The world seemeth here to signify all mankind, for whom Christ in this place doth not pray; though some interpret it of reprobates, others of unbelievers. Christ afterward prays for the world, 1 Thessalonians 17:20; that is, for such who, though they at present were unbelievers, yet should be brought to believe by the apostles ministry. But to teach us to distinguish in our prayer, our Saviour here distinguishes, and prays for some things for his chosen ones, which he doth not pray for on the behalf of others: these he describes to be such as his Father (whose they were) had given him, either by an eternal donation, or by working faith in them.
Related Commentaries of John 17:9
John 17:9
9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.