I say not (ou legō). “I speak not.” Christ did pray for the disciples before his death (Joh 14:16; Joh 17:9, Joh 17:15, Joh 17:24) and he prays also for sinners (Luk 23:34; 1Jo 2:1). Here it is the special love of God for disciples of Jesus (Joh 14:21, Joh 14:23; Joh 17:23; 1Jo 4:19). Note aiteō and erōtaō used in practically the same sense as in Joh 16:23.