I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't saying he never prays for the world; rather, in this specific moment, his intercession is focused on his disciples, the ones the Father has given him. He emphasizes this by highlighting that they are still God's, underscoring their divine origin and belonging as the core reason for this particular plea.
I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is in the midst of his most intimate prayer to the Father, just hours before his crucifixion. He has just recounted how he has faithfully revealed God's name to his disciples, the ones the Father has given him. Now, he begins to intercede specifically for them, distinguishing this prayer from any for the broader "world" that doesn't yet believe.
Jesus is praying for them, not the world. What does this distinction mean? Is Jesus playing favorites, or is something deeper at play?
In this moment, Jesus is intensely focused on his disciples. He declares, "I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me." This isn't to say Jesus never prays for the world (unbelievers). We see him pray for his crucifiers on the cross (Luke 23:34) and for all future believers in John 17:20.
However, in this specific, high-stakes intercessory prayer, his focus is on the unique group God the Father has given him. Think of it like a parent praying intensely for their own children who are facing specific dangers, rather than a general prayer for everyone in the neighborhood. Jesus' petition is for those who have already been drawn to Him by the Father, those who have believed and kept His word.
Why does Jesus pray for these specific people? He gives a profound reason: "for they are yours."
Jesus grounds his intercessory prayer in the unique relationship these disciples have with the Father. He isn't just asking for favors; he's reminding the Father of their shared ownership and connection.
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Understand the original words
erōtaō · Greek Verb
To intercede or petition God on behalf of others. It characterizes the high-priestly ministry of Christ, who continuously advocates for His people.
This prayer occurs in the immediate lead-up to Jesus' crucifixion, a pivotal moment where he entrusts his followers to the Father's care as he departs the earthly realm.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Teaching
During his earthly ministry, Jesus taught, healed, and gathered disciples, preparing them for the future mission of the church.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified, but then resurrected, demonstrating his victory over sin and death and fulfilling his redemptive mission.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Prays for His Disciples
In the hours before his crucifixion, Jesus offers a profound prayer (John 17) to the Father, interceding for his followers.
c. AD 30
The Ascension of Jesus
Jesus ascends into heaven, leaving his disciples to carry on his work, now empowered by the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30-33
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples at Pentecost, empowering them for evangelism and confirming their identity as Christ's chosen ones.
c. AD 40s-60s
Early Church Expansion
The apostles and early believers spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire, facing persecution but seeing the church grow.
This passage echoes John 17:9 by calling believers a 'chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession,' highlighting their unique identity as belonging to God and set apart from the world.
Romans 8:32This verse reinforces the idea in John 17:9 that God's giving of His Son is the ultimate act of love, which naturally leads to Him giving all things for those who are His, including the protection Jesus prays for.
Jude 1:1Jude identifies himself as 'to those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ,' mirroring Jesus' prayer in John 17:9 for those 'given' to Him by the Father, who are kept in God's name.
John 10:29This verse is a powerful parallel to John 17:9, as Jesus states, 'My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand,' emphasizing God's ultimate possession and protection of those given to Jesus.
Matthew 6:13While Jesus prays in John 17:9 specifically for His disciples, this passage shows a broader prayer for daily needs and deliverance from evil that encompasses all believers, reflecting the continuous nature of God's care for His people.
barnesJohn 17:9: "I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine."
I pray for them - In view of their dangers and trials, he sought the protection and blessing of God on them. His prayer was always answered. Not for the world - The term world here, as elsewhere, refers to wicked, rebellious, vicious men. The meaning of this expression here seems to be this: Jesus is praying for his disciples. As a reason why God should bless them, he says that the…
cambridgeJohn 17:9: "I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine."
9 . I pray for them , &c.] Literally, I am praying concerning them; concerning the world I am not praying, but concerning them whom , &c. ‘I,’ ‘them,’ and ‘the world’ are emphatic. ‘For them who have believed I in turn am praying; for the world I am not praying.’ On the word here used for ‘pray’ see on John 14:16 . Of course this verse does not mean that Christ never prays for unbe…
Jesus isn't saying he never prays for the world; rather, in this specific moment, his intercession is focused on his disciples, the ones the Father has given him. He emphasizes this by highlighting that they are still God's, underscoring their divine origin and belonging as the core reason for this particular plea.
Jesus is in the midst of his most intimate prayer to the Father, just hours before his crucifixion. He has just recounted how he has faithfully revealed God's name to his disciples, the ones the Father has given him. Now, he begins to intercede specifically for them, distinguishing this prayer from any for the broader "world" that doesn't yet believe.
Jesus is in the midst of his most intimate prayer to the Father, just hours before his crucifixion. He has just recounted how he has faithfully revealed God's name to his disciples, the ones the Father has given him. Now, he begins to intercede specifically for them, distinguishing this prayer from any for the broader "world" that doesn't yet believe.
"I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours." — Jesus isn't saying he never prays for the world; rather, in this specific moment, his intercession is focused on his disciples, the ones the Father has given him. He emphasizes this by highlighti…
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Last reviewed October 2026