Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 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.
8. the words ] Or, the sayings (see on Joh 5:47). This is not the plural of ‘word’ ( logos) in Joh 17:6; but the other noun ( rhemata), the singular of which is not used by S. John. It means the separate utterances as distinct from the doctrine as a whole.
they have received have known have believed ] Better, they received recognised believed. See on Joh 17:4.
came out from ] Better, came forth from (see on Joh 16:28). They recognised that His mission was Divine: they believed that He was sent as the Messiah. They had proof of the first point; the second was a matter of faith.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The words – The doctrines. Christ often represented himself as instructed and sent to teach certain great truths to men. Those he taught, and no others. See the notes at Joh 5:30.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 8. I have given – them the words] I have delivered thy doctrine to them, so that they have had a pure teaching immediately from heaven: neither Jewish fables nor fictions of men have been mingled with it.
And have known surely] Are fully convinced and acknowledge that I am the promised Messiah, and that they are to look for none other; and that my mission and doctrine are all Divine, Joh 17:7-8.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Our Lord here doth both justify himself, and commend those whom in this former part of his prayer he is commending to his Father. He justifieth himself that he had not delivered any thing to them but what he had from his Father; thereby teaching all those who claim the name of his ministers what is their duty, viz. to give to their hearers no word but what God hath given them. If Christ confined his discourses to words which his Father had given him, certainly we ought to do so also. We are not to speak what we list, nor what men would have us we are tied up to Gods word. He commendeth these his disciples, that they had
received them; not only the sound of them in their ears, not only the notion of them in their understandings, but they had embraced and believed them; and had, from the force and, authority of them, given credit to him as the true Messias, who came out and was sent from God. Though they were not yet come up to a perfect faith in him as the eternal Son of God, yet they believed him one that came from God, and was sent of God as the promised Messiah; which seemeth to have been that degree of faith which Christ most insisted upon as to his disciples, until by his resurrection from the dead he declared himself to be the Son of God with power; though all along this Gospel, his discourses, and the miracles which he wrought, had a particular tendency to prove himself one with the Father, and the eternal Son of God; and the disciples had some weak persuasion of this also.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
8. they . . . have known surely thatI came out from thee(See on Joh16:29; Joh 16:31).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
For I have given unto them the words,…. Not commands, but doctrines; and these not the doctrines of men; nor any of the divers and strange doctrines; but what are called in Scripture the doctrine of God, of Christ, of the apostles, are agreeably to the Scriptures, and according to godliness; and are styled the word of truth, of faith, of righteousness, of peace and reconciliation, of life and salvation, and of the Gospel; and which Christ gave to his disciples, and gifts along with them to preach them, and abilities to help them:
which thou gavest me; for the words and doctrines which Christ, as the great prophet in Israel spoke, were not his own, but his Father’s; and these were given him to speak and deliver to others, and in which he was faithful; so Jonathan ben Uzziel l paraphrases the text in De 18:18; concerning that prophet, the Messiah, God would raise up, after this manner;
“a prophet will I raise up unto them from among their brethren, in whom the Holy Spirit shall be, like unto thee; , “and I will give the words”, of my prophecy into his mouth, and he shall speak with them all that I have commanded.”
And so the Messiah Jesus did:
and they have received them; willingly and gladly, with reverence and meekness, with love, and thankfulness; so as to understand them and believe them, and so as to be affectionately and closely attached to them:
and have known surely that I came out from thee; which is meant, not of his eternal filiation, but of his constitution and commission, as Mediator by his Father: of which they had certain knowledge, full assurance of faith, and sincerely owned and confessed being fully persuaded he was the true Messiah, and no impostor:
and they have believed that thou didst send me; into this world, to seek and to save lost sinners, to redeem all the chosen ones, and perform everything necessary to their salvation.
l Targum Jon. in Deut. xviii. 18.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The words ( ). Plural, each word of God, as in 3:34, and of Christ (John 5:47; John 6:63; John 6:68), while the singular ( ) in verses John 17:6; John 17:14 views God’s message as a whole.
Knew (). Second aorist active indicative of like in contrast with (perfect) in verse 7. They definitely “received and recognized truly” (). There was comfort to Christ in this fact.
They believed (). Another aorist parallel with and . The disciples believed in Christ’s mission from the Father (John 6:69; Matt 16:16). Note here as in verse 3. Christ is God’s
Apostle to man (Heb 3:1). This statement, like a solemn refrain ( ), occurs five times in this prayer (verses John 17:8; John 17:18; John 17:21; John 17:23; John 17:25).
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
The words [ ] . Compare thy word [] , ver. 6. That signified the gospel message in its entirety. This, the message considered in its constituent parts. See on Luk 1:37. Compare Joh 5:38, 47; Joh 6:60, 63, 68; Joh 8:43, 47, 51; Joh 12:47, 48; Joh 14:3, 7.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me;” (hoti ta hermata ha edokas moi dedoka autois) “Because the words (of direction) that you gave to me I have doled out to them,” shared with them, Joh 5:19; Joh 7:16; Joh 8:28; Joh 12:49.
2) “And they have received them,” (kai autoi elabon) ”And they (as my disciples, my house, my bride, my church) have received them,” been faithful to embrace them, Joh 1:12; Joh 16:30; Mat 14:33; Mat 16:15-16; Joh 6:69; Joh 11:27; Act 9:20.
3) “And have known surely that I came out from thee,” (kai egnosan alethos hoti para soul ekselthon) “And they have truly, surely, or certainly known that I came forth from alongside you,” from your presence, Joh 3:16-17; by the things I have taught, the things I have done, and their own experience of trust in me, Joh 6:68; Joh 16:30.
4) “And they have believed,” (kai episteusan) “And they believed,” and continue to believe or trust, Joh 1:12; Joh 20:30-31.
5) “That thou didst send me.” (hoti su me apesteilas) “That you sent, commissioned, or mandated me,” vs. 3, to come into the world, as that prophet who was to come, Deu 18:15-19; Gal 4:4-5; Joh 20:21. He was that sent one, that predicted teacher.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
8. And they have received them. He expresses the manner of this knowledge. It is, because they have received the doctrine which he taught them. But that no one may think that his doctrine is human or is earthly in its origin, he declares that God is the Author of it, when he says, The words which thou gavest me I have given to them. He speaks according to his ordinary custom, in the person of the Mediator or servant of God, when he says that he taught nothing but what he had received from the Father; for, since his own condition was still mean, while he was in the flesh, and since his Divine majesty was concealed under the form of a servant, under the person of the Father he simply means God. Yet we must hold by the statement which John made at the beginning of his Gospel, that, in so far as Christ was the Eternal Word of God, he was always one God with the Father. The meaning therefore is, that Christ was a faithful witness of God to the disciples, so that their faith was founded exclusively on the truth of God, since the Father himself spoke in the Son. The receiving, of which he speaks, arose from his having efficaciously manifested to them the name of his Father by the Holy Spirit.
And have known truly. He now repeats in other words what he had formerly mentioned; for that Christ came out from the Father, and was sent by him, has the same meaning with what went before, that all things which he has are from the Father. The meaning amounts to this, that faith ought to cast its eyes direct on Christ, yet so as to form no conception of him that is earthly or mean, but to be carried upwards to his Divine power, so as to believe firmly that he has perfectly in himself God, and all that belongs to God.
And have believed. Let it be observed, also, that in the former clause he employs the verb know and now he employs the verb believe; for thus he shows that nothing which relates to God can be known aright but by faith, but that in faith there is such certainty that it is justly called knowledge.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(8) For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me.Our Lord explains in this verse how the disciples attained to the knowledge He had spoken of in Joh. 17:7, and lays stress in the first place on His own work in teaching them, I, on My part, have given unto them, and on the matter taught as that which the Father had committed unto Him (Joh. 12:49).
And they have received them.Not less emphatic is the work of the disciples themselves. They on their part received them. Others had been taught, and did not receive. The teaching was the same; the varying effect was in the heart of the hearer. (Comp. Joh. 1:12; Joh. 1:18.)
He has spoken of the teaching and the reception. He proceeds to the two-fold result.
And have known (better, and knew) surely that I came out from thee.Comp. Notes on Joh. 3:2; Joh. 16:30.
And they have believed (better, and they believed) that thou didst send me.The addition of this clause is in part to be explained as the Hebrew fulness of expression, and in part as an advance on the truth, I came out from Thee. That He came from God they knew by the harmony of His doctrine with the voice of God, which was already speaking in their consciences. But more than this, they believed Him to be the sent One, the Messiah, whom they expected (Joh. 17:3).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
8. They have believed They were selected and given by God with full foreknowledge that they would believe. The final taking of effect, both of their election and the giving, was conditioned on their faith and perseverance as free agents.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
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.
Ver. 8. For I have given unto them ] A sweet and precious gift. It was the Jews’ primary privilege that unto them were committed the oracles of God. There is a “chiefly” set upon it, Rom 3:2 , , Primarium quiddam et res magni momenti.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
8. ] Notice particularly here, as indeed throughout, the marked difference between the aorists and the perfects.
. . , and the similar sayings ch. Joh 15:15 alli [233] ., seem to be a reference to Deu 18:18-19 , where it is said that the Prophet “shall speak unto them all that I shall command Him.” The imparting to them of these was the efficient cause of their faith: see their confession ch. Joh 6:68-69 , where and are connected as here.
[233] alli = some cursive mss.
On the two last clauses we may notice that is more a matter of conviction from inference (see ch. Joh 3:2 ), : whereas the other side of the same truth, , the act of the Father unseen by us, is more a matter of pure faith , . In the first, the stamps our Lord’s approval on their knowledge, and distinguishes it from such knowledge as the bare [ch. Joh 3:2 ] of Nicodemus and his colleagues.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Joh 17:8 . . The result achieved, Joh 17:7 , was due to the fidelity of the messenger, , and to the receptiveness of those prepared by God, , etc. cf. Joh 16:30 . . He desires solemnly to commit to the Father’s keeping those who have believed. He prays for them in distinction from the world, and for the present sets the world aside, . The petitions now presented are only applicable to disciples, not to the world. Melanchthon says: “vide horrendum judicium Christi de mundo, cum negat se orare pro mundo, damnatque quicquid est mundi, quantumvis speciosum”. But Luther more justly says: “To pray for the world, and not to pray for the world, must both be right and good. For soon after He says Himself: ‘Neither pray I for those alone, but for them also who shall believe on me’.” He prayed too for His crucifiers, Luk 23:34 . His reason for praying for those who have received Him is , “because they are Thine”. God’s interest in them and work upon them have already been manifested, and are the promise of His further operation.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
words. Greek. rhema. See Mar 9:32.
have received = received.
have known = knew,
surely = truly. Greek. alethos. Compare App-175.
from. Greek. para, as in Joh 17:7.
have believed = believed. App-150.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
8.] Notice particularly here, as indeed throughout, the marked difference between the aorists and the perfects.
. . , and the similar sayings ch. Joh 15:15 alli[233]., seem to be a reference to Deu 18:18-19, where it is said that the Prophet shall speak unto them all that I shall command Him. The imparting to them of these was the efficient cause of their faith:-see their confession ch. Joh 6:68-69, where and are connected as here.
[233] alli = some cursive mss.
On the two last clauses we may notice that is more a matter of conviction from inference (see ch. Joh 3:2),-:-whereas the other side of the same truth, , the act of the Father unseen by us, is more a matter of pure faith,-. In the first, the stamps our Lords approval on their knowledge, and distinguishes it from such knowledge as the bare [ch. Joh 3:2] of Nicodemus and his colleagues.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Joh 17:8. , they have received) by faith.-, they have believed) Thrice in this prayer faith is mentioned; that of the apostles in this place; that of those who are about to believe through their word, in Joh 17:20; that of the world, Joh 17:21.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Joh 17:8
Joh 17:8
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.-Jesus gave the words of God to the disciples and through these they came to know that Jesus came from God and that God sent him.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
I have: Joh 17:14, Joh 6:68, Joh 14:10, Pro 1:23, Mat 13:11, Eph 3:2-8, Eph 4:11, Eph 4:12
received: Joh 3:33, Pro 1:3, Pro 2:1, Pro 4:10, Pro 8:10, 1Co 11:23, 1Co 15:1, 1Th 2:13, 1Th 4:1
and have: Joh 17:6, Joh 17:7, Joh 17:25, Joh 16:27, Joh 16:30, 1Jo 4:14
Reciprocal: Num 9:8 – I will Deu 6:4 – the Lord 1Sa 20:2 – show it me Isa 51:16 – I have put Isa 59:21 – my words Mat 12:49 – his disciples Mat 13:23 – good Mar 1:38 – for Joh 4:42 – for Joh 6:33 – cometh Joh 6:37 – that Joh 7:16 – My Joh 8:14 – for Joh 8:26 – and I Joh 8:38 – speak Joh 8:42 – for Joh 10:14 – am Joh 10:36 – sent Joh 11:42 – that thou Joh 12:49 – General Joh 14:7 – from Act 5:20 – all Act 10:22 – and to 1Co 1:30 – wisdom Phi 3:8 – the excellency
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
8
This verse has virtually the same thoughts as the preceding one, but with the application being made specifically to the teaching of Jesus. The perfect agreement between the words of Jesus and those of his Father (as far as they had heard them), was evidence that God sent Jesus into the world. He would not have corroborated the sayings of Jesus had his coming been without the authority of his Father.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Joh 17:8. Because the words which thou gavest me I have given them, and they received them, and learned to know truly that I came forth from thee, and believed that thou didst send me. These words explain the fact stated immediately before. The disciples had received a consciousness similar to that of Jesus, because He, on His part, had implanted His words in them; and they, on their part, had responded, receiving what He gave. They received, learned to know, believed: the three verbs, closely following each other in the same tense, correspond to the solemnity of the statement. Again, however, we see that far more is meant than the reception of particular truths: the main thought is, that He has transferred His own mind to His disciples, that He has taught them His own truths and thoughts, and that they, while retaining their own proper individuality (the word they before received being equivalent to they themselves), have fully made them their own.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
As if Christ had said, “The message by thee my Father committed to me, I have communicated to them my disciples, and they have received it, and will communicate it from thee to the world; being sufficiently assured that my coming and preaching was all by commission from thee.”
Hence learn, 1. That the doctrine of the gospel, which was revealed by Christ, was received from the Father.
2. That faith is a receiving of the word of Christ, and of Christ in and by the word. Receiving is a relative term, and presupposes an offer. God offers on his part, and we receive on our part, the whole word with the whole heart. That the ministers of the gospel are to preach that, and only that, which they have out of the word of God: I have given them the word which thou gavest me.