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 17:11KJVWhat 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.