John 17:1
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:
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 29
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
8 of 29
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 29
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
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 29
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανὸν
heaven
G3772
οὐρανὸν
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
12 of 29
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Πάτερ
Father
G3962
Πάτερ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
15 of 29
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ἐλήλυθεν
is come
G2064
ἐλήλυθεν
is come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
16 of 29
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοξάσῃ
glorify
G1392
δοξάσῃ
glorify
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
19 of 29
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
Son
G5207
υἱὸς
Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
22 of 29
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
Son
G5207
υἱὸς
Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
26 of 29
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
John 12:23And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.Acts 3:13The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.John 7:39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)1 Peter 1:21Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.John 11:4When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.Psalms 123:1Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.Mark 14:41And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.John 11:41Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Christ's prayer for His own glorification teach about proper ambition?
- How does knowing Christ prayed this before His crucifixion affect your understanding of His willingness to suffer?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.