John 17:5
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The context
This is inside the prayer Jesus prays before his arrest, often called the high priestly prayer. He has asked to be glorified, and he now asks for the glory he says he had with the Father before the world was. The prayer is addressed to the Father in the hearing of the disciples.
What it establishes
The Gospel presents Jesus speaking of a shared glory and a relationship that predate creation. Whatever the metaphysical conclusions, the text has Jesus describing pre-existent standing rather than a role assigned at birth.
What it does not establish
It does not by itself define later trinitarian doctrine. The verse is one strand in a long argument, and how the pre-existent glory relates to the incarnate mission is disputed among readers who accept the Gospel's authority.
Short note, first pass, October 2026. Corrections welcome.
Cited in these answers
Part of Scripture, Opened — the exegetical layer behind every citation on this site. Scripture quotations are from the ESV.