King James Version

What Does John 17:26 Mean?

John 17:26 in the King James Version says “And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, ... — study this verse from John chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

John 17:26 · KJV


Context

24

Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

25

O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.

26

And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it (καὶ ἐγνώρισα αὐτοῖς τὸ ὄνομά σου καὶ γνωρίσω, kai egnōrisa autois to onoma sou kai gnōrisō)—Jesus revealed God's character (ὄνομα, onoma, 'name' meaning nature, character, reputation) during His earthly ministry and will continue through the Spirit (John 16:13-15). γνωρίσω (gnōrisō, 'I will make known') is future tense—ongoing revelation. That the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them (ἵνα ἡ ἀγάπη ἣν ἠγάπησάς με ἐν αὐτοῖς ᾖ κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτοῖς, hina hē agapē hēn ēgapēsas me en autois ē kagō en autois)—The goal: believers experience the same love (ἡ ἀγάπη, hē agapē) the Father has for the Son, with Christ dwelling in them (κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτοῖς, kagō en autois).

This concludes the High Priestly Prayer with stunning revelation: God's love for believers equals His love for Christ; Christ dwells in believers. This is mystical union—not absorption into deity but intimate communion. Christianity isn't merely forgiveness of sins but adoption into Trinitarian love. Knowing God's name means experiencing His love.

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Historical & Cultural Context

After this prayer, Jesus went to Gethsemane (John 18:1). His final words before arrest concerned believers' participation in divine love—demonstrating that His mission's goal was not merely legal justification but relational transformation. The Spirit would continue Christ's revelatory work (John 14:26; 16:13).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's ongoing revelation of the Father's name through the Spirit shape Christian discipleship and growth?
  2. What does it mean that believers experience the same love the Father has for the Son—how should this transform our identity?
  3. How is Christ 'in' believers practically—what does His indwelling presence mean for daily life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γνωρίσω2 of 20

I have declared

G1107

to make known; subjectively, to know

αὐτοῖς3 of 20

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὸ4 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄνομά5 of 20

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

σου6 of 20

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ7 of 20

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γνωρίσω8 of 20

I have declared

G1107

to make known; subjectively, to know

ἵνα9 of 20

it that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

10 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγάπη11 of 20

the love

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

ἣν12 of 20

wherewith

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἠγάπησάς13 of 20

thou hast loved

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

με14 of 20

me

G3165

me

ἐν15 of 20

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτοῖς16 of 20

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

17 of 20

may be

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

κἀγὼ18 of 20

and I

G2504

so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.

ἐν19 of 20

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτοῖς20 of 20

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 17:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 17:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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