John 17:6
What does John 17:6 mean?
A plain-English look at John 17:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 17:6 means
Jesus declares that He has revealed the Father's name—His character, nature, and redemptive plan—to a specific group: the men whom the Father had given Him out of the world. He emphasizes that these individuals originally belonged to the Father and were then entrusted to Jesus. Crucially, these disciples have demonstrated their belonging by faithfully obeying and keeping the Father's word, as revealed through Jesus. This highlights the divine election and the disciples' responsive faith.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them to me; and they have kept thy word.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them to me; and they have kept thy word.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I have given knowledge of your name to the men whom you gave me out of the world: yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your words.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I did manifest Thy name to the men whom Thou hast given to me out of the world; Thine they were, and to me Thou hast given them, and Thy word they have kept;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I have manifested thy name to the men whom thou hast given me out of the world. Thine they were: and to me thou gavest them. And they have kept thy word.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I have manifested thy name to the men whom thou gavest me out of the world. They were thine, and thou gavest them me, and they have kept thy word.
Context
Transitioning from praying for Himself, Jesus now begins His intercession for His immediate disciples. This verse establishes the special relationship between Jesus, the Father, and these chosen men. It sets the groundwork for the requests that follow regarding their preservation and spiritual growth, by affirming their unique status and faithfulness as a foundation for His prayers on their behalf.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 17:2
even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life.
- Acts 13:48
And as the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of God: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
- John 17:24
Father, I desire 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.
- Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.
- John 15:3
Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you.
- Psalms 119:11
Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee.
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