, "all"): This word means "all" or "everyone," showing that Jesus is referring to everyone who belongs to him, not just a select few.
• ἐμά (ema, "mine") and σά (sa, "thine"): These words for "mine" and "yours" are personal and possessive, emphasizing the shared ownership and unity between Jesus and the Father.
• δεδοξασμαι (dedoxasmai, "am glorified"): This verb means "to be honored" or "to be made glorious." The form here suggests an ongoing state—Jesus is continually honored in his followers, not just at one moment.

Why John 17:10 matters

• John 17:10 clears up any idea that Jesus and the Father are separate in purpose or possession; it shows their complete unity.
• This verse emphasizes that Jesus is glorified not just in heaven or in theory, but through the lives of his followers on earth.
• John 17:10 connects to the larger prayer in John 17, where Jesus is preparing his disciples for his departure and assuring them of their place in the relationship between him and the Father.