New Testament
John 17:25
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Righteous Father, the world has not known you, but I have known you, and these have known that you sent me.
Compare translations
O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
What John 17:25 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses God as the 'Righteous Father,' emphasizing His holiness and justice. He acknowledges that the world, which often rejects God, does not truly know Him. In contrast, Jesus claims to have a deep, personal knowledge of God, and He affirms that His disciples have also come to understand that God sent Him. This highlights the unique relationship between Jesus, His followers, and God the Father. The verse underscores the theme of revelation; while the world remains in ignorance, Jesus and His followers possess the truth about God’s nature and mission. This knowledge is not just intellectual but relational, indicating a profound connection with the divine. Jesus' role as the mediator between God and humanity is also evident, as He reveals God’s character and purpose to those who believe in Him.
How to apply John 17:25 to your life
This verse encourages believers to deepen their relationship with God through Jesus. It reminds us that true knowledge of God comes from faith in Christ. We should seek to understand God more fully and share this knowledge with others, helping them to know Him too.
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 17:25
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 17:25
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 'Righteous Father' mean in John 17:25?
In John 17:25, Jesus refers to God as 'Righteous Father' to highlight His perfect justice and holiness. This title emphasizes God's moral integrity and the righteousness that defines His character. By using this term, Jesus acknowledges God's authority and the divine nature of His relationship with humanity, reinforcing the idea that God is just and worthy of reverence.
How does John 17:25 relate to the concept of divine revelation?
John 17:25 illustrates the theme of divine revelation by showing that while the world does not know God, Jesus and His disciples do. This verse emphasizes that true knowledge of God comes through a personal relationship with Jesus, who reveals God's nature and purpose. It highlights the contrast between ignorance and understanding, suggesting that faith in Christ is essential for knowing God.
What is the significance of knowing God according to John 17:25?
Knowing God, as stated in John 17:25, signifies a deep, personal relationship rather than mere intellectual acknowledgment. Jesus emphasizes that He knows God intimately and that His disciples share in this knowledge. This relationship is transformative, leading to a better understanding of God's character and mission, which is crucial for spiritual growth and effective witness to others.
How can I apply John 17:25 in my daily life?
To apply John 17:25 in your daily life, focus on deepening your relationship with God through prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. Recognize that true knowledge of God comes from faith in Jesus, and seek to share this understanding with others. This can involve discussing your faith, living out Christian principles, and being a witness to God's love and truth in your community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.