John 17:9
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
Original Language Analysis
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 17
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
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
the world
G2889
κόσμου
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
8 of 17
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ὧν
them which
G3739
ὧν
them which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
δέδωκάς
thou hast given
G1325
δέδωκάς
thou hast given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
13 of 17
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
Cross References
Hebrews 9:24For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:John 17:2As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.John 17:6I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.John 17:20Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;Luke 22:32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.1 John 5:19And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.John 14:16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;Revelation 20:15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.Revelation 13:8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.Hebrews 7:25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Historical Context
Spoken in the upper room on Passover night (AD 30), hours before Christ's arrest. This is the culmination of the "high priestly prayer" (John 17), where Jesus intercedes for His disciples before going to the cross. The distinction between "the world" and "those given to me" reflects Jewish covenant theology—God chose Israel from among the nations, and now Christ speaks of the new covenant community.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's specific intercession for the elect provide assurance that He is praying for you if you trust in Him?
- What does the phrase "they are thine" reveal about the relationship between the Father's election and the Son's redemptive work?
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Analysis & Commentary
I pray for them (ἐρωτῶ περὶ αὐτῶν, erōtō peri autōn)—Christ makes explicit the scope of His high-priestly intercession. The verb erōtaō indicates intimate request between equals, used elsewhere only of the Son addressing the Father. This is not generic prayer but covenant advocacy.
I pray not for the world (οὐ περὶ τοῦ κόσμου ἐρωτῶ)—the κόσμος here means the rebellious system opposed to God, not individual sinners whom Christ came to save (3:16). This verse delimits the scope of His present priestly prayer, not His redemptive work. He intercedes specifically for them which thou hast given me (ὧν δέδωκάς μοι)—the elect given by the Father before the foundation of the world. The perfect tense dedokas emphasizes completed action with ongoing results: these belong irrevocably to Christ. For they are thine (σοί εἰσιν)—divine election is ultimately the Father's sovereign choice, executed through the Son's redemptive work.