Devine Scripture

John 17:20

What does John 17:20 mean?

A plain-English look at John 17:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 17:20 means

Jesus explicitly expands the scope of His intercession beyond His immediate eleven disciples. He prays not only for them but also for all future believers—those who will come to faith in Him through the message and testimony of these first disciples. This forward-looking prayer encompasses the entire Church throughout history, demonstrating Jesus' comprehensive love and concern for all His people, bridging the gap between His historical ministry and all subsequent generations.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

My prayer is not for them only, but for all who will have faith in me through their word;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And not in regard to these alone do I ask, but also in regard to those who shall be believing, through their word, in me;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And not for them only do I pray, but for them also who through their word shall believe in me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And I do not demand for these only, but also for those who believe on me through their word;

Context

This verse marks a significant expansion of the prayer, moving from the inner circle of disciples to all future believers. It follows naturally from Jesus' statements about their mission (verse 18) and His self-sanctification (verse 19), recognizing that the fruit of these actions will extend far beyond His immediate audience. This broadens the prayer's relevance to all who ever come to faith in Christ.

v.19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.

v.20This passage

v.21that 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.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Timothy 1:2

    to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

  • Romans 15:18

    For I will not dare to speak of any things save those which Christ wrought through me, for the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed,

  • Acts 2:41

    They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls.

  • Acts 4:4

    But many of them that heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

  • Ephesians 4:11

    And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

  • Romans 16:26

    but now is manifested, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith:

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