King James Version

What Does John 17:5 Mean?

John 17:5 in the King James Version says “And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” — study this verse from John chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 17:5 · KJV

Context

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

7

Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.

Read John 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was (kai nyn doxason me sy, pater, para seauto te doxe he eichon pro tou ton kosmon einai para soi). This verse presents one of Scripture's clearest affirmations of Christ's pre-existence and eternal deity. Jesus prays for restoration of the doxa (glory) He possessed before the world was (pro tou ton kosmon einai)—not 'before I was born' but before creation itself existed.

The verb eichon (imperfect active indicative of echo, 'to have') indicates continuous possession in past time: Jesus continuously had this glory in eternity past. This glory was para soi (with you, in your presence)—the Son's glory existed in intimate fellowship with the Father before time began. Jesus is not requesting glory He never had, but the restoration of His pre-incarnate splendor now veiled in His humiliation. This verse demolishes Arianism (Christ as created being) and Adoptionism (Jesus became divine)—He possessed divine glory eternally. Paul echoes this in Philippians 2:6-11: Christ's self-emptying (kenosis) and subsequent exaltation. The incarnation involved voluntary concealment of glory; the resurrection and ascension restore its full manifestation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The High Priestly Prayer (John 17) occurs in the upper room on Passover night, hours before Jesus' arrest. This prayer reveals Jesus' consciousness of His divine identity and mission more fully than any other passage. Early church councils (Nicaea 325, Constantinople 381) used this verse against Arian heresy, which denied Christ's eternal deity. Arius argued Christ was a created being; this verse proves Christ existed before creation. Athanasius championed this text in defending homoousios (same substance) with the Father. Jehovah's Witnesses, modern Arians, must explain how a created being could possess glory with God before creation. Socinians argued 'glory' meant merely future honor Christ would receive; Reformed exegesis rightly sees pre-existent glory. Calvin wrote: 'Christ reclaims the heavenly glory which he had laid aside for a time.' The verse establishes both Christ's deity (eternal glory with God) and His genuine incarnation (glory temporarily veiled).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus possessing glory with the Father before creation establish His full deity and refute claims that He is a created being?
  2. What does Christ's voluntary laying aside of glory teach us about humility and self-sacrificial love (Philippians 2:5-8)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

νῦν2 of 19

“now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

δόξασόν3 of 19

“glorify”

G1392

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

με4 of 19

“me”

G3165

me

σύ5 of 19

“thou”

G4771

thou

πάτερ6 of 19

“O Father”

G3962

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

παρὰ7 of 19

“with”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

σεαυτῷ8 of 19

“thine own self”

G4572

of (with, to) thyself

τῇ9 of 19
G3588

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

δόξῃ10 of 19

“with the glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

ᾗ11 of 19

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἶχον12 of 19

“I had”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

πρὸ13 of 19

“before”

G4253

"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to

τοῦ14 of 19
G3588

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

τὸν15 of 19
G3588

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

κόσμον16 of 19

“the world”

G2889

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

εἶναι17 of 19

“was”

G1511

to exist

παρὰ18 of 19

“with”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

σοί19 of 19

“thee”

G4671

to 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 17:5 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 17:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 1:1-3Colossians 1:15-171 Peter 1:20John 10:30Philippians 2:6Hebrews 1:3

Test Your Knowledge

John 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJohn Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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