John 17:19
And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
2 of 13
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
αὐτοὶ
their
G846
αὐτοὶ
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 13
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
ἡγιασμένοι
be sanctified
G37
ἡγιασμένοι
be sanctified
Strong's:
G37
Word #:
5 of 13
to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate
ἐμαυτόν
myself
G1683
ἐμαυτόν
myself
Strong's:
G1683
Word #:
6 of 13
of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοὶ
their
G846
αὐτοὶ
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 13
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
ὦσιν
might
G5600
ὦσιν
might
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
10 of 13
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
Cross References
Hebrews 2:11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.John 17:17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.1 Corinthians 1:2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:2 Corinthians 8:9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.2 Corinthians 4:15For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.1 Thessalonians 4:7For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.2 Timothy 2:10Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.Hebrews 9:26For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.Hebrews 9:13For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
Historical Context
John 17 records Jesus's High Priestly Prayer on the night before His crucifixion (c. AD 30), likely in the upper room or en route to Gethsemane. Jesus consecrates Himself as both priest and sacrifice, fulfilling the Levitical system where priests sanctified themselves before offering sacrifices (Exodus 19:22). His self-sanctification inaugurates the New Covenant reality where believers are sanctified "once for all" through Christ's offering (Hebrews 10:10).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's voluntary self-sanctification for your sake deepen your understanding of His love and mission?
- In what ways does "sanctification through the truth" challenge modern approaches to spiritual growth that neglect Scripture and sound doctrine?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And for their sakes I sanctify myself (ἁγιάζω ἐμαυτόν, hagiazō emauton)—Jesus consecrates Himself to the cross, setting Himself apart for sacrificial death. This is not moral purification (Jesus is sinless), but vocational dedication to His redemptive mission. The reflexive "myself" emphasizes His voluntary self-offering (John 10:18).
That they also might be sanctified through the truth (ἵνα καὶ αὐτοὶ ὦσιν ἡγιασμένοι ἐν ἀληθείᾳ)—The disciples' sanctification depends on Christ's sanctification. The preposition en ("through/in") indicates the sphere and means of sanctification: God's revealed truth, supremely embodied in Jesus Himself (14:6). Unlike Old Testament ceremonial sanctification, this is ontological transformation—being set apart and made holy by union with the crucified and risen Christ through the Spirit of truth (v. 17).