John 17:24
What does John 17:24 mean?
A plain-English look at John 17:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 17:24 means
Jesus expresses a deeply personal desire to the Father: that those whom the Father has given Him—all believers—would ultimately be with Him in His heavenly dwelling. The purpose of this desire is so that they may personally witness and apprehend His glory, which the Father had given Him due to their eternal pre-incarnate love. This verse points to the future hope of eternal communion with Christ and participation in His unveiled divine splendor.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Father, 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Father, I will 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Father, 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Father, it is my desire that these whom you have given to me may be by my side where I am, so that they may see my glory which you have given to me, because you had love for me before the world came into being.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Father, those whom Thou hast given to me, I will that where I am they also may be with me, that they may behold my glory that Thou didst give to me, because Thou didst love me before the foundation of the world.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Father, I will that where I am, they also whom thou hast given me may be with me: that they may see my glory which thou hast given me, because thou hast loved me before the creation of the world.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Father, [as to] those whom thou hast given me, I desire that where I am they also may be with me, that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me, for thou lovedst me before [the] foundation of [the] world.
Context
This verse shifts the prayer's focus from earthly unity and mission to the ultimate eternal destiny and fellowship with Christ. It represents a profound expression of Jesus' love and desire for His followers to share in His heavenly glory. This climactic request provides a future-oriented hope, following the prayers for their earthly preservation and sanctification, and sets the stage for the final declarations of truth.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 25:21
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
- Proverbs 8:21
That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance, And that I may fill their treasuries.
- 2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.
- John 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
- Revelation 3:21
He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne.
- Philippians 1:23
But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better:
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