That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

JOHN 18:9KJV
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John 18:9 (KJV)

What does John 18:9 mean?

John 18:9 says that what Jesus had previously said was coming true: none of the people God had given him were lost. This verse points out that Jesus was keeping his earlier promise to protect his followers, even as he was being arrested.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to the authorities who have come to arrest him in the garden, while his disciples are nearby. The verse refers back to Jesus’ earlier words about not losing any of his followers (see John 17:12). John 18:9 highlights that Jesus’ care for his disciples continues, even in a moment of danger, and that his words are trustworthy.

The Greek behind John 18:9

  • ἀπώλεσα (apōlesa, “lost”): This word means to destroy or lose completely. The verse uses it to stress that Jesus did not let any of his followers be destroyed or lost, showing the completeness of his protection.
  • πληρωθῇ (plērōthē, “fulfilled”): This word means to bring to completion or make full. It shows that Jesus’ earlier statement was not just a hope, but something that truly came to pass in this moment.
  • λόγος (logos, “saying”): Here, it refers to Jesus’ previous statement or promise. The use of λόγος emphasizes that Jesus’ words are reliable and significant.

Why John 18:9 matters

  • John 18:9 clears up any idea that Jesus’ arrest caught him or his followers off guard; instead, it shows he was in control and protecting his disciples as promised.
  • The verse connects directly to Jesus’ prayer in John 17, reinforcing the theme that Jesus’ mission included safeguarding those given to him by God.
  • By pointing out the fulfillment of Jesus’ words, John 18:9 highlights the trustworthiness and authority of what Jesus says throughout the Gospel.

Where else these words appear

“lost” Greek G622 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
  • John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

“fulfilled” Greek G4137 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
  • Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.