And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

JOHN 17:11KJV
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John 17:11 (KJV)

What does John 17:11 mean?

John 17:11 records Jesus praying to God the Father, asking Him to protect the disciples after Jesus leaves the world, so that they may be united just as Jesus and the Father are united. Jesus refers to God as "Holy Father" and emphasizes that the disciples are still in the world, needing God's care and unity.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking aloud to God during what is often called His "High Priestly Prayer," shortly before His arrest. Jesus is preparing to leave His followers physically, so He asks God to keep them safe "through thine own name," meaning by God's own power and character. Jesus' request that the disciples "may be one, as we are" highlights a deep desire for unity among His followers, modeled on the close relationship between Jesus and the Father.

The Greek behind John 17:11

  • ἁγίε (hagie, "Holy"): This word for "holy" is a special address to God, emphasizing God's purity and set-apartness. Jesus rarely uses this title for God, making it stand out as a moment of deep reverence.
  • τηρήσον (tērēson, "keep"): The Greek word here means to guard or protect. Jesus is not just asking for physical safety but for God to watch over the disciples in a way that preserves their faith and unity.
  • ὄνομα (onoma, "name"): In Greek, "name" often refers to someone's character or authority, not just a label. Jesus is asking God to protect the disciples by His own authority and reputation.
  • ἓν (hen, "one"): This word for "one" points to unity, not just agreement. Jesus is praying for a deep, spiritual oneness among His followers, reflecting the relationship between Himself and the Father.

Why John 17:11 matters

  • John 17:11 shows that Jesus is concerned about His followers' unity and protection after He is no longer physically present, highlighting the importance of community among believers.
  • The verse connects Jesus' relationship with the Father to the kind of unity He desires for His disciples, setting a high standard for how closely His followers should be connected.
  • By calling God "Holy Father," Jesus draws attention to both God's purity and His caring, parental role, which shapes how readers understand God's relationship to those who follow Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“now” Greek G3765 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
  • John 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
  • Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

“be” Greek G5600 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

“keep” Greek G5083 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
  • Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
  • 2 Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

“we” Greek G2249 · used in 121 verses

  • Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
  • Acts 13:32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
  • 2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.