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 17:26KJV
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John 17:26 (KJV)

What does John 17:26 mean?

John 17:26 describes Jesus telling God the Father that He has made God’s name known to His followers and will continue to do so, so that the same love God has for Jesus may be in them, and that Jesus Himself may be present in them. This verse highlights Jesus’ desire for His disciples to experience the deep love that exists between Him and the Father.

In this part of John’s Gospel, Jesus is praying to God the Father just before His arrest. He is speaking about His disciples, expressing that He has revealed God’s character (“name”) to them and will keep revealing it. The verse shows Jesus’ hope that by knowing God more fully, the disciples will share in the love that unites the Father and the Son, and that Jesus’ own presence will be with them.

The Greek behind John 17:26

  • The word for “name” is ὄνομα (onoma), which in this context often means more than just a label—it refers to God’s character, reputation, and identity. Jesus is saying He has revealed who God truly is.
  • The word for “love” is ἀγάπη (agapē), which points to a self-giving, unconditional kind of love. Jesus wants this specific kind of love, the same love the Father has for Him, to be in His followers.
  • The verb “loved” is ἠγάπησας (ēgapēsas), from the same root as ἀγάπη (agapē), emphasizing that the love Jesus is talking about is the love God has already shown to Jesus.
  • The phrase “I in them” uses the preposition ἐν (en), which often carries the sense of being present within or among. Jesus is expressing a desire for an ongoing, real presence in the lives of His followers.

Why John 17:26 matters

  • John 17:26 clarifies that Jesus’ mission was not just to teach information about God, but to reveal God’s true nature and bring people into a relationship marked by God’s own love.
  • The verse emphasizes that the unity and love between Jesus and the Father is meant to be shared with Jesus’ followers, highlighting the depth of connection Jesus wants for them.
  • This verse ties together the themes of revelation, love, and presence that run throughout Jesus’ prayer in John 17, showing that knowing God leads to experiencing divine love and Jesus’ ongoing presence.