John 17:22

KJV

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the glory {G1391} which {G3739} thou gavest {G1325} me {G3427} I {G1473} have given {G1325} them {G846}; that {G2443} they may be {G5600} one {G1520}, even as {G2531} we {G2249} are {G2070} one {G1520}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The glory which you have given to me, I have given to them; so that they may be one, just as we are one —

Berean Standard Bible

I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one—

American Standard Version

And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we are one;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 17:22, a pivotal declaration within Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, unveils the profound spiritual inheritance bestowed upon believers: the very glory the Father granted to the Son. This divine impartation serves a singular, transformative purpose—to forge a deep, essential unity among His followers, mirroring the perfect, eternal oneness shared between the Father and the Son, thereby providing a compelling witness to the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, recorded in its entirety in [John chapter 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer"). This prayer marks a profound moment of intimacy and intercession, occurring just before Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion. It follows His final discourses to His disciples (John 13-16), where He prepared them for His departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit. In this prayer, Jesus first intercedes 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, and crucially, for all future believers who would come to faith through their word ([John 17:20-26](/john/17-20-26 "John 17:20-26 - Jesus Prays for All Believers")). The theme of unity, specifically, is a central thread woven throughout this latter section, culminating in the powerful statement of [John 17:22](/john/17-22 "John 17:22 - The Gift of Glory for Unity").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' prayer for unity takes place in the shadow of His impending passion, a time when His disciples were struggling to grasp the nature of His kingdom and their future roles. They were prone to internal disputes and misunderstandings, as evidenced by their arguments over who was greatest ([Luke 22:24](/luke/22-24 "Luke 22:24 - Disciples Dispute Over Greatness")). The Jewish context also emphasized a corporate identity, often seeing themselves as "one people" under God, but frequently fractured by sectarian divisions (e.g., Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes). Jesus' prayer transcends these earthly divisions, envisioning a spiritual unity among His followers that would stand in stark contrast to the fragmented world around them, serving as a powerful counter-cultural witness to the authenticity of His divine mission and the Father's love, as highlighted in [John 17:23](/john/17-23 "John 17:23 - Unity as a Witness to the World").
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of John and Christian theology. Foremost is the theme of **divine glory**, which John consistently presents as uniquely embodied in Christ ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Here, this glory is not merely an attribute but something transferable, indicative of a shared divine life and nature. Another critical theme is **unity**, which is not merely organizational but a profound spiritual and relational oneness, modeled after the perfect unity within the Trinity. This unity is presented as both a gift and a powerful **evangelistic witness** to the world, demonstrating the Father's love and the truth of Jesus' mission ([John 17:21](/john/17-21 "John 17:21 - Unity as a Witness")). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **divine sonship and inheritance**, as believers are brought into an intimate relationship with the Father through Christ, sharing in His identity and mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa_):** From the base of *dokeō*, meaning "to seem, to think, to suppose." *Dóxa* refers to glory as something very apparent, often associated with dignity, honor, praise, or worship. In a theological sense, it signifies the manifested presence, character, and inherent splendor of God. When Jesus says the Father "gavest me" this glory, it speaks to His inherent divine nature and the full revelation of God's character through Him. When He "given them" this glory, it implies a sharing in His divine nature, His intimate relationship with the Father, and His mission, enabling believers to reflect God's character.
* **gavest/given (Greek, _dídōmi_):** A primary verb meaning "to give." This word is used in a very wide application, encompassing the act of bestowing, committing, delivering, granting, or offering. The repetition of *dídōmi* ("thou gavest me I have given them") emphasizes the direct, intentional, and complete transfer of this glory. It highlights a divine economy of grace where the Father's gift to the Son is then freely and fully extended by the Son to His followers, indicating a profound and active impartation rather than a mere theoretical concept.
* **one (Greek, _heîs_):** A primary numeral meaning "one." In this context, as a neuter form (*hen*), it emphasizes a unified essence or purpose, a singular entity composed of multiple parts. It speaks to a deep, essential oneness, not merely numerical or superficial agreement. This "oneness" among believers is presented as an emulation of the perfect, harmonious unity that exists within the Godhead, signifying a shared life, purpose, and identity in Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them":** This clause reveals the incredible spiritual inheritance bestowed upon believers. The "glory" here is not merely an outward display but encompasses the very essence, character, and manifested presence of God that Jesus possessed in His pre-incarnate state ([John 17:5](/john/17-5 "John 17:5 - Christ's Pre-existent Glory")) and revealed during His earthly ministry ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word's Glory")). Jesus, as the perfect revelation of the Father, receives this glory and then, through His redemptive work and the indwelling Spirit, imparts it to His followers. This impartation signifies a sharing in His divine sonship, His intimate relationship with the Father, His authority, and His mission, enabling believers to reflect God's character and participate in His divine life.
* **"that they may be one":** This phrase states the primary purpose of the glory's bestowal. The unity Jesus desires is not merely organizational uniformity or superficial agreement, but a profound, spiritual, and relational oneness. It is a unity of purpose, mind, and spirit, rooted in a shared identity in Christ. This unity is essential for the church's witness to the world, demonstrating the authenticity of Jesus' mission and the Father's love, as elaborated in the subsequent verse.
* **"even as we are one":** This concluding phrase sets the ultimate standard and model for the desired unity among believers. The "we" refers to the Father and the Son, highlighting the perfect, profound, and eternal unity within the Godhead. Their unity is characterized by absolute harmony, shared purpose, intimate knowledge, and mutual indwelling. Believers are called to emulate this divine oneness, reflecting the Trinitarian relationship in their fellowship. This spiritual unity is made possible through the indwelling Holy Spirit, connecting believers to Christ and, through Him, to the Father, bringing them into a participation in the divine life.

#### Literary Devices
John 17:22 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. **Metaphor** is evident in the concept of "glory" being "given." While glory is an attribute, here it is treated as a tangible inheritance, something transferable from the Father to the Son, and then from the Son to believers. This metaphorical transfer signifies a sharing in divine nature and purpose. **Analogy** is central to the verse's meaning, particularly in the phrase "even as we are one." Jesus draws a direct comparison between the perfect, harmonious unity of the Father and the Son and the unity He desires for His followers. This analogy elevates the standard of Christian unity to a divine level, emphasizing its spiritual depth and relational intimacy. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Repetition** of the verb "given" (dídōmi), which underscores the intentional and complete nature of the impartation of glory, highlighting the divine initiative in bestowing this gift.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 17:22 stands as a cornerstone for understanding Christian unity and the believer's inheritance. The "glory" imparted is not merely future splendor but a present reality of participating in the divine nature, reflecting God's character, and sharing in Christ's intimate relationship with the Father. This profound sharing is the very foundation for the spiritual unity Jesus prays for, a unity that transcends human differences and organizational structures, rooted in a shared life in the Spirit. This Trinitarian model of unity underscores that true Christian oneness is not achieved through human effort alone but is a divine gift, enabling the church to be a living testament to the Father's love and the Son's mission in the world.

* [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Endeavoring to Keep the Unity of the Spirit")
* [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ")
* [1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "We Shall Be Like Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 17:22 calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our identity and purpose as believers. The "glory" Jesus imparts is not a distant promise but a present reality that empowers us to live out our shared identity in Christ. This means actively pursuing and preserving the unity of the Spirit, recognizing that our oneness is a direct answer to Jesus' prayer and a powerful witness to a fragmented world. It compels us to prioritize love, humility, and mutual submission, overcoming divisions that stem from personal preferences, theological nuances, or cultural backgrounds. Living in this glory means reflecting Christ's character, participating in His mission, and demonstrating the Father's love through our harmonious relationships within the body of Christ. Our unity is not optional; it is integral to our witness and the very nature of our calling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me personally to "receive the glory" that Jesus has given? How does this impact my daily life and interactions?**
* **In what specific ways can I contribute to the "oneness" of believers in my local church and the broader Christian community, mirroring the unity of the Father and the Son?**
* **How might the visible unity of Christians serve as a more compelling witness to the world today, and what obstacles currently hinder this witness?**

### FAQ
**What exactly is the "glory" that Jesus gives to believers in this verse?**

Answer: The "glory" (Greek, *dóxa*) mentioned in [John 17:22](/john/17-22 "John 17:22 - The Gift of Glory for Unity") is far more than mere outward splendor or reputation. It encompasses the very essence, character, and manifested presence of God. It is the divine nature, majesty, and inherent splendor that Jesus possessed from eternity with the Father ([John 17:5](/john/17-5 "John 17:5 - Christ's Pre-existent Glory")). When Jesus says He has given this glory to believers, it means He has brought them into a participation in His divine life, His intimate relationship with the Father, His authority, and His mission. It is a transformative sharing that enables believers to reflect God's character, bear His image, and manifest His presence in the world, just as Jesus did. It's the glory of sonship, of being adopted into God's family and sharing in Christ's inheritance.

**How can human believers truly be "one, even as" the Father and Son are one?**

Answer: The unity Jesus prays for in [John 17:22](/john/17-22 "John 17:22 - The Gift of Glory for Unity") is not an exact ontological equality with the Godhead, but rather a profound spiritual and relational unity that mirrors the perfect harmony of the Trinity. This unity is made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who connects believers to Christ and, through Him, to the Father. It is a unity of purpose, mind, and spirit, characterized by mutual love, shared faith, and a common mission. Just as the Father and Son are perfectly aligned in will and action, believers are called to be unified in their devotion to God and their pursuit of His kingdom. This oneness is not uniformity, but a harmonious diversity, where individual believers, like members of a body, function together under Christ, the head ([Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - One Body, One Spirit, One Hope")). It is a supernatural unity that serves as a powerful testimony to the world that the Father sent Jesus and loves those who believe ([John 17:23](/john/17-23 "John 17:23 - Unity as a Witness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 17:22 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through His incarnation that the "glory" of God was made visible to humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His life, death, and resurrection are the means by which this glory, once uniquely His, is now graciously extended to believers. Christ, as the Head of the Church, not only prays for this unity but actively accomplishes it through His atoning sacrifice, breaking down walls of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down Walls")) and reconciling all things to Himself. The Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Advantage of the Spirit's Coming")), is the divine agent who indwells believers, knitting them together into one body, making possible the very unity modeled by the Father and the Son. Thus, the "glory" given is participation in Christ's sonship, and the "oneness" achieved is a spiritual union with Him, making believers co-heirs with Christ and members of His mystical body ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). This profound Christ-centered reality enables believers to reflect the divine light and love to a world desperately in need of the Gospel.

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

2 Corinthians 3:18

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.

John 14:20

At that day ye shall know that I [am] in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

Mark 16:17

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Mark 16:20

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them], and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

John 1:16

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Ephesians 2:20

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];

2 Corinthians 6:1

¶ We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.