John 17:16
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Original Language Analysis
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
1 of 12
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
the world
G2889
κόσμου
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
3 of 12
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
8 of 12
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
the world
G2889
κόσμου
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
10 of 12
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- In what specific ways does your citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20) conflict with the values and priorities of the surrounding culture?
- How does sharing Christ's 'not of the world' status both comfort you in trials and challenge your conformity to worldly patterns?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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).