As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

JOHN 17:18KJV
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John 17:18 (KJV)

What does John 17:18 mean?

John 17:18 means that just as God the Father sent Jesus into the world with a purpose, Jesus is now sending his followers into the world with a similar purpose. Jesus is drawing a direct connection between his own mission and the mission he is giving to his disciples.

In this verse, Jesus is praying to God the Father on the night before his crucifixion. He is speaking about his disciples, explaining that their role in the world mirrors the way he himself was sent by God. The verse highlights the idea of being sent with intention and responsibility, showing that Jesus’s followers are meant to continue his work in the world.

The Greek behind John 17:18

  • The word "sent" (ἀπέστειλας, apesteilas; ἀπέστειλα, apesteila) is used for both the Father sending Jesus and Jesus sending his disciples. This word often carries the sense of being sent with authority and a specific mission, not just being told to go somewhere.
  • The word "world" (κόσμον, kosmon) refers to the broader human society, not just the physical earth. It often implies a place that is in need of God's message and presence.
  • The phrase "even so" (κἀγώ, kagō) links the two actions—Jesus is making an intentional parallel between his own sending and the sending of his disciples, emphasizing that their mission follows the pattern of his own.

Why John 17:18 matters

  • John 17:18 clarifies that the disciples are not just followers but are given an active, purposeful role that mirrors Jesus’s own mission from God.
  • This verse connects the work of Jesus directly to the ongoing work of his followers, showing that their purpose is rooted in his example.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the larger prayer in John 17, where Jesus is preparing his disciples for life and mission after his departure.

Where else these words appear

“so” Greek G2504 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

“me” Greek G1691 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
  • John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
  • John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

“sent” Greek G649 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
  • John 17:8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.