John 17:22
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξαν
the glory
G1391
δόξαν
the glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
4 of 16
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
ἣν
which
G3739
ἣν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
5 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
δέδωκα
have given
G1325
δέδωκα
have given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
6 of 16
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
δέδωκα
have given
G1325
δέδωκα
have given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
8 of 16
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 16
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
Cross References
2 Corinthians 3:18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.John 14:20At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.John 1:16And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.Ephesians 2:20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;1 John 3:24And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.1 John 1:3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.Mark 6:7And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.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.2 Corinthians 6:1We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
Historical Context
This is part of Jesus's High Priestly Prayer (John 17) before His arrest. He prayed not only for the eleven disciples but 'for them also which shall believe on me through their word' (17:20)—all future Christians. Church history shows the struggle to maintain unity; divisions reveal how Christians often live below their calling.
Questions for Reflection
- How does sharing in Christ's glory create the basis for Christian unity rather than mere institutional organization?
- What does it mean that Christian unity is modeled on Trinitarian unity—distinct persons in perfect communion?
- How should churches pursue unity while maintaining doctrinal faithfulness—balancing truth and love?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one (κἀγὼ τὴν δόξαν ἣν δέδωκάς μοι δέδωκα αὐτοῖς, ἵνα ὦσιν ἓν καθὼς ἡμεῖς ἕν, kagō tēn doxan hēn dedōkas moi dedōka autois, hina ōsin hen kathōs hēmeis hen)—Jesus prays that believers share in the glory (τὴν δόξαν, tēn doxan) the Father gave the Son. This isn't merely future glory but present participation in Christ's divine life. The purpose: that they may be one (ἵνα ὦσιν ἓν, hina ōsin hen), modeled on Trinitarian unity: even as we are one (καθὼς ἡμεῖς ἕν, kathōs hēmeis hen). Christian unity isn't organizational but ontological—participation in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) through union with Christ.
This profound prayer reveals that believers' unity flows from sharing Christ's glory—His presence, character, and mission. Division among Christians contradicts our nature as people indwelt by the same Spirit and united to the same Head. True unity requires supernatural transformation, not merely ecumenical agreement.