John 17:11

KJV

¶ And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are].

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} now {G3765} I am {G1510} no more {G3765} in {G1722} the world {G2889}, but {G2532} these {G3778} are {G1526} in {G1722} the world {G2889}, and {G2532} I {G1473} come {G2064} to {G4314} thee {G4571}. Holy {G40} Father {G3962}, keep {G5083} through {G1722} thine own {G4675} name {G3686} those {G846} whom {G3739} thou hast given {G1325} me {G3427}, that {G2443} they may be {G5600} one {G1520}, as {G2531} we {G2249} are.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now I am no longer in the world. They are in the world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, guard them by the power of your name, which you have given to me, so that they may be one, just as we are.

Berean Standard Bible

I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by Your name, the name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one.

American Standard Version

And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 17:11, drawn from Jesus' profound High Priestly Prayer, captures a pivotal moment as Jesus prepares for His imminent departure from the earthly realm. He earnestly intercedes for His disciples, acknowledging their continued presence in a challenging world. His prayer to the Holy Father is for their divine preservation through God's own powerful name, with the ultimate purpose that they might experience and manifest a profound spiritual unity, mirroring the perfect, intimate oneness shared between the Father and the Son.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 17:11 is nestled within Jesus' "High Priestly Prayer," a deeply intimate and extensive intercession found in [John chapter 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer"). This prayer immediately follows Jesus' Farewell Discourse (John 13-16), where He prepared His disciples for His departure, promised the Holy Spirit, and warned them of coming persecution. Chapter 17 serves as a climactic spiritual testament, revealing Jesus' heart for His followers and His mission as He transitions from His earthly ministry to His return to the Father. The prayer begins with Jesus praying for Himself ([John 17:1-5](/john/17-1-5 "John 17:1-5 - Jesus Prays for Himself")), then for His immediate disciples ([John 17:6-19](/john/17-6-19 "John 17:6-19 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples")), and finally for all future believers ([John 17:20-26](/john/17-20-26 "John 17:20-26 - Jesus Prays for All Believers")). Verse 11 specifically marks a pivot within the prayer for His disciples, emphasizing their continued presence in the world and their need for divine preservation and unity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' prayer takes place in Jerusalem, likely in the Upper Room or on the way to the Garden of Gethsemane, just hours before His betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. The disciples, mostly Galilean Jews, were accustomed to a close, personal relationship with their Rabbi, Jesus. His imminent departure left them vulnerable and facing a world that had rejected their Master. First-century Jewish society, while religiously diverse, was largely monotheistic, valuing the "Name" of God as representing His very essence, character, and power. The concept of "oneness" (unity) was also significant, particularly in the Shema ([Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")), which affirmed the singular nature of God. However, unity among different Jewish factions or even within the nascent Christian community would prove challenging, underscoring the profound nature of Jesus' prayer for a supernatural unity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within John's Gospel and biblical theology. The theme of **Divine Protection and Preservation** is central, as Jesus appeals to the "Holy Father" to "keep" His disciples, acknowledging the dangers and challenges they will face in His physical absence. This echoes the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness in safeguarding His people, as seen in passages like [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalm/121-7-8 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord Will Keep You from All Harm"). Another crucial theme is **Spiritual Unity**, expressed in the profound desire "that they may be one, as we [are]." This unity is not merely organizational but a deep, spiritual solidarity rooted in their relationship with God and each other, reflecting the Trinitarian unity. This foundational theme is further developed in [John 17:21-23](/john/17-21-23 "John 17:21-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity and Witness"), where Jesus explicitly links this unity to the church's witness to the world. Finally, the verse highlights the **Continuity of Mission** despite Jesus' physical departure; the disciples remain "in the world" to carry on His work, relying on divine keeping for their effectiveness and faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **keep (Greek, _tēréō_):** From G5083, meaning "to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon...); to note (a prophecy; figuratively, to fulfil a command); by implication, to detain (in custody; figuratively, to maintain)." In this context, _tēréō_ signifies an active, watchful preservation by God, protecting believers from spiritual harm and the corrupting influences of the world. It implies not just passive safeguarding, but an ongoing, attentive oversight.
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi_):** From G1325, meaning "to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)." Here, it refers to the Father's sovereign act of entrusting individuals to Jesus, highlighting the divine initiative in salvation and the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son in the work of redemption. These are not merely followers, but those specifically "given" by the Father.
* **one (Greek, _heîs_):** From G1520, meaning "a primary numeral; one." In this prayer, _heîs_ denotes a singular, unified essence or being. When Jesus prays "that they may be one, as we [are]," it points to a profound spiritual solidarity and existential unity among believers, mirroring the perfect, co-inherent unity of the Godhead. It is a unity of purpose, affection, and divine life, not merely organizational or superficial agreement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee."**: This opening clause starkly contrasts Jesus' imminent departure from the earthly realm with His disciples' continued presence within it. "No more in the world" signifies His return to the Father, completing His redemptive work. The phrase "but these are in the world" underscores the disciples' ongoing mission and the challenges they will face in a hostile environment, highlighting their vulnerability and need for divine intervention. "And I come to thee" expresses Jesus' confident and certain return to His heavenly Father.
* **"Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me,"**: Jesus addresses God as "Holy Father," emphasizing God's perfect moral purity and His intimate paternal relationship with both Jesus and His followers. The core petition is "keep through thine own name." The "name" of God encapsulates His character, authority, power, and very being. To be kept "through His name" means to be preserved by His divine power, according to His holy nature, and under His sovereign authority. The phrase "those whom thou hast given me" reiterates the divine election and the Father's gracious act of bestowing believers upon the Son, reinforcing their special status and the basis for Jesus' intercession.
* **"that they may be one, as we [are]."**: This final clause states the ultimate purpose of God's divine preservation: the unity of believers. The unity sought is not superficial conformity but a profound, spiritual oneness, explicitly modeled "as we [are]"—referring to the perfect, indissoluble unity between the Father and the Son within the Trinity. This Trinitarian unity serves as the paradigm for the church's desired cohesion, implying a shared life, purpose, and love that reflects the very nature of God.

#### Literary Devices
John 17:11 employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is immediately evident in the opening clauses: "I am no more in the world, but these are in the world." This juxtaposition highlights the transition of responsibility and the disciples' vulnerable position. The prayer itself is a profound act of **Intercession**, where Jesus, as the High Priest, pleads on behalf of His followers. The phrase "keep through thine own name" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for the entire character, power, and authority of God, emphasizing the divine source of protection. Finally, the **Simile** "as we [are]" is crucial, establishing the Trinitarian unity as the ultimate pattern and goal for the unity of believers. This simile elevates the concept of Christian unity from a mere organizational ideal to a reflection of God's very nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 17:11 profoundly articulates the divine commitment to the preservation and unity of believers, rooted in the very nature of the Godhead. Jesus' prayer reveals that the Father's "keeping" is not merely a passive act but an active, powerful safeguarding of His chosen ones, ensuring their spiritual integrity and their ability to fulfill their mission in a challenging world. This divine preservation is intrinsically linked to the call for unity, suggesting that the church's strength, witness, and effectiveness are directly proportional to its spiritual oneness, mirroring the perfect harmony within the Trinity. This verse underscores the Trinitarian nature of salvation and the church's identity, as the Father gives believers to the Son, the Son intercedes for them, and the Holy Spirit empowers them to live in unity, reflecting God's own being.

* [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalm/121-7-8 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord Will Keep You from All Harm")
* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God Will Guard Your Hearts")
* [1 Peter 1:5](/1_peter/1-5 "1 Peter 1:5 - Kept by God's Power Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 17:11 offers immense comfort and a profound challenge to believers today. The comfort stems from knowing that Jesus Himself prayed for our preservation and unity, a prayer that continues to be answered by the "Holy Father" through His powerful name. We are not left to navigate the complexities and dangers of the world alone; rather, we are divinely "kept" by God's active oversight and protection. This should instill a deep sense of security and confidence in God's faithfulness, even amidst trials and opposition. The challenge, however, is equally significant: to earnestly pursue the spiritual unity that Jesus desired for His followers. This unity is not merely about avoiding conflict but about actively fostering a shared life, purpose, and love that reflects the Trinitarian model. It calls us to lay aside differences, prioritize Christ, and work together as one body, so that the world may see the authentic witness of God's people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' prayer for divine "keeping" in this verse encourage you in times of spiritual struggle or worldly pressure?**
* **In what practical ways can you contribute to the "oneness" of believers in your local church or broader Christian community, reflecting the unity of the Father and the Son?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to be "in the world" but not "of the world," and how does Jesus' prayer for His disciples inform your approach to this tension?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus pray for His disciples to be "one, as we [are]"?**

Answer: Jesus prays for this profound unity because it is essential for the church's witness and effectiveness in the world. The "oneness" He desires is not merely organizational or superficial agreement, but a deep, spiritual solidarity that mirrors the perfect, co-inherent unity of the Father and the Son within the Trinity. This Trinitarian unity is the ultimate paradigm for the church's cohesion, demonstrating to the world the transformative power of God's love and truth ([John 17:21](/john/17-21 "John 17:21 - That the World May Believe")). When believers live in genuine unity, it serves as a powerful testament to the reality of Christ and the truth of the Gospel.

**What does it mean for the Father to "keep through thine own name"?**

Answer: To "keep through thine own name" signifies that God's preservation of His people is accomplished by His very essence, character, authority, and power. In biblical thought, a "name" represents the full identity and nature of a person. Therefore, Jesus is praying for the Father to protect and preserve His disciples by exercising His divine attributes, His holy nature, and His sovereign power. It emphasizes that the security and faithfulness of believers are not dependent on their own strength, but entirely on the omnipotent and holy character of God Himself, as highlighted in [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 17:11, while an intercessory prayer for the disciples, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' own person and work. Jesus, as the incarnate Son, perfectly embodied the unity with the Father that He now prays for His followers to experience. His entire life and ministry were a demonstration of perfect obedience and co-inherence with the Father ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - I and the Father are One")). Furthermore, His impending sacrifice on the cross is the very means by which this unity becomes possible for believers. Through His atoning death and resurrection, Jesus breaks down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Broke Down the Dividing Wall")), reconciling humanity to God and to one another, thereby creating "one new man" ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - Creating One New Man")). The "keeping" Jesus prays for is secured by His completed work, and the unity He desires is realized through the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom He promised to send ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the prayer of [John 17:11](/john/17-11 "John 17:11 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples' Unity and Preservation") is not merely a wish but a declaration of the divine purpose that Jesus Himself would accomplish, enabling believers to participate in the divine life and unity of the Godhead, ultimately for the glory of God and the salvation of the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 6:9

¶ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Proverbs 18:10

¶ The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

John 17:12

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.

John 17:18

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

John 10:29

My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.

John 10:30

I and [my] Father are one.

Hebrews 9:24

For 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: