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 17:24KJVWhat 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.