17:4a

I have glorified You on earth: This clause indicates that Jesus caused God to be honored by doing all that God wanted him to do. See how you translated glorified in 17:1c, d. For example:

I have brought you honour upon earth (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
On earth I have given you glory (God’s Word)
-or-
I have shown your glory on earth (Good News Translation)

I: The Greek text emphasizes this pronoun to contrast it with “you” (“you glorify me”) in 17:5a. (The word “you” is not included in English translations because English does not make “you” explicit in requests.)

17:4b

by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do: This clause indicates the way that Jesus brought the Father glory. The phrase the work You gave Me to do includes everything Jesus did on earth. It includes Jesus’ death, which was still in the future at the time that Jesus was speaking. So in some languages it is more natural to use a form indicating that Jesus continued to complete this work. For example:

I am completing all the work you told me to do.
-or-
as I do/finish all that you sent me to do

the work You gave Me to do: This expression means “everything you told me to do” or “the things you wanted me to do.” This includes Jesus’ miracles, teaching, and death. For example:

everything you wanted me to do on earth
-or-
all that you sent me to do

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