They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While it might seem like a simple restatement from verse 14, the slight change in word order here actually shifts the emphasis. By saying "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world," Jesus highlights the disciples' fundamental separation from worldly values and priorities, mirroring His own. This isn't just about being in the world but not of it; it's about an inherent, distinct identity that sets them apart.
They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is praying for his disciples, just before his crucifixion. He’s asking the Father to protect them and keep them united, even though they'll face opposition because they follow Him, not the world’s ways. This verse reiterates that their separation from the world’s values is a foundational reason for the world’s hatred, setting the stage for Jesus’ prayer that they be made holy for their mission.
Jesus prays for His followers, but not for them to disappear from the earth. What does this radical separation look like while still living among people?
In John 17, Jesus is praying for His disciples before He goes to the cross. He acknowledges that they are still in the world, but they don't belong to it.
A Distinct Identity
Purposeful Presence
Jesus doesn't pray to remove His followers from the world, but to keep them from its evil (John 17:15). This means believers are meant to be in the world, but not of it, living as distinct representatives of God's kingdom.
If followers of Jesus are set apart, how should they expect the world to react? And why?
The verse, especially in the context of John 17:14, explains why Jesus' followers are distinct from the world: the world hates them because it hated Him first.
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A Clear Divide
Embracing the Call
This understanding isn't meant to foster fear, but to prepare believers. Knowing they are 'not of the world' helps them stand firm when facing opposition, understanding it as a sign they are truly following Christ.
Understand the original words
kosmos · Greek Noun
Refers to the fallen, rebellious state of humanity and the organized systems of society that are alienated from God and opposed to His kingdom. It encompasses the worldly values, desires, and philosophies that stand in direct contradiction to God's holiness.
This passage directly warns believers against loving the world, echoing John 17:16's theme of separation from worldly values and desires.
Romans 12:2This verse calls believers to 'not be conformed to this world' but to be transformed, which strongly parallels Jesus' statement that His followers, like Him, are not 'of the world'.
Philippians 3:20It highlights that our citizenship is in heaven, contrasting it with earthly concerns, mirroring the sense in John 17:16 that true believers have a different origin and allegiance than the world.
1 Peter 2:11This verse describes believers as 'sojourners and exiles' who should abstain from sinful desires, reinforcing the idea of a distinct identity separate from the world, as stated by Jesus.
barnesJohn 17:16: "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."
See John 15:19 .
jfbJohn 17:16: "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."
- They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world—(See Joh 15:18, 19). This is reiterated here, to pave the way for the prayer which follows.
While it might seem like a simple restatement from verse 14, the slight change in word order here actually shifts the emphasis. By saying "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world," Jesus highlights the disciples' fundamental separation from worldly values and priorities, mirroring His own. This isn't just about being in the world but not of it; it's about an inherent, distinct identity that sets them apart.
Jesus is praying for his disciples, just before his crucifixion. He’s asking the Father to protect them and keep them united, even though they'll face opposition because they follow Him, not the world’s ways. This verse reiterates that their separation from the world’s values is a foundational reason for the world’s hatred, setting the stage for Jesus’ prayer that they be made holy for their mission.
Jesus is praying for his disciples, just before his crucifixion. He’s asking the Father to protect them and keep them united, even though they'll face opposition because they follow Him, not the world’s ways. This verse reiterates that their separation from the world’s values is a foundational reason for the world’s hatred, setting the stage for Jesus’ prayer that they be made holy for their mission.
"They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." — While it might seem like a simple restatement from verse 14, the slight change in word order here actually shifts the emphasis. By saying "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world…
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Last reviewed October 2026