King James Version

What Does John 17:9 Mean?

John 17:9 in the King James Version says “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.” — study this verse from John chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 17:9 · KJV

Prayer

Context

7

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

8

For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

9

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

10

And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.

11

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

Read John 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I pray for them (ἐρωτῶ περὶ αὐτῶν, erōtō peri autōn)—Christ makes explicit the scope of His high-priestly intercession. The verb erōtaō indicates intimate request between equals, used elsewhere only of the Son addressing the Father. This is not generic prayer but covenant advocacy.

I pray not for the world (οὐ περὶ τοῦ κόσμου ἐρωτῶ)—the κόσμος here means the rebellious system opposed to God, not individual sinners whom Christ came to save (3:16). This verse delimits the scope of His present priestly prayer, not His redemptive work. He intercedes specifically for them which thou hast given me (ὧν δέδωκάς μοι)—the elect given by the Father before the foundation of the world. The perfect tense dedokas emphasizes completed action with ongoing results: these belong irrevocably to Christ. For they are thine (σοί εἰσιν)—divine election is ultimately the Father's sovereign choice, executed through the Son's redemptive work.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Spoken in the upper room on Passover night (AD 30), hours before Christ's arrest. This is the culmination of the "high priestly prayer" (John 17), where Jesus intercedes for His disciples before going to the cross. The distinction between "the world" and "those given to me" reflects Jewish covenant theology—God chose Israel from among the nations, and now Christ speaks of the new covenant community.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's specific intercession for the elect provide assurance that He is praying for you if you trust in Him?
  2. What does the phrase "they are thine" reveal about the relationship between the Father's election and the Son's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἐγὼ1 of 17

“I”

G1473

i, me

περὶ2 of 17

“for”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

αὐτῶν3 of 17

“them”

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

ἐρωτῶ4 of 17

“I pray”

G2065

to interrogate; by implication, to request

οὐ5 of 17

“not”

G3756

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

περὶ6 of 17

“for”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τοῦ7 of 17
G3588

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

κόσμου8 of 17

“the world”

G2889

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

ἐρωτῶ9 of 17

“I pray”

G2065

to interrogate; by implication, to request

ἀλλὰ10 of 17

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

περὶ11 of 17

“for”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ὧν12 of 17

“them which”

G3739

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

δέδωκάς13 of 17

“thou hast given”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

μοι14 of 17

“me”

G3427

to me

ὅτι15 of 17

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

σοί16 of 17
G4671

to thee

εἰσιν17 of 17

“they are”

G1526

they are

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 17:9 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 17:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 9:24John 17:2John 17:6Luke 22:32John 17:201 John 5:19

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