I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

JOHN 17:14KJV
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John 17:14 (KJV)

What does John 17:14 mean?

John 17:14 means that Jesus has given his followers the message God wanted them to have, but because of this, the world dislikes or rejects them since they do not belong to the world’s ways—just as Jesus himself does not belong to the world. Jesus is explaining that his followers are set apart from the world because of their connection to him and to God's truth.

In this verse, Jesus is praying to God the Father on behalf of his disciples. He points out that the disciples have received God's word (his teaching and message), and as a result, they face hostility from the world around them. The phrase “not of the world” highlights a difference in values and loyalties between Jesus’ followers and the broader society, echoing Jesus’ own distinct identity and mission.

The Greek behind John 17:14

  • λόγος (logos, G3056): This word is translated as “word” and often means a message, teaching, or revelation. Here, it refers to the message from God that Jesus has passed on to his disciples, not just individual words but the whole content of his teaching.
  • κόσμος (kosmos, G2889): This is the word for “world,” which in John’s Gospel often means the human society or system that is opposed to God. The emphasis is on a way of life or mindset that stands apart from God’s purposes.
  • μισέω (miseō, G3404): This word means “to hate” or “to detest.” The Greek carries a sense of active rejection or hostility, not just a lack of affection. It shows that the world’s response to Jesus’ followers is not neutral but strongly negative because of their allegiance to God’s message.

Why John 17:14 matters

  • John 17:14 clarifies that the reason for the world’s hostility toward Jesus’ followers is their loyalty to God’s message, not personal failings or misunderstandings.
  • This verse highlights a key theme in John’s Gospel: the sharp distinction between Jesus (and his followers) and the world, helping readers understand why Christians might face opposition.
  • By connecting the disciples’ experience to his own, Jesus reassures them that their situation is not unexpected or unique, but part of sharing in his mission and identity.

Where else these words appear

“hated” Greek G3404 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • Luke 19:14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.
  • Ephesians 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

“am” Greek G1510 · used in 137 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • John 7:29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
  • Acts 18:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

“are” Greek G1526 · used in 146 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • John 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
  • Galatians 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.