King James Version

What Does John 17:16 Mean?

John 17:16 in the King James Version says “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. — study this verse from John chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

John 17:16 · KJV


Context

14

I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

15

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

16

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

17

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

18

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world (οὐκ εἰσὶν ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου καθὼς ἐγὼ οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου). Jesus repeats this declaration from verse 14, emphasizing the parallel between His own relationship to kosmos and that of His disciples. The preposition ek (out of, from) denotes source and origin—believers do not derive their nature, values, or ultimate allegiance from the world system.

This is not geographical separation but spiritual distinction. Jesus's disciples remain physically in the world (v. 11, 15) but are no longer of it in identity and citizenship. The double negative (οὐκ... οὐκ) creates emphatic parallelism: even as I am not (καθὼς ἐγὼ οὐκ εἰμὶ) establishes Christ's own otherworldly origin as the pattern for believer identity. We share Christ's alien status in a fallen world order hostile to God (15:18-19, James 4:4, 1 John 2:15-17).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus prayed this in the Upper Room on the eve of His crucifixion (John 13-17). The 'world' (kosmos) in Johannine theology often refers to human society organized in rebellion against God—not God's creation per se, but the fallen system under satanic influence (12:31, 14:30, 16:11). First-century disciples would soon face persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities, needing assurance of their true identity.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what specific ways does your citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20) conflict with the values and priorities of the surrounding culture?
  2. How does sharing Christ's 'not of the world' status both comfort you in trials and challenge your conformity to worldly patterns?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ἐκ1 of 12

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ2 of 12
G3588

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

κόσμου3 of 12

the world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

οὐκ4 of 12

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἰσὶν5 of 12

They are

G1526

they are

καθὼς6 of 12

even as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

ἐγὼ7 of 12

I

G1473

i, me

ἐκ8 of 12

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ9 of 12
G3588

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

κόσμου10 of 12

the world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

οὐκ11 of 12

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἰμὶ12 of 12

am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)


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 17:16 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 17:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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