John 17:9

KJV

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

KJV (with Strong's)

I {G1473} pray {G2065} for {G4012} them {G846}: I pray {G2065} not {G3756} for {G4012} the world {G2889}, but {G235} for {G4012} them which {G3739} thou hast given {G1325} me {G3427}; for {G3754} they are {G1526} thine {G4674}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given to me, because they are yours.

Berean Standard Bible

I ask on their behalf. I do not ask on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those You have given Me; for they are Yours.

American Standard Version

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me; for they are thine:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 17:9 captures a profound moment in Jesus' "High Priestly Prayer," where He specifically intercedes for His immediate disciples and, by extension, for all future believers whom the Father has entrusted to Him. This verse powerfully distinguishes the objects of His present intercession from "the world," emphasizing the unique, divinely-ordained relationship between the Father, the Son, and those who belong to them, highlighting their secure position and distinct identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' Farewell Discourse and High Priestly Prayer, spanning [John 13](/john/13 "John 13 - The Last Supper and Farewell Discourse") through [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer"). Following His intimate teachings, the washing of the disciples' feet, and the institution of the Last Supper, Jesus prepares His disciples for His imminent departure. [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer") itself is structured as a three-part prayer: Jesus prays for Himself and His glorification ([John 17:1-5](/john/17-1-5 "John 17:1-5 - Jesus Prays for His Own Glorification")), then for His disciples whom the Father has given Him ([John 17:6-19](/john/17-6-19 "John 17:6-19 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples")), and finally for all future believers ([John 17:20-26](/john/17-20-26 "John 17:20-26 - Jesus Prays for All Future Believers")). Verse 9 falls squarely within the second section, articulating the specific focus of Jesus' intercession for those already committed to Him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' prayer takes place in Jerusalem, likely in the upper room or on the way to Gethsemane, just hours before His betrayal and crucifixion. This setting imbues the prayer with immense gravity and urgency. Intercessory prayer was a common practice in Judaism, with prophets and righteous individuals often interceding on behalf of God's people. Jesus, as the ultimate High Priest, embodies and perfects this role. The concept of "the world" (Greek: _kosmos_) in Johannine theology often carries a nuanced meaning, referring not merely to the physical creation but to humanity in its fallen, rebellious state, alienated from God. This distinction would have been understood by the disciples as a separation between those who follow God's ways and those who are opposed to them, a tension often felt by the Jewish people in their interactions with the surrounding Gentile world.

* **Key Themes:** John 17:9 contributes significantly to several major themes in the Gospel of John and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' specific and personal intercession** for His chosen ones, demonstrating His role as the compassionate Shepherd who knows His sheep by name, as seen in [John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"). Secondly, it underscores the **radical distinction between believers and "the world,"** a pervasive Johannine theme where "the world" represents a system hostile to God, as opposed to those who are "not of the world" but sent into it ([John 17:14-16](/john/17-14-16 "John 17:14-16 - Believers are in the World but Not of It")). Thirdly, the verse powerfully affirms the **divine initiative and ownership in salvation**, emphasizing that believers are "given" by the Father to the Son and are inherently "thine" (the Father's), reinforcing the security and eternal nature of their relationship with God, a truth also found in [John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All Whom the Father Gives Will Come to Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pray (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** This word means "to interrogate; by implication, to request." While it can mean "ask" in a general sense, in this context, especially when directed from Jesus to the Father, it carries the weight of a solemn request or entreaty. It signifies Jesus' active and earnest intercession, not a casual asking, but a deep, purposeful petition on behalf of His disciples.
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb means "to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)." Here, it denotes the Father's sovereign act of entrusting individuals to the Son. It implies a divine election and a transfer of stewardship, highlighting that the disciples' relationship with Jesus is not merely a human choice but a divine appointment.
* **world (Greek, _kósmos'_):** This term, meaning "orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))," is used by John with significant theological nuance. While it can refer to the created universe, in this context, it specifically refers to humanity in its fallen, unredeemed state, alienated from God and often characterized by hostility toward divine truth and those who embody it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I pray for them:"** Jesus initiates His specific intercession. The "them" here refers to the disciples who are with Him, those who have believed in Him and have been His companions throughout His ministry. This is a direct, personal, and immediate focus of His prayer.
* **"I pray not for the world,"** This clause introduces a critical distinction. Jesus explicitly states that His prayer at this moment is not for "the world" in its state of rebellion and unbelief. This does not negate God's universal love or desire for all to be saved, but rather highlights the specific nature of this particular intercession for His consecrated followers, distinct from humanity in general.
* **"but for them which thou hast given me;"** This clarifies and reinforces the object of His prayer. The "them" are precisely those individuals whom the Father, in His sovereign will, has "given" or entrusted to Jesus. This emphasizes the divine initiative in salvation and the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son in the work of redemption.
* **"for they are thine."** This final clause provides the profound theological basis for Jesus' intercession. The reason He prays for them is because they belong to the Father. This underscores the divine ownership of believers, establishing their secure position within the Godhead's loving plan and affirming their eternal belonging to God.

#### Literary Devices
John 17:9 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as Jesus explicitly juxtaposes "them" (His disciples) with "the world." This sharp distinction serves to highlight the unique status and divine election of believers, setting them apart from the broader, unredeemed humanity. The verse also features **Emphasis** through repetition and direct statement, particularly in the repeated phrase "I pray for them" and the definitive declaration "they are thine." This repetition underscores the importance of Jesus' intercession and the secure identity of His followers. Furthermore, the entire prayer is an act of **Intercession**, a literary and theological device that portrays Jesus in His role as the mediator between God and humanity, specifically advocating for His own. This intercessory prayer highlights His compassionate and priestly nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 17:9 is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of Christ's high priestly ministry and the security of the believer. It reveals the intimate and purposeful relationship within the Trinity concerning the salvation and preservation of God's people. The Father's act of "giving" individuals to the Son signifies divine election and sovereign grace, while Jesus' specific intercession underscores His ongoing advocacy for those who belong to Him. The distinction from "the world" emphasizes the unique identity and calling of believers, who are set apart for God's purposes, yet remain in the world as His representatives. This verse assures believers of their divine ownership and the unwavering care of Christ, who continues to intercede for them at the right hand of the Father.

* [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession for Believers")
* [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Jesus Lives to Intercede")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 17:9 offers immense comfort and profound theological insight for believers today. It reminds us that our salvation is not a random occurrence but is rooted in the eternal, sovereign plan of God, where the Father has specifically "given" us to the Son. This divine initiative assures us of our secure standing in Christ, knowing that the Son Himself intercedes for us. In a world that often seeks to conform us to its values, this verse powerfully reinforces our distinct identity as God's own, called to live "in" the world but not "of" it. It should instill in us a deep sense of belonging, purpose, and security, knowing that we are cherished by both the Father and the Son, and that our High Priest continually advocates for us, protecting us from the schemes of the enemy and preserving us for eternal life. This truth should empower us to live boldly for Christ, confident in His unwavering care and our unshakeable position in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' specific intercession for "them" (His disciples) in this verse deepen your understanding of His personal care for you as a believer?**
* **What does it mean for your daily life to know that you are "given" by the Father to the Son and that you "are thine" (the Father's)?**
* **In what ways do you experience the tension of being "in the world but not of the world," and how does this verse encourage you in that tension?**

### FAQ
**Does Jesus' statement "I pray not for the world" mean that God does not love the world or desire its salvation?**

Answer: No, Jesus' statement in [John 17:9](/john/17-9 "John 17:9 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples, Not the World") does not mean that God does not love the world or desire its salvation. The Bible clearly teaches God's universal love for humanity, as seen in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World"). The phrase "the world" (Greek: _kosmos_) in John's Gospel often refers to humanity in its fallen, rebellious state, alienated from God. In this specific prayer, Jesus is not offering a general prayer for the salvation of all humanity, but a focused, high priestly intercession for a particular group: His disciples and, by extension, those who would come to believe through their testimony. This prayer is about their preservation, sanctification, and unity as they live in a hostile world. It highlights the distinct spiritual reality of those who belong to God, rather than negating God's broader redemptive plan for all people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 17:9 finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' ongoing role as our great High Priest, who not only offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice but also continually intercedes for His people. His prayer for "them which thou hast given me" foreshadows His perpetual advocacy for believers at the right hand of God, as affirmed in [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession for Believers"). The divine act of the Father "giving" believers to the Son underscores the eternal security of those in Christ, a truth that echoes in Jesus' promise that no one can snatch His sheep out of His hand or the Father's hand ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - No One Can Snatch My Sheep")). This verse reveals the intimate, unbreakable bond between the Father, the Son, and the redeemed, showcasing Jesus as the faithful Mediator who ensures the preservation and ultimate glorification of all who are "thine." His intercession is not a past event but an eternal reality, securing our position and empowering us to live as His own, distinct from the world, until His return ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Jesus Lives to Intercede")).

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

Hebrews 9:24

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

John 17:2

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

John 17:6

¶ I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

Luke 22:32

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

John 17:20

¶ Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

John 14:16

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

1 John 5:19

[And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.