Devine Scripture

John 17:19

What does John 17:19 mean?

A plain-English look at John 17:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 17:19 means

Jesus declares that He sanctifies—or sets apart—Himself for the sake of His disciples. This self-sanctification refers to His complete dedication and consecration to the Father's will, supremely culminating in His atoning sacrifice on the cross. The purpose of His self-sacrifice is so that His disciples might also truly be sanctified in truth, enabled by His finished work. His holiness and sacrifice are the foundation and means for their own holiness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And for them I make myself holy, so that they may be made truly holy.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and for them do I sanctify myself, that they also themselves may be sanctified in truth.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And for them do I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and I sanctify myself for them, that they also may be sanctified by truth.

Context

This verse deepens the concept of sanctification introduced in verse 17, revealing Jesus' active and personal role in enabling it for His disciples. It provides the ultimate theological basis for their sanctification, moving from the *means* (God's Word) to the *power* (Jesus' sacrificial consecration). This understanding is foundational for the subsequent expansion of Jesus' prayer to all future believers, as His work benefits them too.

v.18As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world.

v.19This passage

v.20Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Timothy 2:10

    Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

  • Hebrews 10:5

    Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, But a body didst thou prepare for me;

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:7

    For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:15

    For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound unto the glory of God.

  • Hebrews 9:26

    else must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once at the end of the ages hath he been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

  • Jeremiah 1:5

    Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee; I have appointed thee a prophet unto the nations.

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.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to John 17:19.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary