New Testament
John 17:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in the truth.
Compare translations
And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
What John 17:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus speaks about His purpose in relation to His followers. He declares that He is setting Himself apart, or sanctifying Himself, for their benefit. This act of sanctification is not just for His own sake but is intended to help His disciples become sanctified as well. The term 'sanctified' means to be made holy or set apart for a special purpose. Jesus emphasizes that this process of becoming holy is rooted in the truth. The truth here refers to the teachings and reality of God, which Jesus embodies. By dedicating Himself to God’s mission, He provides a pathway for His followers to also experience holiness through their relationship with Him and adherence to His teachings. This verse highlights the interconnectedness of Jesus' mission and the spiritual growth of His followers, showing that their sanctification is linked to His own commitment to God’s truth.
How to apply John 17:19 to your life
To apply this verse, we should recognize the importance of setting ourselves apart for God’s purposes. By embracing the truth of Jesus' teachings, we can grow in holiness. This means living in a way that reflects our commitment to God and encourages others to do the same.
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 17:19
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 17:19
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 17:19 mean?
In John 17:19, Jesus explains that He is setting Himself apart for the sake of His followers. This sanctification is meant to help them become holy through the truth He represents.
What is the meaning of sanctification in John 17:19?
Sanctification in John 17:19 refers to the process of being made holy or set apart for God's purposes. Jesus indicates that His own dedication to God enables His disciples to also achieve holiness.
How does John 17:19 relate to discipleship?
John 17:19 highlights the connection between Jesus' sanctification and the spiritual growth of His disciples. It shows that their journey toward holiness is linked to their relationship with Him and His teachings.
What does truth mean in John 17:19?
In John 17:19, truth refers to the teachings and reality of God that Jesus embodies. It signifies the foundation upon which His followers can grow in holiness and sanctification.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.