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Verse

John 17:22

ESV The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,
NIV I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—
NASB The glory which You have given Me I also have given to them, so that they may be one, just as We are one;
CSB I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one.
NLT I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one.
KJV And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
NKJV And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:

What does John 17:22 mean?

All statements in the Bible are meant to be understood in context—this verse is no exception. Jesus' references to "glory" here cannot be interpreted properly without noticing how He used the concept at the beginning of this High Priestly Prayer (John 17:1). In that statement, Jesus noted that "the hour has come" for Him to be crucified (John 12:32–33). At least in part, Jesus means the "glory" of the cross is something He is giving to the church (John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:5–6). He is not elevating believers to His level or bestowing all aspects of His divine glory on us.

There is a sense in which Christians are given glory (2 Corinthians 3:18), in a more direct manner, by virtue of salvation (Romans 6:4; 8:17, 30; 1 John 3:1–2). Again, however, Jesus ties the purpose of this to Christian unity (John 17:21). The primary identifier of a Christian, among the unbelieving world, is supposed to be love (John 13:34–35). This does not extend to endorsing sin or false teaching (Galatians 1:8; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Corinthians 5:11). It does mean that self-professed Christians are supposed to demonstrate the goodness of God (Matthew 5:13–16), helping others come to faith. Truthful unity (Colossians 3:14) is intended to prove that Christians are following God (John 17:23).
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