Devine Scripture

John 17:4

What does John 17:4 mean?

A plain-English look at John 17:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 17:4 means

Jesus confidently declares to the Father that He has already glorified Him on earth. This glorification was accomplished by completing every aspect of the work the Father had given Him to do. This refers to His entire earthly ministry, including His teaching, healing, miracles, and, most significantly, His impending death on the cross. This statement implies a sense of completion and faithful obedience, demonstrating Jesus' perfect alignment with the Father's will throughout His mission.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I have given you glory on the earth, having done all the work which you gave me to do.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I did glorify Thee on the earth, the work I did finish that Thou hast given me, that I may do <FI>it<Fi> .

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I have glorified thee on the earth; I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I have glorified thee on the earth, I have completed the work which thou gavest me that I should do it;

Context

Following His definition of eternal life, Jesus here states the successful fulfillment of His earthly task, providing the righteous basis for His ensuing requests. This verse functions as an affirmation of His finished work, framing His past obedience as a prelude to His request for future glory. It sets the stage for the next verse, where He asks for the restoration of His pre-incarnate glory.

v.3And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, even Jesus Christ.

v.4This passage

v.5And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

Cross references

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

  • John 14:31

    but that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

  • Luke 22:37

    For I say unto you, that this which is written must be fulfilled in me, And he was reckoned with transgressors: for that which concerneth me hath fulfilment.

  • John 19:30

    When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.

  • John 13:31

    When therefore he was gone out, Jesus saith, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him;

  • John 15:10

    If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

  • John 5:36

    But the witness which I have is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father hath given me to accomplish, the very works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

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