17:13 17:13

John 17:14

17:15 17:15

Bible Versions

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.
I {G1473} have given {G1325} them {G846} thy {G4675} word {G3056}; and {G2532} the world {G2889} hath hated {G3404} them {G846}, because {G3754} they are {G1526} not {G3756} of {G1537} the world {G2889}, even as {G2531} I {G1473} am {G1510} not {G3756} of {G1537} the world {G2889}.
“I have given them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world — just as I myself do not belong to the world.
I have given them Your word and the world has hated them; for they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
I have given them thy word; and the world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

This verse is part of Jesus' profound prayer to the Father in John chapter 17, often called the 'High Priestly Prayer'. Here, Jesus is praying for His disciples just hours before His crucifixion. He reflects on His mission, His relationship with the Father, and the future of those who will carry His message forward.

Context

Jesus is speaking directly to God the Father, summarizing His earthly ministry and looking ahead to His departure. He has just declared that He has revealed God's name and word to His disciples. This prayer covers themes of protection, sanctification, unity, and the future glory of believers. Verse 14 specifically addresses the consequence of the disciples receiving God's word and belonging to Jesus: alienation and opposition from the 'world'.

Key Themes

  • Receiving God's Word: The disciples' identity is fundamentally shaped by having received God's truth through Jesus. This 'word' is not just information but the revelation of God's character, plan, and way of salvation.
  • Separation from the World: Believers are distinct from the 'world'. In Johannine terms, the 'world' (kosmos) often refers not to the physical creation, but to the fallen human system, alienated from God, and often hostile to His will and people.
  • The World's Hatred: A direct consequence of this separation is the world's opposition and hatred towards those who follow Christ. Jesus had previously warned His disciples about this (see John 15:18).
  • Identification with Christ: Believers share in Christ's experience of not belonging to the world and facing its opposition, just "even as I am not of the world." This shared experience underscores their union with Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "world" is kosmos. In the Gospel of John, kosmos has various meanings, including the physical creation, humanity in general, and, as used here, the fallen, organized system of human society alienated from God and opposed to Him and His followers. Understanding this nuance is crucial; the hatred comes not from the physical planet or all people universally, but from the dominant mindset and power structures that reject Christ.

Reflection and Application

This verse provides a realistic perspective for followers of Jesus across all ages. Having received God's word and belonging to Christ means being fundamentally different from the system driven by worldly values and priorities. This distinction can lead to misunderstanding, rejection, and even active opposition from those who are aligned with the 'world' system. Believers should not be surprised by this but find comfort in knowing that this experience is shared with Christ Himself and is a mark of their true spiritual identity – they are citizens of another kingdom. It calls believers to live distinctly, upholding God's truth and values even when it is unpopular or costly.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 17:16

    They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

  • John 15:18

    If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.

  • John 15:21

    But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

  • 1 John 5:19

    [And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

  • 1 John 5:20

    And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

  • John 8:23

    And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

  • 1 John 4:5

    They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
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