John 17:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

They are {G1526} not {G3756} of {G1537} the world {G2889}, even as {G2531} I {G1473} am {G1510} not {G3756} of {G1537} the world {G2889}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 17:16, a pivotal statement within Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, profoundly declares the distinct spiritual identity of His disciples. Jesus asserts that His followers, like Himself, do not belong to the world system estranged from God. This verse underscores a fundamental separation in nature, values, and allegiance, highlighting that while believers live physically within the world, their true citizenship and spiritual orientation are heavenly, rooted in their relationship with God through Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' profound High Priestly Prayer, recorded in [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer"). It immediately follows Jesus' declaration in [John 17:14](/john/17-14 "John 17:14 - Disciples Hated by the World") that He has given His disciples God's word, and as a result, the world hates them because they are "not of the world." The subsequent verse, [John 17:17](/john/17-17 "John 17:17 - Sanctification by Truth"), transitions to Jesus' prayer for their sanctification by truth, which is intrinsically linked to their separation from the world. The entire prayer, spanning [John 17:1-26](/john/17-1-26 "John 17:1-26 - The High Priestly Prayer"), reveals Jesus' deep concern for His disciples' protection, unity, and spiritual integrity in the face of His imminent departure and the challenges they would face in a hostile world.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' prayer takes place on the eve of His crucifixion, a moment of profound transition for His disciples. They were about to lose their physical proximity to their Lord and would soon be commissioned to carry His message into a world that had rejected Him. The concept of "the world" (Greek: *kosmos*) in this context refers not to the physical earth or humanity in general, but to the fallen, organized system of human society that operates independently of God, often in active opposition to His will and truth. This worldview was prevalent in both Jewish and Greco-Roman societies, where allegiance to God often meant a counter-cultural stance against prevailing norms, idolatry, and moral decay. The disciples, being chosen by Christ, were now set apart from this system, a status that would inevitably lead to conflict and persecution, as Jesus had warned them in [John 15:18-19](/john/15-18-19 "John 15:18-19 - The World's Hatred").
* **Key Themes:** [John 17:16](/john/17-16 "John 17:16 - Not of the World") powerfully articulates several core themes central to the Gospel of John and Christian theology. The primary theme is the **Separation from the World**, emphasizing that believers, like Christ, possess a distinct spiritual nature and allegiance that sets them apart from the fallen system of human society. This separation is not about physical isolation but about a fundamental difference in values, priorities, and spiritual citizenship, as highlighted in [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven"). Closely related is the theme of **Identification with Christ**, where the disciples' "not-of-the-world" status directly mirrors Christ's own. Their identity is inextricably linked to His, sharing in His divine nature and mission, as seen in [1 John 4:17](/1-john/4-17 "1 John 4:17 - As He Is, So Are We"). Finally, the verse underscores the **Divine Identity** of believers, asserting that their true belonging and definition come from their relationship with God through Christ, rather than from their earthly circumstances or the world's approval. This divine identity forms the basis for their sanctification and protection, themes Jesus continues to pray for in [John 17:17-19](/john/17-17-19 "John 17:17-19 - Jesus Prays for Sanctification").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **world (Greek, _kósmos'_):** (G2889) This term, derived from a root meaning "orderly arrangement" or "decoration," carries a profound theological weight in John's Gospel. While it can refer to the physical universe or humanity, in contexts like [John 17:16](/john/17-16 "John 17:16 - Not of the World"), it denotes the organized system of human society that is alienated from God, characterized by sin, rebellion, and opposition to divine truth. To be "not of the world" means not being defined by, controlled by, or aligned with this spiritual system, but rather belonging to God's kingdom.
* **not (Greek, _ou'_):** (G3756) This is an absolute negative particle, indicating a definitive and objective denial. It signifies that the disciples' non-belonging to the world is not a matter of degree or choice, but a fundamental reality of their new spiritual nature. It is a factual statement about their identity, mirroring Christ's own inherent otherness from the fallen realm.
* **even as (Greek, _kathṓs'_):** (G2531) This comparative adverb means "just as" or "according to." It establishes a direct and precise parallel between the disciples' relationship to the world and Jesus' own. This comparison is crucial, as it grounds the disciples' distinct identity in Christ's unique nature and position. Their "not-of-the-world" status is not merely an ethical injunction but a participation in Christ's own fundamental separation from the fallen order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They are not of the world":** This clause declares a fundamental truth about the disciples' spiritual identity. The Greek preposition *ek* (G1537, "of" or "from") denotes origin or source. Thus, the disciples do not originate from, belong to, or derive their essence, values, or allegiance from the fallen world system. Their spiritual birth and citizenship are from God, marking a decisive break from their former alignment with worldly values and priorities.
* **"even as I am not of the world":** This powerful comparative clause establishes the basis and pattern for the disciples' identity. Jesus asserts His own inherent and absolute separation from the world's system, not merely as a moral choice but as a characteristic of His divine nature and mission. By stating that His disciples share this same "not-of-the-world" status, Jesus indicates that their spiritual distinctiveness is a direct result of their union with Him and their participation in His divine life and mission. Their identity is a reflection of His.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [John 17:16](/john/17-16 "John 17:16 - Not of the World") is **Parallelism**, specifically **Comparative Parallelism**. The verse explicitly draws a direct comparison between Jesus' relationship to the world and His disciples' relationship to it: "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." This structure emphasizes the shared nature of their spiritual distinctiveness and grounds the disciples' identity in Christ's own. It highlights that their separation is not a self-achieved state but a bestowed reality, a participation in Christ's unique "otherness." Additionally, there is an implied **Contrast** between being "in the world" (as Jesus acknowledges in [John 17:15](/john/17-15 "John 17:15 - Not to Take Them Out of the World")) and being "of the world." This contrast underscores the tension and unique calling of believers to live within a fallen system without being conformed to its values or spirit. The term "world" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not merely the physical earth but a spiritual system of rebellion against God, making the declaration of "not of the world" a profound statement of allegiance and spiritual citizenship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 17:16 establishes a foundational theological truth about the nature of the believer's identity and calling. It asserts that those who belong to Christ are fundamentally distinct from the world system that is estranged from God. This "otherness" is not a call to physical isolation but to a radical difference in values, priorities, and allegiance. Believers are citizens of God's kingdom, living as ambassadors in a foreign land, reflecting Christ's own unique position. This truth underscores the spiritual conflict inherent in the Christian life, where the values of the kingdom often stand in direct opposition to the values of the world. It also provides profound comfort, reminding believers that their ultimate belonging and security are found not in worldly acceptance, but in their divine identity in Christ. This spiritual separation is the basis for the call to holiness and sanctification, as believers are set apart for God's purposes.

* [John 15:19](/john/15-19 "John 15:19 - The World Hates You")
* [1 John 2:15-17](/1-john/2-15-17 "1 John 2:15-17 - Do Not Love the World")
* [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 17:16 serves as a profound anchor for the believer's identity in a world that constantly seeks to define and conform. It reminds us that our primary allegiance is to God's kingdom, not to the passing systems, values, or trends of this age. Living "not of the world" means cultivating a mind transformed by God's Word, discerning worldly philosophies and resisting their influence. It calls us to examine our priorities, our pursuits, and our sources of satisfaction, ensuring they align with our heavenly citizenship. This truth empowers us to stand firm in our convictions, even when unpopular, and to live counter-culturally for Christ's sake. It also provides immense comfort, assuring us that despite the world's opposition, our true home and belonging are secure in Christ. We are called to be salt and light in the world, influencing it for good, precisely because we are distinct from it, carrying the aroma of Christ rather than the scent of the fallen age.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life (e.g., finances, entertainment, social media, career) do you find the world's values most subtly influencing your own, and how can you align them more closely with Christ's kingdom?**
* **What does it practically mean to live "not of the world" while still actively engaging in society and fulfilling your God-given responsibilities?**
* **How does your identity as "not of the world" provide you with courage or comfort when facing opposition or misunderstanding for your faith?**

### FAQ

**What does "the world" mean in John 17:16?**

Answer: In [John 17:16](/john/17-16 "John 17:16 - Not of the World"), "the world" (Greek: *kosmos*) does not refer to the physical planet Earth or humanity in general. Instead, it signifies the fallen, organized system of human society that is estranged from God, operating independently of His will and often in active opposition to His truth. It represents the collective values, philosophies, and priorities that are contrary to God's kingdom. Jesus uses this term to distinguish between those who belong to God and those who are aligned with this rebellious system.

**Does "they are not of the world" mean believers should withdraw from society?**

Answer: In fact, immediately after this statement, Jesus prays in [John 17:18](/john/17-18 "John 17:18 - Sent into the World") "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world." This indicates that believers are to live *in* the world but not be *of* it. Our calling is to be distinct in our values, character, and allegiance, serving as salt and light within society, rather than conforming to its fallen ways. We are to engage with the world as Christ's ambassadors, bringing His truth and love to bear on all aspects of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 17:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "one not of the world," being eternally from the Father ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God")), distinct in His divine nature and perfectly untainted by sin. His earthly life, though lived fully among humanity, was marked by a profound otherness, consistently challenging and exposing the corrupt values of the world system. When Jesus declares that His disciples are "not of the world, even as I am not of the world," He is not merely stating a moral aspiration but a spiritual reality brought about by their union with Him. Through His atoning work and the gift of the Holy Spirit, believers are born again into a new creation ([2_corinthians/5-17](/2-corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), sharing in His victory over the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - I Have Overcome the World")). Their new identity is "in Christ," which means they are spiritually seated with Him in heavenly places ([ephesians/2-6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated in Heavenly Places")) and are therefore fundamentally alien to the world's dominion. This verse thus points to Christ as the source and pattern of the believer's distinct, heaven-bound identity, enabling them to live as citizens of another kingdom while serving as His representatives in this one.

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.

Cross-References

John 17:14

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.