John 17:4
I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus' declaration, "I have glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work," isn't just a summary of past deeds. It signifies that the completion of his earthly mission is the very act that brings ultimate glory to God. This means that God's glory isn't just shown in the work, but is fully revealed through the work being finished.
Jesus is praying with his disciples just before his arrest and crucifixion. He's about to depart from them, so this prayer is his final, intimate conversation with them and his Father. In this moment, Jesus looks back on his earthly ministry, reflecting on how he has fulfilled God's purpose for him and asking for his Father to glorify him as his mission concludes.
Jesus declares His work is 'finished.' What does this mean, and why is it so significant that He says this in prayer?
Jesus, in John 17:4, speaks with the profound certainty of one who has completed a monumental task. He doesn't say 'I am finishing' or 'I am about to finish,' but 'I have finished.' This isn't just about the events that had already occurred, but a declaration that the entire mission, including His upcoming sacrifice and resurrection, was seen as a completed, divinely ordained plan from His perspective in this prayer.
This finished work is the very core of His obedience and the foundation of our salvation. It means His obedience was perfect, His sacrifice sufficient, and His victory over sin, death, and the devil absolute. The Father gave Him this work, and Jesus, through His entire life, ministry, suffering, and death, brought it to completion, bringing glory to the Father.
Jesus states He 'glorified' the Father. How did His life and finished work achieve this, and what does it reveal about God's character?
Jesus' primary purpose on earth was to glorify the Father. He did this not through dazzling displays of independent power, but through perfect obedience to the Father's will. His 'doctrine, example, and miracles' (as Benson notes) all pointed back to the Father, revealing His character, love, and power.
By accomplishing the Father's will, even to the point of death, Jesus demonstrated the Father's supreme worth and character. Every action, every teaching, and ultimately His sacrifice, was a testament to the Father's glory. This obedience wasn't just about completing a task; it was about showcasing God's own magnificence and trustworthiness to the world.
Understand the original words
ergon · Greek Noun
The divinely appointed task or mission, specifically referring to the redemptive work of Jesus in His incarnation, ministry, death, and resurrection.
Jesus' words in John 17:4 reflect the culmination of his earthly mission, looking back on his life's work as complete even as he faces his imminent crucifixion.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and performing miracles across Galilee and Judea, revealing God's glory and will.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem to the acclaim of crowds, a pivotal moment signaling the approach of his passion and fulfillment of prophecy.
c. AD 30
The Last Supper
Jesus shares his final meal with his disciples, instituting the Lord's Supper and offering profound teachings and prayers.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Arrest and Trial
Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and faces trials before Jewish and Roman authorities, leading to his condemnation.
c. AD 30— this verse
This passage describes Jesus humbling himself even to death on the cross, a key part of the work he accomplished and mentioned as being 'finished' in John 17:4.
Hebrews 10:10This verse speaks of Christ's will being to do God's will, highlighting the obedience and fulfillment of the Father's plan that Jesus refers to as the work he completed.
2 Timothy 4:7Paul uses similar language to describe his own life's work as a race 'finished' and a faith 'kept,' echoing Jesus' declaration of completing his divinely appointed task.
Colossians 1:27This verse speaks of the mystery of Christ in believers, the glory of God, which was the ultimate purpose and outcome of the work Jesus accomplished on earth.
vincentJohn 17:4: "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do."
I have glorified - I have finished (ἐδόξασα - ἐτελείωσα)The best texts read, τελειώσας, having finished; the participle defining the manner in which He had glorified the Father upon earth. So Rev.To do (ἵνα ποιήσω)Literally, in order that I should do (it).
jfbJohn 17:4: "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do."
4, 5. I have glorified thee on the earth—rather, "I glorified" (for the thing is conceived as now past).I have finished—I finished.the work which thou gavest me to do—It is very important to preserve in the translation the past tense, used in the original, otherwise it might be thought that the work already "finished" was only what He had done before uttering that prayer; whereas it will be obs…
Jesus' declaration, "I have glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work," isn't just a summary of past deeds. It signifies that the completion of his earthly mission is the very act that brings ultimate glory to God. This means that God's glory isn't just shown in the work, but is fully revealed through the work being finished.
Jesus is praying with his disciples just before his arrest and crucifixion. He's about to depart from them, so this prayer is his final, intimate conversation with them and his Father. In this moment, Jesus looks back on his earthly ministry, reflecting on how he has fulfilled God's purpose for him and asking for his Father to glorify him as his mission concludes.
Jesus is praying with his disciples just before his arrest and crucifixion. He's about to depart from them, so this prayer is his final, intimate conversation with them and his Father. In this moment, Jesus looks back on his earthly ministry, reflecting on how he has fulfilled God's purpose for him and asking for his Father to glorify him as his mission concludes.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about John 17:4 is available in the Sola app.
The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
Jesus is crucified at Golgotha, dying to accomplish the redemptive work he was sent to do.
c. AD 30
The Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is raised from the dead on the third day, confirming his victory over sin and death and the completion of his mission.
"I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do." — Jesus' declaration, "I have glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work," isn't just a summary of past deeds. It signifies that the completion of his earthly mission is the very act that b…
