Devine Scripture

John 17:9

What does John 17:9 mean?

A plain-English look at John 17:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 17:9 means

Jesus makes a distinct shift in His prayer, explicitly stating that He is interceding specifically for His disciples, those whom the Father has given Him. He clarifies that He is *not* praying for "the world"—referring to humanity in general, particularly those who are hostile or indifferent to God. This distinction highlights the unique position of His followers, indicating a special covenant relationship and God's particular protective care for them as His own.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me; for they are thine:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me; for they are thine:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

My prayer is for them: my prayer is not for the world, but for those whom you have given to me, because they are yours

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`I ask in regard to them; not in regard to the world do I ask, but in regard to those whom Thou hast given to me, because Thine they are,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I pray for them. I pray not for the world, but for them whom thou hast given me: because they are thine.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I demand concerning them; I do not demand concerning the world, but concerning those whom thou hast given me, for they are thine,

Context

Having established His own accomplished work and the disciples' current state of faith, Jesus now pivots directly to His intercession for them. This verse marks the beginning of the central section of the prayer, where Jesus focuses intently on His immediate followers. The strong contrast between praying for His disciples and not for "the world" emphasizes their distinct spiritual identity and the urgency of the coming challenges.

v.8for the words which thou gavest me I have given unto them; and they received them, and knew of a truth that I came forth from thee, and they believed that thou didst send me.

v.9This passage

v.10and all things that are mine are thine, and thine are mine: and I am glorified in them.

Cross references

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

  • John 16:26

    In that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you;

  • Luke 8:34

    And when they that fed them saw what had come to pass, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country.

  • Revelation 20:15

    And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.

  • Hebrews 9:24

    For Christ entered not into a holy place made with hands, like in pattern to the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for us:

  • Luke 22:32

    but I made supplication for thee, that thy faith fail not; and do thou, when once thou hast turned again, establish thy brethren.

  • 1 John 5:19

    We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in the evil one.

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 17:9.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary