New Testament
John 17:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But now I am coming to you, and I am saying these things while in the world so that they may have my joy made full in themselves.
Compare translations
And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
What John 17:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to God the Father, expressing His intention to share important truths while still present in the world. He emphasizes that His teachings are meant to bring joy to His followers, a joy that is complete and fulfilling. This joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a deep, abiding sense of happiness that comes from knowing Him and living according to His will. Jesus desires that His followers experience this joy fully, indicating that it is a significant part of their relationship with Him. By sharing these words, He aims to prepare them for the challenges they will face, ensuring they find strength and happiness in their faith. This joy is rooted in the understanding of His love, purpose, and the eternal life He offers, which transcends worldly troubles and sorrows. Thus, Jesus is not only concerned about their present state but also about their spiritual well-being and fulfillment in Him.
How to apply John 17:13 to your life
To experience the joy that Jesus speaks of, we should actively engage with His teachings and seek a deeper relationship with Him. This involves prayer, studying the Bible, and living out our faith in daily life. By doing so, we can find true fulfillment and happiness, even amidst life's challenges.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Prays for His Followers (John 17:1–26)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 17:13
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 17:13
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 17:13 mean?
In John 17:13, Jesus is speaking to God, sharing His teachings while still in the world. He wants His followers to experience complete joy through His words, emphasizing that this joy is deep and fulfilling.
What is the meaning of joy in John 17:13?
The joy mentioned in John 17:13 refers to a profound sense of happiness that comes from knowing Jesus and living according to His teachings. It is a joy that is meant to be complete and fulfilling, transcending temporary emotions.
How can I apply John 17:13 to my life?
To apply John 17:13, focus on deepening your relationship with Jesus through prayer and Bible study. Engaging with His teachings can help you find true joy and fulfillment, even during difficult times.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.