John 17:26

KJV

And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare [it]: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I have declared {G1107} unto them {G846} thy {G4675} name {G3686}, and {G2532} will declare {G1107} it: that {G2443} the love {G26} wherewith {G3739} thou hast loved {G25} me {G3165} may be {G5600} in {G1722} them {G846}, and I {G2504} in {G1722} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I made your name known to them, and I will continue to make it known; so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I myself may be united with them.”

Berean Standard Bible

And I have made Your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love You have for Me may be in them, and I in them.”

American Standard Version

and I made known unto them thy name, and will make it known; that the love wherewith thou lovedst me may be in them, and I in them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 17:26 serves as the climactic conclusion to Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, encapsulating the profound purpose of His earthly ministry: to fully reveal the Father's character and nature to His disciples, ensuring that the same divine love shared within the Godhead would indwell believers, thereby establishing an intimate, transformative union between Christ and His followers. This verse articulates the ongoing nature of God's revelation and the ultimate goal of spiritual participation in the divine life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 17:26 is the final verse of Jesus' profound "High Priestly Prayer," which spans the entirety of [John chapter 17](/john/17 "John 17 - The High Priestly Prayer"). This prayer immediately follows Jesus' extensive Farewell Discourse (chapters [John 13](/john/13 "John 13 - The Last Supper")-[John 16](/john/16 "John 16 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), delivered to His disciples in the upper room just hours before His arrest and crucifixion. The prayer itself is structured in three main parts: Jesus prays 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 26, therefore, acts as the ultimate summary and theological capstone, bringing together the themes of revelation, unity, sanctification, and divine indwelling that permeate the entire chapter. It solidifies the purpose of Jesus' mission as one of intimate relational transformation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish thought, a "name" (Hebrew: *shem*, Greek: *onoma*) was far more than a mere label; it signified the very essence, character, and authority of a person. To "declare God's name" was to reveal His nature, His attributes, His covenant faithfulness, and His redemptive plan. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God reveals His name YHWH to Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:13-15](/exodus/3-13-15 "Exodus 3:13-15 - God Reveals His Name to Moses")), signifying His active, present, and covenant-keeping character. For Jesus to declare the Father's "name" meant He was unveiling the full, personal reality of God in a way never before possible. Furthermore, the concept of divine indwelling, while present in the Old Testament through the Spirit's temporary presence, takes on a new, profound dimension in the New Covenant, promising a permanent, intimate union with God through Christ and the Holy Spirit, a radical departure from the more external relationship often experienced under the Old Covenant.
* **Key Themes:** John 17:26 powerfully articulates several central themes found throughout the Gospel of John and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation**, emphasizing Jesus as the unique and perfect revealer of the Father, a truth established early in the Gospel (e.g., [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Nature of Divine Love**, specifically *agape*, the self-giving, unconditional love that defines the relationship within the Trinity and is extended to believers. This love is not merely an emotion but a transformative power that enables believers to live in unity (as prayed for in [John 17:21](/john/17-21 "John 17:21 - Jesus Prays for Unity")). Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, the verse speaks to the theme of **Christ's Indwelling Presence** ("and I in them"), signifying the mystical union between Christ and His followers, a concept echoed in passages like [Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory") and foundational to understanding the believer's new identity in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Declared (Greek, _gnōrízō'_):** From a derivative of *ginōskō* (to know), this verb means "to make known," "to certify," or "to give to understand." In this context, Jesus is not merely stating facts about God but actively revealing His character, nature, and attributes in a way that leads to intimate knowledge and understanding. This declaration is both past ("I have declared") and future ("and will declare"), indicating an ongoing process of revelation.
* **Love (Greek, _agápē'_):** This term denotes a specific kind of love: a selfless, benevolent, unconditional, and often sacrificial love. It is the highest form of love, distinct from *phileō* (brotherly affection) or *eros* (romantic love). Here, it refers to the divine love that eternally exists between the Father and the Son, which Jesus desires to be imparted to His followers. Its presence "in them" implies an active, indwelling force, not just an external sentiment.
* **In (Greek, _en'_):** A primary preposition denoting fixed position ("in place, time or state") and, by implication, instrumentality. While seemingly simple, *en* is crucial here, signifying a deep, internal, and abiding union. It's not merely "among" or "with," but "within"—a profound spiritual indwelling that transforms the believer from the inside out. This preposition is key to understanding the mystical union Jesus desires.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare [it]:"** This clause emphasizes Jesus' role as the ultimate revealer of God. The past tense "have declared" points to His earthly ministry, during which He consistently revealed the Father's character through His words, miracles, and very being. The future tense "will declare" signifies an ongoing revelation, primarily through the Holy Spirit's work after His ascension, continuing to illuminate the Father's nature to believers. To know God's "name" is to know His essence, His character, His power, and His covenant faithfulness.
* **"that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them,"** This phrase reveals the profound purpose of Jesus' revelation. The "love wherewith thou hast loved me" refers to the perfect, eternal, and unconditional *agape* love shared within the Trinity between the Father and the Son. Jesus' desire is that this very same divine love, which defines the Godhead, would not merely be *for* believers, but would actually *indwell* them, becoming an active, transformative force within their hearts and lives. This is a participation in the divine nature of love.
* **"and I in them."** This final, concise statement speaks to the intimate, mystical union between Christ and His followers. It signifies Jesus' spiritual presence and active work within the lives of believers, establishing a deep, personal, and abiding relationship. This is not merely an external influence or example, but an internal reality, where Christ Himself dwells within the believer, empowering, guiding, and transforming them. It is the culmination of His desire for His disciples to share in His relationship with the Father.

#### Literary Devices
John 17:26 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly of the concept of "in them." This phrase appears twice in the latter part of the verse ("may be in them, and I in them"), powerfully emphasizing the theme of divine indwelling and intimate union. This repetition serves to underscore the central purpose of Jesus' prayer: the deep, internal presence of God's love and Christ Himself within believers. There is also strong **Parallelism** in the structure of the second half of the verse, linking the indwelling of the Father's love with the indwelling of Christ ("the love... may be in them, and I in them"). This parallelism highlights the inseparable nature of the Father's love and Christ's presence. Furthermore, the concept of God's "name" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just a label but the entirety of God's character, essence, and authority. Jesus' declaration of this "name" is a symbolic unveiling of the divine nature to humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 17:26 stands as a profound theological statement, revealing the ultimate goal of God's redemptive plan: to draw humanity into an intimate, participatory relationship with the Triune God. The declaration of God's "name" signifies the full revelation of the Father's character through Christ, enabling believers to truly know and relate to Him. The indwelling of the Father's love, the same love that binds the Trinity, transforms believers from within, empowering them to live out the divine nature. This love is the very essence of God ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God Is Love")), and its presence in believers is the evidence of their new life in Christ. Finally, Christ's indwelling presence ("and I in them") speaks to the New Covenant reality of union with Christ, where believers are not merely forgiven but are made new creations, sharing in His life and mission through the Holy Spirit. This verse beautifully encapsulates the Trinitarian nature of salvation and sanctification.

* [John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - The Father and Son Will Make Their Home with Us")
* [Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - God's Love Poured Into Our Hearts")
* [Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 17:26 offers a profound invitation and a powerful assurance for every believer. It calls us to continually deepen our understanding of God's character, not as an abstract concept, but as a relational reality revealed perfectly in Jesus Christ. This means actively engaging with Scripture, seeking to know the Father's heart as Jesus knew it. Furthermore, the verse assures us that the very same boundless, unconditional love that flows between the Father and the Son is available to indwell us. This divine love is not merely a feeling but a transformative power that enables us to love God in return and to love others with a supernatural capacity. Embracing this truth frees us from striving in our own strength and empowers us to live out the greatest commandments. Finally, the promise "and I in them" is an anchor for the soul, affirming Christ's constant, intimate presence within us. We are never alone; His life, power, and wisdom are actively at work within us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to live a life that honors Him. This truth should fill us with immense peace, confidence, and purpose, knowing that our identity and strength are found in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have I experienced Jesus "declaring the Father's name" to me, leading to a deeper understanding of God's character?**
* **How does the realization that the same love shared within the Trinity can indwell me impact my daily life and relationships?**
* **What does it practically mean for Christ to be "in me," and how does this truth empower me to face challenges or live out my faith?**
* **Am I actively seeking to cultivate this intimate union with Christ, allowing His presence and love to transform me?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for Jesus to "declare God's name"?**

Answer: To "declare God's name" (Greek: *gnōrízō* the *ónoma*) means much more than simply uttering a title. In biblical thought, a "name" represents the entire essence, character, and authority of a person. When Jesus says He has declared and *will* declare the Father's name, He is stating that He has fully revealed and continues to reveal the Father's true nature, attributes, and purposes to humanity. He made God intimately known through His words, actions, miracles, and ultimately, His very being. This revelation allows believers to enter into a personal, relational knowledge of God, moving beyond mere intellectual understanding to a deep, transformative intimacy. This ongoing declaration is primarily facilitated by the Holy Spirit after Jesus' ascension, as promised in [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit Will Teach You All Things").

**How can the "love wherewith God has loved Jesus" be "in us"?**

Answer: This refers to *agape* love, the perfect, unconditional, self-giving love that eternally exists between God the Father and God the Son within the Trinity. Jesus prays that this very same divine love would not just be *for* believers, but would actively *indwell* them. This is made possible through the Holy Spirit, who pours God's love into our hearts upon conversion ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - God's Love Poured Into Our Hearts")). It means that believers are supernaturally enabled to participate in and experience this divine love, allowing it to transform their character, motivate their actions, and empower them to love God and others with a love that transcends human capacity. It's a profound spiritual reality that enables us to reflect God's own nature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 17:26 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' unique role as the perfect mediator and embodiment of God's redemptive plan. He is the one through whom the Father's "name"—His very character and essence—is fully revealed, for Jesus Himself is "the image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). His entire life, death, and resurrection were a living declaration of the Father's love, grace, and truth. The "love wherewith thou hast loved me" is the very *agape* love that drove Jesus to the cross, a demonstration of divine love for a fallen humanity ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). This sacrificial love, perfectly embodied in Christ, is then poured into the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit, enabling them to participate in the divine nature of love ([2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature")). Finally, the profound truth of "and I in them" speaks to the New Covenant reality of spiritual union with Christ, where believers are not merely forgiven but are indwelt by the resurrected Lord through His Spirit. This mystical union means that believers are empowered by His life, guided by His wisdom, and transformed into His likeness, making them living extensions of His ongoing mission in the world ([Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me"); [Ephesians 3:17](/ephesians/3-17 "Ephesians 3:17 - Christ Dwelling in Our Hearts")). Thus, John 17:26 beautifully encapsulates the Trinitarian work of salvation, where the Father's love is revealed through the Son and applied by the Spirit, culminating in the believer's intimate union with Christ.

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 17:23

I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

John 17:6

¶ I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

John 15:9

¶ As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

1 John 4:13

Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

1 John 4:14

¶ And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world.

Psalms 22:22

¶ I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

John 15:15

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.