over all flesh. Literally of: i.e. in relation to ( App-17 .) all flesh. Compare Isaiah 40:5 .Luke 3:6 . Acts 2:17 .
eternal. App-151 .
life . App-170 .
to as many , &c. Literally everything that Thou hast given Him, to them. Seven times in this prayer His people are said to have been given Him by the Father, verses: John 17:2 , John 17:6 , John 17:6 , John 2:9 , John 2:11 , John 2:12 , John 2:24 ; but see notes on verses: John 17:11 , John 17:12 .
name . Compare verses: it, 12, 26. Exodus 34:5 .Psalms 9:10 ; Psalms 20:1 (see note there).
unto = to.
men . App-123 .
gavest . Compare John 17:2 ; John 6:37 ; John 12:32 .
out of . Greek. ek. App-104 . kept. Greek. tereo. This word is used in these chapters twelve times: John 14:15 , John 14:21 , John 14:23 , John 14:24 ; John 15:10 , John 15:10 , John 15:20 , John 15:20 ; John 17:6 , John 17:11 , John 17:12 , John 17:15 ; nine times in reference to the Word, thrice in reference to the disciples. word. Greek. logos. See Mark 9:32 . Three statements are made by the Lord of His disciples, each three times: their relationship to the Word, verses: John 17:6 , John 17:7 , John 17:8 ; relationship to the Sent One, verses: John 17:8 , John 17:18 , John 17:25 ; relationship to the world, verses: John 17:14 , John 17:14 , John 17:16 .
pray = ask. Greek. erotao. App-134 . The Lord uses this word eight times in these chapters: John 14:16 ; John 16:5 , John 16:23 , John 16:26 ; John 17:9 , John 17:9 , John 17:15 , John 17:20 . The word aiteo, used of an inferior addressing a superior, Occurs John 14:13 , John 14:14 ; John 15:7 , John 15:16 ; John 16:23 , John 16:24 , John 16:24 , John 16:26 . Compare Mark 15:43 (crave), Luke 23:52 (beg).
all Mine are Thine , &c. = all things that are Mine are Thine, &c. This is a claim of perfect equality. Everything belonging to the Father, from essential being to works, the Son claims as His own. Luther says, "Any man can say ' All mine is Thine', but only the Son can say 'All that is Thine is Mine. ' Compare 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 .
am glorified = have been glorified. See verses: John 17:6-8 .
Holy Father . When speaking of Himself, the Lord says, "Father", verses: John 1:5 , John 1:21 , John 1:24 ; when speaking of His disciples, "Holy Father"; when speaking of the world, "Righteous Father", John 17:25 . The holiness of God has separated the disciples from the world. Compare 1 John 2:15 , 1 John 2:16 .
through = in. Greek. en, as in John 17:12 .
whom . All the texts read "which", referring to "name": i.e. "Keep them through Thy name which Thou hast given Me. "Compare Exodus 23:21 .Isaiah 9:6 . Philippians 1:2 , Philippians 1:9 , Philippians 1:10 . Revelation 19:12 .
one. Greek. en. Neut. as in John 10:30 . This request is made five times ( App-6 ) in this chapter: here, verses: John 21:21 , John 21:22 , John 21:23 .
those that . As in John 17:11 , all the texts put the relative in the singular, and read "in Thy name that Thou gayest Me, and I kept them".
have kept = kept (Greek. phulasso), i.e. guarded. Compare Luke 2:8 (keep watch). 1 John 5:21 . Not the same word as in former clause and John 17:6 .
of = out of. Greek. ek. App-104 .
lost. Greek apollumi. Occurs twelve times in John: John 6:12 , John 6:39 ; John 12:25 ; John 17:12 ; John 18:9 (lose); John 3:15 , John 3:16 ; John 6:27 ; John 10:28 ; John 11:50 (perish); John 10:10 (destroy); John 18:14 (die). Used of the doom of the sinner. One of the strongest words in the Greek language to express final and irretrievable destruction.
but = except. Greek. ei me.
the son , &c. This expression occurs here and 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (the Antichrist). Used in the Septuagint in Isaiah 57:4 , "children of transgression". Compare Matthew 9:16 ; Matthew 13:38 ; Matthew 23:15 .Luke 16:8 . Acts 13:10 . Ephesians 2:2 , in all which passages "child "should be "son".
perdition . Greek. apoleia, a kindred word to apollumi. Occurs twenty times. Only here in John. First occurance. Matthew 7:13 .
the scripture , &c. This expression occurs five times in John, here, John 13:18 ; John 19:24 , John 19:28 , John 19:36 .
from = out of. Greek. ek, as in the former clause. the evil = the evil one. See on Matthew 6:13 . Compare 1 John 5:19 . Three things the Lord requested for His disciples: to be kept from the evil one, to be sanctified through the truth (John 17:17 ), and to behold His glory (John 17:24 ).
Sanctify = Hallow. Greek. hagiam. Separation is the idea of the word "holy". See note on Exodus 3:5 .
Thy . All the texts read "the".
truth . The truth is the great separating force. Compare Matthew 10:35 .
Thy word , &c. = The word that is Thine is the truth. The Incarnate and revealed Words alike. Compare John 6:33 ; John 14:6 ; John 16:13 .Matthew 22:16 . 2Co 6:7 ; 2 Corinthians 13:8 . Galatians 1:2 , Galatians 1:5 , Galatians 1:14 .Ephesians 1:13 .
for their sakes = on behalf of (Greek. huper. App-104 .) them.
I sanctify Myself = I dedicate or consecrate Myself. This shows the meaning of sanctify; not making holy as to moral character, but setting apart for God. The Lord was the antitype of all the offerings, which were holy unto Jehovah.
have declared = declared: i.e. made known. Greek. gnorizo. See John 15:15 , the only other occurance in John. Kindred word to ginosko ( App-132 . ) and gnosis, knowledge.
love. Greek. agape. App-136 .
hast loved = lovedst. This whole chapter beautifully illustrates Psalms 119:0 and Psalms 138:2 .
Bibliographical Information Bullinger, Ethelbert William. "Commentary on John 17". "Bullinger's Companion bible Notes". https://beta.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bul/john-17.html. 1909-1922.
Verse 1
words = things; i.e. from John 13:31 to John 16:33 .
Jesus . App-98 .
to = unto. Greek. eis. App-104 .
heaven = the heaven (singular) See on Matthew 6:9 , Matthew 6:10 .
Father . App-98 . See on John 1:14 .
hour. Compare John 12:23 , John 12:27 ; John 13:1 .
glorify. See on John 12:16 and p. 1511.
Son. App-98 and App-108 .
that = in order that. Greek. hina.
also . All texts omit.
Verse 2
As = Even as.
power = authority. App-172 .
over all flesh. Literally of: i.e. in relation to ( App-17 .) all flesh. Compare Isaiah 40:5 .Luke 3:6 . Acts 2:17 .
eternal. App-151 .
life . App-170 .
to as many , &c. Literally everything that Thou hast given Him, to them. Seven times in this prayer His people are said to have been given Him by the Father, verses: John 17:2 , John 17:6 , John 17:6 , John 2:9 , John 2:11 , John 2:12 , John 2:24 ; but see notes on verses: John 17:11 , John 17:12 .
Verse 3
this , &c. Not a definition of eternal life, but the purpose (Greek. hina, as in John 17:1 ) for which it is given.
know. App-132 .
true . App-175 ., and p. 1511.
God . App-98 .
Jesus Christ . App-98 .
sent. App-174 . Christ said to be the sent One six times in this prayer, forty-three times in John; apostello, 17 times; pempo, 33 times.
Verse 4
on. Greek. epi. App-104 .
earth . App-129 .
I have finished . The texts read "having finished". Compare John 4:34 ; John 5:36 ; John 19:30 .
gavest = hast given.
to do = in order that (Greek. hina, as in John 17:1 ) I should do it.
Verse 5
now. Greek. nun, as in John 13:31 .
with = beside. Greek. para. App-104 .
glory. Greek. doxa. See p. 1511.
before . Greek. pro. App-104 .
world . App-129 .
Verse 6
have manifested = manifested.
name . Compare verses: it, 12, 26. Exodus 34:5 .Psalms 9:10 ; Psalms 20:1 (see note there).
unto = to.
men . App-123 .
gavest . Compare John 17:2 ; John 6:37 ; John 12:32 .
out of . Greek. ek. App-104 . kept. Greek. tereo. This word is used in these chapters twelve times: John 14:15 , John 14:21 , John 14:23 , John 14:24 ; John 15:10 , John 15:10 , John 15:20 , John 15:20 ; John 17:6 , John 17:11 , John 17:12 , John 17:15 ; nine times in reference to the Word, thrice in reference to the disciples. word. Greek. logos. See Mark 9:32 . Three statements are made by the Lord of His disciples, each three times: their relationship to the Word, verses: John 17:6 , John 17:7 , John 17:8 ; relationship to the Sent One, verses: John 17:8 , John 17:18 , John 17:25 ; relationship to the world, verses: John 17:14 , John 17:14 , John 17:16 .
Verse 7
of = from. Greek. para. App-104 .
Verse 8
words. Greek. rhema. See Mark 9:32 .
have received = received.
have known = knew,
surely = truly. Greek. alethos. Compare App-175 .
from . Greek. para, as in John 17:7 .
have believed = believed. App-150 .
Verse 9
pray = ask. Greek. erotao. App-134 . The Lord uses this word eight times in these chapters: John 14:16 ; John 16:5 , John 16:23 , John 16:26 ; John 17:9 , John 17:9 , John 17:15 , John 17:20 . The word aiteo, used of an inferior addressing a superior, Occurs John 14:13 , John 14:14 ; John 15:7 , John 15:16 ; John 16:23 , John 16:24 , John 16:24 , John 16:26 . Compare Mark 15:43 (crave), Luke 23:52 (beg).
for = concerning. Greek. peri. App-104 . not. Greek. ou. App-105 .
Verse 10
all Mine are Thine , &c. = all things that are Mine are Thine, &c. This is a claim of perfect equality. Everything belonging to the Father, from essential being to works, the Son claims as His own. Luther says, "Any man can say ' All mine is Thine', but only the Son can say 'All that is Thine is Mine. ' Compare 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 .
am glorified = have been glorified. See verses: John 17:6-8 .
in . Greek. en. App-104 .
Verse 11
now . . . no more = no longer. Greek. ouketi.
to = unto. Greek. pros. App-104 .
Holy Father . When speaking of Himself, the Lord says, "Father", verses: John 1:5 , John 1:21 , John 1:24 ; when speaking of His disciples, "Holy Father"; when speaking of the world, "Righteous Father", John 17:25 . The holiness of God has separated the disciples from the world. Compare 1 John 2:15 , 1 John 2:16 .
through = in. Greek. en, as in John 17:12 .
whom . All the texts read "which", referring to "name": i.e. "Keep them through Thy name which Thou hast given Me. "Compare Exodus 23:21 .Isaiah 9:6 . Philippians 1:2 , Philippians 1:9 , Philippians 1:10 . Revelation 19:12 .
one. Greek. en. Neut. as in John 10:30 . This request is made five times ( App-6 ) in this chapter: here, verses: John 21:21 , John 21:22 , John 21:23 .
Verse 12
While = When. with. Greek. meta. App-104 .
in the world . All the texts omit.
those that . As in John 17:11 , all the texts put the relative in the singular, and read "in Thy name that Thou gayest Me, and I kept them".
have kept = kept (Greek. phulasso), i.e. guarded. Compare Luke 2:8 (keep watch). 1 John 5:21 . Not the same word as in former clause and John 17:6 .
of = out of. Greek. ek. App-104 .
lost. Greek apollumi. Occurs twelve times in John: John 6:12 , John 6:39 ; John 12:25 ; John 17:12 ; John 18:9 (lose); John 3:15 , John 3:16 ; John 6:27 ; John 10:28 ; John 11:50 (perish); John 10:10 (destroy); John 18:14 (die). Used of the doom of the sinner. One of the strongest words in the Greek language to express final and irretrievable destruction.
but = except. Greek. ei me.
the son , &c. This expression occurs here and 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (the Antichrist). Used in the Septuagint in Isaiah 57:4 , "children of transgression". Compare Matthew 9:16 ; Matthew 13:38 ; Matthew 23:15 .Luke 16:8 . Acts 13:10 . Ephesians 2:2 , in all which passages "child "should be "son".
perdition . Greek. apoleia, a kindred word to apollumi. Occurs twenty times. Only here in John. First occurance. Matthew 7:13 .
the scripture , &c. This expression occurs five times in John, here, John 13:18 ; John 19:24 , John 19:28 , John 19:36 .
might be = may be, expressing certainty.
fulfilled . See on John 15:11 .
Verse 14
Thy word. In John 17:6 the word is "kept", here it is "given"; in John 17:17 its character is stated, "truth".
hath hated = hated.
Verse 15
from = out of. Greek. ek, as in the former clause. the evil = the evil one. See on Matthew 6:13 . Compare 1 John 5:19 . Three things the Lord requested for His disciples: to be kept from the evil one, to be sanctified through the truth (John 17:17 ), and to behold His glory (John 17:24 ).
Verse 17
Sanctify = Hallow. Greek. hagiam. Separation is the idea of the word "holy". See note on Exodus 3:5 .
Thy . All the texts read "the".
truth . The truth is the great separating force. Compare Matthew 10:35 .
Thy word , &c. = The word that is Thine is the truth. The Incarnate and revealed Words alike. Compare John 6:33 ; John 14:6 ; John 16:13 .Matthew 22:16 . 2Co 6:7 ; 2 Corinthians 13:8 . Galatians 1:2 , Galatians 1:5 , Galatians 1:14 .Ephesians 1:13 .
Verse 18
As = Even as.
hast sent = didst send.
into. Greek. eis. App-104 .
have . . . sent = sent.
Verse 19
for their sakes = on behalf of (Greek. huper. App-104 .) them.
I sanctify Myself = I dedicate or consecrate Myself. This shows the meaning of sanctify; not making holy as to moral character, but setting apart for God. The Lord was the antitype of all the offerings, which were holy unto Jehovah.
might be = may be.
the truth . There is no article.
Verse 20
Neither = Not, (Greek. ou . App-105 ).
shall believe . All the texts read "believe".
believe on . App-150 .
through . Greek. dia. App-104 .
Verse 21
hast sent = didst send (Aor.)
Verse 22
gayest . Here the reading should be "hast given".
Verse 23
made perfect = perfected. Greek. teleioo. Same word as "finish" in John 17:4 .
in = into. Greek. eis. App-104 .
and. All omit.
hast sent = didst send.
hast loved = lovedst.
loved . Greek. agapao. See p. 1511.
as = even as.
Verse 24
will . Greek. thelo. App-102 . Compare John 12:21 ; John 15:7 ; John 16:19 .
behold . Greek. theoreo. App-133 . Compare John 2:23 ,
the foundation , &c. See App-146 .
Verse 25
righteous Father . See on John 17:11 .
hath not known Thee = knew Thee not. See John 8:55 .Romans 1:18-32 . 1Co 1:21 ; 1 Corinthians 2:8 .
have known = knew.
hast sent = didst send.
Verse 26
have declared = declared: i.e. made known. Greek. gnorizo. See John 15:15 , the only other occurance in John. Kindred word to ginosko ( App-132 . ) and gnosis, knowledge.
love. Greek. agape. App-136 .
hast loved = lovedst. This whole chapter beautifully illustrates Psalms 119:0 and Psalms 138:2 .