{I say not} (ou leg(935c)). "I speak not." Christ did pray for
the disciples before his death ( Joh 14:16  17:9,15,24 ) and he
prays also for sinners ( Lu 23:34  1Jo 2:1 ). Here it is the
special love of God for disciples of Jesus ( Joh 14:21,23  17:23  1Jo 4:19 ). Note aite(935c) and er(9374)a(935c) used in practically the
same sense as in verse  23 .