New Testament · Gospel

John 17:14

Jesus Prays

I have given them Your word and the world has hated them. For they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. John 17:14 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

John 17:14, in plain English

Jesus explains why His followers face hostility: 'I gave them your word, and the world hates them because they don't belong to it—just like I don't belong to it.'

Why it's here

Following Jesus means you'll stand out, and not everyone will appreciate it. The same world that rejected Jesus will push back against His followers.

Who's speaking

Jesus prays honestly about the challenges His followers face.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus acknowledges a hard truth in prayer: the world will hate His followers. But He doesn't apologize for it—belonging to God is worth the cost.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus states that giving the disciples the Father's word has resulted in the world's hatred toward them, because they, like Jesus, do not belong to the world system.

Language and setting

The 'kosmos' (world) here refers to the organized system of values and powers opposed to God. The disciples' alienation from the world mirrors Jesus' own experience (John 15:18-19).

Voice

Jesus continues praying about the disciples' situation in the world.

Significance

Jesus identifies the cost of discipleship: receiving God's word makes believers outsiders to the prevailing world system. The hatred they face is a direct consequence of belonging to God.

In context

John 17:12–16

12While I was with them, I protected and preserved them by Your name, the name You gave Me. Not one of them has been lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.

13But now I am coming to You; and I am saying these things while I am in the world, so that they may have My joy fulfilled within them.

14I have given them Your word and the world has hated them. For they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

15I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one.

16They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

Read all of John 17 — You get to overhear Jesus praying to the Father. He prays for His disciples — and then He prays for you.

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