What does John 17:6 mean?

Explanation

John 17:6 is a part of what is traditionally known as the High Priestly Prayer, which represents Jesus' prayer for His disciples before His crucifixion.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to God the Father about His relationship with those followers who have been given to Him , specifically, His twelve disciples.

He reveals that He has made God's name known to them, implying He has revealed the character and divine authority of God to these men who were chosen from the world.

The verse reflects the themes of divine election ("the men which thou gavest me out of the world") and faithful discipleship ("and they have kept thy word").

Literally, it acknowledges that the disciples were once part of the world, separate from God's divine truth, but have now been drawn into a spiritual relationship with God through Jesus' teachings.

Historical Context

John 17 is part of the New Testament narrative and is situated in the Gospel of John, which is generally believed to have been written between 90 and 100 AD.

The prayer occurs after the Last Supper and before Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

At this time, He is preparing His disciples for His imminent departure through death on the cross.

The Gospel of John as a whole presents a high Christology, focusing on the divine nature of Jesus and His intimate relationship with the Father.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the verse touches on several important concepts in Christian thought.

The phrase "I have manifested thy name" could be interpreted as Jesus revealing God's true nature and essence through His words and deeds.

The term "name" in Jewish thought, often referred to one's essence or character, and here it signifies God's sovereign identity and authority.

The passage also has connections to predestination and election.

The disciples are described as those "thou gavest me out of the world," suggesting God's active role in the selection of Jesus' followers.

The mention of "they have kept thy word" indicates the disciples' obedience and faithfulness to Jesus' teachings, which is a central theme in John's Gospel.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life in several ways.

It encourages believers to recognize that spiritual understanding and the decision to follow God's ways are not merely human choices but involve a divine calling.

There is also the implication that believers are to be set apart from the world while still living in it, being bearers of God's truth and character through their actions and words.

Additionally, the verse underscores the importance of faithfulness and adherence to God's word.

Cross-References

• John 6:44 - "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day."
• John 10:29 - "My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."
• John 15:19 - "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."

Language Study

The key phrase "I have manifested thy name" contains the Greek word "εφανέρωσα" (ephanērosa), which means "I manifested" or "I revealed." The term for "name," "ονομα" (onoma), carries significant weight in Hebrew and Greek contexts, referring to more than just a label, but the essence and reputation of God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, knowing the name of a god was believed to grant some form of power or access to that deity. This concept is not foreign to the Hebrew tradition, in which the name of God, YHWH, was considered sacred and powerful.

However, in a Jewish-Christian context, the knowledge of God's name represents intimacy and understanding rather than control.

Scientific Perspectives

John 17:6 does not directly engage with scientific concepts, as it is a theological and relational statement.

However, in a broader sense, it might intersect with discussions on how belief systems and religious experiences affect human behavior, psychology, and societal structures.

Commentaries

Commentators often focus on the relational aspect of John 17:6.

William Barclay notes that the arrival of Jesus into the lives of the disciples changed everything for them, as it was an introduction to the very character of God.

Matthew Henry comments on how Jesus' prayer acknowledges that all believers belong to God first and foremost.

He also recognizes the faithfulness of the disciples in keeping God's word.

Other scholars have pointed out that this verse denotes the close relationship that Jesus has with His Father and the unique role He plays in God's salvific plan.