The Yoga of Knowledge and Wisdom

Krishna reveals that among the four types, the jnani is most dear. 'Teṣāṁ jñānī nitya-yukta eka-bhaktir viśiṣyate'—of these, the wise one, always engaged, with single devotion, is superior. 'Priyo hi jñānino 'tyartham ahaṁ sa ca mama priyaḥ'—I am very dear to the wise, and he is dear to Me. This verse shows that while all four types are valid, the jnani (wise devotee) is most dear because they have both knowledge and devotion—they understand Krishna completely and serve with single-minded devotion. This connects to verse 7.16's description of the four types and prepares for verse 7.18's elaboration on the jnani.