John 17:17

KJV

¶ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Sanctify {G37} them {G846} through {G1722} thy {G4675} truth {G225}: thy {G4674} word {G3056} is {G2076} truth {G225}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Set them apart for holiness by means of the truth — your word is truth.

Berean Standard Bible

Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.

American Standard Version

Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this pivotal verse from Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, offered just hours before His crucifixion, Jesus intercedes for His disciples, and by extension all future believers, that they might be set apart and made holy through God's truth. He profoundly declares that God's very Word is the embodiment and essence of this truth, establishing it as the divine instrument for the sanctification of His followers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within the profound and intimate discourse known as Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, recorded in [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer"). Following His extensive farewell discourses to His disciples in [John 13-16](/john/13 "John 13 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet") and just prior to His arrest in Gethsemane, Jesus turns His focus heavenward. The prayer unfolds in three distinct movements: Jesus prays for Himself ([John 17:1-5](/john/17-1-5 "John 17:1-5 - Jesus Prays for Himself")), then for His immediate disciples ([John 17:6-19](/john/17-6-19 "John 17:6-19 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples")), and finally for all future believers who would come to faith through their witness ([John 17:20-26](/john/17-20-26 "John 17:20-26 - Jesus Prays for All Believers")). Within the section concerning His disciples, Jesus acknowledges their unique position—they are "in the world" but "not of the world" ([John 17:14-16](/john/17-14-16 "John 17:14-16 - Disciples in the World, Not of the World")). His prayer for their sanctification by truth is a direct response to the spiritual dangers and pressures they would face in a hostile world, emphasizing their need for divine preservation and consecration for their mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "truth" (ἀλήθεια, _alḗtheia_) held significant philosophical and religious weight in both Jewish and Greco-Roman thought. For the Jewish people, truth was intrinsically linked to God's revelation, His covenant faithfulness, and the integrity of His Word (Torah). It was not merely an abstract concept but a living reality embodied in God's character and His commands, serving as the foundation for a righteous life. In contrast, the Greco-Roman world, particularly among philosophical schools, often debated the nature of truth, with some embracing objective truth and others leaning towards skepticism or subjective interpretations. Jesus' bold declaration, "thy word is truth," directly challenges any relativistic or human-centered understanding of truth, grounding it firmly in the divine revelation of God the Father. The idea of "sanctification" (ἁγιάζω, _hagiázō_) also resonates with Old Testament practices of setting apart people, objects, or places for sacred use, making them holy and distinct for God's purposes, often through ritual purification and adherence to divine law.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within John's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, **Sanctification** is a central theme, highlighting the divine process by which believers are set apart from sin and the world, consecrated to God, and progressively transformed into Christlikeness. This sanctification is not self-achieved but is a work of God, initiated and sustained by Him. Secondly, the **Nature of Truth** is profoundly defined. Jesus declares that God's Word is not merely _a_ truth but _is_ truth itself, establishing it as the ultimate, objective, and authoritative standard for reality, morality, and spiritual understanding. This contrasts sharply with human opinions or worldly philosophies. Thirdly, the **Power and Authority of God's Word** is underscored. The Word is presented not as inert information but as a living, active, and transformative force, the very instrument through which God accomplishes His sanctifying work in believers. This aligns with the Gospel's opening declaration of Jesus as the [Logos, the Word made flesh](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh"), who brings light and truth into the world. The emphasis on truth also connects to Jesus' earlier teaching that His disciples would [know the truth, and the truth would set them free](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Will Set You Free").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sanctify (Greek, _hagiázō'_):** From ἅγιος (hagios), meaning "holy," this verb signifies "to make holy," "to purify," or "to consecrate." It carries the dual sense of being set apart from common use and dedicated exclusively to God's service, and also being purified morally and spiritually. In this context, it refers to God's divine act of setting believers apart for Himself and purifying them through His truth.
* **truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** Derived from ἀληθής (alēthēs), meaning "true," this noun denotes "truth," "reality," or "veracity." It implies freedom from concealment, falsehood, or deception. Here, it refers to the absolute, objective, and reliable nature of God's revelation, which stands in stark contrast to human error or illusion.
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** From λέγω (legō), "to say," this comprehensive term can mean "something said," "discourse," "reason," or "computation." Crucially, in John's Gospel, especially with the definite article ("the Word"), it specifically refers to "the Divine Expression," which is Christ Himself. In this verse, it refers to God's revealed communication, encompassing His commands, promises, and ultimately, His Son.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Sanctify them through thy truth:"** Jesus prays to the Father, asking Him to perform a divine work of sanctification upon His disciples. This sanctification is not a human endeavor but a divine act, achieved "through" (Greek: _en_, denoting instrumentality or means) the Father's truth. This implies that God's truth is the active agent or medium by which believers are set apart for holy living and purified from sin. It's a prayer for both positional holiness (being declared holy by God) and progressive holiness (growing in practical righteousness).
* **"thy word is truth."** This is a profound declarative statement that defines the nature and source of the truth Jesus has just mentioned. The "thy word" refers to the Father's revealed communication, encompassing all that God has spoken and revealed, particularly through the Scriptures. By stating that this "word is truth," Jesus asserts the absolute, inherent veracity and reliability of God's revelation. It is not merely a collection of true statements, but its very essence is truth itself, making it the ultimate standard for all reality and the foundation for genuine sanctification.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** of the word "truth" (ἀλήθεια, _alḗtheia_) at the beginning and end of the statement ("Sanctify them through thy **truth**: thy word is **truth**") serves to emphasize its paramount importance and to create a strong, memorable declaration. This repetition also forms a subtle **chiasm** (A-B-B'-A' structure, where "truth" is A and "thy word" is B), drawing attention to the central identity of "thy word" with "truth." Furthermore, the statement "thy word is truth" functions as a powerful **declarative statement**, asserting an absolute theological reality rather than merely a suggestion or opinion. It also contains an implicit **metaphor**, where "word" is equated with "truth," highlighting the living and active nature of God's revelation as the very substance of reality and holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 17:17 serves as a cornerstone for understanding the nature of Christian holiness and the indispensable role of divine revelation. It teaches us that true sanctification is not a self-improvement project or an outcome of human effort, but a gracious work of God the Father, mediated through His objective and authoritative Word. This divine truth, embodied in Scripture, actively purifies, transforms, and sets believers apart for God's purposes, providing the standard for righteousness and the power for living it out. It underscores the biblical conviction that God's Word is living and active, capable of discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart, and equipping believers for every good work, making them complete in Christ.

* [Psalm 119:9](/psalms/119-9 "Psalm 119:9 - How can a young man keep his way pure?")
* [Ephesians 5:26](/ephesians/5-26 "Ephesians 5:26 - Christ Sanctifies the Church with the Word")
* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 17:17 calls believers to a profound engagement with God's Word as the primary means of spiritual growth and transformation. In a world saturated with subjective truths and fleeting opinions, Jesus' declaration provides an unshakeable anchor: God's Word is the ultimate, unchanging truth. Therefore, to be sanctified—to be set apart for God and progressively made holy—requires intentional and consistent immersion in Scripture. This means not merely reading it, but meditating on it, allowing its truth to penetrate our minds and hearts, shaping our worldview, correcting our errors, and guiding our paths. It invites us to align our lives with God's revealed will, trusting that as we submit to His Word, He will purify us and equip us to live distinct, holy lives that bear witness to His character in the world. Our pursuit of holiness is thus a pursuit of God's truth, found in His Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily engagement with God's Word reflect my belief that it is the very truth by which God sanctifies me?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need God's truth to purify and set me apart for His purposes?**
* **How does Jesus' prayer for our sanctification inform my understanding of spiritual growth as a divine work rather than solely a human effort?**
* **Considering that "thy word is truth," how does this impact my discernment of information and ideas presented by the world?**

### FAQ
**What does "sanctify" mean in this context?**

Answer: In John 17:17, "sanctify" (Greek: _hagiázō_) means to set apart, consecrate, or make holy. It encompasses both a positional holiness, where believers are declared holy by God through Christ, and a progressive holiness, where they are continually purified and transformed by God's truth to live lives increasingly aligned with His character and purposes. It is a divine act of God, separating believers from the world and dedicating them to Himself.

**Why does Jesus emphasize "thy word is truth" so strongly?**

Answer: Jesus emphasizes "thy word is truth" to establish the absolute authority and reliability of God's revealed communication as the foundation for all true understanding and spiritual transformation. In a world filled with shifting philosophies and subjective interpretations, Jesus unequivocally declares that God's Word is the objective standard of reality. This divine Word, which ultimately points to and is embodied by Jesus Himself as [the Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), is the means by which God purifies and sets His people apart. It highlights that sanctification is not based on human wisdom or effort, but on divine revelation.

**How does God's Word sanctify believers in a practical sense?**

Answer: God's Word sanctifies believers practically by revealing God's character, His will, and His standards for righteousness. As believers engage with Scripture, it illuminates sin ([Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp")), corrects wrong thinking, instructs in right living, and equips for good works ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed")). It renews the mind, transforms desires, and empowers obedience through the work of the Holy Spirit. By immersing ourselves in God's truth, we are progressively conformed to the image of Christ, becoming more holy and set apart for His glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 17:17 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who is the embodiment of God's truth and the living Word. As [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word") declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This divine Word, the _Logos_, became flesh in Jesus Christ ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), making Him the full and perfect revelation of the Father's truth. Therefore, when Jesus prays, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth," He is not only referring to the written Scriptures but also to Himself as the living Truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Our sanctification is inextricably linked to our union with Christ, for He is our holiness ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He has already set us apart positionally, and through His indwelling Spirit, who is the Spirit of truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Will Guide You")), He continually applies the truth of God's Word to our lives, progressively transforming us into His likeness. Thus, our sanctification by truth is ultimately our sanctification in and through Jesus Christ, the Truth incarnate.

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 15:3

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

Psalms 119:160

¶ Thy word [is] true [from] the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments [endureth] for ever.

Ephesians 5:26

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

John 17:19

And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

1 Peter 1:22

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:

1 Peter 1:23

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

John 8:32

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.