teṣhāṁ jñānī nitya-yukta eka-bhaktir viśhiṣhyate
priyo hi jñānino ’tyartham ahaṁ sa cha mama priyaḥ
teṣhām — amongst these;
jñānī — those who are situated in knowledge;
nitya-yuktaḥ — ever steadfast;
eka — exclusively;
bhaktiḥ — devotion;
viśhiṣhyate — highest;
priyaḥ — very dear;
hi — certainly;
jñāninaḥ — to the person in knowledge;
atyartham — highly;
aham — I;
saḥ — he;
cha — and;
mama — to me;
priyaḥ — dear
In this verse, Krishna is talking about different kinds of people who worship Him. He mentions that there are people who seek help because they are in distress, some who want money, some who are curious about life, and others who are looking for deep spiritual wisdom. These different groups of people all have their own reasons for being devoted. However, Krishna says that among these groups, the one who really understands the ultimate truth about life and is free from any selfish desires is the best of all devotees.
This kind of person has knowledge that goes beyond just believing in something. They realize that they are not just their physical body or their material possessions. They see that their true self has a deeper connection with God. When they gain this knowledge, they understand concepts like the impersonal Brahman (the ultimate reality) and the Paramatma (the Supreme Soul that is present in everyone's heart).
The person who has reached this level of understanding also recognizes that they are meant to serve God, not just because of their needs, but out of a love and devotion that doesn't have any selfish motives. Unlike others who might only worship Him for benefits, they worship Krishna because they see Him as their ultimate reality.
Krishna further explains that when you spend time with true devotees or those who are on the same path, you also start to grow spiritually. Even those who initially come to Krishna out of need—like the ones who are distressed or those who want wealth—can become pure and devoted. But the person who fully understands God and dedicates themselves to serving Him with love is extremely special in Krishna’s eyes.
This person, with their deep sense of knowledge and true devotion, is so strong in their love for Krishna that worldly worries and desires cannot shake them. They stay focused and dedicated, showing that they have truly grasped the essence of spiritual life. So, Krishna is saying that this wise devotee, who knows Him well and is devoted selflessly, holds a treasured place in His heart.