Charles Ellicott Commentary John 17:4

"I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do." — John 17:4 (ASV)

I have glorified you on the earth: I have finished the work ...—Better, I glorified You on earth: I finished the work ... The former sentence is explained by the latter. God was glorified in the completion of the Messianic work of Christ. For this conception of the work of life, which includes the whole life as manifesting God to man, compare Notes on John 5:36; John 9:4; John 10:25, and other related passages.