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John 17:20

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 17:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word;
John 17:20 — American Standard Version

Context — John 17

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.
18As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world.
19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.
20Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word;
21that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me.
22And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we [are] one;
23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that thou didst send me, and lovedst them, even as thou lovedst me.
← John 17:19John 17:21 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Neither pray I for these alone, etc.] Meaning his immediate apostles and disciples, for whose preservation and sanctification he had been particularly praying in (<431719>John 17:19); and now, that it might not be thought that these were his only favourites, and the only persons he had a regard for, and to whom his intercession and sacrifice were confined; he adds, but for them also which shall believe in me through their word: Christ is the object of true faith; which faith is not a mere assent of the mind to any truth concerning Christ, as that he is the Son of God, the Messiah and Saviour of the world; but it is a spiritual sight of him, of the necessity, fitness, and suitableness of him…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Neither pray I for these alone--This very important explanation, uttered in condescension to the hearers and readers of this prayer in all time, is meant not merely of what follows, but of the whole prayer. them also which shall believe--The majority of the best manuscripts read "which believe," all future time being viewed as present, while the present is viewed as past and gone.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Neither pray I for these alone ... - Not for the apostles only, but for all who shall be converted under the preaching of the gospel. They will all need similar grace and be exposed to similar trials. It is a matter of unspeakable joy that each Christian, however humble or unknown to men however poor, unlearned, or despised, can reflect that he was remembered in prayer by “him whom God heareth always.” We value the prayers of pious friends. How much more should we value this petition of the Son of God! To that single prayer we who are Christians owe infinitely more real benefits than the world can ever bestow; and in the midst of any trials we may remember that the Son of God prayed for us,…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For them who will believe - In all ages. John 17:21”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“17:20 Jesus was praying for other sheep who were not yet in his flock (10:16). These are the believers through the centuries who have come to faith through the witness of Jesus’ disciples.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“pray: Joh 17:6-11; Eph 4:11 for them: Act 2:41, Act 4:4; Rom 15:18, Rom 15:19, Rom 16:26; Ti2 1:2 John 17:21”
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Related study paths

Read John 17 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification