तेषां ज्ञानी नित्ययुक्त एकभक्तिर्विशिष्यते । प्रियो हि ज्ञानिनोऽत्यर्थमहं स च मम प्रियः ॥ १७ ॥
teṣhāṁ jñānī nitya-yukta eka-bhaktir viśhiṣhyate priyo hi jñānino ’tyartham ahaṁ sa cha mama priyaḥ
Translation
Of these, the wise one, ever steadfast and devoted to the One alone, is the best; for I am exceedingly dear to the wise, and they are dear to me.
Hindi Meaning (हिंदी अर्थ)
उनमें भी नित्य मुझमें एकीभाव से स्थित, अनन्य प्रेम-भक्ति वाला ज्ञानी भक्त अति उत्तम है; क्योंकि ज्ञानी को मैं अत्यंत प्रिय हूँ और वह ज्ञानी मुझे अत्यंत प्रिय है।
Commentary
The jñānī is highest because their devotion asks for nothing but God himself. The love is mutual: "I am dear to them, and they are dear to me" — a tender picture of the relationship between God and the devotee.