King James Version

What Does John 17:1 Mean?

John 17:1 in the King James Version says “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy... — study this verse from John chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

John 17:1 · KJV


Context

1

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

2

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

3

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This prayer opens Christ's high priestly intercession, anticipating Hebrews 7:25 where He 'ever liveth to make intercession'. Lifting His eyes to heaven demonstrates intimacy with the Father and confidence in prayer's answer. 'The hour is come'—the third mention of His hour (2:4; 7:30; 8:20 said it hadn't come)—indicates the cross is imminent. He prays for His own glorification, not selfishly, but so the Father would be glorified through the completed work of redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish custom was to pray standing with eyes uplifted. This prayer occurred likely on the way to Gethsemane after the Last Supper. Ancient prayers were oral and public; John's record of this intimate prayer suggests either direct divine revelation or John's physical presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Christ's prayer for His own glorification teach about proper ambition?
  2. How does knowing Christ prayed this before His crucifixion affect your understanding of His willingness to suffer?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
Ταῦτα1 of 29

These words

G5023

these things

ἐλάλησεν2 of 29

spake

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

3 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς4 of 29

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ5 of 29

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπῆρεν6 of 29

lifted up

G1869

to raise up (literally or figuratively)

τοὺς7 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀφθαλμοὺς8 of 29

eyes

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

αὐτοῦ9 of 29
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰς10 of 29

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν11 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανὸν12 of 29

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καὶ13 of 29

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν14 of 29

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Πάτερ15 of 29

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἐλήλυθεν16 of 29

is come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

17 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὥρα·18 of 29

the hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

δοξάσῃ19 of 29

glorify

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

σου20 of 29

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

τὸν21 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱὸς22 of 29

Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

ἵνα23 of 29

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καὶ24 of 29

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

25 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱὸς26 of 29

Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

σου27 of 29

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

δοξάσῃ28 of 29

glorify

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

σέ29 of 29

thee

G4571

thee


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 17:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 17:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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