John 17:18
As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπέστειλα
have
G649
ἀπέστειλα
have
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
3 of 12
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 12
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 #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμον·
the world
G2889
κόσμον·
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
6 of 12
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
κἀγὼ
I also
G2504
κἀγὼ
I also
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
7 of 12
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
ἀπέστειλα
have
G649
ἀπέστειλα
have
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
8 of 12
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 12
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
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
John 20:21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.2 Corinthians 5:20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.Matthew 10:5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:John 4:38I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.Ephesians 3:7Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.John 17:23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.John 17:21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.John 17:8For 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.
Historical Context
Spoken in the upper room (John 13-17) on Passover night, hours before Christ's arrest. Jesus is praying His High Priestly Prayer (chapter 17), commissioning the eleven apostles who will form the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20). This 'sending' anticipates Pentecost and the church's missionary expansion across the Roman world.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing that you are 'sent into the world' with Christ's authority change your understanding of daily work, relationships, and witness?
- In what ways might your mission parallel Christ's—entering hostile territory not to condemn but to save (John 3:17)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world (καθὼς ἐμὲ ἀπέστειλας εἰς τὸν κόσμον, κἀγὼ ἀπέστειλα αὐτοὺς εἰς τὸν κόσμον). Jesus uses apostellō (ἀποστέλλω)—to send as an authorized agent—the root of 'apostle.' This is missio Dei: the Father's sending of the Son becomes the paradigm for the Son's sending of His disciples.
The parallel is stunning: Christ's incarnational mission ('into the world,' εἰς τὸν κόσμον) now extends through His church. Just as He came not to condemn but to save (3:17), believers are sent not as judges but as witnesses. The perfect tense of 'I have sent' (ἀπέστειλα) indicates completed action with ongoing results—the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) is already operative in the upper room. This apostolic sending carries Christ's authority, presence, and purpose into hostile territory.