Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.

JOHN 17:7KJV
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John 17:7 (KJV)

What does John 17:7 mean?

John 17:7 means that Jesus’ followers have come to recognize that everything Jesus has comes from God the Father. The verse highlights the disciples’ growing understanding that Jesus’ teachings, authority, and mission are not self-made but are given to Him by God.

In this verse, Jesus is praying to God the Father, speaking about His disciples. The setting is the night before Jesus’ crucifixion, during what is often called His “high priestly prayer.” Jesus is acknowledging that His followers now realize the true source of all He has and does, which is central to their faith and relationship with Him.

The Greek behind John 17:7

  • γνωκασιν (gnōkasin, “known”): This Greek word means more than just intellectual knowledge; it often carries the sense of recognizing or understanding something deeply. Here, it shows the disciples have come to a real, personal realization about Jesus’ connection to God.
  • παρα (para, “of”): This word means “from” or “beside,” emphasizing that what Jesus has is not independent but comes directly from God the Father. It underlines the closeness and directness of the relationship between Jesus and God.

Why John 17:7 matters

  • John 17:7 clears up any idea that Jesus acted on His own authority or for His own purposes; everything He has and does is rooted in God the Father.
  • This verse marks a turning point in the disciples’ understanding, showing their faith has matured to recognize Jesus’ divine source.
  • It connects to the larger prayer in John 17, where Jesus repeatedly emphasizes His unity with the Father and the importance of the disciples grasping this truth.

Where else these words appear

“whatsoever” Greek G3745 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
  • Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
  • Romans 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

“Now” Greek G3568 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
  • Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: