17:17a

Sanctify them by the truth: Scholars have interpreted the Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Sanctify them by the truth in two ways:

(1) It refers to sanctifying the disciples by means of the truth. God would use the truth to sanctify Jesus’ disciples. For example:

Dedicate them to yourself by means of the truth. (Good News Translation)

(Berean Standard Bible, Good News Translation, New International Version, God’s Word, King James Version, Revised English Bible, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version, New Century Version)

(2) It refers to sanctifying the disciples in the truth. God would sanctify the disciples as they lived in the truth. For example:

Consecrate them in the truth. (New Jerusalem Bible)

(New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, NET Bible)

The two interpretations may not be very different. As the disciples lived in the truth (followed the truth), the truth would sanctify them. If you must choose between the two interpretations, it is recommended that you follow most English translations and interpretation (1).

Sanctify them: The word Sanctify means “dedicate to God” or “set apart for God to serve or do a mission.” It is implied that the disciples must be separated from the evil of the world. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

Set them apart (NET Bible)
-or-
Make them holy (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
make them completely yours (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Make them ready for your service (New Century Version)

the truth: This phrase here refers to what is true, what God has revealed (17:17b says, “your word is truth”). See how you translated this phrase in 8:32. As Jesus taught this truth, and as the disciples believed and obeyed it, God sanctified them (dedicated them to himself). In some languages it is more natural to use a phrase to translate truth. For example:

by/with your true teaching
-or-
by-means-of your words which are true (Kankanaey Back Translation)

17:17b

Your word is truth: This clause explains or defines what Jesus means by the word truth. God’s word, his message to people, is the truth. What God says is always true.

word: In some languages it is more natural to translate the idea of word with a verb. For example:

What you say is truth

truth: See the note and how you translated this word in 17:17a. In some languages it is more natural to translate truth as an adjective. For example:

Your words really are true

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