Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

JOHN 17:24KJV
Know the Bible

John 17:24 (KJV)

What does John 17:24 mean?

John 17:24 shows Jesus asking God the Father to allow those whom God has given Him to be with Him and to see His glory, which the Father gave Him because of His love for Jesus before the world began. Jesus is expressing a desire for His followers to share in the relationship and honor He has with the Father.

In this verse, Jesus is praying to God the Father during what is often called His "High Priestly Prayer," just before His arrest. Jesus is speaking about His disciples and all future believers, asking that they would be present with Him and witness the fullness of His divine glory. The verse highlights the deep love and unity between Jesus and the Father, and Jesus’ longing for His followers to experience that closeness and honor.

The Greek behind John 17:24

  • "will" (θέλω, thelō): This word means "to desire" or "to wish." Jesus is not demanding, but expressing a heartfelt desire for His followers' presence with Him.
  • "glory" (δόξα, doxa): This refers to honor, splendor, or divine radiance. Jesus wants His followers to see the true greatness and honor given to Him by the Father.
  • "lovedst" (ἠγάπησας, ēgapēsas): This is a form of the verb meaning "to love" in a deep, committed way. The verse points to a love that existed before creation, emphasizing the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son.
  • "foundation" (καταβολή, katabolē): This word means "the laying down" or "beginning" of the world. It highlights that the Father's love for Jesus existed before time and creation itself.

Why John 17:24 matters

  • John 17:24 clarifies that Jesus wants His followers to be with Him, not just in spirit but in actual presence, sharing in His glory.
  • The verse emphasizes the eternal nature of the relationship between Jesus and the Father, showing that Jesus’ honor and love are not recent or temporary, but go back before the world began.
  • This prayer connects to the wider chapter, where Jesus repeatedly speaks of unity, love, and the special relationship between Himself, the Father, and His followers, giving insight into the depth of what He desires for those who believe in Him.

Where else these words appear

“foundation” Greek G2602 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 13:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
  • Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
  • Hebrews 11:11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

“also” Greek G2548 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
  • Luke 11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
  • John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

“before” Greek G4253 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  • John 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

“behold” Greek G2334 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
  • John 6:19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
  • Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.