John 17:18
What does John 17:18 mean?
A plain-English look at John 17:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 17:18 means
Jesus draws a parallel between His own mission and that of His disciples: just as the Father sent Him into the world, so Jesus now sends His disciples into the world. This verse establishes the apostolic commission, indicating that the disciples are not just to be preserved but also to be active participants in God's redemptive plan. Their mission is a continuation of Jesus' own, emphasizing both the privilege and the demanding nature of their calling.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world.
KJV
King James Version · 1611As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Even as you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862as Thou didst send me to the world, I also did send them to the world;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752As thou hast sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890As thou hast sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world;
Context
This verse provides the critical *purpose* for the disciples' continued presence in the world and the necessity of their sanctification. It links their holiness requests to their outward mission. It follows naturally from the prayer for their sanctification in truth, as holiness is essential for effective gospel proclamation, setting the stage for Jesus' personal commitment to their sanctification.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 5:20
We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.
- Matthew 23:34
Therefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: some of them shall ye kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city:
- Matthew 10:5
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and charged them, saying, Go not into any way of the Gentiles, and enter not into any city of the Samaritans:
- John 17:21
that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me.
- John 17:23
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that thou didst send me, and lovedst them, even as thou lovedst me.
- Ephesians 3:7
whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power.
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