John 17:9

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 17:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me; for they are thine:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me; for they are thine:
John 17:9 — American Standard Version

Context — John 17

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me; for they are thine:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“I pray for them, etc.] This is to be understood of Christ, not as God; for as such he is the object of prayer; nor need he pray to any other; nor is there any superior to him under that consideration to pray unto; but as man and Mediator: nor is his praying any argument against his deity; nor proof of inferiority to his Father with respect to his divine nature; since it is not in that, but in his human, nature, that he prayed; though this may be ascribed to his whole person as Godman; hence he had the greatest qualifications and abilities for this work, and his prayers were always heard: praying, as attributed to Christ, must be restrained to his state of humiliation; prayer is never spoken…”
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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
“I pray for them--not as individuals merely, but as representatives of all such in every succeeding age (see on Joh 17:20). not for the world--for they had been given Him "out of the world" (Joh 17:6), and had been already transformed into the very opposite of it. The things sought for them, indeed, are applicable only to such.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I pray for them - In view of their dangers and trials, he sought the protection and blessing of God on them. His prayer was always answered. Not for the world - The term world here, as elsewhere, refers to wicked, rebellious, vicious men. The meaning of this expression here seems to be this: Jesus is praying for his disciples. As a reason why God should bless them, he says that they were not of the world; that they had been taken out of the world; that they belonged unto God. The petition was not offered for wicked, perverse, rebellious men, but for those who were the friends of God and were disposed to receive his favors. This passage, then, settles nothing about the question whether Christ…”
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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
“I pray not for the world - Not in these petitions, which are adapted to the state of believers only. (He prays for the world at Joh 17:21, Joh 17:23, that they may believe - That they may know God hath sent him.) This no more proves that our Lord did not pray for the world, both before and afterward, than his praying for the apostles alone, Joh 17:6-19, proves that he did not pray for them also which shall believe through their word, Joh 17:20. John 17:10”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“17:9-19 Jesus prayed for his disciples, who must carry on after his departure.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“pray for: Joh 14:16, Joh 16:26, Joh 16:27; Luk 22:32, Luk 8:34; Heb 7:25, Heb 9:24; Jo1 2:1, Jo1 2:2, Jo1 5:19; Rev 12:9, Rev 13:8, Rev 20:15 John 17:10”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification