What does John 17:19 mean?

Explanation

In the verse John 17:19, Jesus is speaking and He says, "And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth." To sanctify means to set apart or to consecrate something or someone for a particular purpose, especially a holy one.

Here, Jesus is referring to setting Himself apart for the crucifixion and His mission's ultimate goal: the redemption and sanctification of those who believe in Him.

This sanctification is not based on ritual or works, but through the reception of truth - a key theme in the Gospel of John, where Jesus Himself is identified as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).

The deeper meaning illustrates that through Jesus' own sacrifice, His followers are made holy and set apart for God's purposes through the embrace of divine truth.

Historical Context

John 17 is part of what is often referred to as the Farewell Discourse in the Gospel of John, which takes place at the Last Supper, before Jesus' crucifixion.

The setting is Jerusalem, and the time is around Passover, which was a major Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt.

Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure from the world and His coming passion.

In this context, Jesus intercedes for His disciples, and by extension, all future believers.

The historical and cultural context is thus deeply rooted in the anticipation of Jesus' fulfillment of Jewish messianic expectations through His death and resurrection.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, there are various views on this verse.

Traditional Christian theology holds that this verse demonstrates Jesus' active role in His own sacrifice and the divine plan of salvation.

It also suggests that sanctification is a process made possible through Jesus' consecration of Himself, which is available to all believers.

A more contemporary view might place emphasis on the notion of truth as central to personal sanctification, suggesting that an authentic encounter with Jesus, the truth, is transformative.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse are manifold.

It encourages individuals to seek holiness and sanctification through the truth of Jesus Christ.

It can also be seen as a call for dedication and setting oneself apart for purposes aligned with Christian values and teachings.

In practical terms, this might involve personal spiritual disciplines, ethical behavior, loving one's neighbor, and engaging in works that reflect Christ's love and sacrifice.

Cross-References

• "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17 KJV)
• "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6 KJV)
• "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (Isaiah 64:6 KJV)
• "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word," (Ephesians 5:25-26 KJV)

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word translated as "sanctify" is "ἁγιάζω" (hagiazō), which means "to make holy, purify, consecrate." "Sanctification" is not merely moral purity but involves being set apart for God's purposes.

"Truth" is translated from "ἀλήθεια" (aletheia), which carries the meaning of what is actual and real as opposed to what is false or deceiving.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a figure setting itself apart for the benefit of others or truth can be compared to various ancient myths.

In many mythologies, a heroic figure undergoes trials or even sacrifices themselves for a greater good.

In religious traditions outside Christianity, there are also practices and teachings regarding sanctification or purification rituals, such as ablutions in Islam or the caste system in Hinduism that sets certain groups apart as more pure.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific interpretation of the concepts of sanctification or divine truth, modern psychology may provide insight into the transformative power of adhering to certain truths or beliefs.

Commitment to a set of values or truths can lead to changes in behavior, which might be considered a form of personal sanctification.

Additionally, the power of community in reinforcing these beliefs can be linked to social psychology and the concept of collective effervescence.

commentaries

Various Bible commentators have contributed insights to this verse:

• Matthew Henry comments that Jesus consecrated Himself as an offering, which sanctified the ceremonial law and set a pattern of dedication for believers.
• John Gill observes that Christ's sanctification of Himself was for the sake of all the elect, that they might be sanctified in Him and ultimately through the truth of the Gospel.
• The MacArthur Study Bible notes emphasize that Jesus' self-sanctification was a necessary preparation for His high priestly work of sacrifice and intercession, symbolizing His complete devotion to the task assigned to Him by the Father.

These various perspectives offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of interpretation surrounding this verse from the Gospel of John.