John 17:12
What does John 17:12 mean?
A plain-English look at John 17:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 17:12 means
Jesus recounts His faithful guardianship of His disciples during His earthly ministry. He testifies that He kept them safe and protected them in the Father's name, ensuring that none of them were lost, except for Judas Iscariot, whom He designates as the "son of perdition." This exception was a fulfillment of Old Testament scripture, demonstrating that even betrayal was part of God's sovereign plan. Jesus' past faithfulness forms the basis for His present request for their continued preservation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000While I was with them, I kept them in thy name which thou hast given me: and I guarded them, and not one of them perished, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
KJV
King James Version · 1611While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901While I was with them, I kept them in thy name which thou hast given me: and I guarded them, and not one of them perished, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949While I was with them I kept them safe in your name which you have given to me: I took care of them and not one of them has come to destruction, but only the son of destruction, so that the Writings might come true.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862when I was with them in the world, I was keeping them in Thy name; those whom Thou hast given to me I did guard, and none of them was destroyed, except the son of the destruction, that the Writing may be fulfilled.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752While I was with them, I kept them in thy name. Those whom thou gavest me have I kept: and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition: that the scripture may be fulfilled.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890When I was with them I kept them in thy name; those thou hast given me I have guarded, and not one of them has perished, but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled.
Context
This verse grounds Jesus' request for the disciples' preservation (from verse 11) in His own past faithfulness. It serves as a reminder of His diligent care while He was physically present with them, contrasting it with His coming absence. The mention of Judas sets a grim but scripturally foretold exception, highlighting the sovereignty of God even in human failure, and prepares for the challenges the remaining disciples will face.
v.11And 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.
v.12This passage
v.13But now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3
let no man beguile you in any wise: for it will not be, except the falling away come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition,
- John 13:18
I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth my bread lifted up his heel against me.
- Acts 1:25
to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.
- John 6:70
Jesus answered them, Did not I choose you the twelve, and one of you is a devil?
- Acts 1:16
Brethren, it was needful that the scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spake before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to them that took Jesus.
- John 6:39
And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.
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