John 17:25

KJV

O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G2532} O righteous {G1342} Father {G3962}, the world {G2889} hath {G1097} not {G3756} known {G1097} thee {G4571}: but {G1161} I {G1473} have known {G1097} thee {G4571}, and {G2532} these {G3778} have known {G1097} that {G3754} thou {G4771} hast sent {G649} me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Righteous Father, the world has not known you, but I have known you, and these people have known that you sent me.

Berean Standard Bible

Righteous Father, although the world has not known You, I know You, and they know that You sent Me.

American Standard Version

O righteous Father, the world knew thee not, but I knew thee; and these knew that thou didst send me;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 17:25, a pivotal verse within Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, profoundly contrasts the world's spiritual ignorance of God with the intimate, experiential knowledge shared by the Father, the Son, and the disciples. It highlights the Father's inherent righteousness as the standard against which the world's lack of recognition is measured, while simultaneously affirming the unique relationship between the Father and the Son, and the salvific knowledge granted to those who believe in Jesus' divine mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer in [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer"), delivered just hours before His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. The prayer unfolds in three distinct movements: Jesus prays for His own glorification (verses [1-5](/john/17-1-5 "John 17:1-5 - Jesus Prays for His Glorification")), then for His immediate disciples (verses [6-19](/john/17-6-19 "John 17:6-19 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples")), and finally for all future believers (verses [20-26](/john/17-20-26 "John 17:20-26 - Jesus Prays for All Believers")). Verse 25 falls within the final section, yet it serves as a bridge, reiterating the distinction between the "world" and "these" (the disciples) that has been a recurring theme throughout the prayer, particularly in Jesus' earlier petitions for the disciples' protection from the world (e.g., [John 17:14-16](/john/17-14-16 "John 17:14-16 - Disciples Not of the World")). It underscores the spiritual divide that Jesus' ministry has created and the unique knowledge that defines His true followers.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' prayer takes place in Jerusalem, likely in the upper room or en route to the Garden of Gethsemane, during the Passover week. The Jewish people, under Roman occupation, held diverse expectations for the Messiah—many anticipated a political liberator. However, Jesus consistently presented Himself as a spiritual King whose kingdom was "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). The "world" (Greek: _kosmos_) in John's Gospel often refers not merely to the physical earth or its inhabitants, but to humanity organized in opposition to God, operating under its own principles and values, often characterized by spiritual blindness and hostility towards divine truth. This spiritual ignorance was evident in the Jewish religious leaders' rejection of Jesus and the Roman authorities' indifference, reflecting a broader human condition of being "in darkness" ([John 1:5](/john/1-5 "John 1:5 - Light Shines in Darkness")).

* **Key Themes:** John 17:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in John's Gospel and this specific prayer. The theme of **Divine Revelation and Knowledge** is central, contrasting the world's inability to "know" God with the Son's perfect knowledge and the disciples' imparted knowledge through Him. This "knowing" (_ginōskō_) is not merely intellectual but deeply personal and experiential, leading to eternal life as stated in [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God"). The **Righteousness of God** is emphasized by Jesus' address to the "righteous Father," affirming God's just character even in the face of the world's rebellion. This righteousness underpins God's plan of salvation and judgment. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Distinctiveness of the Believer**, setting apart those who have recognized Jesus' divine commission from the unbelieving world. This distinction underscores the spiritual transformation and unique relationship with God that comes through faith in Christ, as Jesus prays for His followers to be "sanctified in the truth" ([John 17:17](/john/17-17 "John 17:17 - Sanctification Through Truth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteous (Greek, _díkaios'_):** From the Strong's data, this word signifies "equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)." When Jesus addresses God as "O righteous Father," He is acknowledging God's perfect justice, moral integrity, and inherent holiness. This attribute is foundational to God's character and His dealings with humanity, providing the just basis for both judgment against the world's ignorance and the gracious provision of salvation through Christ.
* **Known (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This verb, a prolonged form of a primary verb, means "to 'know' (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications... to allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) know(-ledge), perceived, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand." In John 17:25, _ginōskō_ implies a deep, personal, experiential, and relational knowledge, not merely intellectual assent. Jesus' statement "I have known thee" speaks to His eternal, intimate communion with the Father. The disciples' "have known that thou hast sent me" indicates their saving, revelatory understanding of Jesus' divine origin and mission, distinguishing them from the world's spiritual blindness.
* **World (Greek, _kósmos'_):** Derived from a root meaning "orderly arrangement," _kosmos_ here refers to "the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))." In this context, it specifically denotes humanity alienated from God, operating under its own principles and values, and characterized by spiritual ignorance and rebellion against divine truth. This "world" is distinct from the Father, the Son, and those who have come to know God through Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O righteous Father,"**: Jesus addresses God with an intimate yet profoundly respectful title. "Righteous" (díkaios) emphasizes God's perfect justice and moral uprightness, a critical attribute given the world's spiritual blindness and rebellion. This address sets the tone for the prayer's lament and affirmation, grounding it in God's unchangeable character.
* **"the world hath not known thee:"**: This clause presents a stark contrast. The "world" (kosmos), representing humanity in its fallen, unredeemed state, is characterized by a fundamental lack of experiential and saving knowledge of God. This ignorance is not merely intellectual but a spiritual blindness and unwillingness to acknowledge God's truth and authority, leading to separation and condemnation.
* **"but I have known thee,"**: This declarative statement asserts Jesus' unique and unparalleled relationship with the Father. His knowledge is not acquired but inherent, a perfect, eternal, and intimate communion that defines His divine Sonship. This distinguishes Him as the sole revealer of the Father, the one through whom true knowledge of God can be obtained.
* **"and these have known that thou hast sent me."**: This final clause highlights the transformative impact of Jesus' ministry on His disciples. "These" (hoûtos) refers to the immediate followers present. Their "knowing" (ginōskō) is a saving, experiential understanding that Jesus is the divinely appointed Messiah, sent by the Father to accomplish His redemptive purposes. This recognition of Jesus' divine mission is the hallmark of true faith and distinguishes them from the unbelieving world.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, sharply distinguishing the world's ignorance from the intimate knowledge shared by Jesus and His disciples. This antithesis underscores the spiritual divide between those who embrace divine revelation and those who reject it. **Apostrophe** is used in the direct address, "O righteous Father," lending a tone of reverence and intimacy to Jesus' prayer. The repetition of the verb "known" (ginōskō) serves as a form of **Anaphora** and **Emphasis**, highlighting the central theme of knowledge and its different manifestations: the world's lack of it, Jesus' perfect possession of it, and the disciples' reception of it. This repetition underscores the spiritual chasm between belief and unbelief and the salvific nature of true knowledge of God through Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 17:25 profoundly articulates the core theological distinction between those who are "of God" and those who are "of the world." It underscores that true knowledge of God is not an intellectual exercise but a relational reality, mediated exclusively through Jesus Christ. The Father's righteousness ensures that while the world remains in ignorance due to its rebellion, those who respond to the Son's revelation are brought into a saving relationship. This verse emphasizes the exclusivity of Christ as the way to the Father and the profound privilege of those who have received His testimony, marking them as distinct from the prevailing spiritual darkness.

* [Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - No One Knows the Father Except the Son")
* [1 John 2:3-4](/1-john/2-3-4 "1 John 2:3-4 - Knowing God by Keeping His Commandments")
* [Romans 1:18-20](/romans/1-18-20 "Romans 1:18-20 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 17:25 invites us into the heart of Jesus' prayer, revealing His deep concern for His followers and the stark reality of the world's spiritual condition. For believers, this verse is a profound reminder of the immense privilege we have in knowing God through Christ. Our knowledge is not merely intellectual assent but an experiential, transformative relationship, distinguishing us from a world that often remains blind to divine truth. This should cultivate both gratitude for God's gracious revelation and a renewed sense of mission to embody and proclaim the truth of Christ to a world desperately in need of knowing the righteous Father. It challenges us to deepen our own experiential knowledge of God, not just through study, but through prayer, obedience, and intimate communion, so that our lives might bear witness to the One who sent Jesus.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life reflect an experiential knowledge of God, distinct from mere intellectual understanding?**
* **In what ways am I actively participating in revealing the "righteous Father" to a world that "hath not known Him"?**
* **How does Jesus' prayer for His disciples' knowledge of His divine mission encourage my own faith and assurance?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "the world hath not known thee"?**

Answer: When Jesus says "the world hath not known thee," He is referring to humanity in its fallen, unredeemed state, which is characterized by spiritual blindness and a fundamental lack of experiential, saving knowledge of God. This "world" (Greek: _kosmos_) often represents the prevailing human system and values that are alienated from God, unable or unwilling to recognize His truth, His righteousness, or His plan of salvation. This ignorance is not merely a lack of information but a deep-seated spiritual rebellion that prevents true communion with the Father, as seen in [John 3:19-20](/john/3-19-20 "John 3:19-20 - Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 17:25 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ as the exclusive mediator of true knowledge of God. The world's ignorance of the Father is overcome only through the Son, who perfectly "has known" Him. Jesus' incarnation, life, death, and resurrection are the very means by which the "righteous Father" is revealed to humanity. He is the image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), the one who has "made Him known" ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God; The Son Has Explained Him")). The disciples' knowledge that the Father "hast sent me" is the foundational truth upon which the entire New Covenant rests, for it is through belief in the Christ, the Sent One, that humanity can escape the world's spiritual blindness and enter into eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Thus, Jesus is not merely a messenger but the very message, embodying the Father's righteousness and revealing His love, making it possible for all who believe to truly know God, a knowledge that transcends mere intellect and leads to eternal communion.

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

John 17:11

¶ 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].

John 15:21

But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

John 17:8

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.

John 7:29

But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.

John 16:27

For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

Hebrews 8:11

And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

John 10:15

As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.