What does John 17:14 mean?

Explanation

John 17:14 is a part of what is often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, a prayer that Jesus prayed for His disciples, and by extension, for all believers, shortly before His crucifixion.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to God the Father, concerning the disciples. He states that He has given them God's words, which has resulted in the world hating them. The reason for this hatred is that they are not of the world, just as Jesus Himself is not of the world.

This implies a distinction between those who follow Jesus and the secular world, suggesting that being aligned with Jesus and His teachings often brings one into conflict with worldly values and systems.

Historical Context

The Gospel of John is generally dated to the late first century AD, and it contains a more developed theological perspective than the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).

John 17 occurs in the context of Jesus's final teachings to His disciples during the Last Supper.

The Roman Empire at the time was polytheistic, and the early Christians often faced social ostracism and persecution because of their exclusive worship of one God and refusal to participate in the larger pagan culture.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse touches on several key insights:

• Sanctification: The idea that believers are set apart from the world, not participating in its sins.
• Persecution: It is a given that Christians will face opposition from the world due to their allegiance to Christ.
• Incarnation and Example of Christ: Jesus, being not of the world, sets the ultimate example for believers to follow.

Different theological traditions might emphasize various aspects of the verse.

For example, Reformed theology would stress God's sovereignty in giving the word to the disciples and in setting them apart, while Liberation theology might focus on the conflict with world systems as a model for social justice.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse encourages believers to:

• Expect and endure hostility or misunderstanding from the world.
• Live by biblical principles even when they conflict with cultural norms.
• Find unity and support within the community of believers.

It can also serve as a comfort to those who feel alienated from their surrounding culture because of their faith.

Cross-References

• John 15:19 - "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."
• James 4:4 - "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

Language Study

The original Greek language of this verse includes some key terms:

• Logos (Word): Often used to describe divine revelation or teaching.
• Kosmos (World): Refers not to the planet Earth, but to the human system of life and values that is apart from and often opposed to God's ways.
• Miséo (Hated): To be detested or held in low esteem; the opposite of love and acceptance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The notion of a chosen people or community set apart from the surrounding culture finds parallels in Jewish tradition and other religious contexts, such as the Hindu concept of being "in the world, but not of it" or the Buddhist idea of detachment from worldly desires.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the social and psychological dynamics of group identity and out-group hostility reflected in this verse align with various sociological and anthropological theories.

It can be connected to studies on how minority groups, including religious ones, interact with dominant surrounding cultures.

Commentaries

Commentators offer varied perspectives on John 17:14:

• Matthew Henry Commentary: Notes that the hatred of the world is due to the disciples' nonconformity to the world.
• Benson Commentary: Emphasizes the fact that the disciples need not expect better treatment in the world than their Master received.
• Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges: Points out the connection between receiving God's word and the resulting alienation from the world.