John 17:12

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

While {G3753} I was {G2252} with {G3326} them {G846} in {G1722} the world {G2889}, I {G1473} kept {G5083} them {G846} in {G1722} thy {G4675} name {G3686}: those that {G3739} thou gavest {G1325} me {G3427} I have kept {G5442}, and {G2532} none {G3762} of {G1537} them {G846} is lost {G622}, but {G1508} the son {G5207} of perdition {G684}; that {G2443} the scripture {G1124} might be fulfilled {G4137}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When I was with them, I guarded them by the power of your name, which you have given to me; yes, I kept watch over them; and not one of them was destroyed (except the one meant for destruction, so that the Tanakh might be fulfilled).

Berean Standard Bible

While I was with them, I protected and preserved them by Your name, the name You gave Me. Not one of them has been lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.

American Standard Version

While I was with them, I kept them in thy name which thou hast given me: and I guarded them, and not one of them perished, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this poignant moment of His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus reflects on His earthly ministry, affirming His faithful stewardship over those the Father entrusted to Him. He declares that He has meticulously preserved His disciples, with the singular exception of Judas Iscariot, whom He identifies as "the son of perdition." This exception, Jesus explains, was not a failure of His keeping, but a necessary fulfillment of divine prophecy, underscoring God's sovereign plan even amidst human betrayal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 17:12 is embedded within Jesus' profound High Priestly Prayer, a pivotal passage that immediately precedes His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. This prayer, spanning the entirety of [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer"), serves as Jesus' final public intercession before His passion. It follows His extensive Farewell Discourses to His disciples in the Upper Room, recorded in [John 13-16](/john/13-16 "John 13-16 - Jesus' Farewell Discourses"). In these discourses, Jesus prepared His disciples for His departure, taught them about the Holy Spirit, and warned them of coming persecution. Chapter 17 transitions from direct instruction to intimate communion with the Father, revealing Jesus' heart for His disciples' protection, sanctification, and unity, as seen in His prayer for their preservation in [John 17:11](/john/17-11 "John 17:11 - Jesus prays for unity"). Verse 12 specifically looks back at His completed work of keeping them during His earthly ministry, setting the stage for His subsequent prayer for their future preservation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, likely in the Upper Room or en route to Gethsemane, during the Passover week. The concept of "keeping" or "guarding" someone "in thy name" would have resonated deeply with Jewish listeners, implying protection under God's divine authority, character, and power. A "name" in Hebrew thought was not merely a label but encapsulated the essence and reputation of the person. The phrase "son of perdition" is a Semitic idiom, meaning one characterized by or destined for destruction. It parallels other "son of" phrases like "son of peace" or "son of thunder." The idea of fulfilling scripture was paramount in Jewish understanding of divine activity; prophecies were seen as God's foretelling of His unfolding plan. The betrayal of a close friend, as seen in [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a trusted friend"), was a particularly grievous act, and its fulfillment in Judas underscored the divine orchestration of even the darkest human actions in the larger redemptive narrative.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within John's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Preservation and Sovereignty**, affirming Jesus' faithful stewardship over those the Father "gave" Him and God's ultimate control over all events, including human choices. Jesus' statement that "none of them is lost, but the son of perdition" emphasizes the secure keeping of true believers by divine power, a theme echoed in [John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - No one can snatch them from My hand"). Secondly, it confronts the complex interplay of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**. While Judas's betrayal fulfilled scripture, his choice was nevertheless his own, leading to his "perdition." This tension is a recurring motif, showing that God's plan is accomplished even through the sinful choices of individuals, as seen in the crucifixion itself ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's predetermined plan and human agency")). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Fulfillment of Scripture**, demonstrating that God's ancient promises and prophecies are meticulously brought to pass, validating the divine authorship of the Old Testament and the messianic identity of Jesus. This theme is pervasive in John's Gospel, where Jesus frequently points to the scriptures being fulfilled through His life and ministry, as in [John 19:28](/john/19-28 "John 19:28 - Jesus fulfills scripture on the cross").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kept (Greek, _tēréō'_):** From G5083, meaning to guard, watch over, preserve, or keep. This word implies diligent care and protection, often with the nuance of maintaining something in a particular state or condition. When Jesus says, "I kept them in thy name," it signifies His active, vigilant guardianship over His disciples, ensuring their spiritual safety and adherence to God's character and authority. It speaks to a continuous, watchful preservation.
* **perdition (Greek, _apṓleia'_):** From G684, meaning ruin, loss, or destruction (physical, spiritual, or eternal). This term denotes utter ruin, not merely a state of being lost but a condition of being destroyed or destined for destruction. When Judas is called "the son of perdition," it is a Hebraic idiom (son of X = one characterized by X or destined for X) indicating that his character was defined by and his destiny was ultimate ruin and destruction, a consequence of his own choices and rejection of Christ.
* **scripture (Greek, _graphḗ'_):** From G1124, meaning a document, specifically holy Writ or its contents. This refers to the Old Testament, understood as divinely inspired revelation. The phrase "that the scripture might be fulfilled" (Greek, _plēróō'_ G4137, meaning to make replete, accomplish, or verify a prediction) emphasizes that Judas's betrayal was not an unforeseen event but was part of God's preordained plan, meticulously foretold in the sacred texts, thereby validating their divine authority and the sovereignty of God over history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name:"** Jesus reflects on the period of His earthly ministry, emphasizing His constant presence with His disciples. His "keeping" of them was not merely physical protection but a spiritual guardianship, safeguarding their faith and relationship with God. To keep them "in thy name" signifies that this preservation was accomplished through the power, authority, and character of God the Father, in whom Jesus Himself operates. It underscores the divine nature of the protection afforded to them.
* **"those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition;"** This clause reiterates Jesus' faithful stewardship over the specific individuals the Father had "given" to Him, signifying a divine election and entrustment. He emphatically states that not a single one of these entrusted individuals was lost, with the stark and deliberate exception of "the son of perdition." This exception highlights Judas's unique and tragic destiny, distinguishing him from the true disciples whom Jesus preserved. It emphasizes that Judas's fate was not an accidental loss but a specific, foreseen outcome.
* **"that the scripture might be fulfilled."** This concluding phrase provides the theological framework for understanding Judas's betrayal and destruction. His being "lost" was not a deviation from God's plan or a failure on Jesus' part, but rather a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. This statement asserts God's overarching sovereignty, demonstrating that even the darkest acts of human sin and betrayal are ultimately woven into the fabric of His redemptive purposes, confirming the reliability and divine inspiration of the Scriptures.

#### Literary Devices
John 17:12 employs several potent literary devices. **Contrast** is evident in Jesus' declaration that He kept all whom the Father gave Him, "but the son of perdition." This sharp distinction highlights the secure preservation of the faithful against the tragic loss of the betrayer. **Foreshadowing** is present in the reference to "the scripture might be fulfilled," implicitly pointing back to Old Testament prophecies concerning betrayal, such as those found in the Psalms. There is also a profound **Irony** in Judas, one of the chosen twelve, being the one destined for "perdition," despite being in the closest proximity to the source of life. Finally, the phrase "son of perdition" is a powerful **Hebraic Idiom**, conveying not just a descriptive label but a definitive character and destiny, emphasizing Judas's complete identification with ruin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 17:12 offers profound theological insights into God's sovereign care, human responsibility, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Jesus' declaration of having "kept" His disciples "in thy name" affirms the divine power and authority by which believers are preserved. This preservation is not merely physical but spiritual, safeguarding their faith and eternal destiny. The singular exception of Judas, "the son of perdition," underscores the tension between divine sovereignty and human agency. While Judas's betrayal was foreknown and prophesied, his choice to betray Jesus was his own, leading to his just condemnation. This verse thus demonstrates that God's plan is so comprehensive that it incorporates even the sinful actions of individuals to bring about His ultimate purposes, without negating human culpability. It reassures believers of their security in Christ while also serving as a solemn warning against rejecting divine grace.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Trusted Friend")
* [Acts 1:16-20](/acts/1-16-20 "Acts 1:16-20 - Peter on Judas's Betrayal and Prophecy")
* [John 6:70-71](/john/6-70-71 "John 6:70-71 - Jesus' Foreknowledge of Judas's Betrayal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 17:12 provides immense comfort and a sobering challenge for contemporary believers. The assurance that Jesus "kept" those given to Him "in thy name" speaks to the unwavering, divine preservation of God's children. For those who are truly in Christ, this verse offers deep security, reminding us that our salvation is not dependent on our fluctuating strength but on the faithful, powerful keeping of our Lord. We are held securely in God's hand, guarded by His very character and authority. This should inspire profound gratitude and trust, enabling us to live boldly without fear of ultimate spiritual loss. Simultaneously, the stark reality of Judas, "the son of perdition," serves as a potent warning. His presence among the disciples, his intimate exposure to Christ, and yet his ultimate betrayal, highlight the reality of human free will and the tragic consequences of rejecting truth and embracing sin, even when privileged with divine presence. It prompts self-examination: are we truly "kept" by Christ, or are we merely outwardly associated, risking a similar spiritual ruin?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' declaration that He "kept them in thy name" deepen your understanding of God's protection and sovereignty in your own life?**
* **In what ways does the example of Judas challenge your understanding of divine election and human responsibility?**
* **What does "the scripture might be fulfilled" teach you about God's meticulous plan and the reliability of His Word, even concerning difficult events?**
* **How can you live with greater assurance of God's keeping power, while also remaining vigilant against spiritual compromise?**

### FAQ

**Was Judas's betrayal predetermined by God, or was it his own choice?**

Answer: This verse highlights the profound theological tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While Judas's betrayal was undeniably foreknown by God and explicitly stated to fulfill scripture (as seen in [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Trusted Friend") and [Acts 1:16](/acts/1-16 "Acts 1:16 - Peter's discourse on Judas")), the Bible consistently presents Judas's actions as his own wicked choices. Jesus knew from the beginning who would betray Him ([John 6:64](/john/6-64 "John 6:64 - Jesus knew from the beginning")), and He even called one of them a "devil" ([John 6:70](/john/6-70 "John 6:70 - Jesus calls Judas a devil")). Yet, Judas was given opportunities to repent, and his decision to betray Jesus for money was a deliberate act of his will ([Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14-16 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas agrees to betray Jesus")). Therefore, while God's sovereign plan encompassed this event, Judas remains fully culpable for his sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 17:12, though seemingly focused on the past keeping of the disciples and the tragic exception of Judas, profoundly points to Christ's ongoing redemptive work and His ultimate fulfillment of God's eternal plan. The very fact that "the scripture might be fulfilled" through Judas's betrayal underscores that Christ's passion was not a tragic accident but the divinely orchestrated climax of salvation history. Judas's act, though sinful, served as the catalyst for the Lamb of God to be led to the slaughter, fulfilling prophecies of His suffering and atoning death ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Like a lamb led to slaughter")). Jesus' declaration that He "kept them in thy name" foreshadows His continued High Priestly intercession for His church, now from the right hand of the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus intercedes for us")). He continues to guard and preserve His own, not merely physically, but spiritually, ensuring that none of His true sheep will be lost ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - No one can snatch them from My hand")). Thus, Judas's "perdition" serves as a dark backdrop against which the brilliance of Christ's perfect keeping and His ultimate victory over sin and death shine even brighter, guaranteeing the eternal security of all who are truly given to Him by the Father.

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

Psalms 109:6

¶ Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.

Psalms 109:19

Let it be unto him as the garment [which] covereth him, and for a girdle wherewith he is girded continually.

John 10:27

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

John 10:28

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.

John 18:9

That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

John 13:18

¶ I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

John 6:37

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.