John 17:5 Meaning and Explanation
“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus asks the Father to restore him to the glory he shared with the Father before creation.
The Context of John 17:5
Jesus moves from reflecting on his completed work to requesting the Father's action in his exaltation.
What Does John 17:5 Mean?
This verse lifts a veil on Jesus's self-awareness and his intimate relationship with the Father. He speaks of a glory that existed before time, before the world was made—a glory he had with the Father then and now claims as his own. The incarnation was a kind of descent, an emptying, a veiling of that radiance. Now, as he approaches the cross, Jesus looks beyond it to resurrection and return to the Father's presence. The prayer is not demanding but inviting the Father to complete what the incarnation began.
The passage reminds us that Jesus's earthly walk, for all its beauty and power, was not the totality of his being. He came from glory, lived in limitation, and returns to glory. Yet that arc—descent into humanity, solidarity with us, return to the Father—is itself the deepest revelation of God. We see the Father's heart not in distant perfection but in a Son willing to veil himself for our sake.
John 17:5 in the Original Language
doxa (Greek), 'glory' -- the radiance, splendor, and essential being of God; here Jesus claims it as his own.
How to Apply John 17:5 Today
Trust that Jesus's return to the Father does not leave us orphaned. His exaltation is the foundation of his ongoing intercession for us and the promise of our own transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions About John 17:5
What does John 17:5 mean?
Jesus asks the Father to restore him to the glory he shared with the Father before creation.
What is the context of John 17:5?
Jesus moves from reflecting on his completed work to requesting the Father's action in his exaltation.
How can I apply John 17:5 today?
Trust that Jesus's return to the Father does not leave us orphaned. His exaltation is the foundation of his ongoing intercession for us and the promise of our own transformation.