John 17:24

KJV

¶ Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

KJV (with Strong's)

Father {G3962}, I will {G2309} that {G2443} they also {G2548}, whom {G3739} thou hast given {G1325} me {G3427}, be {G5600} with {G3326} me {G1700} where {G3699} I {G1473} am {G1510}; that {G2443} they may behold {G2334} my {G1699} glory {G1391}, which {G3739} thou hast given {G1325} me {G3427}: for {G3754} thou lovedst {G25} me {G3165} before {G4253} the foundation {G2602} of the world {G2889}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am; so that they may see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

Berean Standard Bible

Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

American Standard Version

Father, I desire that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 17:24 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, revealing His deepest desire for all believers: that they would ultimately be with Him in His heavenly dwelling to behold His inherent glory. This profound intercession is rooted in the eternal, pre-creational love shared between the Father and the Son, establishing the secure foundation for the believer's ultimate destiny and participation in divine fellowship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - The High Priestly Prayer") stands as a unique and deeply intimate prayer offered by Jesus to His Father on the eve of His crucifixion. Often termed the "High Priestly Prayer," it immediately follows Jesus' extensive farewell discourse to His disciples (John 13-16). The chapter unfolds in three distinct movements: Jesus prays for Himself (vv. 1-5), then for His immediate disciples (vv. 6-19), and finally, in a sweeping intercession, for all future believers (vv. 20-26). [John 17:24](/john/17-24 "John 17:24 - Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples' Future Glory") falls within this third section, representing the culmination of Jesus' desire for the unity and ultimate glorification of His church, emphasizing the eschatological hope for all who would believe through the ages. It is a powerful articulation of His purpose for those the Father has entrusted to Him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of this prayer is likely the Upper Room or immediately after leaving it, just hours before Jesus' arrest. This was a time of intense Passover celebration in Jerusalem, a feast rich with themes of redemption and covenant. The concept of "glory" (Hebrew: *kavod*, Greek: *doxa*) held significant weight in Jewish thought, often referring to God's manifest presence (e.g., the Shekinah glory in the tabernacle/temple) or His inherent majesty. For Jesus to speak of "my glory" and for believers to "behold" it would evoke profound theological implications for His audience, hinting at His divine identity and the ultimate, unmediated presence with God. The idea of being "given" by the Father resonates with Old Testament themes of divine election and God's sovereign initiative in establishing a people for Himself.

* **Key Themes:** [John 17:24](/john/17-24 "John 17:24 - Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples' Future Glory") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [the Gospel of John](/john/1 "The Gospel of John - The Deity of Christ"). Foremost is the theme of **Divine Unity and Relationship**, particularly the eternal, loving bond between the Father and the Son, which serves as the foundation for the believer's inclusion into the divine family. The verse also highlights **Sovereign Election and God's Initiative in Salvation**, as believers are explicitly referred to as those "whom thou hast given me," echoing sentiments found earlier in the Gospel, such as [John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All the Father Gives Will Come"). Furthermore, the theme of **Glorification and Eternal Life** is central, as Jesus' prayer moves beyond mere salvation to the ultimate destiny of believers: to participate in and behold His divine glory. This anticipates the future hope of the church, where believers will finally experience full fellowship with God, as promised in passages like [1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall See Him As We Are").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **will (Greek, _thélō'_):** This word, used by Jesus, signifies more than a mere wish or desire; it denotes a strong, authoritative purpose or determination. Unlike *boulomai* (which might imply passive acquiescence), *thélō* conveys an active choice, an intent, or a divine resolve. In this context, it underscores the certainty and power behind Jesus' intercession for His followers, indicating that His prayer for their ultimate destiny is not a hopeful plea but a declaration of divine will that will assuredly come to pass.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to seem" or "to think," *dóxa* here refers to the inherent splendor, majesty, honor, and radiant manifestation of God's character and presence. It encompasses the intrinsic divine nature of Christ. For believers to "behold" this glory implies not just a visual observation but a profound, experiential encounter with the very essence of Christ's divine being, a participation in His radiant majesty that transcends earthly understanding.
* **lovedst (Greek, _agapáō'_):** This verb signifies a deep, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love, characteristic of God's nature. In this verse, it describes the eternal love existing between the Father and the Son "before the foundation of the world." This *agapē* love is the ultimate foundation for all of God's redemptive plan, including the Father's giving of believers to the Son and the Son's desire for their glorification. It speaks to the secure and immutable basis of our salvation and future hope.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am":** Jesus addresses God as "Father," emphasizing the intimate, familial relationship within the Trinity, which forms the basis of His prayer. His declaration, "I will," signifies a divine, authoritative desire and purpose for His followers. These followers are identified as those "whom thou hast given me," highlighting the Father's sovereign act in drawing individuals to Christ and entrusting them to Him. The ultimate desire is for these believers to "be with me where I am," pointing to an eternal, intimate fellowship and co-existence with Christ in His heavenly, glorified state. This is the ultimate goal of salvation—not merely escape from judgment, but presence with the Savior.
* **"that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me":** This clause reveals the profound *purpose* of being with Christ. The goal is not just presence, but active participation in and observation of His "glory." This refers to the inherent divine splendor, majesty, and radiant nature of Christ. The phrase "which thou hast given me" reiterates that this glory is not something Christ earned, but something eternally possessed and shared with the Father, underscoring His pre-existence and divine equality within the Godhead. Beholding this glory means experiencing the fullness of His divine being.
* **"for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.":** This final clause provides the ultimate *foundation* and *reason* for Jesus' prayer and the certainty of its fulfillment. The entire plan of salvation, including the Father's giving of believers to the Son and their future glorification, is rooted in the eternal, pre-creational love that existed between the Father and the Son. This "before the foundation of the world" emphasizes the eternal nature of God's plan and the timeless, boundless love within the Trinity, assuring believers that their destiny is secure in this ancient, unfathomable divine affection.

#### Literary Devices
[John 17:24](/john/17-24 "John 17:24 - Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples' Future Glory") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. The entire chapter is an example of **Intercession**, as Jesus, acting as the ultimate High Priest, pleads on behalf of His followers, demonstrating His mediatorial role. There is a powerful use of **Emphasis** through repetition, particularly with the phrase "thou hast given me," which appears multiple times in [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - The High Priestly Prayer") (vv. 2, 6, 9, 11, 12, 22, 24). This repetition underscores the Father's sovereign initiative in salvation and the secure relationship between the Father, Son, and believers. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is evident in the concept of "glory," which represents not just a visible radiance but the very essence of Christ's divine nature and majesty. To "behold" this glory is a symbolic representation of ultimate intimacy, full understanding, and shared participation in the divine life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the believer's ultimate hope and the depth of God's redemptive plan. It powerfully articulates the eschatological reality of being with Christ, not merely in a spatial sense, but in a profound, experiential union where His divine glory is fully revealed and apprehended. This future state is not a contingent hope but a certainty, grounded in the eternal, pre-existent love between the Father and the Son. It highlights the Trinitarian nature of salvation: the Father's sovereign giving, the Son's intercessory will, and the ultimate purpose of revealing Christ's glory, which is intrinsically tied to the divine nature shared by the Father and the Son. Our salvation is thus an invitation into the very fellowship of the Godhead, secured by a love that predates creation itself.

* [John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Promises to Return")
* [1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall See Him As We Are")
* [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - No Need for Sun in New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 17:24](/john/17-24 "John 17:24 - Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples' Future Glory") offers immense comfort and profound assurance to every believer. It reveals that our ultimate destiny is not merely to escape judgment or to reside in a generic "heaven," but to enter into an eternal, intimate, and glorious fellowship with Jesus Christ Himself. This promise transforms our perspective on suffering, loss, and the uncertainties of life, anchoring our hope in a divine reality that transcends all earthly circumstances. Knowing that Jesus Himself *wills* our presence with Him, and that this will is rooted in the Father's eternal love, provides an unshakable foundation for our faith. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, allowing the anticipation of beholding Christ's glory to shape our values, priorities, and daily walk, inspiring us to pursue holiness and live lives that reflect the glory we are destined to share.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' "will" for your presence with Him impact your understanding of your value and security in Christ?**
* **What does "beholding Christ's glory" mean to you personally, and how might this future reality shape your present desires and pursuits?**
* **How does the eternal love between the Father and the Son, as the foundation for your salvation, deepen your appreciation for God's grace?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for believers to "behold my glory"?**

Answer: To "behold my glory" means to experience a profound, unmediated, and intimate encounter with the inherent divine splendor, majesty, and radiant nature of Jesus Christ. It's not merely a visual observation but a full apprehension of His divine essence, power, and character. This is the ultimate culmination of salvation, where believers will see Christ as He truly is, without the limitations of earthly perception or the veil of sin. It implies a participation in His glory, a transformation into His likeness, and an eternal, joyful fellowship in His presence. This promise is echoed in [1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall See Him As We Are"), which states, "we shall see him as he is."

**Does "whom thou hast given me" imply predestination, and how does it relate to human free will?**

Answer: The phrase "whom thou hast given me" strongly emphasizes God the Father's sovereign initiative in salvation. It highlights that believers are not merely individuals who chose Christ, but those whom the Father, in His eternal plan, has drawn and entrusted to the Son. This aligns with other passages in [John's Gospel](/john/6 "John 6 - Jesus the Bread of Life"), such as [John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All the Father Gives Will Come to Me") ("All that the Father giveth me shall come to me") and [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - No One Can Come Unless the Father Draws Him") ("No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him"). While this emphasizes divine sovereignty, it does not negate human responsibility or the call to believe. The Bible presents both God's sovereign election and human response as true, holding them in a divine tension that underscores God's active role in bringing people to Himself while still calling for faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 17:24](/john/17-24 "John 17:24 - Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples' Future Glory") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the glory He desires for His followers to behold. His incarnation was the veiled manifestation of this glory ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension represent the path through which humanity can access this divine presence. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus broke the barrier of sin that separated humanity from God's glory, and through His resurrection, He inaugurated the new creation, promising a future where believers will be fully conformed to His glorious image. The Spirit's indwelling now grants us a foretaste of this glory ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image")), but the prayer of [John 17:24](/john/17-24 "John 17:24 - Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples' Future Glory") anticipates the eschatological reality where, united with Christ, we will inherit His glory as co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). This is the ultimate consummation of our salvation: to be with Christ, where He is, forever beholding and participating in the radiant splendor that the Father eternally bestowed upon His beloved Son, making us partakers of His divine nature ([2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature")).

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 17:5

And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

John 12:26

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will [my] Father honour.

John 14:3

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

1 John 3:2

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Genesis 45:13

And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither.

Matthew 25:21

His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.