What is the meaning of John 17:16?

They

- Jesus is speaking about His disciples, the men and women who have trusted Him and followed His teaching (John 17:6, 8).

- The circle also widens to include every believer who will come to faith through their word (John 17:20).

- Other passages show this shared identity: “You, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise” (Galatians 4:28); “You are a chosen people” (1 Peter 2:9).

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are not

- Jesus states a settled fact, not a wish. Their new birth has already transferred them out of one realm into another (Colossians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

- This distinction is spiritual, not geographical. Wherever they live, their citizenship has changed (Philippians 3:20).

- It also marks their values: “Do not be conformed to this age” (Romans 12:2).

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of the world

- “The world” in John often means the fallen system of beliefs, priorities, and powers that stand opposed to God (John 15:18–19).

- Because believers no longer belong to that system, tension is inevitable: “Do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you” (1 John 3:13).

- Practical implications include a guarded love: “Do not love the world or anything in the world” (1 John 2:15).

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just as I am not of the world

- Jesus sets Himself as the pattern. He walked among people, ate, worked, and served, yet never adopted the world’s rebellion (John 8:23; Hebrews 7:26).

- His difference was evident in His obedience to the Father (John 5:30) and His mission to give life (John 10:10).

- By tying our status to His, He offers both motivation and power: “Because as He is, so also are we in this world” (1 John 4:17).

- The identical wording (“just as”) assures us the same Spirit who sustained Him now indwells us (John 14:16–17; Romans 8:11).

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summary

Believers share Jesus’ outsider status in a world system that resists God. Our identity is reshaped by the new birth, our allegiance shifts to heavenly priorities, and our conduct is to mirror the Lord’s own separation from sin yet engagement with sinners. Living “not of the world” is not withdrawal but faithful presence—rooted in Christ, distinct in values, and empowered by the Spirit to shine His light until He returns.