John 17:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 17:5
5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
Chapter Context
John 17 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, worship, creation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 90-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed late first-century challenges from both Judaism and emerging Gnostic thought.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
John 17:5
5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
Analysis
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was (kai nyn doxason me sy, pater, para seauto te doxe he eichon pro tou ton kosmon einai para soi). This verse presents one of Scripture's clearest affirmations of Christ's pre-existence and eternal deity. Jesus prays for restoration of the doxa (glory) He possessed before the world was (pro tou ton kosmon einai)—not 'before I was born' but before creation itself existed.
The verb eichon (imperfect active indicative of echo, 'to have') indicates continuous possession in past time: Jesus continuously had this glory in eternity past. This glory was para soi (with you, in your presence)—the Son's glory existed in intimate fellowship with the Father before time began. Jesus is not requesting glory He never had, but the restoration of His pre-incarnate splendor now veiled in His humiliation. This verse demolishes Arianism (Christ as created being) and Adoptionism (Jesus became divine)—He possessed divine glory eternally. Paul echoes this in Philippians 2:6-11: Christ's self-emptying (kenosis) and subsequent exaltation. The incarnation involved voluntary concealment of glory; the resurrection and ascension restore its full manifestation.
Historical Context
The High Priestly Prayer (John 17) occurs in the upper room on Passover night, hours before Jesus' arrest. This prayer reveals Jesus' consciousness of His divine identity and mission more fully than any other passage. Early church councils (Nicaea 325, Constantinople 381) used this verse against Arian heresy, which denied Christ's eternal deity. Arius argued Christ was a created being; this verse proves Christ existed before creation. Athanasius championed this text in defending homoousios (same substance) with the Father. Jehovah's Witnesses, modern Arians, must explain how a created being could possess glory with God before creation. Socinians argued 'glory' meant merely future honor Christ would receive; Reformed exegesis rightly sees pre-existent glory. Calvin wrote: 'Christ reclaims the heavenly glory which he had laid aside for a time.' The verse establishes both Christ's deity (eternal glory with God) and His genuine incarnation (glory temporarily veiled).
Reflection
- How does Jesus possessing glory with the Father before creation establish His full deity and refute claims that He is a created being?
- What does Christ's voluntary laying aside of glory teach us about humility and self-sacrificial love (Philippians 2:5-8)?
Word Studies
- Glory: δόξα (Doxa) G1391 - Glory, majesty, splendor
Cross-References
- Glory: John 17:24, Hebrews 1:3
- Parallel theme: John 1:18, 8:58, 10:30, 14:9, Matthew 25:34, Philippians 2:6