John 17:4
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
Original Language Analysis
ἐδόξασα
have glorified
G1392
ἐδόξασα
have glorified
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
3 of 14
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
the earth
G1093
γῆς
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
6 of 14
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργον
the work
G2041
ἔργον
the work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
8 of 14
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ετελείωσα
I have finished
G5048
ετελείωσα
I have finished
Strong's:
G5048
Word #:
9 of 14
to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)
ὃ
which
G3739
ὃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
δέδωκάς
thou gavest
G1325
δέδωκάς
thou gavest
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
11 of 14
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
Cross References
John 4:34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.2 Timothy 4:7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:John 19:30When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.John 14:31But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.John 15:10If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.John 14:13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.John 9:3Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.John 12:28Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
Historical Context
This verse occurs in Jesus's High Priestly Prayer (John 17), spoken in the upper room or en route to Gethsemane on the night before His crucifixion. John uniquely records this prayer, revealing Christ's heart before His passion. The phrase 'I have glorified thee' references His entire three-year ministry, from the incarnation through His imminent sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's declaration 'I have finished the work' on the eve of the cross challenge performance-based spirituality?
- In what ways does your life glorify God by manifesting His character to others, as Jesus did?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I have glorified thee on the earth (ἐδόξασά σε ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς)—Jesus uses the aorist tense (edoxasa), declaring His earthly mission complete even before Calvary. To 'glorify' (doxazō) means to manifest God's true nature and character; Christ's entire incarnate life—His words, works, obedience, and impending death—revealed the Father's holiness, love, and redemptive purpose.
I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do (τὸ ἔργον τελειώσας)—Teleioō means 'to complete, perfect, accomplish.' This anticipates His cry from the cross, 'It is finished' (tetelestai, John 19:30). The work was not merely teaching or miracles, but the total accomplishment of redemption—active obedience in life, passive obedience in death. Christ's glory lies in perfect submission to the Father's saving plan, securing eternal life for His elect (v. 2).