Devine Scripture

John 17:23

What does John 17:23 mean?

A plain-English look at John 17:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 17:23 means

Jesus further expounds on the nature of this unity, portraying it as an indwelling reality: He in believers, and the Father in Him. This reciprocal indwelling perfects believers into a complete and mature oneness. The ultimate purpose of this perfected unity is again outward-focused: that the world may clearly perceive that the Father sent Jesus and that He loved believers with the same profound love with which He loved His Son. Unity serves as a visible demonstration of divine love and truth.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I in them, and you in me, so that they may be made completely one, and so that it may become clear to all men that you have sent me and that they are loved by you as I am loved by you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I in them, and Thou in me, that they may be perfected into one, and that the world may know that Thou didst send me, and didst love them as Thou didst love me.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I in them, and thou in me: that they may be made perfect in one: and the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them, as thou hast also loved me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I in them and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one [and] that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and [that] thou hast loved them as thou hast loved me.

Context

This verse builds upon the concept of shared glory and unity from verse 22, deepening the understanding of their spiritual reality. It focuses on the indwelling dynamic of the Godhead as the pattern for and power behind believers' unity, solidifying the idea that this oneness is spiritual and profound. The reiterated evangelistic purpose emphasizes the outward impact of this perfected unity.

v.22And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we are one;

v.23This passage

v.24Father, I desire that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

Cross references

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

  • Colossians 1:28

    whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ;

  • John 16:27

    for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came forth from the Father.

  • 1 Peter 5:10

    And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.

  • 1 John 4:19

    We love, because he first loved us.

  • Romans 8:10

    And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the spirit is life because of righteousness.

  • Colossians 2:9

    for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily,

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