John 17:22 Meaning and Explanation
“And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus shares his glory with us, the very glory the Father gave him, as the deepest ground of our unity with one another and with him.
The Context of John 17:22
Continuing the prayer on unity, Jesus now reveals what makes unity possible: a shared participation in his glory. This is radical, almost unimaginable.
What Does John 17:22 Mean?
To give someone your glory is to give them your honor, your radiance, your essential beauty and worth. Jesus says he has given this to us. He does not keep the Father's gift for himself but distributes it to his followers. This is not metaphorical flattery. In the Gospels, Jesus' glory is seen at his transfiguration, at his resurrection, in his works of power. It is the light of God's presence made visible. When Jesus gives his glory to us, he gives us a share in his standing before God, his righteousness, his place in the Father's heart. We become sharers in his dignity, bearers of his light.
Here is the secret of Christian unity: it is grounded not in our efforts but in our participation in Jesus' glory. When two believers meet, they meet not as competitors for status or guards of turf, but as people who together carry the glory Jesus has given them. That shared glory creates a oneness that mere human agreement never could. We are one because we share the same risen Lord, the same light, the same honor before God.
John 17:22 in the Original Language
doxa (δόξα), 'glory' -- radiance, honor, the manifest presence and power of God
How to Apply John 17:22 Today
You are a bearer of Christ's glory. Let that truth shape how you see yourself and how you treat others who share that glory with you.
Frequently Asked Questions About John 17:22
What does John 17:22 mean?
Jesus shares his glory with us, the very glory the Father gave him, as the deepest ground of our unity with one another and with him.
What is the context of John 17:22?
Continuing the prayer on unity, Jesus now reveals what makes unity possible: a shared participation in his glory. This is radical, almost unimaginable.
How can I apply John 17:22 today?
You are a bearer of Christ's glory. Let that truth shape how you see yourself and how you treat others who share that glory with you.