New Testament
John 17:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I have glorified you on the earth. I have finished the work you gave me to do.
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I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
What John 17:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus speaks to God, affirming that He has completed the mission assigned to Him on earth. The phrase 'I have glorified you' indicates that Jesus has lived in a way that reflects God's character and purpose. By fulfilling His role, He has brought honor to God through His teachings, miracles, and ultimately His sacrifice. The statement 'I have finished the work you gave me to do' signifies that Jesus is aware of His purpose and has accomplished everything necessary for humanity's salvation. This moment is significant as it shows Jesus' obedience and commitment to God's plan, highlighting the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities and calling in life. It also sets the stage for the culmination of His mission through His impending crucifixion, which will further glorify God and provide redemption for believers. Overall, this verse encapsulates the essence of Jesus' earthly ministry and His dedication to God's will.
How to apply John 17:4 to your life
We can learn from Jesus' commitment to fulfilling His purpose. In our own lives, we should strive to understand and complete the tasks God has given us, living in a way that brings glory to Him. This involves being faithful in our responsibilities and seeking to reflect God's character in our actions.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Prays for His Followers (John 17:1–26)
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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.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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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 17:4 mean?
In John 17:4, Jesus expresses that He has completed the mission God assigned to Him on earth, emphasizing His role in glorifying God through His life and actions.
What is the meaning of 'I have glorified you' in John 17:4?
The phrase 'I have glorified you' indicates that Jesus has lived in a way that reflects God's character and purpose, bringing honor to God through His teachings and miracles.
How does John 17:4 relate to Jesus' mission?
John 17:4 relates to Jesus' mission by showing that He has fulfilled His purpose on earth, which includes teaching, performing miracles, and ultimately sacrificing Himself for salvation.
What can we learn from John 17:4?
From John 17:4, we learn the importance of understanding and fulfilling our own purpose in life, striving to live in a way that brings glory to God through our actions.
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