A.T. Robertson Commentary


A.T. Robertson Commentary
"I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them to me; and they have kept thy word." — John 17:6 (ASV)
I manifested (εφανερωσα). First aorist active indicative of φανεροω (from φανερος, manifest). Another word for claiming successful accomplishment of his task as in verse 4 with εδοξασα and in verse 26 with εγνωρισα.
Whom (ους). Accusative case after εδωκας, not attracted to case of antecedent (ανθρωποις). Jesus regards the apostles as the Father's gift to him. Recall the night of prayer before he chose them.
They have kept (τετηρηκαν). Perfect active indicative, late Koine form for the third plural instead of the usual τετηρηκασιν. Jesus claims loyalty and fidelity in these men with the one exception of Judas (verse 12). He does not claim perfection for them, but they have at least held on to the message of the Father in spite of doubt and wavering (6:67-71; Matthew 16:15–20).