The Meaning of John 17:8 Explained

John 17:8

KJV: For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

YLT: because the sayings that Thou hast given to me, I have given to them, and they themselves received, and have known truly, that from Thee I came forth, and they did believe that Thou didst send me.

Darby: for the words which thou hast given me I have given them, and they have received them, and have known truly that I came out from thee, and have believed that thou sentest me.

ASV: for the words which thou gavest me I have given unto them; and they received them , and knew of a truth that I came forth from thee, and they believed that thou didst send me.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

For  I have given  unto them  the words  which  thou gavest  me;  and  they  have received  [them], and  have known  surely  that  I came out  from  thee,  and  they have believed  that  thou  didst send  me. 

What does John 17:8 Mean?

Context Summary

John 17:1-10 - Jesus Prays For His Own
In Christ's own oratory we hear Him pray. But how wonderful! There is a tone of expectant faith in this marvelous prayer of assured trust, as if He knew that He was asking what was in His Father's heart and thought. The Lord speaks as if He had already passed through death, and were pleading before the throne. He is glad to have authority only that He may use it to give life.
The Father's gift to Jesus consisted in the men who followed Him, the word He spoke, the works He did, the name He bore. How careful the Good Shepherd was of those who had been given to Him! He prayed for them, He kept them, He entrusted them as His dying legacy to His Father's care. Though He did not pray directly for the world, He was doing His best for it, in concentrating all His solicitude on those who were to be the messengers of His gospel.
In John 17:10 we are reminded of Luke 15:31. The very words which the father said to the elder brother are here appropriated by our Lord; and we are taught that we have the privilege of entering on the same inheritance of grace and power as our Lord had. He won for us, unworthy though we are, the privilege of saying, All thine are mine. If only we believed this, and lived as children in our Father's house, how different life would become. [source]

Chapter Summary: John 17

1  Jesus prays to his Father

Greek Commentary for John 17:8

The words [τα ρηματα]
Plural, each word of God, as in John 3:34, and of Christ (John 5:47; John 6:63, John 6:68), while the singular Second aorist active indicative of γινωσκω — ginōskō like ελαβον — elabon in contrast with εγνωκαν — egnōkan (perfect) in John 17:7. They definitely “received and recognized truly” There was comfort to Christ in this fact. They believed Another aorist parallel with ελαβον — elabon and εγνωσαν — egnōsan The disciples believed in Christ‘s mission from the Father (John 6:69; Matthew 16:16). Note απεστειλας — apesteilas here as in John 17:3. Christ is God‘s Apostle to man (Hebrews 3:1). This statement, like a solemn refrain (Του διδστ σενδ με — Thou didst send me), occurs five times in this prayer (John 17:8, John 17:18, John 17:21, John 17:23, John 17:25). [source]
The words [τὰ ῥήματα]
Compare thy word ( λόγον ), John 17:6. That signified the gospel message in its entirety. This, the message considered in its constituent parts. See on Luke 1:37. Compare John 5:38, John 5:47; John 6:60, John 6:63, John 6:68; John 8:43, John 8:47, John 8:51; John 12:47, John 12:48; John 15:3, John 15:7. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 17:8

John 8:42 I proceeded forth - from God [ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐξῆλθον]
Rev., came forth. The phrase occurs only here and in John 16:28. Ἑξελθεῖν is found in John 13:3; John 16:30, and emphasizes the idea of separation; a going from God to whom He was to return (and goeth unto God ). Ἑξελθεῖν παρά (John 16:27; John 17:8), is going from beside, implying personal fellowship with God. Ἑξελθεῖν ἐκ , here, emphasizes the idea of essential, community of being: “I came forth out of.” [source]
John 6:69 Are sure [ἐγνώκαμεν]
Literally, have come to know. The order of the words believe and know is reversed in John 17:8; 1 John 4:16. In the case of the first disciples, faith, produced by the overpowering impression of Jesus' works and person, preceded intellectual conviction. [source]
John 1:14 Of the only begotten of the Father [μονογενοῦς παρὰ πατρὸς]
Rev., “from the Father.” The glory was like, corresponds in nature to, the glory of an only Son sent from a Father. It was the glory of one who partook of His divine Father's essence; on whom the Father's love was visibly lavished, and who represented the Father as His ambassador. The word μονογενής , only begotten (De Wette and Westcott, “only born ”) is used in the New Testament of a human relationship (Luke 7:12; Luke 8:42; Luke 9:38). In the Septuagint it answers to darling, Hebrew, only one, in Psalm href="/desk/?q=ps+22:20&sr=1">Psalm 22:20; and to desolate in Psalm href="/desk/?q=ps+25:16&sr=1">Psalm 25:16. With the exception of the passages cited above, and Hebrews 11:17, it occurs in the New Testament only in the writings of John, and is used only of Christ. With this word should be compared Paul's πρωτότοκος , first born (Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15, Colossians 1:18), which occurs but once in John (Revelation 1:5), and in Hebrews 1:6; Hebrews 11:28; Hebrews 12:23. John's word marks the relation to the Father as unique, stating the fact in itself. Paul's word places the eternal Son in relation to the universe. Paul's word emphasizes His existence before created things; John's His distinctness from created things. Μονογενής distinguishes between Christ as the only Son, and the many children ( τέκνα ) of God; and further, in that the only Son did not become ( γενέσθαι ) such by receiving power, by adoption, or by moral generation, but was ( ἦν ) such in the beginning with God. The fact set forth does not belong to the sphere of His incarnation, but of His eternal being. The statement is anthropomorphic, and therefore cannot fully express the metaphysical relation. Of the Father is properly rendered by Rev., “from the Father,” thus giving the force of παρά (see on from God, John 1:6). The preposition does not express the idea of generation, which would be given by ἐκ or by the simple genitive, but of mission - sent from the Father, as John from God (see John 6:46; John 7:29; John 16:27; John 17:8). The correlative of this is John 1:18, “who is in the bosom ( εἰς τὸν κόλπον ) of the Father;” literally, “into the bosom,” the preposition εἰς signifying who has gone into and is there; thus viewing the Son as having returned to the Father (but see on John 1:18). [source]
John 6:46 This one has seen the Father [ουτος εωρακεν τον πατερα]
Perfect active indicative of οραω — horaō With the eyes no one has seen God (John 1:18) save the Son who is “from God” in origin (John 1:1, John 1:14; John 7:29; John 16:27; John 17:8). The only way for others to see God is to see Christ (John 14:9). [source]
John 6:63 That quickeneth [το ζωοποιουν]
Articular present active participle of ζωοποιεω — zōopoieō for which see John 5:21. For the contrast between πνευμα — pneuma (spirit) and σαρχ — sarx (flesh) see note on John 3:6. The words Those in this discourse (I have just spoken, λελαληκα — lelalēka), for they are the words of God (John 3:34; John 8:47; John 17:8). No wonder they “are spirit and are life” The breath of God and the life of God is in these words of Jesus. Never man spoke like Jesus (John 7:46). There is life in his words today. [source]
John 17:8 The words [τα ρηματα]
Plural, each word of God, as in John 3:34, and of Christ (John 5:47; John 6:63, John 6:68), while the singular Second aorist active indicative of γινωσκω — ginōskō like ελαβον — elabon in contrast with εγνωκαν — egnōkan (perfect) in John 17:7. They definitely “received and recognized truly” There was comfort to Christ in this fact. They believed Another aorist parallel with ελαβον — elabon and εγνωσαν — egnōsan The disciples believed in Christ‘s mission from the Father (John 6:69; Matthew 16:16). Note απεστειλας — apesteilas here as in John 17:3. Christ is God‘s Apostle to man (Hebrews 3:1). This statement, like a solemn refrain (Του διδστ σενδ με — Thou didst send me), occurs five times in this prayer (John 17:8, John 17:18, John 17:21, John 17:23, John 17:25). [source]
1 John 3:5 Was manifested []
See on John 21:1. Including Christ's whole life on earth and its consequences. The idea of manifestation here assumes the fact of a previous being. John various terms to describe the incarnation. He conceives it with reference to the Father, as a sending, a mission. Hence ὁ πέμψας με Hethat sent me (John 4:34; John 6:38; John 9:4; John 12:44, etc.): ὁ πέμψας με πατήρ theFather that sent me (John 5:37; John 8:18; John 12:49, etc.): with the verb ἀποστέλλω tosend as an envoy, with a commission; God sent ( ἀπέστειλεν ) His Son (John 3:17; John 10:36; 1 John 4:10; compare John 6:57; John 7:29; John 17:18). With reference to the Son, as a coming, regarded as a historic fact and as an abiding fact. As a historic event, He came ( ἧλθεν , John 1:11); this is He that came ( ὁ ἐλθὼν , 1 John 5:6). Came forth ( ἐξῆλθον ; John 8:42; John 16:27, John 16:28; John 17:8). As something abiding in its effects, am come, hath come, is come, marked by the perfect tense: Light is come ( ἐλήλυθεν , John 3:19). Jesus Christ is come ( ἐληλυθότα , 1 John 4:2). Compare John 5:43; John 12:46; John 18:37). In two instances with ἥκω Iam come, John 8:42; 1 John 5:20. Or with the present tense, as describing a coming realized at the moment: whence I come ( ἔρχομαι , John 8:14); compare John 14:3, John 14:18, John 14:28; also Jesus Christ coming ( ἐρχόμενον , 2 John 1:7). With reference to the form: in flesh ( σάρξ ). See John 1:14; 1 John 4:2; 2 John 1:7. With reference to men, Christ was manifested (1 John 1:2; 1 John 3:5, 1 John 3:8; John 1:31; John 21:1, John 21:14).|To take away ( ἵνα ἄρῃ )|See on John 1:29.|Our sins ( τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν )|Omit ἡυῶν ourCompare John 1:29, τὴν ἁμαρτίαν , the sin. The plural here regards all that is contained in the inclusive term the sin: all manifestations or realizations of sin.|In Him is no sin ( ἁμαρτία ἐν αὐτῷ οὐκ ἔστιν )|Lit., in Him sin is not. He is essentially and forever without sin. Compare John 7:18.| [source]
1 John 1:9 Our sins [τὰς ἁμαρτίας]
Sin is defined by John as ἀνομία, lawlessnessCompare Romans 6:19. A.V., transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). It may be regarded either as condition or as act; either with reference to the normal, divine ideal of manhood, or to an external law imposed upon man by God. Any departure from the normal ideal of man as created in God's image puts man out of true relation and harmony with his true self, and therefore with God and with his fellowman. He thus comes into false, abnormal relation with right, love, truth, and light. He walks in darkness and forfeits fellowship with God. Lawlessness is darkness, lovelessness, selfishness. This false principle takes shape in act. He doeth ( ποιεῖ ) or committeth sin. He doeth lawlessness ( τὴν ἀνομίαν ποιεῖ ; 1 John 3:4, 1 John 3:8). He transgresses the words ( ῥήματα , John 17:8) of God, and His commandments ( ἐντολαί , 1 John 2:3) as included and expressed in His one word or message ( λόγος , 1 John 2:7, 1 John 2:14). Similarly the verb ἁμαρτάνειν , to sin, may signify either to be sinful (1 John 3:6), or to commit sin (1 John 1:10). Sin, regarded both as principle and act, is designated by John by the term ἁμαρτία . The principle expressed in the specific acts is ἡ ἁμαρτία (John 1:29), which occurs in this sense in Paul, but not in the Synoptists, nor in Acts. Many of the terms used for sin by other New Testament writers are wanting in John; as ἀσέβεια ungodliness(see on Judges 1:14); ἀσεβεῖν tobe ungodly (2 Peter 2:6); παραβαίνειν totransgress; παράβασις transgression παραβάτης transgressor(see on Matthew 6:14; see on James 2:11); παρανομεῖν toact contrary to the law; παρανομία breachof law (see on Acts 23:3; see on 2 Peter 2:16); παράπτωμα trespass(see on Matthew 6:14). [source]
Revelation 3:8 Hast kept my word [ἐτήρησάς μου τὸν λόγον]
Rev., rendering the aorist more strictly, didst keep. For the phrase, see John 17:6, John 17:8. [source]

What do the individual words in John 17:8 mean?

for the words that You have given Me I have given them and they received [them] knew truly that from You I came forth they believed You Me sent
ὅτι τὰ ῥήματα ἔδωκάς μοι δέδωκα αὐτοῖς καὶ αὐτοὶ ἔλαβον ἔγνωσαν ἀληθῶς ὅτι παρὰ σοῦ ἐξῆλθον ἐπίστευσαν σύ με ἀπέστειλας

ῥήματα  words 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: ῥῆμα  
Sense: that which is or has been uttered by the living voice, thing spoken, word.
  that 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: ὅς 
Sense: who, which, what, that.
ἔδωκάς  You  have  given 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: διδῶ 
Sense: to give.
μοι  Me 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
δέδωκα  I  have  given 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: διδῶ 
Sense: to give.
ἔλαβον  received  [them] 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: λαμβάνω  
Sense: to take.
ἔγνωσαν  knew 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: γινώσκω  
Sense: to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel.
ἀληθῶς  truly 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἀληθῶς  
Sense: truly, of a truth, in reality, most certainly.
ὅτι  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ὅτι  
Sense: that, because, since.
ἐξῆλθον  I  came  forth 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐξέρχομαι 
Sense: to go or come forth of.
ἐπίστευσαν  they  believed 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: πιστεύω  
Sense: to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in.
με  Me 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Accusative 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
ἀπέστειλας  sent 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: ἀποστέλλω 
Sense: to order (one) to go to a place appointed.