John 17:12

Authorized King James Version

While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅτε
G3753
While
at which (thing) too, i.e., when
#2
ἤμην
G2252
I was
i was
#3
μετ'
G3326
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#4
αὐτῶν
G846
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#5
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
κόσμῳ,
G2889
the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#8
ἐγὼ
G1473
I
i, me
#9
ἐτήρουν
G5083
kept
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
#10
αὐτῶν
G846
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#11
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#12
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ὀνόματί
G3686
name
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#14
σου
G4675
thy
of thee, thy
#15
οὓς
G3739
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#16
δέδωκάς
G1325
that thou gavest
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#17
μοι
G3427
me
to me
#18
ἐφύλαξα
G5442
I have kept
to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid
#19
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
οὐδεὶς
G3762
none
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
#21
ἐξ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#22
αὐτῶν
G846
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#23
ἀπώλετο
G622
is lost
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
#24
εἰ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#25
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#26
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
υἱὸς
G5207
the son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#28
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
ἀπωλείας
G684
of perdition
ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal)
#30
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#31
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#32
γραφὴ
G1124
the scripture
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
#33
πληρωθῇ
G4137
might be fulfilled
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of John.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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