New Testament
John 17:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory I had with you before the world existed.
Compare translations
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
What John 17:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to God the Father, asking Him to restore the glory that they shared before the creation of the world. This highlights the pre-existence of Christ, affirming His divine nature and the intimate relationship He has with the Father. Jesus desires to be glorified in the same way He was before coming to Earth, emphasizing His role in salvation and His authority. This moment reflects the deep connection between Jesus and God, showcasing the unity of their purpose. It also serves as a reminder of the eternal nature of Christ, who existed before time and creation. By asking for this glory, Jesus is preparing for the culmination of His mission on Earth, which involves His sacrifice and the redemption of humanity. This verse encapsulates the essence of Jesus' identity and mission, revealing the profound theological truths about His divinity and the relationship within the Trinity.
How to apply John 17:5 to your life
This verse encourages believers to recognize the divine nature of Jesus and His eternal relationship with God. It reminds us to seek God's glory in our lives, understanding that our purpose aligns with His. We can strive to reflect Christ's love and truth in our daily actions, glorifying God through our lives.
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 17:5
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 17:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 17:5 reveal about Jesus' nature?
John 17:5 highlights the pre-existence of Jesus, affirming His divine nature. By asking the Father to restore the glory they shared before creation, it emphasizes that Jesus existed with God prior to His earthly life, showcasing His authority and intimate relationship with the Father.
Why is the concept of glory important in John 17:5?
The concept of glory in John 17:5 is crucial as it signifies the divine honor and majesty that Jesus shared with the Father. This glory reflects their unity and purpose, and by asking to be glorified again, Jesus underscores His mission of salvation and the restoration of humanity's relationship with God.
How does John 17:5 relate to the Trinity?
John 17:5 illustrates the relationship within the Trinity by showing the distinct roles of the Father and the Son while affirming their unity. Jesus' request for glory indicates His divine status and the close connection He has with the Father, reinforcing the belief in one God in three persons.
What can we learn from Jesus' prayer in John 17:5?
From Jesus' prayer in John 17:5, we learn the importance of seeking God's glory in our own lives. It encourages believers to align their purpose with God's will, reflecting Christ's love and truth in everyday actions, and to recognize the eternal nature of Christ and His mission.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.