Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

John 17:26

ἐγνώρισα. Shew in translation that the verb is cognate with ἔγνων in John 17:25; made known. In both cases the aorist should be kept in English. Christ knows the Father and makes known His name, i.e. His attributes and will (see on John 1:12), to the disciples. This imparting of knowledge is already accomplished in part,—‘I made known’ (comp. John 15:15); but the knowledge and the love which imparts it being alike inexhaustible, there is room for perpetual instruction throughout all time, especially after the Paraclete has been given,—‘I will make known’ (comp. John 14:26; John 16:13). With the double accusative, ἣν ἠγάπησάς με comp. John 7:24; Revelation 16:9; Ephesians 2:4 : this love is to rule in their hearts as a guiding principle, without which they cannot receive the knowledge here promised; ‘he that loveth not, knoweth not God (1 John 4:8).

κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτοῖς. These last words of Christ’s mediatorial Prayer are the thread which runs through all these farewell discourses. He is going away and yet abides with them. His bodily presence passes away, His spiritual presence remains for ever; not seen with the eye without, but felt as life and strength within. Having known Christ after the flesh, now they know Him so no more: they are in Christ, a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:16-17).

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

John 17:26

Old Testament

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