Definition: O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from John 17:25. It's a really powerful statement about God’s relationship with us! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “God knows me – I’m aware of Him – and these people – those who are connected to me – know that He sent me.” Let's unpack that a little further: “John 17” : This is part of the Gospel of John. It’s one of the most important passages in the Bible, often translated as "The Book of Revelation." “25” : This marks the end of John 17. “O righteous Father…” : This isn't just a polite greeting. It means God sees me as worthy and good. He’s acknowledging my existence and that I have some value. “the world hath not known thee” : This is a bit tricky. "Hath" (past tense) means “has” or “was.” So, it's saying that people – the entire world – haven't recognized or acknowledged God’s presence in their lives. They haven’t fully understood His role and power. It suggests a lack of awareness and understanding. “but I have known thee…” : This is the core of the verse. John, the author of this passage, has personally known God. He's been in close contact with Him. “and these have known that thou hast sent me” : This is where it gets really significant. It’s saying that these people , those who are connected to me – their families, their friends, their community – recognize and understand that God sent me . It's a declaration of my purpose and importance in their lives. So, putting it all together: This verse expresses the idea that God is aware of me, and these people are recognizing that I , as God’s chosen one (or representative), have been sent to them. It emphasizes God’s love and the significance of His relationship with humanity. What does this mean for us? It speaks to our role in God's plan. We are called to be a light, a beacon of hope, and a means through which God can work his will on earth. Knowing that God has sent me is a source of great comfort and purpose. In short, it’s a statement about God’s love, our awareness of Him, and the significance of being part of His plan. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of John 17? Discuss the symbolism behind “the world” or "the people"? Talk about how this verse relates to themes of redemption and salvation?