John 17:14
What does John 17:14 mean?
A plain-English look at John 17:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 17:14 means
Jesus explains the source of conflict the disciples will face: He has given them the Father's word, and because of this, "the world" has hated them. This hatred stems from the fact that the disciples, by receiving God's word and aligning with Christ, are no longer characterized by the values and spirit of the world, just as Jesus Himself is distinct from it. This verse highlights the inevitable spiritual antagonism between believers and the unbelieving world.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I have given your word to them; and they are hated by the world, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I have given to them Thy word, and the world did hate them, because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I have given them thy word, and the world hath hated them: because they are not of the world, as I also am not of the world.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I have given them thy word, and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world.
Context
This verse justifies Jesus' earlier distinction between His disciples and "the world" (verse 9), and further explains the need for their preservation. It directly follows the mention of His desire for their joy, presenting the reality of opposition they will face. This context deepens the urgency of Jesus' subsequent prayers for their protection from evil and their sanctification, as they must navigate a hostile environment.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 3:15
and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
- Zechariah 11:8
And I cut off the three shepherds in one month; for my soul was weary of them, and their soul also loathed me.
- Proverbs 29:27
An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous; And he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
- 1 John 5:19
We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in the evil one.
- John 15:18
If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you.
- John 8:23
And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
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