And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just asking for a future reward; he's praying to have his divine glory, which he eternally shared with the Father, manifest through his human nature. He's asking for a public unveiling of his true identity, a homecoming to the Father's radiant presence that he never actually left.
And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just finished instructing his disciples and is now turning to his Father in a deeply personal prayer. He reflects on the work God gave him to do on earth, which he has now completed. This prayer transitions from his earthly ministry to his future exaltation, asking the Father to restore him to the divine glory they shared before creation.
Jesus asks for glory, but not the kind we might think. It's not just about appearing impressive; it's about a deep, essential fellowship.
In this verse, Jesus isn't asking for a temporary boost in popularity or a dazzling light show. He's praying to be restored to the fullness of divine fellowship and glory that he shared with the Father before creation.
Essential Unity
This 'glory' refers to the inherent, perfect communion and shared existence Jesus had with the Father from all eternity. It's the very essence of their divine being, a glory that was veiled during his earthly ministry but is now to be fully manifested in his resurrected and exalted humanity.
Mediator's Glory
As Mediator, Jesus prays for his human nature to be fully united with and display his divine glory. This isn't a new glory, but a restoration and manifestation of what was eternally his.
Jesus declares 'the hour has come.' What does this specific moment signify for his prayer and mission?
Jesus is on the cusp of completing his earthly work. His prayer in John 17 isn't just a general request; it's tied to the specific 'hour' of his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension – the moment his ministry would be fulfilled.
Ministry Fulfilled
He had just stated in the previous verse (John 17:4), 'I have glorified you on the earth, having finished the work that you gave me to do.' This completion sets the stage for his return to the Father's presence and the full manifestation of his divine glory.
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From Earth to Heaven
His prayer is a transition from his earthly glorification of the Father to his heavenly glorification by the Father. He desires to be restored to his pre-incarnate status, now with his glorified humanity, as a testament to the Father's power and love.
This prayer isn't about Jesus needing glory, but about him, as both divine and human, returning to the fullness of his eternal glory with the Father after completing his earthly mission, a state he eternally shares.
c. 4 BC - 30 AD— this verse
Earthly Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus lives, teaches, heals, and performs miracles, culminating in his crucifixion and resurrection. This period is the immediate context for his High Priestly Prayer.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion
Jesus is executed on the cross, fulfilling his mission as a sacrifice for sins. This event is the immediate precursor to his glorification.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Resurrection
Jesus is raised from the dead, conquering death and validating his claims. This marks the beginning of his return to divine glory.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ascension
Jesus is taken up into heaven, returning to the Father's presence. This event is the direct fulfillment of Jesus' prayer for glorification.
c. 33 AD onwards
Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is poured out on the disciples, empowering them to spread the Gospel. This is a demonstration of Christ's glorified status and continued work.
This passage emphasizes Jesus' eternal existence and divinity as the Word who was with God before creation, directly supporting the claim in John 17:5 about His pre-existent glory.
Philippians 2:6-7It describes Christ's divine nature and His humbling Himself by taking on human form, which connects to His prayer to be glorified again with the Father, restoring Him to His former divine status in His humanity.
Colossians 1:15-17This passage highlights Jesus as the firstborn of all creation, through whom and for whom all things were created, reinforcing the idea that He existed with the Father and held a unique, eternal glory before the world.
Hebrews 1:3It states that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature, underscoring the inherent divine glory He shared with the Father from eternity, which He now seeks to have manifest.
vincentJohn 17:5: "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was."
With Thyself (παρὰ σεαυτῷ)In fellowship with Thyself. So with Thee (παρὰ σοί).IhadActually possessed.
cambridgeJohn 17:5: "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was."
5 . And now ] When the ministry is completed. glorify thou me ] The pronouns are placed side by side for emphasis, as in John 17:4 , where the Greek runs, ‘I Thee glorified.’ The two verses are parallels; ‘I Thee glorified on earth; glorify Me Thou in heaven.’ with thine own self ] In fellowship with Thee. The following great truths are contained in these two verses; (1…
Jesus isn't just asking for a future reward; he's praying to have his divine glory, which he eternally shared with the Father, manifest through his human nature. He's asking for a public unveiling of his true identity, a homecoming to the Father's radiant presence that he never actually left.
Jesus has just finished instructing his disciples and is now turning to his Father in a deeply personal prayer. He reflects on the work God gave him to do on earth, which he has now completed. This prayer transitions from his earthly ministry to his future exaltation, asking the Father to restore him to the divine glory they shared before creation.
Jesus has just finished instructing his disciples and is now turning to his Father in a deeply personal prayer. He reflects on the work God gave him to do on earth, which he has now completed. This prayer transitions from his earthly ministry to his future exaltation, asking the Father to restore him to the divine glory they shared before creation.
"And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed." — Jesus isn't just asking for a future reward; he's praying to have his divine glory, which he eternally shared with the Father, manifest through his human nature. He's asking for a public unveiling of…
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Last reviewed October 2026