John 17:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} now {G3568}, O Father {G3962}, glorify {G1392} thou {G4771} me {G3165} with {G3844} thine own self {G4572} with the glory {G1391} which {G3739} I had {G2192} with {G3844} thee {G4671} before {G4253} the world {G2889} was {G1511}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, Father, glorify me alongside yourself. Give me the same glory I had with you before the world existed.

Berean Standard Bible

And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this poignant moment of His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus, having completed His earthly mission to glorify the Father, now turns to request His own glorification. He appeals to the Father to restore Him to the inherent divine glory He shared with the Father in the eternal past, before the very foundation of the created world. This request underscores His pre-existence, co-equality, and the profound condescension of His incarnation, anticipating His triumphant return to the full manifestation of His divine majesty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 17:5 is nestled within Jesus' profound "High Priestly Prayer," a unique and intimate intercession recorded in [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer"). This prayer, uttered in the shadow of His impending arrest, trial, and crucifixion, marks the culmination of His public ministry and private instruction to His disciples. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus declares that He has glorified the Father on earth by finishing the work given to Him ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). Having fulfilled His redemptive task, Jesus now shifts His focus from the Father's glory to His own, requesting the restoration of a glory that predates creation, thereby setting the stage for His ultimate exaltation and return to the Father.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "glory" (Hebrew: *kavod*, Greek: *doxa*) held deep significance in Jewish thought, often associated with God's visible presence (the Shekinah glory, as seen in the tabernacle and temple), His inherent majesty, and His manifest power. For Jesus to speak of a glory He "had with the Father before the world was" would have been a staggering claim to His Jewish listeners, asserting not merely a prophetic anointing but a divine pre-existence and co-equality with Yahweh Himself. This claim directly challenged conventional monotheistic understanding while simultaneously fulfilling the deepest messianic hopes, presenting a unique theological paradigm that would become foundational to Christian doctrine. The setting, likely the Upper Room or en route to Gethsemane, intensifies the gravity of this prayer, as Jesus consciously prepares for the ultimate act of self-humiliation that would paradoxically lead to His ultimate glorification.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes in John's Gospel and broader New Testament theology. Firstly, it emphatically asserts the **Pre-existence of Christ**, establishing His divine identity as eternally co-existent with the Father, not a created being, but the Creator Himself, as profoundly articulated in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God"). Secondly, it highlights the concept of **Divine Glory Shared by Father and Son**, emphasizing that the glory Jesus seeks is not a new acquisition but the inherent, eternal splendor that defines the Godhead. His earthly mission, including His suffering and death, was the means by which this glory, temporarily veiled in His incarnation, would be fully manifested and restored. Thirdly, it implicitly points to the **Unity of the Godhead (Trinity)**, showcasing the intimate and eternal relationship between the Father and the Son, sharing the same divine essence and glory, yet distinct in their persons. Finally, it underscores the **Purpose of the Incarnation**, revealing that Jesus came from glory, willingly emptied Himself of its full manifestation to accomplish salvation ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")), and now prays for His return to that full, unveiled glory, signifying the completion of His redemptive work and the triumph of God's plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **glorify (Greek, _doxázō'_):** From G1392, meaning "to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)." In this context, Jesus is not asking for something He does not inherently possess, but for the full re-manifestation and recognition of His intrinsic divine glory, which was veiled during His earthly condescension. It signifies the Father's active role in exalting the Son after His redemptive work.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From G1391, meaning "glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):--dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship." This refers to the inherent, eternal splendor, majesty, and divine essence that Jesus shared with the Father from eternity past. It is the very nature of God made manifest.
* **world (Greek, _kósmos'_):** From G2889, meaning "orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))." Here, "the world" refers to the created order, the universe, and humanity within it. The phrase "before the world was" (combining G4253 _pró_ "before," G2889 _kósmos_ "world," and G1511 _eînai_ "to exist") emphatically declares Jesus' pre-existence prior to all creation, asserting His eternal, uncreated nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now, O Father,"**: This opening phrase signifies a pivotal transition in Jesus' prayer. "And now" (G2532 _kaí_ G3568 _nŷn_) marks a shift from His completed earthly work (as stated in [John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")) to His personal request for glorification. The direct address, "O Father," underscores the intimate, unique, and eternal relationship between the Son and the Father, highlighting the divine family dynamic within the Godhead.
* **"glorify thou me with thine own self"**: This is the core petition. Jesus asks the Father to glorify Him. The phrase "with thine own self" (G3844 _pará_ G4572 _seautoû_) implies a shared glory, a glory that emanates from the Father's very being and is intrinsically united with Him. It's a request for the Father to manifest the Son's inherent divine splendor, which was temporarily veiled during the incarnation, now that His redemptive work is complete.
* **"with the glory which I had with thee"**: This clause clarifies the nature of the glory being requested. It is not a new glory, nor an acquired status, but the very glory (G1391 _dóxa_) that Jesus already possessed (G2192 _échō_) in eternal pre-existence alongside the Father (G3844 _pará_ G4671 _soí_). This powerfully asserts Christ's co-equality and co-eternality with God the Father.
* **"before the world was."**: This concluding phrase provides the definitive temporal marker for Jesus' pre-existence. "Before the world was" (G4253 _pró_ G2889 _kósmos_ G1511 _eînai_) unequivocally states that Jesus, in His divine nature, existed prior to the creation of the cosmos. This is a profound declaration of His eternal deity, placing Him outside of and above all created order, as the uncreated Creator.

#### Literary Devices
John 17:5 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. The entire chapter is framed as a **Prayer**, specifically an **Intercessory Prayer**, where Jesus speaks directly to God the Father, revealing the intimate communion within the Godhead. This prayer functions as a theological testament, articulating core truths about Jesus' identity and mission. The concept of **Glory** serves as a central motif, not merely as an attribute but as a shared essence between Father and Son, highlighting the **Divine Unity** within the Trinity. The phrase "before the world was" is a powerful use of **Hyperbole** (in its theological sense, emphasizing eternal pre-existence) and **Chronological Marker**, establishing Jesus' timelessness and uncreated nature. This declaration also functions as a profound statement of **Incarnational Theology**, emphasizing the immense condescension of Christ who, possessing infinite glory, willingly veiled it to enter human history and accomplish salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 17:5 is a theological cornerstone, asserting the eternal pre-existence and co-equality of Jesus Christ with God the Father. It reveals that the glory Jesus seeks is not a new honor, but the restoration and full manifestation of the intrinsic divine splendor He eternally shared with the Father before creation. This profound truth underpins the entire Christian understanding of salvation, for it is only a divine Savior, one who existed before all things and shares the very essence of God, who possesses the authority and power to redeem humanity from sin and death. His return to this glory signifies the successful completion of His redemptive work and His triumphant return to His rightful place at the Father's side, eternally interceding for His people.

* [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Eternal Word")
* [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")
* [Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ's Supremacy and Pre-existence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 17:5 invites us into the very heart of the Godhead, revealing the eternal, intimate relationship between the Father and the Son and the staggering reality of Christ's pre-existence. This verse should fill believers with profound awe and gratitude. The One who died for our sins is not merely a historical figure or a great teacher, but the eternal God, who willingly laid aside the full manifestation of His glory to enter our broken world, experience our suffering, and secure our salvation. His prayer for glorification, therefore, is not a selfish request but the culmination of His redemptive mission, assuring us that His work is complete, accepted by the Father, and eternally effective. This truth provides immense assurance for our faith, knowing that our salvation rests on the unshakeable foundation of an eternal, all-powerful God. It also calls us to a deeper worship, recognizing the incomprehensible love and humility displayed by our Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' prayer for the restoration of His pre-existent glory deepen your understanding of His divine nature and His sacrifice?**
* **What does it mean for your faith to know that the One who accomplished your salvation is the eternal Son of God, who existed "before the world was"?**
* **How might meditating on Christ's shared glory with the Father before creation impact your worship and daily walk?**

### FAQ

**What does "glory which I had with thee before the world was" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a profound declaration of Jesus' eternal pre-existence and His co-equality with God the Father. It means that Jesus, in His divine nature, existed in perfect communion and shared divine splendor with the Father prior to the creation of the universe. He is not a created being, but the uncreated Creator. The "glory" refers to the inherent majesty, splendor, and divine essence that is unique to God. His incarnation involved a temporary veiling or setting aside of the full manifestation of this glory, not a divestment of His deity. His prayer in [John 17:5](/john/17-5 "John 17:5 - Jesus Prays for His Glory") is a request for the full re-manifestation of this eternal glory after completing His redemptive work on earth.

**Why does Jesus pray for glorification if He already possesses it eternally?**

Answer: Jesus' prayer for glorification is not a request for something He lacked, but for the full, unveiled manifestation of the glory He eternally possessed with the Father. During His earthly ministry, His divine glory was largely veiled by His humanity, though glimpses of it were seen, such as at the Transfiguration ([Matthew 17:1-8](/matthew/17-1-8 "Matthew 17:1-8 - The Transfiguration")). Having completed the Father's will and accomplished salvation through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus now prays for His rightful return to the full expression of His divine majesty. This glorification is the Father's affirmation of the Son's finished work and His exaltation to the highest place ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - God Exalts Christ")).

**How does this verse relate to believers' hope and future?**

Answer: This verse is foundational to the believer's hope because it confirms the divine authority and efficacy of Christ's redemptive work. The One who died for us is the eternal Son of God, fully capable of conquering sin and death. His glorification signifies the acceptance of His sacrifice by the Father and His triumphant return to power. This ensures that His ongoing intercession for us is eternally powerful ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")), and that the promise of future glory for believers is secure. Just as Christ was glorified after His suffering, believers are promised a share in His glory ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")) and a future with Him in the Father's presence ([John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 17:5 stands as a profound Christ-centered declaration, revealing the very heart of the gospel: the eternal Son of God, who existed in unimaginable glory with the Father "before the world was," willingly condescended to become human. This prayer for glorification is not a request for a new status, but for the full re-manifestation of His inherent divine majesty, now completed through His redemptive work. His return to this glory is the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for salvation, ensuring that the One who conquered sin and death is indeed the eternal, all-sufficient Savior. The glory He now possesses at the Father's right hand ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Exaltation")) is the guarantee of our salvation, the power behind His ongoing intercession for us ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")), and the promise of our future glorification with Him ([Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ Our Life, Our Glory")). Thus, Jesus' glorification is the cornerstone upon which all Christian hope is built, demonstrating that His earthly journey, culminating in the cross and resurrection, was the divinely ordained path to fully reveal His eternal glory and secure eternal life for all who believe.

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 1:1

¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:3

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Colossians 1:15

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Colossians 1:17

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

1 Peter 1:20

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

John 10:30

I and [my] Father are one.

Philippians 2:6

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: