John 17:13
And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
Original Language Analysis
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
1 of 20
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 20
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ἔρχομαι
come I
G2064
ἔρχομαι
come I
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
5 of 20
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμῳ
the world
G2889
κόσμῳ
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
11 of 20
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ἔχωσιν
they might have
G2192
ἔχωσιν
they might have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
13 of 20
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,John 15:11These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.John 3:29He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.1 John 1:4And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.John 13:3Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
Historical Context
This verse occurs in Jesus's High Priestly Prayer (John 17), offered on the night before His crucifixion (c. AD 30). John's Gospel uniquely preserves this intimate prayer, likely overheard by the disciples in the upper room or en route to Gethsemane. The prayer's theological depth reflects John's mature meditation on Christ's person and work, written decades later (c. AD 90-95).
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing that Jesus prayed for your joy—even on the night of His betrayal—change your understanding of His priorities?
- What is the relationship between Christ's joy and your own? How does union with Christ become the source of joy that circumstances cannot steal?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And now come I to thee—Jesus speaks of His imminent return to the Father through crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The Greek erchomai pros se (ἔρχομαι πρὸς σέ) marks the transition from earthly ministry to heavenly glory, yet He prays these things...in the world (ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ λαλῶ) precisely so His disciples might hear.
That they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves (ἵνα ἔχωσιν τὴν χαρὰν τὴν ἐμὴν πεπληρωμένην ἐν ἑαυτοῖς)—The purpose clause is stunning: Christ's joy (charan tēn emēn), the very joy He possesses in perfect communion with the Father (cf. 15:11, 16:24), is to be fulfilled (peplērōmenēn, perfect passive participle—fully completed, brought to maturity) within believers. This joy doesn't depend on circumstances but flows from the believer's union with Christ and knowledge of answered prayer (17:1-5). Jesus prays aloud so His followers would know their security in God's love and mission.