For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

JOHN 17:8KJV
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John 17:8 (KJV)

What does John 17:8 mean?

John 17:8 means that Jesus gave his followers the message God gave him, and they accepted it, truly understanding that Jesus came from God and believing that God sent him. The verse highlights the disciples’ acceptance of Jesus’ words and their faith in his divine origin and mission.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to God the Father during a prayer, often called the "High Priestly Prayer," just before his arrest. Jesus is describing how his disciples received his teachings, recognized his connection to God, and believed in his purpose. This statement shows the close relationship between Jesus, his message, and those who truly listen to him.

The Greek behind John 17:8

  • The word for "words" is λόγους (logous), which often refers to specific teachings or messages, not just general speech. Here, it stresses that Jesus passed on a particular message given by God.
  • The verb ἔλαβον (elabon), translated "received," means more than just hearing; it suggests actively accepting or taking hold of something, showing the disciples’ genuine acceptance of Jesus’ message.
  • The phrase ἐγὼ γὰρ ἐκ σοῦ ἐξῆλθον (ego gar ek sou exēlthon), "I came out from thee," uses the verb ἐξῆλθον (exēlthon), which often carries the sense of coming forth or being sent out with purpose, emphasizing Jesus’ divine origin.
  • The verb ἀπέστειλας (apesteilas), "send," is related to the idea of being commissioned or sent on a mission, underlining that Jesus’ coming was intentional and directed by God.

Why John 17:8 matters

  • John 17:8 clarifies that the disciples’ faith was not based on vague feelings but on their acceptance of Jesus’ specific teachings and their understanding of his divine mission.
  • This verse shows the importance of both receiving Jesus’ words and believing in his origin from God, tying together knowledge and faith.
  • John 17:8 connects to the wider prayer, where Jesus is reflecting on his ministry and the response of his closest followers, highlighting their role as the first to truly understand and believe his message.

Where else these words appear

“surely” Greek G230 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 14:33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
  • Luke 12:44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
  • John 7:26 But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?

“words” Greek G4487 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Luke 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
  • Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

“send” Greek G649 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
  • John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.