John 17:25
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 17:25
25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
Chapter Context
John 17 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, wisdom, hope. Written during the late first century CE (c. 90-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed late first-century challenges from both Judaism and emerging Gnostic thought.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
John 17:25
25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
Analysis
O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me (Πάτερ δίκαιε, καὶ ὁ κόσμος σε οὐκ ἔγνω, ἐγὼ δέ σε ἔγνων, καὶ οὗτοι ἔγνωσαν ὅτι σύ με ἀπέστειλας, Pater dikaie, kai ho kosmos se ouk egnō, egō de se egnōn, kai houtoi egnōsan hoti sy me aposteilas)—Jesus addresses the Father as righteous (δίκαιε, dikaie, 'just, righteous'), acknowledging divine justice. The world hath not known thee (ὁ κόσμος σε οὐκ ἔγνω, ho kosmos se ouk egnō)—willful ignorance, not mere lack of information. Yet Jesus knows the Father perfectly (ἐγὼ δέ σε ἔγνων, egō de se egnōn), and believers have come to know (ἔγνωσαν, egnōsan) that Jesus was sent by the Father—recognizing His divine mission.
This creates three categories: the world (willfully ignorant of God), Jesus (who knows the Father perfectly), and believers (who know Jesus was sent by the Father). Salvation is knowledge—not mere information but covenant relationship. The world's refusal to know God is culpable ignorance (Romans 1:20-21), making judgment righteous.
Historical Context
This prayer concluded Jesus's public ministry. The contrast between 'the world' that rejects and 'these' who believe would intensify—the world would crucify Jesus, but believers would form the church. Paul later described the gospel as revealing what was hidden from the world (Colossians 1:26).
Reflection
- How does the world's refusal to 'know' God differ from intellectual ignorance—what makes it culpable?
- What does it mean to 'know' God through Christ—how is this knowledge different from knowing facts about God?
- How should believers live as those who 'know' in a world that refuses knowledge of God?
Word Studies
- Righteous: δίκαιος (Dikaios) G1342 - Righteous, just