John 17:11
What does John 17:11 mean?
A plain-English look at John 17:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 17:11 means
Jesus acknowledges His imminent departure from the world to return to the Father, while His disciples will remain. He prays specifically for the Father to keep them in His holy name, which the Father had given to Jesus. The central purpose of this preservation is that the disciples may be unified, mirroring the perfect oneness that exists between the Father and the Son. This emphasis on unity underscores its supreme importance for their witness in the world.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And now I will be no longer in the world, but they are in the world and I come to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name which you have given to me, so that they may be one even as we are one.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and no more am I in the world, and these are in the world, and I come unto Thee. Holy Father, keep them in Thy name, whom Thou hast given to me, that they may be one as we;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And now I am not in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name whom thou hast given me: that they may be one, as we also are.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And I am no longer in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one as we.
Context
This verse marks a critical juncture in the prayer, articulating the challenge presented by Jesus' departure and the ensuing need for divine protection for His disciples. It moves from general prayer for them to a specific request for their preservation and unity, which becomes a major theme. This sets the stage for the practical implications of their being "in the world" without Jesus' physical presence.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 20:22
Nevertheless I withdrew my hand, and wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I brought them forth.
- Ephesians 4:4
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling;
- 1 Corinthians 12:12
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.
- Isaiah 27:3
I Jehovah am its keeper; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.
- Hebrews 9:24
For Christ entered not into a holy place made with hands, like in pattern to the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for us:
- Jeremiah 14:21
Do not abhor us, for thy name’s sake; do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.
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