John 17:13
What does John 17:13 mean?
A plain-English look at John 17:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 17:13 means
Jesus reiterates His imminent return to the Father but explains His purpose in speaking these things *now* while still in the world: it is so that His disciples may experience the fullness of His joy. This joy is not a temporary emotion but a deep, abiding spiritual gladness rooted in their relationship with Him and the Father, even amidst trials. Jesus desires them to possess His own complete joy, not just a measure of it, as they face the future.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And now I come to you; and these things I say in the world so that they may have my joy complete in them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And now unto Thee I come, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And now I come to thee: and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy filled in themselves.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And now I come to thee. And these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in them.
Context
Following His account of past guardianship and His request for future keeping, Jesus now clarifies the *purpose* behind His current prayer. This verse frames the entire prayer as an act of love designed to imbue His disciples with His completed joy. It provides a motivational aspect to the ensuing prayers for their well-being, shifting focus from mere protection to spiritual flourishing.
v.12While 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.
v.13This passage
v.14I have given them thy word; and the world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 3:29
He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, that standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is made full.
- John 16:33
These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
- Acts 13:52
And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
- 2 John 1:12
Having many things to write unto you, I would not write them with paper and ink: but I hope to come unto you, and to speak face to face, that your joy may be made full.
- John 16:22
And ye therefore now have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh away from you.
- Psalms 126:5
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 17
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 17.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About the Holiness of God
God’s holiness is a central attribute of His being, distinguishing Him as set apart, pure, and perfect in every way.
Topic
Bible Verses About Biblical Inerrancy
Biblical inerrancy is the belief that the Bible, in its original manuscripts, is without error or fault in all of its teachings.
Topic
Bible Verses About Sanctification
Sanctification is the process of being set apart for God's service and growing in holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.