English: unfoldingWord® Translation Notes

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John

John front

Introduction to the Gospel of John

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Gospel of John
  1. Introduction about who Jesus is (1:1-18)
  2. Jesus is baptized, and he chooses twelve disciples (1:19-51)
  3. Jesus preaches, teaches, and heals people (2-11)
  4. The seven days before Jesus’ death (12-19)
  5. Mary anoints the feet of Jesus (12:1-11)
  6. Jesus rides a donkey into Jerusalem (12:12-19)
  7. Some Greek men want to see Jesus (12:20-36)
  8. The Jewish leaders reject Jesus (12:37-50)
  9. Jesus teaches his disciples (13-17)
  10. Jesus is arrested and undergoes trial (18:1-19:15)
  11. Jesus is crucified and buried (19:16-42)
  12. Jesus rises from the dead (20:1-29)
  13. John says why he wrote his gospel (20:30-31)
  14. Jesus meets with the disciples (21)
What is the Gospel of John about?

The Gospel of John is one of four books in the New Testament that describe some of the life of Jesus Christ. The authors of the gospels wrote about different aspects of who Jesus was and what he did. John said that he wrote his gospel “so that people might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God” (20:31).

John’s Gospel is very different from the other three Gospels. John does not include some of the teachings and events that the other writers included in their gospels. Also, John wrote about some teachings and events that are not in the other gospels.

John wrote much about the signs Jesus did to prove that what Jesus said about himself was true. (See: sign, proof, reminder)

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “The Gospel of John” or “The Gospel According to John.” Or they may choose a title that may be clearer, such as, “The Good News About Jesus That John Wrote.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Who wrote the Gospel of John?

This book does not give the name of the author. However, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that the Apostle John was the author.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Why does John write so much about the final week of Jesus’ life?

John wrote much about Jesus’ final week. He wanted his readers to think deeply about Jesus’ final week and his death on the cross. He wanted people to understand that Jesus willingly died on the cross so that God could forgive them for sinning against him. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What do the words “remain,” “reside,” and “abide” mean in the Gospel of John?

John often used the words “remain,” “reside”, and “abide” as metaphors. John spoke of a believer becoming more faithful to Jesus and knowing Jesus better as if Jesus’ word “remained” in the believer. Also, John spoke of someone being spiritually joined to someone else as if the person “remained” in the other person. Christians are said to “remain” in Christ and in God. The Father is said to “remain” in the Son, and the Son is said to “remain” in the Father. The Son is said to “remain” in believers. The Holy Spirit is also said to “remain” in the believers.

Many translators will find it impossible to represent these ideas in their languages in exactly the same way. For example, Jesus intended to express the idea of the Christian being spiritually together with him when he said, “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him” (John 6:56). The UST uses the idea of “will be joined to me, and I will be joined to him.” But translators may have to find other ways of expressing the idea.

In the passage, “If my words remain in you” (John 15:7), the UST expresses this idea as, “If you live by my message.” Translators may find it possible to use this translation as a model.

What are the major issues in the text of the Gospel of John?

The following verses found in older versions of the Bible but are not included in most modern versions. Translators are advised not to translate these verses. However, if in the translators’ region, there are older versions of the Bible that include these verses, the translators can include them. If they are translated, they should be put inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that they were probably not original to John’s Gospel.

  • “waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel of the Lord occasionally went down into the pool and stirred the water and whoever went first after the stirring of the water, was made well from the disease they had.” (5:3-4)
  • “going through the midst of them, and so passed by” (8:59)

The following passage is included in most older and modern versions of the Bible. But it is not in the earliest copies of the Bible. Translators are advised to translate this passage. It should be put inside of square brackets ([]) to indicate that it may not have been original to John’s Gospel.

  • The story of the adulterous woman (7:53–8:11)

(See: Textual Variants)

John 1

John 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 1:23, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

“The Word”

John uses the phrase “the Word” to refer to Jesus (John 1:1, 14). John is saying that God’s most important message to all people is actually Jesus, a person with a physical body. (See: word of God, word of Yahweh, word of the Lord, word of truth, scripture)

Light and darkness

The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

“Children of God”

When people believes in Jesus, they go from being “children of wrath” to “children of God.” They are adopted into the “family of God.”They are adopted into the “family of God.” This is an important image that will be unfolded in the New Testament. (See: believe, believer, belief, unbeliever, unbelief and adoption, adopt, adopted)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

John uses the metaphors of light and darkness and of the Word to tell the reader that he will be writing more about good and evil and about what God wants to tell people through Jesus. (See: Metaphor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“In the beginning”

Some languages and cultures speak of the world as if it has always existed, as if it had no beginning. But “very long ago” is different from “in the beginning,” and you need to be sure that your translation communicates correctly.

“Son of Man”

Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” in this chapter (John 1:51). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. (See: Son of Man, son of man and First, Second or Third Person)

John 1:1

ἐν ἀρχῇ

This refers to the very earliest time before God created the heavens and the earth.

ὁ λόγος

This refers to Jesus. Translate as “the Word” if possible. If “Word” is feminine in your language, it could be translated as “the one who is called the Word.”

John 1:3

πάντα δι’ αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο

This can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: “God made all things through him” (See: Active or Passive)

χωρὶς αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο οὐδὲ ἕν ὃ γέγονεν

This can be translated with an active verb. If your language does not permit double negatives, these words should communicate that the opposite of “all things were made through him” is false. Alternate translation: “God did not make anything without him” or “with him there was every thing made that has been made” or “God made with him every thing that God has made” (See: Active or Passive and Double Negatives)

John 1:4

ἐν αὐτῷ ζωὴ ἦν, καὶ ἡ ζωὴ ἦν τὸ φῶς τῶν ἀνθρώπων

“In him was life” is a metonym for causing everything to live. And, “light” here is a metaphor for “truth.” Alternate translation: “He is the one who caused everything to live. And he revealed to people what is true about God” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

ἐν αὐτῷ

Here “him” refers to the one who is called the Word.

ζωὴ

Here use a general term for “life.” If you must be more specific, translate as “spiritual life.”

John 1:5

τὸ φῶς ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ φαίνει, καὶ ἡ σκοτία αὐτὸ οὐ κατέλαβεν

Here “light” is a metaphor for what is true and good. Here “darkness” is a metaphor what is false and evil. Alternate translation: “The truth is like a light shining into a dark place, and no one in the dark place could put out the light” (See: Metaphor)

John 1:7

μαρτυρήσῃ περὶ τοῦ φωτός

Here “light” is a metaphor for the revelation of God in Jesus. Alternate translation: “show how Jesus is like the true light of God” (See: Metaphor)

John 1:9

τὸ φῶς τὸ ἀληθινὸν

Here light is a metaphor that represents Jesus as the one who both reveals the truth about God and is himself that truth. (See: Metaphor)

John 1:10

ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ἦν, καὶ ὁ κόσμος δι’ αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο, καὶ ὁ κόσμος αὐτὸν οὐκ ἔγνω

“Even though he was in this world, and God created everything through him, people still did not recognize him”

ὁ κόσμος αὐτὸν οὐκ ἔγνω

The “world” is a metonym that stands for all the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: “the people did not know who he really was” (See: Metonymy)

John 1:11

εἰς τὰ ἴδια ἦλθεν, καὶ οἱ ἴδιοι αὐτὸν οὐ παρέλαβον

“He came to his own fellow countrymen, and his own fellow countrymen did not accept him either”

αὐτὸν…παρέλαβον

“accept him.” To receive someone is to welcome him and treat him with honor in hopes of building a relationship with him.

John 1:12

πιστεύουσιν εἰς τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ

The word “name” is a metonym that stands for Jesus’ identity and everything about him. Alternate translation: “believed in him” (See: Metonymy)

ἔδωκεν…ἐξουσίαν

“he gave them the authority” or “he made it possible for them”

τέκνα Θεοῦ

The word “children” is a metaphor that represents our relationship to God, which is like children to a father. (See: Metaphor)

John 1:14

ὁ λόγος

This refers to Jesus. Translate as “the Word” if possible. If “Word” is feminine in your language, it could be translated as “the one who is called the Word.” See how you translated this in John 1:1.

σὰρξ ἐγένετο

Here “flesh” represents “a person” or “a human being.” Alternate translation: “became human” or “became a human being” (See: Synecdoche)

μονογενοῦς παρὰ πατρός

The phrase “the one an only” means that he is unique, that no one else is like him. The phrase “who came from the Father” means that he is the Father’s child. Alternate translation: “the unique Son of the Father” or “the only Son of the Father”

πατρός

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

πλήρης χάριτος

“full of kind acts towards us, acts we do not deserve”

John 1:15

ὁ ὀπίσω μου ἐρχόμενος

John is speaking about Jesus. The phrase “comes after me” means that John’s ministry has already started and Jesus’ ministry will start later.

ἔμπροσθέν μου γέγονεν

“is more important than I am” or “has more authority than I have”

ὅτι πρῶτός μου ἦν

Be careful not to translate this in a way that suggests that Jesus is more important because he is older than John in human years. Jesus is greater and more important than John because he is God the Son, who has always been alive.

John 1:16

τοῦ πληρώματος

This word refers to God’s grace that has no end.

χάριν ἀντὶ χάριτος

“blessing after blessing”

John 1:18

Πατρὸς

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 1:19

ἀπέστειλαν οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι ἐξ Ἱεροσολύμων

The word “Jews” here represents the “Jewish leaders.” Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders sent…to him from Jerusalem” (See: Synecdoche)

John 1:20

ὡμολόγησεν καὶ οὐκ ἠρνήσατο, καὶ ὡμολόγησεν

The phrase “he did not deny” says in negative terms the same thing that “He confessed” says in positive terms. This emphasizes that John was telling the truth and was strongly stating that he was not the Christ. Your language may have a different way of doing this.

John 1:21

τί οὖν? σὺ

“What then is the case, if you are not the Messiah?” or “What then is going on?” or “What then are you doing?”

John 1:22

John continues to speak with the priests and Levites.

εἶπαν…αὐτῷ

“the priests and Levites said to John”

δῶμεν…ἡμᾶς

the priests and Levites, not John (See: Exclusive and Inclusive 'We')

John 1:23

ἔφη

“John said”

ἐγὼ φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ

John is saying that Isaiah’s prophecy is about himself. The word “voice” here refers to the person who is crying out in the wilderness. Alternate translation: “I am the one calling out in the wilderness” (See: Metonymy)

εὐθύνατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου

Here the word “way” is used as a metaphor. Alternate translation: “Prepare yourselves for the Lord’s arrival the same way that people prepare the road for an important person to use” (See: Metaphor)

John 1:24

καὶ ἀπεσταλμένοι ἦσαν ἐκ τῶν Φαρισαίων

This is background information about the people who questioned John. (See: Background Information)

John 1:26

Verse 28 tells us background information about the setting of the story. (See: Background Information)

John 1:27

ὀπίσω μου ἐρχόμενος

You may need to make explicit what he will do when he has come. Alternate translation: “who will preach to you after I am gone” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μου…οὗ οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐγὼ ἄξιος, ἵνα λύσω αὐτοῦ τὸν ἱμάντα τοῦ ὑποδήματος

Untying sandals was the work of a slave or servant. These words are a metaphor for the most unpleasant work of a servant. Alternate translation: “me, whom I am not worthy to serve in even the most unpleasant way” or “me. I am not even worthy to untie the strap of his sandal” (See: Metaphor)

John 1:29

Ἀμνὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is a metaphor that represents God’s perfect sacrifice. Jesus is called the “Lamb of God” because he was sacrificed to pay for people’s sins. (See: Metaphor)

κόσμου

The word “world” is a metonym and refers to all the people in the world. (See: Metonymy)

John 1:30

ὀπίσω μου ἔρχεται ἀνὴρ, ὃς ἔμπροσθέν μου γέγονεν, ὅτι πρῶτός μου ἦν.

See how you translated this in John 1:15.

John 1:32

καταβαῖνον

coming down from above

ὡς περιστερὰν

This phrase is a simile. The “Spirit” comes down just like a dove lands on a person. (See: Simile)

οὐρανοῦ

The word “heaven” refers to the “sky.”

John 1:34

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

Some copies of this text say “Son of God”; others say “chosen one of God.” (See: Textual Variants)

Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 1:35

τῇ ἐπαύριον πάλιν

This is another day. It is the second day that John sees Jesus.

John 1:36

Ἀμνὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is a metaphor that represents God’s perfect sacrifice. Jesus is called the “Lamb of God” because he was sacrificed to pay for people’s sins. See how you translated this same phrase in John 1:29. (See: Metaphor)

John 1:39

ὥρα…δεκάτη

“hour 10.” This phrase indicates a time in the afternoon, before dark, at which it would be too late to start traveling to another town, possibly around 4 p.m.

John 1:40

These verses give us information about Andrew and how he brought his brother Peter to Jesus. This happened before they went and saw where Jesus was staying in John 1:39.

John 1:42

υἱὸς Ἰωάννου

This is not John the Baptist. “John” was a very common name.

John 1:44

ἦν δὲ ὁ Φίλιππος ἀπὸ Βηθσαϊδά, ἐκ τῆς πόλεως Ἀνδρέου καὶ Πέτρου

This is background information about Philip. (See: Background Information)

John 1:46

εἶπεν αὐτῷ Ναθαναήλ

“Nathaniel said to Philip”

ἐκ Ναζαρὲτ δύναταί τι ἀγαθὸν εἶναι

This remark appears in the form of a question in order to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “No good thing can come out of Nazareth!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 1:47

ἐν ᾧ δόλος οὐκ ἔστιν

This can be stated in a positive way. Alternate translation: “a completely truthful man” (See: Litotes)

John 1:49

Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 1:50

ὅτι εἶπόν σοι, ὅτι εἶδόν σε ὑποκάτω τῆς συκῆς, πιστεύεις

This remark appears in the form of a question to provide emphasis. Alternate translation: “You believe because I said, ‘I saw you underneath the fig tree’! (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 1:51

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true.

John 2

John 02 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Wine

The Jews drank wine at many meals and especially when they were celebrating special events. They did not believe that it was a sin to drink wine.

Driving out the money changers

Jesus drove the money changers out of the temple to show that he had authority over the temple and over all of Israel.

“He knew what was in man”

Jesus knew what other people were thinking only because he was and is the Son of Man and the Son of God.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“His disciples remembered”

John used this phrase to stop telling the main history and to tell about something that happened much later. It was right after he scolded the pigeon sellers (John 2:16) that the Jewish authorities spoke to him. It was after Jesus became alive again that his disciples remembered what the prophet had written long before and that Jesus was talking about the temple of his body (John 2:17 and John 2:22).

John 2:1

Jesus and his disciples are invited to a wedding. These verse give background information about the setting of the story. (See: Background Information)

τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ τρίτῃ

Most interpreters read this as on the third day after Jesus called Philip and Nathaniel to follow him. The first day occurs in John 1:35 and the second in John 1:43.

John 2:2

ἐκλήθη…ὁ Ἰησοῦς καὶ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν γάμον

This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: “Someone invited Jesus and his disciples to the wedding” (See: Active or Passive)

John 2:4

γύναι

This refers to Mary. If it is impolite for a son to call his mother “woman” in your language, use another word that is polite, or leave it out.

τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί

This question is asked to provide emphasis. Alternate translation: “this has nothing to do with me.” or “you should not tell me what to do.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὔπω ἥκει ἡ ὥρα μου

The word “time” is a metonym that represents the right occasion for Jesus to show that he is the Messiah by working miracles. Alternate translation: “It is not yet the right time for me to perform a mighty act” (See: Metonymy)

John 2:6

μετρητὰς δύο ἢ τρεῖς

You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “75 to 115 liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

John 2:7

ἕως ἄνω

This means “to the very top” or “completely full.”

John 2:8

τῷ ἀρχιτρικλίνῳ

This refers to the person in charge of the food and drink.

John 2:9

οἱ δὲ διάκονοι ᾔδεισαν, οἱ ἠντληκότες τὸ ὕδωρ

This is background information. (See: Background Information)

John 2:10

μεθυσθῶσιν

unable to tell the difference between cheap wine and expensive wine because of drinking too much alcohol

John 2:11

This verse is not part of the main story line, but rather it gives a comment about the story. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

Κανὰ

This is a place name. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐφανέρωσεν τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ

Here “his glory” refers to the mighty power of Jesus. Alternate translation: “showed his power”

John 2:12

κατέβη

This indicates that they went from a higher place to a lower place. Capernaum is northeast of Cana and is at a lower elevation.

οἱ ἀδελφοὶ

The word “brothers” includes both brothers and sisters. All Jesus’ brothers and sisters were younger than he was.

John 2:13

Jesus and his disciples go up to Jerusalem to the temple.

ἀνέβη εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα

This indicates that he went from a lower place to a higher place. Jerusalem is built on a hill.

John 2:14

καθημένους

The next verse makes it clear that these people are in the temple courtyard. That area was intended for worship and not for commerce.

τοὺς πωλοῦντας βόας καὶ πρόβατα καὶ περιστερὰς

People are buying animals in the temple courtyard to sacrifice them to God.

κερματιστὰς

Jewish authorities required people who wanted to buy animals for sacrifices to exchange their money for special money from the “money changers.”

John 2:15

καὶ

This word marks an event that happens because of something else that has happened first. In this case, Jesus has seen the money changers sitting in the temple.

John 2:16

μὴ ποιεῖτε τὸν οἶκον τοῦ πατρός μου οἶκον ἐμπορίου

“Stop buying and selling things in my Father’s house”

τὸν οἶκον τοῦ πατρός μου

This is a phrase Jesus uses to refer to the temple.

τοῦ πατρός μου

This is an important title that Jesus uses for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 2:17

γεγραμμένον ἐστίν

This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: “someone had written” (See: Active or Passive)

τοῦ οἴκου σου

This term refers to the temple, God’s house.

καταφάγεταί

The word “consume” points to the metaphor of “fire.” Jesus’ love for the temple is like a fire that burns within him. (See: Metaphor)

John 2:18

σημεῖον

This refers to an event that proves something is true.

ταῦτα

This refers to Jesus’ actions against the money changers in the temple.

John 2:19

λύσατε τὸν ναὸν τοῦτον, καὶ ἐν τρισὶν ἡμέραις ἐγερῶ αὐτόν

Jesus is stating a hypothetical situation in which something would certainly happen if something else that is not true were true. In this case, he would certainly raise the temple up if the Jewish authorities were to destroy it. He is not commanding the Jewish authorities to tear down the actual temple building. You can translate the words “destroy” and “raise” using the usual words for tearing down and rebuilding a building. Alternate translation: “If you destroy this temple, I will certainly raise it up” or “You can be certain that if you were to destroy this temple, I would raise it up” (See: Hypothetical Situations and Metaphor)

ἐγερῶ αὐτόν

“cause it to stand”

John 2:20

Verses 21 and 22 are not part of the main story line, but instead they comment on the story and tell about something that happens later. (See: End of Story)

τεσσεράκοντα…ἓξ ἔτεσιν…τρισὶν ἡμέραις

“46 years…3 days” (See: Numbers)

σὺ ἐν τρισὶν ἡμέραις ἐγερεῖς αὐτόν

This remark appears in the form of a question to show that the Jewish authorities understand that Jesus wants to tear down the temple and build it again in three days. “Raise” is an idiom for “establish.” Alternate translation: “you will establish it in three days?” or “you cannot possibly rebuild it in three days!” (See: Rhetorical Question and Idiom)

John 2:22

ἐπίστευσαν

Here “believe” means to accept something or trust that it is true.

τῷ λόγῳ

This refers back to Jesus’ statement in John 2:19.

John 2:23

ὡς δὲ ἦν ἐν τοῖς Ἱεροσολύμοις

The word “now” introduces us to a new event in the story.

ἐπίστευσαν εἰς τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ

Here “name” is a metonym that represents the person of Jesus. Alternate translation: “believed in him” or “trusted in him” (See: Metonymy)

τὰ σημεῖα ἃ ἐποίει

Miracles can also be called “signs” because they are used as evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.

John 2:25

περὶ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου…γὰρ ἐγίνωσκεν τί ἦν ἐν τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ

Here the word “man” represents people in general. Alternate translation: “about people, for he knew what was in people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

John 3

John 03 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Light and darkness

The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Son of Man”

Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” in this chapter (John 3:13). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. (See: Son of Man, son of man and First, Second or Third Person)

John 3:1

Nicodemus comes to see Jesus.

δὲ

This word is used here to mark a new part of the story and to introduce Nicodemus. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

John 3:2

οἴδαμεν

Here “we” is exclusive, referring only to Nicodemus and the other members of the Jewish council.

John 3:3

Jesus and Nicodemus continue talking.

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

See how you translated this in John 1:51.

γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν

“born from above” or “born of God”

Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

The word “kingdom” is a metaphor for the rule of God. Alternate translation: “place where God rules” (See: Metaphor)

John 3:4

πῶς δύναται ἄνθρωπος γεννηθῆναι, γέρων ὤν

Nicodemus uses this question to emphasize that this cannot happen. Alternate translation: “A man certainly cannot be born again when he is old!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

μὴ δύναται εἰς τὴν κοιλίαν τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ δεύτερον εἰσελθεῖν καὶ γεννηθῆναι

Nicodemus also uses this question to emphasize his belief that a second birth is impossible. “Certainly, he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb! (See: Rhetorical Question)

δεύτερον

“again” or “twice”

τὴν κοιλίαν

the part of a woman’s body where a baby grows

John 3:5

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

You can translate this in the same way you did in John 3:3.

γεννηθῇ ἐξ ὕδατος καὶ Πνεύματος

There are two possible meanings: 1) “baptized in water and in the Spirit” or 2) “born physically and spiritually” (See: Metaphor)

εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

The word “kingdom” is a metaphor for the rule of God in one’s life. Alternate translation: “experience the rule of God in his life” (See: Metaphor)

John 3:7

Jesus continues speaking to Nicodemus.

δεῖ ὑμᾶς γεννηθῆναι ἄνωθεν

“You must be born from above”

John 3:8

τὸ πνεῦμα ὅπου θέλει, πνεῖ

In the source language, wind and Spirit are the same word. The speaker here refers to the wind as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “The Holy Spirit is like a wind that blows wherever it wants” (See: Personification)

John 3:9

πῶς δύναται ταῦτα γενέσθαι

This question adds emphasis to the statement. Alternate translation: “This cannot be!” or “This is not able to happen!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 3:10

σὺ εἶ ὁ διδάσκαλος τοῦ Ἰσραὴλ, καὶ ταῦτα οὐ γινώσκεις

Jesus knows that Nicodemus is a teacher. He is not looking for information. Alternate translation: “You are a teacher of Israel, so I am surprised you do not understand these things!” or “You are a teacher of Israel, so you should understand these things!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

σὺ εἶ ὁ διδάσκαλος τοῦ Ἰσραὴλ, καὶ…οὐ γινώσκεις

The word “you” is singular and refers to Nicodemus. (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-you/01.md)

John 3:11

οὐ λαμβάνετε

The word “you” is plural and refers to Jews in general. (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-you/01.md)

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated this in John 1:51.

λαλοῦμεν

When Jesus said “we,” he was not including Nicodemus. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive 'We')

John 3:12

Jesus continues responding to Nicodemus.

εἶπον ὑμῖν…οὐ πιστεύετε, πῶς ἐὰν εἴπω ὑμῖν…πιστεύσετε

In all three places “you” is plural and refers to Jews in general. (See: Forms of You)

πῶς ἐὰν εἴπω ὑμῖν τὰ ἐπουράνια, πιστεύσετε

This question emphasizes the disbelief of Nicodemus and the Jews. Alternate translation: “you certainly will not believe if I tell you about heavenly things!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

εἶπον ὑμῖν…οὐ πιστεύετε, πῶς ἐὰν εἴπω ὑμῖν…πιστεύσετε

spiritual things

John 3:14

καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσεν τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

This figure of speech is called a simile. Some people will “lift up” Jesus just as Moses “lifted up” the bronze serpent in the wilderness. (See: Simile)

ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ

The wilderness is a dry, desert place, but here it refers specifically to the place where Moses and the Israelites walked around for forty years.

John 3:16

οὕτως…ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον

Here “world” is a metonym that refers to everyone in the world. (See: Metonymy)

ἠγάπησεν

This is the kind of love that comes from God and is focused on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. God himself is love and is the source of true love.

John 3:17

οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν Υἱὸν εἰς τὸν κόσμον, ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ’ ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι’ αὐτοῦ

These two clauses mean nearly the same thing, said twice for emphasis, first in the negative and then in the positive. Some languages may indicate emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: God’s real reason for sending his Son into the world was to save it” (See: Parallelism and Double Negatives)

ἵνα κρίνῃ

“to punish.” Usually “punish” implies that the person who has been punished is then accepted by God. When a person is condemned, he is punished but never accepted by God.

John 3:18

Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 3:19

Jesus finishes responding to Nicodemus.

τὸ φῶς ἐλήλυθεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον

The word “light” is a metaphor for God’s truth that is revealed in Jesus. Jesus speaks of himself in the third person. If your language does not allow people to speak of themselves in the third person, you may need to specify who the light is. The “world” is a metonym for all of the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: “The one who is like a light has revealed God’s truth to all people” or “I, who am like a light, have come into the world” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy and First, Second or Third Person)

ἠγάπησαν οἱ ἄνθρωποι…τὸ σκότος

Here “darkness” is a metaphor for evil. (See: Metaphor)

John 3:20

ἵνα μὴ ἐλεγχθῇ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ

This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: “so that the light will not show the things he does” or “so that the light does not make clear his deeds” (See: Active or Passive)

John 3:21

φανερωθῇ αὐτοῦ τὰ ἔργα, ὅτι

This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: “people may clearly see his deeds” or “everyone may clearly see the things he does” (See: Active or Passive)

John 3:22

μετὰ ταῦτα

This refers to after Jesus had spoken with Nicodemus. See how you translated this in John 2:12.

John 3:23

Αἰνὼν

This word means “springs,” as of water. (See: How to Translate Names)

τοῦ Σαλείμ

a village or town next to the Jordan River (See: How to Translate Names)

ὅτι ὕδατα πολλὰ ἦν ἐκεῖ

“because there were many springs in that place”

ἐβαπτίζοντο

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “John was baptizing them” or “he was baptizing them” (See: Active or Passive)

John 3:25

ἐγένετο οὖν ζήτησις ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν Ἰωάννου μετὰ Ἰουδαίου

This can be stated in an active form for clarity. Alternate translation: “Then John’s disciples and a Jew began to argue” (See: Active or Passive)

ζήτησις

a fight using words

John 3:26

σὺ μεμαρτύρηκας, ἴδε, οὗτος βαπτίζει

In this phrase, “look” is a command meaning “pay attention!” Alternate translation: “you have testified, ‘Look! He is baptizing,’” or “you have testified. ‘Look at that! He is baptizing,’” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md)

John 3:27

οὐ δύναται ἄνθρωπος λαμβάνειν, οὐδὲ ἓν ἐὰν μὴ

“Nobody has any power unless”

ᾖ δεδομένον αὐτῷ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

Here “heaven” is used as a metonym to refer to God. This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: “God has given it to him” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

John 3:28

αὐτοὶ ὑμεῖς

This “You” is plural and refers to all the people John is talking to. Alternate translation: “You all” or “All of you” (See: Forms of You and Reflexive Pronouns)

ἀπεσταλμένος εἰμὶ ἔμπροσθεν ἐκείνου

This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: “God sent me to arrive before him” (See: Active or Passive)

John 3:29

John the Baptist continues speaking.

ὁ ἔχων τὴν νύμφην, νυμφίος ἐστίν

Here the “bride” and “bridegroom” are metaphors. Jesus is like the “bridegroom” and John is like the friend of the “bridegroom.” (See: Metaphor)

αὕτη οὖν ἡ χαρὰ ἡ ἐμὴ πεπλήρωται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “So then I rejoice greatly” or “So I rejoice much” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡ χαρὰ ἡ ἐμὴ

The word “my” refers to John the Baptist, the one who is speaking.

John 3:30

ἐκεῖνον δεῖ αὐξάνειν

“He” refers to the bridegroom, Jesus, who will continue to grow in importance.

John 3:31

ὁ ἄνωθεν ἐρχόμενος, ἐπάνω πάντων ἐστίν

“He who comes from heaven is more important than anyone else”

ὁ ὢν ἐκ τῆς γῆς, ἐκ τῆς γῆς ἐστιν, καὶ ἐκ τῆς γῆς λαλεῖ

John means that Jesus is greater than he is since Jesus is from heaven, and John was born on the earth. Alternate translation: “He who is born in this world is like everyone else who lives in the world and he speaks about what happens in this world” (See: Metonymy)

ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἐρχόμενος, ἐπάνω πάντων ἐστίν

This means the same thing as the first sentence. John repeats this for emphasis.

John 3:32

ὃ ἑώρακεν καὶ ἤκουσεν, τοῦτο μαρτυρε

John is speaking about Jesus. Alternate translation: “The one from heaven tells about what he has seen and heard in heaven”

τὴν μαρτυρίαν αὐτοῦ, οὐδεὶς λαμβάνει

Here John exaggerates to emphasize that only a few people believe Jesus. Alternate translation: “very few people believe him” (See: Hyperbole)

John 3:33

ὁ λαβὼν αὐτοῦ τὴν μαρτυρίαν

“Anyone who believes what Jesus says”

ἐσφράγισεν

“proves” or “agrees”

John 3:34

John the Baptist finishes speaking.

ὃν γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς

“This Jesus, whom God has sent to represent him”

οὐ γὰρ ἐκ μέτρου δίδωσιν τὸ Πνεῦμα

“For he is the one to whom God gave all the power of his Spirit”

John 3:35

Πατὴρ…Υἱόν

These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

δέδωκεν ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ

This means to be put in his power or control. (See: Idiom)

John 3:36

ὁ πιστεύων

“A person who believes” or “Anyone who believes”

ἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ μένει ἐπ’ αὐτόν

The abstract noun “wrath” can be translated with the verb “punish.” Alternate translation: “God will continue to punish him” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md)

John 4

John 04 General Notes

Structure and formatting

John 4:4-38 forms one story centered on the teaching of Jesus as the “living water” who gives eternal life to all who believe in him. (See: believe, believer, belief, unbeliever, unbelief)

Special concepts in this chapter

“It was necessary for him to pass through Samaria”

Jews avoided traveling through the region of Samaria because the Samaritans were descendants of ungodly people. So Jesus had to do what most Jews did not want to do. (See: godly, godliness, ungodly, godless, ungodliness, godlessness and kingdom of Israel)

“The hour is coming”

Jesus used these words to begin prophecies about times that could be shorter or longer than sixty minutes. “The hour” in which true worshipers will worship in spirit and truth is longer than sixty minutes.

The proper place of worship

Long before Jesus lived, the Samaritan people had broken the law of Moses by setting up a false temple in their land (John 4:20). Jesus explained to the woman that it was no longer important where people worshiped (John 4:21-24).

Harvest

Harvest is when people go out to get the food they have planted so they can bring it to their houses and eat it. Jesus used this as a metaphor to teach his followers that they need to go and tell other people about Jesus so those people can be part of God’s kingdom. (See: faith)

“The Samaritan woman”

John probably told this story to show the difference between the Samaritan woman, who believed, and the Jews, who did not believe and later killed Jesus. (See: believe, believer, belief, unbeliever, unbelief)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“In spirit and truth”

The people who truly know who God is and enjoy worshiping him and love him for who he is are the ones who truly please him. Where they worship is not important.

John 4:1

John 4:1-6 gives the background to the next event, Jesus’ conversation with a Samaritan woman. (See: Background Information)

A long sentence begins here.

ὡς οὖν ἔγνω ὁ Ἰησοῦς ὅτι ἤκουσαν οἱ Φαρισαῖοι, ὅτι Ἰησοῦς πλείονας μαθητὰς ποιεῖ καὶ βαπτίζει ἢ Ἰωάννης

“Now Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John. When he knew that the Pharisees had heard that he was doing this.”

ὡς οὖν ἔγνω ὁ Ἰησοῦς

The word “now” is used here to mark a break in the main events. Here John starts to tell a new part of the narrative.

John 4:2

Ἰησοῦς αὐτὸς οὐκ ἐβάπτιζεν

The reflexive pronoun “himself” adds emphasis that it was not Jesus who was baptizing, but his disciples. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

John 4:3

ἀφῆκεν τὴν Ἰουδαίαν καὶ ἀπῆλθεν πάλιν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν

You may need to rearrange the entire sentence that begins with the words “Now when Jesus” in verse 1. “Now Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples were). The Pharisees heard that Jesus was doing this. When Jesus knew that the Pharisees learned what he was doing, he left Judea and went back again to Galilee”

John 4:7

δός μοι πεῖν

This is a polite request, not a command.

John 4:8

οἱ γὰρ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἀπεληλύθεισαν

He did not ask his disciples to draw water for him because they had gone.

John 4:9

λέγει οὖν αὐτῷ ἡ γυνὴ ἡ Σαμαρεῖτις

The word “him” refers to Jesus.

πῶς σὺ Ἰουδαῖος ὢν, παρ’ ἐμοῦ πεῖν αἰτεῖς

This remark appears in the form of a question to express the Samaritan woman’s surprise that Jesus asked her for a drink. Alternate translation: “I cannot believe that you, being a Jew, are asking a Samaritan for a drink!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐ…συνχρῶνται

“do not associate with”

John 4:10

ὕδωρ ζῶν

Jesus uses the metaphor “living water” to refer to the Holy Spirit who works in a person to transform and bring new life. (See: Metaphor)

John 4:12

μὴ σὺ μείζων εἶ τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν Ἰακώβ, ὃς ἔδωκεν ἡμῖν τὸ φρέαρ, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐξ αὐτοῦ ἔπιεν, καὶ οἱ υἱοὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὰ θρέμματα αὐτοῦ

This remark occurs in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “You are not greater than our father Jacob…cattle!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν Ἰακώβ

“our ancestor Jacob”

ἐξ αὐτοῦ ἔπιεν

“drank water that came from it”

John 4:13

διψήσει πάλιν

“will need to drink water again”

John 4:14

τὸ ὕδωρ ὃ δώσω αὐτῷ γενήσεται ἐν αὐτῷ πηγὴ ὕδατος

Here the word “fountain” is a metaphor for life-giving water. Alternate translation: “the water that I will give him will become like a spring of water in him” (See: Metaphor)

ζωὴν αἰώνιον

Here “life” refers to the “spiritual life” that only God can give.

John 4:15

κύριε

In this context, the Samaritan woman is addressing Jesus as “Sir,” which is a term of respect or politeness.

ἀντλεῖν

“get water” or “pull water up from the well” using a container and rope

John 4:18

τοῦτο ἀληθὲς εἴρηκας

Jesus says these words to emphasize his words to emphasize the words “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’” in verse 17. He wants the woman to know that he knows she is telling the truth.

John 4:19

κύριε

In this context the Samaritan woman is addressesing Jesus as “sir,” which is a term of respect or politeness.

θεωρῶ ὅτι προφήτης εἶ σύ

“I can understand that you are a prophet”

John 4:20

οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν

“Our forefathers” or “Our ancestors”

John 4:21

πίστευέ μοι

To believe someone is to acknowledge what the person has said is true.

προσκυνήσετε τῷ Πατρί

Eternal salvation from sin comes from God the Father, who is Yahweh, the God of the Jews.

Πατρί

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 4:22

ὑμεῖς προσκυνεῖτε ὃ οὐκ οἴδατε, ἡμεῖς προσκυνοῦμεν ὃ οἴδαμεν

Jesus means that God revealed himself and his commands to the Jewish people, not to the Samaritans. Through the Scriptures the Jewish people know who God is better than the Samaritans.

ὅτι ἡ σωτηρία ἐκ τῶν Ἰουδαίων ἐστίν

This means that God has chosen the Jews as his special people who will tell all other people about his salvation. It does not mean the Jewish people will save others from their sins. Alternate translation: “for all people will know about God’s salvation because of the Jews”

ἡ σωτηρία ἐκ τῶν Ἰουδαίων ἐστίν

Eternal salvation from sin comes from God the Father, who is Yahweh, the God of the Jews.

John 4:23

Jesus continues speaking to the Samaritan woman.

ἀλλὰ ἔρχεται ὥρα καὶ νῦν ἐστιν, ὅτε οἱ ἀληθινοὶ προσκυνηταὶ προσκυνήσουσιν

“However, it is now the right time for true worshipers to”

τῷ Πατρὶ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ἐν πνεύματι καὶ ἀληθείᾳ

Possible meanings are the “spirit” here is 1) the inner person, the mind and heart, what a person thinks and what he loves, different from where he goes to worship and what ceremonies he performs, or 2) the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “in the Spirit and in truth” or “with the Spirit’s help and in truth”

ἐν…ἀληθείᾳ

thinking correctly of what is true about God

John 4:25

οἶδα ὅτι Μεσσίας ἔρχεται, ὁ λεγόμενος Χριστός

Both of these words mean “God’s promised king.”

ἐκεῖνος, ἀναγγελεῖ ἡμῖν ἅπαντα

The words “explain everything” imply all that the people need to know. Alternate translation: “he will tell us everything we need to know” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 4:27

ἐπὶ τούτῳ ἦλθον οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ

“Just as Jesus was saying this, his disciples returned from town”

καὶ ἐθαύμαζον ὅτι μετὰ γυναικὸς ἐλάλει

It was very unusual for a Jew to speak with a woman he did not know, especially if that woman was a Samaritan.

οὐδεὶς μέντοι εἶπεν, τί ζητεῖς? ἢ, τί λαλεῖς μετ’ αὐτῆς?

Possible meanings are 1) the disciples asked both questions to Jesus or 2) “no one asked the woman, ‘What…want?’ or asked Jesus, ‘Why…her?’”

John 4:29

δεῦτε, ἴδετε ἄνθρωπον ὃς εἶπέ μοι πάντα ὅσα ἐποίησα

The Samaritan woman exaggerates to show that she is impressed by how much Jesus knows about her. Alternate translation: “Come see a man who knows very much about me, even though I have never met him before” (See: Hyperbole)

μήτι οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ Χριστός

The woman is not sure that Jesus is the Christ, so she asks a question that expects “no” for an answer, but she also asks a question instead of making a statement because she wants the people to decide for themselves.

John 4:31

ἐν τῷ μεταξὺ

“While the woman was going into town”

ἠρώτων αὐτὸν οἱ μαθηταὶ

“the disciples were telling Jesus” or “the disciples were encouraging Jesus”

John 4:32

ἐγὼ βρῶσιν ἔχω φαγεῖν, ἣν ὑμεῖς οὐκ οἴδατε

Here Jesus is not talking about literal “food,” but is preparing his disciples for a spiritual lesson in John 4:34.

John 4:33

μή τις ἤνεγκεν αὐτῷ φαγεῖν

The disciples think Jesus is talking about literal “food.” They begin asking each other this question, expecting a “no” response. Alternate translation: “Surely no one brought him any food while we were in town!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 4:34

ἐμὸν βρῶμά ἐστιν ἵνα ποιήσω τὸ θέλημα τοῦ πέμψαντός με, καὶ τελειώσω αὐτοῦ τὸ ἔργον

Here “food” is a metaphor that represents “obeying God’s will.” Alternate translation: “Just as food satisfies a hungry person, obeying God’s will is what satisfies me” (See: Metaphor)

John 4:35

οὐχ ὑμεῖς λέγετε

“Is this not one of your popular sayings”

ἐπάρατε τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς ὑμῶν καὶ θεάσασθε τὰς χώρας, ὅτι λευκαί εἰσιν πρὸς θερισμόν ἤδη

The words “fields” and “ripe for harvest” are metaphors. The “fields” represent people. The words “ripe for harvest” mean that people are ready to receive the message of Jesus, like fields that are ready to be harvested. Alternate translation: “look up and see the the people! They are ready to believe my message, like crops in the fields that are ready for people to harvest them” (See: Metaphor)

John 4:36

καὶ συνάγει καρπὸν εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον

Here “fruit for everlasting life” is a metaphor that represents people who believe Christ’s message and receive eternal life. Alternate translation: “and the people who believe the message and receive eternal life are like the fruit that a harvester gathers” (See: Metaphor)

John 4:37

Jesus continues speaking to his disciples.

ἄλλος ἐστὶν ὁ σπείρων, καὶ ἄλλος ὁ θερίζων

The words “sows” and “harvests” are metaphors. The one who “sows” shares the message of Jesus. The one who “harvests” helps the people to receive the message of Jesus. Alternate translation: “One person plants the seeds, and another person harvests the crops” (See: Metaphor)

John 4:38

ὑμεῖς εἰς τὸν κόπον αὐτῶν εἰσεληλύθατε

“you are now joining in their work”

John 4:39

ἐπίστευσαν εἰς αὐτὸν

To “believe in” someone means to “trust in” that person. Here this also means that they believed he was the Son of God.

εἶπέν μοι πάντα ἃ ἐποίησα

This is an exaggeration. The woman was impressed by how much Jesus knew about her. Alternate translation: “He told me many things about my life” (See: Hyperbole)

John 4:41

τὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ

Here “word” is a metonym that stands for the message that Jesus proclaimed. Alternate translation: “his message” (See: Metonymy)

John 4:42

κόσμου

The “world” is a metonym for all the believers throughout the world. Alternate translation: “all the believers in the world” (See: Metonymy)

John 4:43

Jesus goes down to Galilee and heals a boy. Verse 44 gives us background information about something Jesus had said previously. (See: Background Information)

ἐκεῖθεν

from Judea

John 4:44

αὐτὸς γὰρ Ἰησοῦς ἐμαρτύρησεν

The reflexive pronoun “himself” is added to emphasize that Jesus had “declared” or said this.. You can translate this in your language in a way that will give emphasis to a person. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

προφήτης ἐν τῇ ἰδίᾳ πατρίδι, τιμὴν οὐκ ἔχει

“people do not show respect or honor to a prophet of their own country” or “a prophet is not respected by the people in his own community”

John 4:45

ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ

Here the festival is the Passover.

John 4:46

οὖν

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line and to move to a new part of the story. If you have a way of doing this in your language, you may consider using it.

βασιλικὸς

someone who is in the service of the king

John 4:48

ἐὰν μὴ σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα ἴδητε, οὐ μὴ πιστεύσητε

“Unless…not believe” here is a double negative. In some languages it is more natural to translate this statement in a positive form. Alternate translation: “Only if you see a miracle will you believe” (See: Double Negatives)

John 4:50

ἐπίστευσεν…τῷ λόγῳ

Here “word” is a metonym that refers to the message that Jesus spoke. Alternate translation: “believed the message” (See: Metonymy)

John 4:51

ἤδη

This word is used to mark two events that are happening at the same time. As the official was going home, his servants were coming to meet him on the road.

John 4:53

καὶ ἐπίστευσεν αὐτὸς καὶ ἡ οἰκία αὐτοῦ ὅλη

The reflexive pronoun “himself” is used here to emphasize the word “he.” If you have a way of doing this in your language, you may consider using it.

John 4:54

σημεῖον

Miracles can also be called “signs” because they are used as indicators or evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.

John 5

John 05 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Healing water

Many of the Jews believed that God would heal people who got into some of the pools in Jerusalem when the waters were “stirred up.”

Testimony

Testimony is what one person says about another person. What a person says about himself is not as important as what other people say about that person. Jesus told the Jews that God had told them who Jesus was, so he did not need to tell them who he was. This was because God had told the writers of the Old Testament what his Messiah would do, and Jesus had done everything they had written that he would do.

The resurrection of life and the resurrection of judgment

God will make some people alive again and because he gives them his grace, they will live with him forever. But he will make some people alive again and because he will treat them justly, they will live apart from him forever.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

The Son, the Son of God, and the Son of Man

Jesus refers to himself in this chapter as the “Son” (John 5:19), the “Son of God” (John 5:25), and the “Son of Man” (John 5:27). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. (See: Son of Man, son of man and First, Second or Third Person)

John 5:1

This is the next event in the story, in which Jesus goes up to Jerusalem and heals a man. These verses give background information about the setting of the story. (See: Background Information)

μετὰ ταῦτα

This refers to after Jesus healed the official’s son. See how you translated this in John 3:22.

ἦν ἑορτὴ τῶν Ἰουδαίων

“the Jews were celebrating a festival”

ἀνέβη…εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα

Jerusalem is located on the top of a hill. Roads to Jerusalem went up and down smaller hills. If your language has a different word for going up a hill than for walking on level ground, you may use it here.

John 5:2

κολυμβήθρα

This was a hole in the ground that people filled with water. Sometimes they lined the pools with tiles or other stonework.

Βηθζαθά

a place name (See: How to Translate Names)

στοὰς

roofed structures with at least one wall missing and attached to buildings

John 5:3

πλῆθος τῶν ἀσθενούντων

“Many people”

John 5:5

Verse 5 introduces the man lying beside the pool to the story. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἦν…ἐκεῖ

“was at the Bethesda pool” (John 5:1)

τριάκοντα ὀκτὼ ἔτη

“38 years” (See: Numbers)

John 5:6

γνοὺς

“he understood” or “he found out”

λέγει αὐτῷ

“Jesus said to the paralyzed man”

John 5:7

κύριε…οὐκ ἔχω

Here the word “sir” is a polite form of address.

ὅταν ταραχθῇ τὸ ὕδωρ

This can be translated in an active form. Alternate translation: “when the angel moves the water” (See: Active or Passive)

εἰς τὴν κολυμβήθραν

This was a hole in the ground that people filled with water. Sometimes they lined the pools with tiles or other stonework. See how you translated “pool” in John 5:2.

ἄλλος πρὸ ἐμοῦ καταβαίνει

“someone else always goes down the steps into the water before me”

John 5:8

ἔγειρε

“Stand up!”

ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου, καὶ περιπάτει

“Pick up your sleeping mat, and walk!”

John 5:9

ἐγένετο ὑγιὴς ὁ ἄνθρωπος

“the man became healthy again”

δὲ…ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ

The writer uses the word “now” to show that the words that follow are background information. (See: Background Information)

John 5:10

ἔλεγον οὖν οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι τῷ τεθεραπευμένῳ

The Jews (especially the leaders of the Jews) became angry when they saw the man carrying his mat on the Sabbath.

Σάββατόν ἐστιν

“It is God’s Day of Rest”

John 5:11

ὁ ποιήσας με ὑγιῆ

“The man who made me well”

John 5:12

ἠρώτησαν αὐτόν

“The Jewish leaders asked the man who was healed”

John 5:14

εὑρίσκει αὐτὸν ὁ Ἰησοῦς

“Jesus found the man he had healed”

ἴδε

The word “See” is used here to draw attention to the words that follow.

John 5:16

καὶ

The writer uses the word “now” to show that the words that follow are background information. (See: Background Information)

οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι

Here “the Jews” is a synecdoche which represent the “Jewish leaders.” Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: Synecdoche)

John 5:17

ἐργάζεται

This refers to doing labor, including anything that is done to serve other people.

ὁ Πατήρ μου

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 5:18

ἴσον ἑαυτὸν ποιῶν τῷ Θεῷ

“saying that he was like God” or “saying that he had as much authority as God”

John 5:19

Jesus continues speaking to the Jewish leaders.

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated this in John 1:51.

ἃ γὰρ ἂν ἐκεῖνος ποιῇ, ταῦτα καὶ ὁ Υἱὸς…ποιεῖ

Jesus, as the Son of God, followed and obeyed his Father’s leadership on earth, because Jesus knew the Father loved him. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Υἱὸς…Πατέρα

These are important titles that describe the relationship between Jesus and God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 5:20

ὑμεῖς θαυμάζητε

“you will be surprised” or “you will be shocked”

ὁ γὰρ Πατὴρ φιλεῖ τὸν Υἱὸν

Jesus, as the Son of God, followed and obeyed his Father’s leadership on earth, because Jesus knew the Father loved him. (See: Translating Son and Father)

φιλεῖ

The kind of love that comes from God is focused on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. God himself is love and is the source of true love.

John 5:21

Πατὴρ…Υἱὸς

These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ζῳοποιεῖ

This refers to “spiritual life.”

John 5:22

οὐδὲ γὰρ ὁ Πατὴρ κρίνει οὐδένα, ἀλλὰ τὴν κρίσιν πᾶσαν δέδωκεν τῷ Υἱῷ

The word “for” marks a comparison. The Son of God carries out judgment for God the Father. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 5:23

τιμῶσι τὸν Υἱὸν, καθὼς τιμῶσι τὸν Πατέρα. ὁ μὴ τιμῶν τὸν Υἱὸν, οὐ τιμᾷ τὸν Πατέρα

God the Son must be honored and worshiped just like God the Father. If we fail to honor God the Son, then we also fail to honor God the Father. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 5:24

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

See how you translated this in John 1:51.

ὁ τὸν λόγον μου ἀκούων

Here “word” is a metonym that represents the message of Jesus. Alternate translation: “anyone who hears my message” (See: Metonymy)

εἰς κρίσιν οὐκ ἔρχεται

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “will be judged to be innocent” (See: Double Negatives)

John 5:25

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated this in John 1:51.

οἱ νεκροὶ ἀκούσουσιν τῆς φωνῆς τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ οἱ ἀκούσαντες ζήσουσιν

The voice of Jesus, the Son of God, will raise dead people from the grave. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 5:26

ὥσπερ γὰρ ὁ Πατὴρ ἔχει ζωὴν ἐν ἑαυτῷ, οὕτως καὶ τῷ Υἱῷ ἔδωκεν ζωὴν, ἔχειν ἐν ἑαυτῷ

The word “For” marks a comparison. The Son of God has the power to give life, just as the Father does. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Πατὴρ…Υἱῷ

These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ζωὴν

This means spiritual life.

John 5:27

Υἱὸς Ἀνθρώπου

These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ἐξουσίαν ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ κρίσιν ποιεῖν

The Son of God has the authority of God the Father to judge.

John 5:28

μὴ θαυμάζετε τοῦτο

“This” refers to the fact that Jesus, as the Son of Man, has the power to give eternal life and to carry out judgment.

ἀκούσουσιν τῆς φωνῆς αὐτοῦ

“hear my voice”

John 5:30

τὸ θέλημα τοῦ πέμψαντός με

The word “him” refers to God the Father.

John 5:32

ἄλλος ἐστὶν ὁ μαρτυρῶν περὶ ἐμοῦ

“There is someone else who tells people about me”

ἄλλος

This refers to God.

ἀληθής ἐστιν ἡ μαρτυρία ἣν μαρτυρεῖ περὶ ἐμοῦ

“what he tells people about me is true”

John 5:34

ἐγὼ…οὐ παρὰ ἀνθρώπου τὴν μαρτυρίαν λαμβάνω

“I do not need people’s testimony”

ἵνα ὑμεῖς σωθῆτε

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “so God can save you” (See: Active or Passive)

John 5:35

ἐκεῖνος ἦν ὁ λύχνος ὁ καιόμενος καὶ φαίνων; ὑμεῖς δὲ ἠθελήσατε ἀγαλλιαθῆναι πρὸς ὥραν ἐν τῷ φωτὶ αὐτοῦ

Here “lamp” and “light” are metaphors. John taught the people about God and this was like a lamp shining its light into the dark. Alternate translation: “John taught you about God and this was like a lamp shining its light. And for a while what John said made you happy” (See: Metaphor)

John 5:36

τὰ…ἔργα ἃ δέδωκέν μοι ὁ Πατὴρ, ἵνα τελειώσω αὐτά, αὐτὰ τὰ ἔργα ἃ ποιῶ, μαρτυρεῖ περὶ ἐμοῦ, ὅτι ὁ Πατήρ με ἀπέσταλκεν

God the Father has sent God the Son, Jesus, to earth. Jesus completes what the Father gives him to do.

Πατὴρ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

αὐτὰ τὰ ἔργα ἃ ποιῶ, μαρτυρεῖ περὶ ἐμοῦ

Here Jesus says that the miracles “testify” or “tell the people” about him. Alternate translation: “What I do shows the people that God has sent me” (See: Personification)

John 5:37

ὁ πέμψας με Πατὴρ, ἐκεῖνος μεμαρτύρηκεν

The reflexive pronoun “himself” emphasizes that it is the Father, not someone less important, who has testified. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

John 5:38

τὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἔχετε ἐν ὑμῖν μένοντα, ὅτι ὃν ἀπέστειλεν ἐκεῖνος, τούτῳ ὑμεῖς οὐ πιστεύετε

“You do not believe in the one he has sent. That is how I know that you do not have his word remaining in you”

τὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἔχετε ἐν ὑμῖν μένοντα

Jesus speaks of people living according to God’s word as if they were houses and God’s word were a person that lived in houses. Alternate translation: “You do not live according to his word” or “You do not obey his word” (See: Metaphor)

τὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ

“the message he spoke to you”

John 5:39

ἐν αὐταῖς ζωὴν αἰώνιον ἔχειν

“you will find eternal life if you read them” or “the scriptures will tell you how you can have eternal life”

John 5:40

οὐ θέλετε ἐλθεῖν πρός με

“you refuse to believe my message”

John 5:41

λαμβάνω

accept

John 5:42

τὴν ἀγάπην τοῦ Θεοῦ οὐκ ἔχετε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς

This can mean 1) “you really do not love God” or 2) “you have really not received God’s love.”

John 5:43

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Πατρός μου

Here the word “name” is a metonym that symbolizes God’s power and authority. Alternate translation: “I have come with my Father’s authority” (See: Metonymy)

τοῦ Πατρός

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

λαμβάνετέ

welcome as a friend

ἐὰν ἄλλος ἔλθῃ ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τῷ ἰδίῳ

The word “name” is a metonym that represents authority. Alternate translation: “If another should come in his own authority” (See: Metonymy)

John 5:44

πῶς δύνασθε ὑμεῖς πιστεῦσαι, δόξαν παρὰ ἀλλήλων λαμβάνοντες, καὶ τὴν δόξαν τὴν παρὰ τοῦ μόνου Θεοῦ

This remark appears in the form of a question in order to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “There is no way you can believe because you accept praise…God!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

πιστεῦσαι

This means to trust in Jesus.

John 5:45

ἔστιν ὁ κατηγορῶν ὑμῶν Μωϋσῆς, εἰς ὃν ὑμεῖς ἠλπίκατε

“Moses” here is a metonym here that stands for the law itself. Alternate translation: “Moses accuses you in the Law, the very Law in which you have put your hopes” (See: Metonymy)

ἠλπίκατε

“your confidence” or “your trust”

John 5:47

εἰ…τοῖς ἐκείνου γράμμασιν οὐ πιστεύετε, πῶς τοῖς ἐμοῖς ῥήμασιν πιστεύσετε

This remark appears in the form of a question to provide emphasis. Alternate translation: “You do not believe his writings, so you will never believe my words!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τοῖς ἐμοῖς ῥήμασιν

“what I say”

John 6

John 06 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

King

The king of any nation was the richest and most powerful person in that nation. The people wanted Jesus to be their king because he gave them food and so they thought he would make the Jews into the richest and most powerful nation in the world. They did not understand that Jesus came to die so God could forgive his people’s sins and that the world would persecute his people.

Important metaphors in this chapter

Bread

Bread was the most common and important food in Jesus’ day, and so the word “bread” was their general word for “food.” It is often difficult to translate the word “bread” into the languages of people who do not eat bread because the general word for food in some languages refers to food that did not exist in Jesus’ culture. Jesus used the word “bread” to refer to himself. He wanted them to understand that they need him so they can have eternal life. (See: Metaphor and Synecdoche)

Eating the flesh and drinking the blood

When Jesus said, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in yourselves,” he knew that before he died he would tell his followers to do this by eating bread and drinking wine. In the event this chapter describes, he expected that his hearers would understand that he was using a metaphor but would not understand what the metaphor referred to. (See: flesh and blood)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Parenthetical Ideas

Several times in this passage, John explains something or gives the reader some context to better understand the story. These explanation are intended to give the reader some additional knowledge without interrupting the flow of the narrative. The information is placed inside parentheses.

“Son of Man”

Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” in this chapter (John 6;26). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. (See: Son of Man, son of man and First, Second or Third Person)

John 6:1

Jesus has traveled from Jerusalem to Galilee. A crowd has followed him up a mountainside. These verses tell the setting of this part of the story. (See: Background Information)

μετὰ ταῦτα

The phrase “these things” refers to the events in John 5:1-46 and introduces the event that follows.

ἀπῆλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς

It is implied in the text that Jesus traveled by boat and took his disciples with him. Alternate translation: “Jesus traveled by boat with his disciples” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 6:2

ὄχλος πολύς

“A large number of people”

σημεῖα

This refers to the miracles that are used as evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over everything.

John 6:4

The action in the story begins in verse 5.

ἦν δὲ ἐγγὺς τὸ Πάσχα, ἡ ἑορτὴ τῶν Ἰουδαίων

John briefly stops telling about the events in the story in order to give background information about when the events happened. (See: Background Information)

John 6:6

τοῦτο δὲ ἔλεγεν πειράζων αὐτόν; αὐτὸς γὰρ ᾔδει τί ἔμελλεν ποιεῖν

John briefly stops telling about the events in the story in order to explain why Jesus asked Philip where to buy bread. (See: Background Information)

αὐτὸς γὰρ ᾔδει

The reflexive pronoun “himself” makes it clear that the word “he” refers to Jesus. Jesus knew what he would do. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

John 6:7

διακοσίων δηναρίων ἄρτοι

The word “denarii” is the plural of “denarius. “Alternate translation: “The amount of bread that cost two hundred days’ wages” (See: Biblical Money)

John 6:9

πέντε ἄρτους κριθίνους

“Five loaves of barley bread.” Barley was a common grain.

ἄρτους

A loaf of bread is a lump of dough that is shaped and baked. These were probably small dense, round loaves.

ταῦτα τί ἐστιν εἰς τοσούτους

This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that they do not have enough food to feed everyone. Alternate translation: “these few loaves and fishes are not enough to feed so many people!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 6:10

ἀναπεσεῖν

“lie down”

ἦν δὲ χόρτος πολὺς ἐν τῷ τόπῳ

John briefly stops telling about the events in the story in order to give background information about the place where this event happens. (See: Background Information)

ἀνέπεσαν οὖν οἱ ἄνδρες, τὸν ἀριθμὸν ὡς πεντακισχίλιοι

While the crowd probably included women and children (John 6:4-5), here John is counting only the men.

John 6:11

εὐχαριστήσας

Jesus prayed to God the Father and thanked him for the fish and the loaves.

διέδωκεν

“he” here represents “Jesus and his disciples.” Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples gave it” (See: Synecdoche)

John 6:13

Jesus withdraws from the crowd. This is the end of the part of the story about Jesus feeding the crowd on the mountain.

συνήγαγον

“the disciples gathered”

ἃ ἐπερίσσευσαν

the food that no one had eaten

John 6:14

ὃ…σημεῖον

Jesus feeding the 5,000 people with five barley loaves and two fish

ὁ προφήτης

the special prophet who Moses said would come into the world

John 6:16

This is the next event in the story. Jesus’ disciples go out onto the lake in a boat.

John 6:17

σκοτία ἤδη ἐγεγόνει, καὶ οὔπω ἐληλύθει πρὸς αὐτοὺς ὁ Ἰησοῦς

Use your language’s way of showing that this is background information. (See: Background Information)

John 6:19

ἐληλακότες

Boats usually had two, four, or six people rowing with rowers on each side working together. Your culture may have different ways of making a boat go across a large body of water.

ὡς σταδίους εἴκοσι πέντε ἢ τριάκοντα

A “stadium” is 185 meters. Alternate translation: “about five or six kilometers” (See: Biblical Distance)

John 6:20

μὴ φοβεῖσθε

“Stop being afraid!”

John 6:21

ἤθελον…λαβεῖν αὐτὸν εἰς τὸ πλοῖον

It is implied that Jesus gets into the boat. Alternate translation: “they gladly received him into the boat” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 6:22

τῆς θαλάσσης

“the Sea of Galilee”

John 6:23

ἄλλα ἦλθεν πλοῖα ἐκ Τιβεριάδος, ἐγγὺς τοῦ τόπου ὅπου ἔφαγον τὸν ἄρτον, εὐχαριστήσαντος τοῦ Κυρίου

Use your language’s way of showing that this is background information. (See: Background Information)

ἦλθεν πλοῖα ἐκ Τιβεριάδος

Here, John provides more background information. The next day, after Jesus fed the people, some boats with people from Tiberius came to see Jesus. However, Jesus and his disciples had left the night before. (See: Background Information)

John 6:24

The people go to Capernaum to find Jesus. When they see him, they start asking him questions.

John 6:26

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

See how you translated this in John 1:51.

John 6:27

ζωὴν αἰώνιον, ἣν ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ὑμῖν δώσει; τοῦτον γὰρ ὁ Πατὴρ ἐσφράγισεν ὁ Θεός

God the Father has given his approval to Jesus, the Son of Man, to give eternal life to those who believe in him.

Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου…ὁ Πατὴρ…ὁ Θεός

These are important titles that describe the relationship between Jesus and God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

τοῦτον…ἐσφράγισεν

To “set a seal” on something means to place a mark on it to show to whom it belongs. This means that the Son belongs to the Father and that the Father approves of him in every way. (See: Metaphor)

John 6:31

οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν

“Our forefathers” or “Our ancestors”

τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

This refers to the place where God lives.

John 6:32

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

See how you translated this in John 1:51.

ὁ Πατήρ μου δίδωσιν ὑμῖν τὸν ἄρτον ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ τὸν ἀληθινό

The “true bread” is a metaphor for Jesus. Alternate translation: “The Father gives to you the Son as the true bread from heaven” (See: Metaphor and Translating Son and Father)

ὁ Πατήρ μου

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 6:33

ζωὴν διδοὺς τῷ κόσμῳ

“gives spiritual life to the world”

τῷ κόσμῳ

Here the “world” is a metonym for all of the people in the world who trust in Jesus. (See: Metonymy)

John 6:35

ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ἄρτος τῆς ζωῆς

Through metaphor, Jesus compares himself with bread. Just as bread is necessary for our physical life, Jesus is necessary for our spiritual life. Alternate translation: “Just as food keeps you alive physically, I can give you spiritual life” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ πιστεύων εἰς

This means to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, to trust him as Savior, and to live in a way that honors him.

John 6:37

πᾶν ὃ δίδωσίν μοι ὁ Πατὴρ, πρὸς ἐμὲ ἥξει

God the Father and God the Son will save forever those who believe in Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Πατὴρ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

τὸν ἐρχόμενον πρός ἐμὲ, οὐ μὴ ἐκβάλω ἔξω

This sentence states the opposite of what it means for emphasis. Alternate translation: “I will keep everyone who comes to me” (See: Litotes)

John 6:38

Jesus continues speaking to the crowd.

τοῦ πέμψαντός με

“my Father, who sent me”

John 6:39

πᾶν ὃ…μὴ ἀπολέσω ἐξ αὐτοῦ

Here litotes is used to emphasize that Jesus will keep everyone that God gives to him. Alternate translation: “I should keep all of them” (See: Litotes)

ἀναστήσω αὐτὸ

Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “will cause them to live again” (See: Idiom)

John 6:41

The Jewish leaders interrupt Jesus as he is speaking to the crowd.

ἐγόγγυζον

talked unhappily

ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ἄρτος

Just as bread is necessary for our physical life, Jesus is necessary for our spiritual life. See how you translated this in John 6:35. Alternate translation: “I am the one who is like true bread” (See: Metaphor)

John 6:42

οὐχ οὗτός ἐστιν Ἰησοῦς ὁ υἱὸς Ἰωσήφ, οὗ ἡμεῖς οἴδαμεν τὸν πατέρα καὶ τὴν μητέρα

This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that the Jewish leaders believe that Jesus is no one special. Alternate translation: “This is just Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know! (See: Rhetorical Question)

πῶς νῦν λέγει, ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβέβηκα

This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that the Jewish leaders do not believe that Jesus came from heaven. Alternate translation: “He is lying when he says that he came from heaven!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 6:43

Jesus continues speaking to the crowd and now also to the Jewish leaders.

John 6:44

ἀναστήσω αὐτὸν

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “cause him to live again” (See: Idiom)

ἑλκύσῃ

This can mean 1) “pulls” or 2) “attracts.”

Πατὴρ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 6:45

ἔστιν γεγραμμένον ἐν τοῖς προφήταις

This is a passive statement that can be translated in an active form. Alternate translation: “The prophets wrote” (See: Active or Passive)

πᾶς ὁ ἀκούσας παρὰ τοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ μαθὼν, ἔρχεται πρὸς ἐμέ

The Jews thought Jesus was the “son of Joseph” (John 6:42), but he is the Son of God because his Father is God, not Joseph. Those who truly learn from God the Father believe in Jesus, who is God the Son.

John 6:46

Jesus now continues speaking to the crowd and the Jewish leaders.

Πατέρα

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 6:47

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

See how you translated this in John 1:51.

ὁ πιστεύων ἔχει ζωὴν αἰώνιον

God gives “eternal life” to those who trust in Jesus, the Son of God.

John 6:48

ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ἄρτος τῆς ζωῆς

Just as bread is necessary for our physical life, Jesus is necessary for our spiritual life. See how you translated this in John 6:35. Alternate translation: “Just like food that keeps you alive physically, I can give you spiritual life that lasts forever” (See: Metaphor)

John 6:49

οἱ πατέρες ὑμῶν

“Your forefathers” or “Your ancestors”

ἀπέθανον

This refers to physical death.

John 6:50

οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ἄρτος

Here “bread” is a metaphor that points to Jesus who is the one who gives spiritual life just as bread sustains physical life. Alternate translation: “I am like the true bread” (See: Metaphor)

μὴ ἀποθάνῃ

“live forever.” Here the word “die” refers to spiritual death.

John 6:51

ἄρτος ὁ ζῶν

This means “the bread that causes people to live” (John 6:35).

ὑπὲρ τῆς τοῦ κόσμου ζωῆς

Here “the world” is a metonym that represents the lives of all the people in the world. Alternate translation: “that will give life to all the people in the world” (See: Metonymy)

John 6:52

Some Jews who are present begin to argue among themselves and Jesus responds to their question.

πῶς δύναται οὗτος ἡμῖν δοῦναι τὴν σάρκα φαγεῖν

This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that the Jewish leaders are reacting negatively to what Jesus has said about “his flesh.” Alternate translation: “There is no way that this man can give us his flesh to eat!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 6:53

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

See how you translated this in John 1:51.

φάγητε τὴν σάρκα τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου, καὶ πίητε αὐτοῦ τὸ αἷμα

Here the phrases “eat the flesh” and “drink his blood” are a metaphor that shows how trusting in Jesus, the Son of Man, is like receiving spiritual food and drink. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor more clear than Jesus did. (See: Metaphor)

οὐκ ἔχετε ζωὴν ἐν ἑαυτοῖς

“you will not receive eternal life”

John 6:54

Jesus continues speaking to all those listening to him.

ὁ τρώγων μου τὴν σάρκα, καὶ πίνων μου τὸ αἷμα, ἔχει ζωὴν αἰώνιον

The phrases “eats my flesh” and “drinks my blood” are a metaphor for trusting Jesus. Just as people need food and drink in order to live, people need to trust Jesus in order to have eternal life. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor more clear than Jesus did. (See: Metaphor)

ἀναστήσω αὐτὸν

Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “cause him to live again” (See: Idiom)

τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ

“on the day when God judges everyone”

John 6:55

ἡ…σάρξ μου ἀληθής ἐστι βρῶσις, καὶ τὸ αἷμά μου ἀληθής ἐστι πόσις

The phrases “true food” and “true drink” are a metaphor that means Jesus gives life to those who trust in him. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor more clear than Jesus did. (See: Metaphor)

John 6:56

ἐν ἐμοὶ μένει, κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτῷ

“has a close relationship with me”

John 6:57

καὶ ὁ τρώγων με

The phrase “eats me” is a metaphor for trusting Jesus. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor more clear than Jesus did. (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md)

ζῶν Πατὴρ

Possible meanings are 1) “the Father who gives life” or 2) “the Father who is alive.”

Πατὴρ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 6:58

οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ἄρτος ὁ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς

Jesus was speaking about himself. Alternate translation: “I am the bread that has come down from heaven” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md)

οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ἄρτος ὁ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς

The bread is a metaphor for what gives life. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor more clear than Jesus did. (See: Metaphor)

ὁ τρώγων τοῦτον τὸν ἄρτον

Jesus spoke about himself as “this bread.” Alternate translation: “He who eats me, the bread” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md)

ὁ τρώγων τοῦτον τὸν ἄρτον

Here “eats this bread” is a metaphor for trusting Jesus. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor more clear than Jesus did. (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md)

οἱ πατέρες

“the forefathers” or “the ancestors”

John 6:59

ταῦτα εἶπεν ἐν συναγωγῇ, διδάσκων ἐν Καφαρναούμ

Here John gives background information about when this event happened. (See: Background Information)

John 6:60

Some of the disciples ask a question and Jesus responds, as he continues speaking to the crowd.

τίς δύναται αὐτοῦ ἀκούειν

This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that the disciples have difficulty understanding what Jesus has said. Alternate translation: “no one can accept it!” or “it is too hard to understand!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 6:61

τοῦτο ὑμᾶς σκανδαλίζει

“Does this shock you?” or “Does this upset you?”

John 6:62

ἐὰν οὖν θεωρῆτε τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου, ἀναβαίνοντα ὅπου ἦν τὸ πρότερον

Jesus offers this remark in the form of a question to emphasize that his disciples will see other things that are also hard to understand. Alternate translation: “Then you will not know what to think when you see me, the Son of Man, going up into heaven!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 6:63

ὠφελεῖ

The word “profit” means to cause good things to happen.

ῥήματα

Possible meanings are 1) Jesus’ words in John 6:32-58 or 2) everything Jesus teaches. (See: Metonymy)

τὰ ῥήματα ἃ ἐγὼ λελάληκα ὑμῖν

“What I have told you”

πνεῦμά ἐστιν καὶ ζωή ἐστιν

Possible meanings are 1) “are about the Spirit and eternal life” or 2) “are from the Spirit and give eternal life” or 3) “are about spiritual things and life.”

John 6:64

Jesus finishes speaking to the crowd.

ᾔδει γὰρ ἐξ ἀρχῆς ὁ Ἰησοῦς, τίνες εἰσὶν οἱ μὴ πιστεύοντες, καὶ τίς ἐστιν ὁ παραδώσων αὐτόν

Here John gives background information about what Jesus knew would happen. (See: Background Information)

John 6:65

οὐδεὶς δύναται ἐλθεῖν πρός με, ἐὰν μὴ ᾖ δεδομένον αὐτῷ ἐκ τοῦ Πατρός

Whoever wants to believe must come to God through the Son. Only God the Father allows people to come to Jesus.

Πατρός

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ἐλθεῖν πρός με

“follow me and receive eternal life”

John 6:66

οὐκέτι μετ’ αὐτοῦ περιεπάτουν

Jesus went from one place to another by walking, so it is literally true that they did not walk where and when he walked, but the reader should also be able to understand that this metaphor indicates that they no longer wanted to hear what he had to say. (See: Metaphor)

τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ

Here “his disciples” refers to the general group of people who followed Jesus.

John 6:67

τοῖς δώδεκα

This is an ellipsis for “the twelve disciples,” a specific group of twelve men who followed Jesus for his entire ministry. Alternate translation: “the twelve disciples” (See: Ellipsis)

John 6:68

Κύριε, πρὸς τίνα ἀπελευσόμεθα

Simon Peter gives this remark in the form of a question to emphasize that he desires to follow only Jesus. Alternate translation: “Lord, we could never follow anyone but you!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 6:70

Verse 71 is not part of the main story line as John comments on what Jesus said. (See: Background Information)

οὐκ ἐγὼ ὑμᾶς τοὺς δώδεκα ἐξελεξάμην, καὶ ἐξ ὑμῶν εἷς διάβολός ἐστιν

Jesus gives this remark in the form of a question to draw attention to the fact that one of the disciples will betray him. Alternate translation: “I chose you all myself, yet one of you is a servant of Satan!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 7

John 07 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This whole chapter concerns the concept of believing Jesus to be the Messiah. Some people believed this to be true while others rejected it. Some were willing to recognize his power and even the possibility that he was a prophet, but most were unwilling to believe that he was the Messiah. (See: Christ, Messiah and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Translators may wish to include a note at verse 53 to explain to the reader why they have chosen or chosen not to translate verses 7:53-8:11.

Special concepts in this chapter

“My time has not yet come”

This phrase and “his hour had not yet come” are used in this chapter to indicate that Jesus is in control of the events unfolding in his life.

“Living water”

This is an important image used in the New Testament. It is a metaphor. Because this metaphor is given in a desert environment, it probably emphasizes that Jesus is able to give life sustaining nourishment. (See: Metaphor)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Prophecy

Jesus gives a prophecy about his life without an explicit statement in John John 7:33-34.

Irony

Nicodemus explains to the other Pharisees that the Law requires him to hear directly from a person before making a judgment about them. The Pharisees in turn made a judgment about Jesus without speaking to Jesus.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Did not believe in him”

Jesus’ brothers did not believe Jesus was the Messiah. (See: believe, believer, belief, unbeliever, unbelief)

“The Jews”

This term is used in two different ways in this passage. It is used specifically in reference to the opposition of the Jewish leaders who were trying to kill him (John 7:1). It is also used in reference to the people of Judea in general who had a positive opinion of Jesus (John 7:13). The translator may wish to use the terms “Jewish leaders” and “Jewish people” or “Jews (leaders)” and “Jews (in general).”

John 7:1

Jesus is in Galilee speaking to his brothers. These verses tell about when this event occurred. (See: Background Information)

μετὰ ταῦτα

These words tell the reader that the writer will begin talking about a new event. “After he finished speaking with the disciples” (John 6:66-71) or “Some time later”

περιεπάτει

The reader should understand that Jesus probably walked rather than riding an animal or in a vehicle.

ἐζήτουν αὐτὸν οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι ἀποκτεῖναι

Here “the Jews” is a synecdoche for “the Jewish leaders.” Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders were making plans to kill him” (See: Synecdoche)

John 7:2

ἦν δὲ ἐγγὺς ἡ ἑορτὴ τῶν Ἰουδαίων ἡ σκηνοπηγία

“Now the time for the festival of the Jews was near” or “Now it was almost time for the Jewish festival of Shelters”

John 7:3

οἱ ἀδελφοὶ

This refers to the actual younger brothers of Jesus, the sons of Mary and Joseph.

σοῦ τὰ ἔργα ἃ ποιεῖς

The word “works” refers to the miracles that Jesus had performed.

John 7:4

ζητεῖ αὐτὸς

The word “himself” is a reflexive pronoun that emphasizes the word “he.” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

τῷ κόσμῳ

Here “the world” is a metonym for all of the people in the world. Alternate translation: “all people” or “everyone” (See: Metonymy)

John 7:5

οὐδὲ γὰρ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ ἐπίστευον εἰς αὐτὸν

This sentence is a break from the main story line as John tells us some background information about the brothers of Jesus. (See: Background Information)

οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ

“his younger brothers”

John 7:6

ὁ καιρὸς ὁ ἐμὸς οὔπω πάρεστιν

The word “time” is a metonym. Jesus is implying that it is not the right time for him to bring his ministry to a close. Alternate translation: “It is not the right time for me to end my work” (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ…καιρὸς ὁ ὑμέτερος πάντοτέ ἐστιν ἕτοιμος

“any time is good for you”

John 7:7

οὐ δύναται ὁ κόσμος μισεῖν ὑμᾶς

Here the “world” is a metonym for the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: “All the people in the world cannot hate you” (See: Metonymy)

ἐγὼ μαρτυρῶ περὶ αὐτοῦ, ὅτι τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ πονηρά ἐστιν

“I tell them that what they are doing is evil”

John 7:8

Jesus continues speaking to his brothers.

ὁ ἐμὸς καιρὸς οὔπω πεπλήρωται

Here Jesus is implying that if he goes to Jerusalem, he will bring his work to an end. Alternate translation: “It is not the right time for me to go to Jerusalem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 7:10

The setting of the story has changed, Jesus and his brothers are now at the festival.

ὡς…ἀνέβησαν οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ εἰς τὴν ἑορτήν

These “brothers” were the younger brothers of Jesus.

καὶ αὐτὸς ἀνέβη

Jerusalem is at a higher elevation than Galilee where Jesus and his brothers were previously.

οὐ φανερῶς, ἀλλὰ ὡς ἐν κρυπτῷ

These two phrases mean the same thing. The idea is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: “very secretly” (See: Doublet)

John 7:11

οἱ…Ἰουδαῖοι ἐζήτουν αὐτὸν

Here the word “Jews”is a synecdoche for “the Jewish leaders.” The word “him” refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “The Jewish leaders were looking for Jesus” (See: Synecdoche)

John 7:12

πλανᾷ τὸν ὄχλον

Here “leads…astray” is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: “he deceives the people” (See: Metaphor)

John 7:13

τὸν φόβον

This refers to the unpleasant feeling a person has when there is a threat of harm to himself or others.

τῶν Ἰουδαίων

The word “Jews” is a synecdoche for the leaders of the Jews who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: Synecdoche)

John 7:14

Jesus is now teaching the Jews in the temple.

John 7:15

πῶς οὗτος γράμματα οἶδε

The remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize the Jewish leaders’ surprise that Jesus has so much knowledge. Alternate translation: “He cannot possibly know so much about the scriptures!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 7:16

ἀλλὰ τοῦ πέμψαντός με

“but comes from God, the one who sent me”

John 7:17

Jesus continues speaking to the Jews.

John 7:18

ὁ…δὲ ζητῶν τὴν δόξαν τοῦ πέμψαντος αὐτὸν, οὗτος ἀληθής ἐστιν, καὶ ἀδικία ἐν αὐτῷ οὐκ ἔστιν

“when a person only seeks to honor the one who sent him, that person is speaking the truth. He does not lie”

John 7:19

Jesus continues speaking to the Jews.

οὐ Μωϋσῆς δέδωκεν ὑμῖν τὸν νόμον

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “It was Moses who gave you the law” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ποιεῖ τὸν νόμον

“obeys the law”

τί με ζητεῖτε ἀποκτεῖναι

Jesus questions the motives of the Jewish leaders who want to kill him for breaking the law of Moses. He implies that the leaders themselves do not keep that same Law. Alternate translation: “You break the Law yourselves and yet you want to kill me!” (See: Rhetorical Question and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 7:20

δαιμόνιον ἔχεις

“This shows that you are crazy, or maybe a demon is controlling you!”

τίς σε ζητεῖ ἀποκτεῖναι

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “No one is trying to kill you!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 7:21

ἓν ἔργον

“one miracle” or “one sign”

πάντες θαυμάζετε

“you all are shocked”

John 7:22

οὐχ ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ Μωϋσέως ἐστὶν, ἀλλ’ ἐκ τῶν πατέρων

Here John provides additional information about circumcision. (See: Background Information)

ἐν Σαββάτῳ περιτέμνετε ἄνθρωπον

Jesus implies that the act of circumcision also involves work. Alternate translation: “you circumcise a male baby on the Sabbath. That is working too” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν Σαββάτῳ

“on the Jewish Day of Rest”

John 7:23

εἰ περιτομὴν λαμβάνει ἄνθρωπος ἐν Σαββάτῳ, ἵνα μὴ λυθῇ ὁ νόμος Μωϋσέως

“If you circumcise a male baby on the Sabbath so that you do not break the law of Moses”

ἐμοὶ χολᾶτε ὅτι ὅλον ἄνθρωπον ὑγιῆ ἐποίησα ἐν Σαββάτῳ

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “you should not be angry with me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐν Σαββάτῳ

“on the Jewish Day of Rest?”

John 7:24

μὴ κρίνετε κατ’ ὄψιν, ἀλλὰ τὴν δικαίαν κρίσιν κρίνετε

Jesus implies that the people should not decide what is right, based only on what they can see. Behind the action is a motive that cannot be seen. Alternate translation: “Stop judging people according to what you see! Be more concerned with what is right according to God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 7:25

οὐχ οὗτός ἐστιν ὃν ζητοῦσιν ἀποκτεῖναι

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “This is Jesus whom they are seeking to kill!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 7:26

οὐδὲν αὐτῷ λέγουσιν

This implies that the Jewish leaders are not opposing Jesus. Alternate translation: “they say nothing to oppose him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μήποτε ἀληθῶς ἔγνωσαν οἱ ἄρχοντες, ὅτι οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ Χριστός

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “Maybe they have decided that he is truly the Messiah!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 7:28

ἔκραξεν

“spoke in a loud voice”

ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ

Jesus and the people were actually in the courtyard of the temple. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κἀμὲ οἴδατε, καὶ οἴδατε πόθεν εἰμί

John uses irony in this statement. The people believe that Jesus is from Nazareth. They do not know that God sent him from heaven and that he was born in Bethlehem. Alternate translation: “You all know me and you think you know where I come from” (See: Irony)

ἀπ’ ἐμαυτοῦ

“on my own authority.” See how you translated “of himself” in John 5:19.

ἔστιν ἀληθινὸς ὁ πέμψας με

“God is the one who sent me and he is true”

John 7:30

οὔπω ἐληλύθει ἡ ὥρα αὐτοῦ

The word “hour” is a metonym that represents the right time for Jesus to be arrested, according to God’s plan. Alternate translation: “it was not the right time to arrest him” (See: Metonymy)

John 7:31

ὁ Χριστὸς, ὅταν ἔλθῃ, μὴ πλείονα σημεῖα ποιήσει ὧν οὗτος ἐποίησεν

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “When the Christ comes, surely he will not be able to do more signs than this man has done!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

σημεῖα

This refers to the miracles that prove that Jesus is the Christ.

John 7:33

ἔτι χρόνον μικρὸν μεθ’ ὑμῶν εἰμι

“I will remain with you for only a short period of time”

καὶ ὑπάγω πρὸς τὸν πέμψαντά με

Here Jesus refers to God the Father, who sent him.

John 7:34

ὅπου εἰμὶ ἐγὼ ὑμεῖς, οὐ δύνασθε ἐλθεῖν

“you will not be able to come to the place where I am”

John 7:35

εἶπον οὖν οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι πρὸς ἑαυτούς

The “Jews” is a synecdoche that represents the leaders of the Jews who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: “The Jewish leaders said among themselves” (See: Synecdoche)

τὴν διασπορὰν

This refers to the Jews that were spread all across the Greek world, outside of Palestine.

John 7:36

τίς ἐστιν ὁ λόγος οὗτος ὃν εἶπε

This “word” is a metonym which stands for the meaning of the message that Jesus had shared, which the Jewish leaders had failed to understand. Alternate translation: “What is he talking about when he said” (See: Metonymy)

John 7:37

Some time has passed. It is now the last day of the festival and Jesus speaks to the crowd.

ἡμέρᾳ…μεγάλῃ

It is “great” because it is the last, or most important, day of the festival.

ἐάν τις διψᾷ

Here the word “thirsty” is a metaphor that means one’s great desire for the things of God, just as one “thirsts” for water. Alternate translation: “Those who desire the things of God like a thirty man desires water” (See: Metaphor)

ἐρχέσθω πρός με καὶ πινέτω

The word “drink” is a metaphor that means to receive the spiritual life that Jesus provides. Alternate translation: “let him come to me and quench his spiritual thirst” (See: Metaphor)

John 7:38

ὁ πιστεύων εἰς ἐμὲ, καθὼς εἶπεν ἡ Γραφή

“As the scripture says about anyone who believes in me”

ποταμοὶ…ῥεύσουσιν ὕδατος ζῶντος

The “rivers of living water” is a metaphor that represents the life that Jesus provides for those who are spiritually “thirsty.” Alternate translation: “spiritual life will flow like rivers of water” (See: Metaphor)

ὕδατος ζῶντος

Possible meanings are 1) “water that gives life” or 2) “water that causes people to live.” (See: Metaphor)

ἐκ τῆς κοιλίας αὐτοῦ

Here the stomach represents the inside of a person, specifically the non-physical part of a person. Alternate translation: “from inside of him” or “from his heart” (See: Metonymy)

John 7:39

In this verse the author gives information to clarify what Jesus is talking about. (See: Background Information)

δὲ εἶπεν

Here “he” refers to Jesus.

οὔπω…ἦν Πνεῦμα

John implies that the Spirit would later come to live in those who trusted Jesus. Alternate translation: “the Spirit had not yet come to live in the believers” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὅτι Ἰησοῦς οὐδέπω ἐδοξάσθη

Here the word “glorified” refers to the time when God would honor the Son after his death and resurrection.

John 7:40

οὗτός ἐστιν ἀληθῶς ὁ προφήτης

By saying this, the people are indicating that they believe Jesus is the prophet like Moses that God had promised to send. Alternate translation: “This is indeed the prophet who is like Moses that we have been waiting for” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 7:41

ἐκ τῆς Γαλιλαίας ὁ Χριστὸς ἔρχεται

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “The Christ cannot come from Galilee!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 7:42

οὐχ ἡ Γραφὴ εἶπεν, ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ σπέρματος Δαυεὶδ, καὶ ἀπὸ Βηθλέεμ, τῆς κώμης ὅπου ἦν Δαυεὶδ, ἔρχεται ὁ Χριστός

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “The scriptures teach that Christ will come from the line of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David was!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐχ ἡ Γραφὴ εἶπεν

The scriptures are referred to as if they were actually speaking as a person speaks. Alternate translation: “The prophets wrote in the scriptures” (See: Personification)

ὅπου ἦν Δαυεὶδ

“where David lived”

John 7:43

σχίσμα οὖν ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ ὄχλῳ δι’ αὐτόν

The crowds could not agree about who or what Jesus was.

John 7:44

ἀλλ’ οὐδεὶς ἐπέβαλεν ἐπ’ αὐτὸν τὰς χεῖρας

To lay hands on someone is an idiom which means to grab him or to hold onto him. Alternate translation: “but no one grabbed him to arrest him” (See: Idiom)

John 7:45

οἱ ὑπηρέται

“the temple guards”

John 7:46

οὐδέποτε ἐλάλησεν οὕτως ἄνθρωπος

The officers exaggerate to show how impressed they are by what Jesus said. You may need to make explicit that the officer were not claiming to know everything that every person in all times and places had ever said. “We have never heard anyone say such amazing things as this man!” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Hyperbole)

John 7:47

οὖν…οἱ Φαρισαῖοι

“Because they said that, the Pharisees”

ἀπεκρίθησαν…αὐτοῖς

“answered the officers”

καὶ ὑμεῖς πεπλάνησθε

The remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. The Pharisees are shocked at the response of the officers. Alternate translation: “You have been deceived too!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 7:48

τις ἐκ τῶν ἀρχόντων ἐπίστευσεν εἰς αὐτὸν, ἢ ἐκ τῶν Φαρισαίων

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “None of the rulers or Pharisees have believed in him!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 7:49

τὸν νόμον

This is a reference to the law of the Pharisees and not the law of Moses.

ἀλλὰ ὁ ὄχλος οὗτος, ὁ μὴ γινώσκων τὸν νόμον, ἐπάρατοί εἰσιν

“As for this crowd that does not know the law, God will cause them to perish!”

John 7:50

ὁ ἐλθὼν πρὸς αὐτὸν πρότερον, εἷς ὢν ἐξ αὐτῶν

John provides this information to remind us of who Nicodemus is. Your language may have a special way to mark background information. (See: Background Information)

John 7:51

μὴ ὁ νόμος ἡμῶν κρίνει τὸν ἄνθρωπον, ἐὰν μὴ ἀκούσῃ πρῶτον παρ’ αὐτοῦ, καὶ γνῷ τί ποιεῖ

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Our Jewish law does not allow us to judge a man…what he does!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὁ νόμος ἡμῶν κρίνει τὸν ἄνθρωπο

Here Nicodemus speaks of the law as if it were a person. If this is not natural in your language, you may translate it with a personal subject. Alternate translation: “Do we judge a man” or “we do not judge a man” (See: Personification)

John 7:52

καὶ σὺ ἐκ τῆς Γαλιλαίας εἶ

The Jewish leaders know that Nicodemus is not from Galilee. They ask this question as a way of scoffing at him. Alternate translation: “You must also be one of those inferior persons from Galilee!” (See: Rhetorical Question and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐραύνησον καὶ ἴδε

This is an ellipsis. You may wish to include the information that does not appear. Alternate translation: “Search carefully and read what is written in the Scriptures” (See: Ellipsis)

προφήτης ἐκ τῆς Γαλιλαίας οὐκ ἐγείρεται

This probably refers to the belief that Jesus was born in Galilee.

John 7:53

The best early texts do not have 7:53 - 8:11. The ULT has set them apart in square brackets ([ ]) to show that John probably did not include them in his original text. Translators are encouraged to translate them, to set them apart with square brackets, and to include a footnote like the one written on John 7:53. (See: Textual Variants)

John 8

John 08 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Translators may wish to include a note at verse 1 to explain to the reader why they have chosen to translate or to not translate verses 8:1-11.

Special concepts in this chapter

A light and darkness

The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. Here it is all Gentiles (See: righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

I AM

John records Jesus as saying these words four times in this book, three times in this chapter. They stand alone as a complete sentence, and they literally translate the Hebrew word for “I AM,” by which Yahweh identified himself to Moses. For these reasons, many people believe that when Jesus said these words he was claiming to be Yahweh. (See: Yahweh).

The Scribes and Pharisees’ trap

The Scribes and Pharisees wanted to trick Jesus. They wanted him to say either that they should keep the law of Moses by killing a woman whom they had found committing adultery or that they should disobey the law of Moses and forgive her sin. Jesus knew that they were trying to trick him and that they did not really want to keep the law of Moses. He knew this because the law said that both the woman and the man should die, but they did not bring the man to Jesus. (See: adultery, adulterous, adulterer, adulteress)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Son of Man”

Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” in this chapter (John 8:28). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. (See: Son of Man, son of man and First, Second or Third Person)

John 8:1

While some texts have 7:53 - 8:11, the best and earliest texts do not include them.

John 8:12

Jesus is speaking to a crowd near the treasury in the temple after either the events of John 7:1-52 or the events of John 7:53-8:11. The author neither gives background to this event nor marks the beginning of a new event. See: Background Information and Introduction of a New Event)

ἐγώ εἰμι τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου

Here the “light” is a metaphor for the revelation that comes from God. Alternate translation: “I am the one who gives light to the world” (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ κόσμου

This is a metonym for the people. Alternate translation: “the people of the world” (See: Metonymy)

ὁ ἀκολουθῶν ἐμοὶ

This is an idiom that means “everyone who does what I teach” or “everyone who obeys me” (See: Idiom)

οὐ μὴ περιπατήσῃ ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ

To “walk in darkness” is a metaphor for living a sinful life. Alternate translation: “will not live as if he were in the darkness of sin” (See: Metaphor)

φῶς τῆς ζωῆς

The “light of life” is a metaphor for the truth from God that gives spiritual life. Alternate translation: “truth that brings eternal life” (See: Metaphor)

John 8:13

σὺ περὶ σεαυτοῦ μαρτυρεῖς

“You are just saying these things about yourself”

ἡ μαρτυρία σου οὐκ ἔστιν ἀληθής

The Pharisees are implying that the witness of only one person is not true because it cannot be verified. Alternate translation: “you cannot be your own witness” or “what you say about yourself may not be true” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 8:14

κἂν ἐγὼ μαρτυρῶ περὶ ἐμαυτοῦ

“Even if I say these things about myself”

John 8:15

τὴν σάρκα

“human standards and the laws of men”

ἐγὼ οὐ κρίνω οὐδένα

Possible meanings are 1) “I do not judge anyone yet” or 2) “I am not judging anyone now.”

John 8:16

ἐὰν κρίνω…ἐγώ

Possible meanings are 1) “if I judge people” or 2) “whenever I judge people”

ἡ κρίσις ἡ ἐμὴ ἀληθινή ἐστιν

Possible meanings are 1) “my judgment will be right” or 2) “my judgment is right.”

μόνος οὐκ εἰμί, ἀλλ’ ἐγὼ καὶ ὁ πέμψας με Πατήρ

Jesus, the Son of God, has authority because of his special relationship with his Father. (See: Translating Son and Father)

μόνος οὐκ εἰμί

The implied information is that Jesus is not alone in his judgment. Alternate translation: “I am not alone in how I judge” or “I do not judge alone” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐγὼ καὶ ὁ…Πατήρ

The Father and the Son judge together. Alternate translation: “the Father also judges with me” or “the Father judges as I do”

ὁ…Πατήρ

This is an important title for God. If your language must state whose Father this is, you could say “my Father” since Jesus switches to that in the following verses. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 8:17

Jesus continues speaking to the Pharisees and other people about himself.

καὶ ἐν τῷ νόμῳ δὲ τῷ ὑμετέρῳ

The word “Yes” shows that Jesus is adding to what he was saying before.

γέγραπται

This is a passive phrase. You may translate it in an active form with a personal subject. Alternate translation: “Moses wrote” (See: Active or Passive)

δύο ἀνθρώπων ἡ μαρτυρία ἀληθής ἐστιν

The logic implied here is that one person can verify the words of another. Alternate translation: “if two men say the same thing, then people know it is true” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 8:18

ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ μαρτυρῶν περὶ ἐμαυτοῦ

Jesus bears witness about himself. Alternate translation: “I give evidence to you about myself”

μαρτυρεῖ περὶ ἐμοῦ ὁ πέμψας με Πατήρ

The Father also bears witness about Jesus. You could make it explicit that this means Jesus’ testimony is true. Alternate translation: “my Father who sent me also brings evidence about me. So you should believe that what we tell you is true” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ…Πατήρ

This is an important title for God. If your language must state whose Father this is, you could say “my Father” since Jesus switches to that in the following verses. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 8:19

In verse 20 there is a break in Jesus’ speaking where the author give us background information regarding where Jesus had been teaching. Some languages may require the information about the setting to be placed at the beginning of this part of the story in John 8:12. (See: Background Information)

οὔτε ἐμὲ οἴδατε, οὔτε τὸν Πατέρα μου. εἰ ἐμὲ ᾔδειτε, καὶ τὸν Πατέρα μου ἂν ᾔδειτε

Jesus indicates that to know him is to also know the Father. Both Father and Son are God. “Father” is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

τὸν Πατέρα μου

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 8:20

οὔπω ἐληλύθει ἡ ὥρα αὐτοῦ

The word “hour” is a metonym for the time for Jesus to die. Alternate translation: “it was not yet the right time for Jesus to die” (See: Metonymy)

John 8:21

Jesus continues speaking to the crowd.

ἐν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ ὑμῶν ἀποθανεῖσθε

Here the word “die” refers to spiritual death. Alternate translation: “die while you are still sinful” or “you will die while you are sinning”

ὑμεῖς οὐ δύνασθε ἐλθεῖν

“you are not able to come”

John 8:22

ἔλεγον…οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι

Here “Jews” is a synecdoche for “the Jewish leaders.” Alternate translation: “The Jewish leaders said” or “The Jewish authorities said” (See: Synecdoche)

John 8:23

ὑμεῖς ἐκ τῶν κάτω ἐστέ

“You were born in this world”

ἐγὼ ἐκ τῶν ἄνω εἰμί

“I came from heaven”

ὑμεῖς ἐκ τούτου τοῦ κόσμου ἐστέ

“You belong to this world”

ἐγὼ οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου τούτου

“I do not belong to this world”

John 8:24

ἀποθανεῖσθε ἐν ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις ὑμῶν

“you will die without God’s forgiving your sins”

ὅτι ἐγώ εἰμι

Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is identifying himself as Yahweh, who identified himself to Moses as “I AM,” or 2) Jesus expects the people to understand that he is referring to what he already has already said about himself: “I am from above.”

John 8:25

ἔλεγον

The word “They” refers to the Jewish leaders (John 8:22).

John 8:26

ταῦτα λαλῶ εἰς τὸν κόσμον

Here the “world” is a metonym for the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: “these things I say to all the people” (See: Metonymy)

John 8:27

τὸν Πατέρα

This is a special title for God. Some languages may require the use of a possessive before the noun. Alternate translation: “his Father” (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 8:28

ὅταν ὑψώσητε

This refers to placing Jesus on the cross to kill him.

Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus used the title “Son of Man” to refer to himself.

ἐγώ εἰμι

Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is identifying himself as Yahweh, who identified himself to Moses as “I AM,” or 2) Jesus is saying, “I am the one I claim to be.”

καθὼς ἐδίδαξέν με ὁ Πατὴρ, ταῦτα λαλῶ

“I am only saying what my Father taught me to say.” The word “Father” is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 8:29

ὁ πέμψας με

The word “He” refers to God.

John 8:30

ταῦτα αὐτοῦ λαλοῦντος

“As Jesus spoke these words”

πολλοὶ ἐπίστευσαν εἰς αὐτὸν

“many people trusted him”

John 8:31

μείνητε ἐν τῷ λόγῳ τῷ ἐμῷ

This is an idiom that means “to obey Jesus.” Alternate translation: “obey what I have said” (See: Idiom)

μαθηταί μού

“my followers”

John 8:32

ἡ ἀλήθεια ἐλευθερώσει ὑμᾶς

This is personification. Jesus speaks of “the truth” as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “if you obey the truth, God will set you free” (See: Personification)

τὴν ἀλήθειαν

This refers to what Jesus reveals about God. Alternate translation: “what is true about God”

John 8:33

πῶς σὺ λέγεις, ὅτι ἐλεύθεροι γενήσεσθε

This remark appears in the form of a question to express the Jewish leaders’ shock at what Jesus has said. Alternate translation: “We do not need to be set free!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 8:34

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

See how you translated this in John 1:51.

δοῦλός ἐστιν τῆς ἁμαρτίας

Here the word “slave” is a metaphor. This implies that “sin” is like a master for the one who sins. Alternate translation: “is like a slave to sin” (See: Metaphor)

John 8:35

ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ

Here “house” is a metonym for “family.” Alternate translation: “as a permanent member of a family” (See: Metonymy)

ὁ Υἱὸς μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα

This is an ellipsis. You may translate it by including the implied words. Alternate translation: “the son is a member of the family forever” (See: Ellipsis)

John 8:36

ἐὰν…ὁ Υἱὸς ὑμᾶς ἐλευθερώσῃ, ὄντως ἐλεύθεροι ἔσεσθε

It is implied that Jesus is talking about freedom from sin, which is a metaphor for being able not to sin. Alternate translation: “if the Son msets you free, you will truly be able to refrain from sin” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Metaphor)

ἐὰν…ὁ Υἱὸς ὑμᾶς ἐλευθερώσῃ

“Son” is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus was speaking about himself. Alternate translation: “If I, the Son, set you free” (See: Translating Son and Father and First, Second or Third Person)

John 8:37

Jesus continues speaking to the Jews.

ὁ λόγος ὁ ἐμὸς οὐ χωρεῖ ἐν ὑμῖν

Here “word” is a metonym for the “teachings” or “message” of Jesus, which the Jewish leaders do not accept. Alternate translation: “you do not accept my teachings” or “you do not allow my message to change your life” (See: Metonymy)

John 8:38

ἃ ἐγὼ ἑώρακα παρὰ τῷ Πατρὶ, λαλῶ

“I am telling you about the things I saw when I was with my Father”

καὶ ὑμεῖς…ἃ ἠκούσατε παρὰ τοῦ πατρὸς, ποιεῖτε

The Jewish leaders do not understand that by “your father” Jesus is referring to the devil. Alternate translation: “you also continue doing what your father has told you to do”

John 8:39

ὁ πατὴρ

forefather

John 8:40

τοῦτο Ἀβραὰμ οὐκ ἐποίησεν

“Abraham never tried to kill anyone who told him the true revelation from God”

John 8:41

ὑμεῖς ποιεῖτε τὰ ἔργα τοῦ πατρὸς ὑμῶν

Jesus implies that their father is the devil. Alternate translation: “No! You are doing the things that your real father did” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἡμεῖς ἐκ πορνείας οὐ γεγεννήμεθα

Here the Jewish leaders imply that Jesus does not know who his real father is. Alternate translation: “We do not know about you, but we are not illegitimate children” or “We were all born from proper marriages” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἕνα Πατέρα ἔχομεν, τὸν Θεόν

Here the Jewish leaders claim God as their spiritual Father. This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 8:42

ἠγαπᾶτε

This is the kind of love that comes from God and is focused on the good of others (including those who are our enemies), even when it does not benefit oneself.

John 8:43

διὰ τί τὴν λαλιὰν τὴν ἐμὴν οὐ γινώσκετε

Jesus is using this question mainly to rebuke the Jewish leaders for not listening to him. Alternate translation: “I will tell you why you do not understand what I say!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὅτι οὐ δύνασθε ἀκούειν τὸν λόγον τὸν ἐμόν

Here “words” is a metonym for the “teachings” of Jesus. Alternate translation: “It is because you will not accept my teachings. (See: Metonymy)

John 8:44

ὑμεῖς ἐκ τοῦ πατρὸς τοῦ διαβόλου ἐστὲ

“You belong to your father, Satan”

ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ

Here “father” is a metaphor for the one who originates all lies. Alternate translation: “he is the one who created all lies in the beginning” (See: Metaphor)

John 8:45

Jesus continues speaking to the Jews.

ἐγὼ…ὅτι τὴν ἀλήθειαν λέγω

“because I tell you true things about God”

John 8:46

τίς ἐξ ὑμῶν ἐλέγχει με περὶ ἁμαρτίας

Jesus uses this question to emphasize that he has never sinned. Alternate translation: “None of you can show that I have ever sinned!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

εἰ ἀλήθειαν λέγω

“If I say things that are true”

διὰ τί ὑμεῖς οὐ πιστεύετέ μοι

Jesus uses this question to scold the Jewish leaders for their unbelief. Alternate translation: “you have no reason for not believing in me!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 8:47

τὰ ῥήματα τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here “words” is a metonym for the “message” of God. Alternate translation: “the message of God” or “the truth that comes from God” (See: Metonymy)

John 8:48

οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι

The “Jews” is a synecdoche that represents the “Jewish leaders” who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: “The Jewish leaders” (See: Synecdoche)

οὐ καλῶς λέγομεν ἡμεῖς ὅτι Σαμαρείτης εἶ σὺ, καὶ δαιμόνιον ἔχεις

The Jewish leaders use this question to accuse Jesus and to dishonor him. Alternate translation: “We are certainly right in saying that you are a Samaritan and that a demon lives in you!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 8:50

Jesus continues answering the Jews.

ἔστιν ὁ ζητῶν καὶ κρίνων

This refers to God.

John 8:51

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

See how you translated this in John 1:51.

τὸν ἐμὸν λόγον τηρήσῃ

Here “word” is a metonym for the “teachings” of Jesus. Alternate translation: “obeys my teachings” or “does what I say” (See: Metonymy)

θάνατον…θεωρήσῃ

This is an idiom that means to experience death. Here Jesus is referring to spiritual death. Alternate translation: “die spiritually” (See: Idiom)

John 8:52

Ἰουδαῖοι

Here “Jews” is a metonym for the “Jewish leaders” who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jewish leaders” (See: Synecdoche)

ἐάν τις τὸν λόγον μου τηρήσῃ

“If anyone obeys my teaching”

γεύσηται θανάτου

This is an idiom that means to experience death. The Jewish leaders mistakenly assume that Jesus is speaking only about physical death. Alternate translation: “die” (See: Idiom)

John 8:53

μὴ σὺ μείζων εἶ τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν Ἀβραάμ, ὅστις ἀπέθανεν

The Jewish leaders use this question to emphasize that Jesus is not greater than Abraham. Alternate translation: “You are certainly not greater than our father Abraham who indeed died!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τοῦ πατρὸς

forefather

τίνα σεαυτὸν ποιεῖς

The Jews use this question to rebuke Jesus for thinking that he is more important than Abraham. Alternate translation: “You should not think that you are so important!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 8:54

ἔστιν ὁ Πατήρ μου ὁ δοξάζων με, ὃν ὑμεῖς λέγετε, ὅτι Θεὸς ἡμῶν ἐστιν

The word “Father” is an important title for God. No one knows God the Father like Jesus, the Son of God. Alternate translation: “it is my Father who honors me, and you say that he is your God” (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 8:55

τὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ τηρῶ

Here “word” is a metonym for what God says. Alternate translation: “I obey what he says to do” (See: Metonymy)

John 8:56

τὴν ἡμέραν τὴν ἐμήν

This is a metonym for what Jesus would accomplish during his life. Alternate translation: “what I would do during my life” (See: Metonymy)

εἶδεν καὶ ἐχάρη

“he foresaw my coming through God’s revelation and he rejoiced”

John 8:57

This is the end of the part of the story about Jesus speaking with the Jews in the temple, which began in John 8:12.

εἶπον…οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι πρὸς αὐτόν

Here the “Jews” is a synecdoche for the “Jewish leaders” who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: “The Jewish leaders said to him” (See: Synecdoche)

πεντήκοντα ἔτη οὔπω ἔχεις, καὶ Ἀβραὰμ ἑώρακας

The Jewish leaders use this question to express their shock that Jesus claims to have seen Abraham. Alternate translation: “You are less than fifty years old. You could not have seen Abraham!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 8:58

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

See how you translated this in John 1:51.

ἐγὼ εἰμί

Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is identifying himself as Yahweh, who identified himself to Moses as “I AM,” or 2) Jesus is saying, “before Abraham existed, I existed.”

John 8:59

ἦραν οὖν λίθους, ἵνα βάλωσιν ἐπ’ αὐτόν

The Jewish leaders are outraged at what Jesus has said. Here it is implied that they wanted to kill him because he had made himself equal to God. Alternate translation: “Then they picked up stones to kill him because he claimed to be equal with God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 9

John 09 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“Who sinned?”

Many of the Jews of Jesus’ time believed that if a person was blind or deaf or crippled, it was because he or his parents or someone in his family had sinned. This was not the teaching of the law of Moses. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and law of Moses, God’s law, law of Yahweh, the law)

“He does not keep the Sabbath”

The Pharisees thought that Jesus was working, and so breaking the Sabbath, by making mud. (See: Sabbath)

Important metaphors in this chapter

Light and darkness

The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Seeing and being blind

Jesus calls the Pharisees blind because they see that Jesus is able to heal blind people but they still do not believe that God sent him (John 9:39-40). (See: Metaphor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Son of Man”

Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” in this chapter (John 9:35). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. (See: Son of Man, son of man and First, Second or Third Person)

John 9:1

As Jesus and his disciples are walking along, they come across a blind man.

καὶ

This word shows that the author is about to describe a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

παράγων

Here “Jesus” is a synecdoche for Jesus and the disciples. Alternate translation: “as Jesus and his disciples passed by” (See: Synecdoche)

John 9:2

τίς ἥμαρτεν, οὗτος ἢ οἱ γονεῖς αὐτοῦ, ἵνα τυφλὸς γεννηθῇ

This question reflects the ancient Jewish belief that sin caused all illnesses and other deformities. The rabbis also taught that it was possible for a baby to sin while still in the womb. Alternate translation: “Teacher, we know that sin causes a person to be blind. Whose sin caused this man to be born blind? did this man himself sin, or was it his parents who sinned?” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 9:4

ἡμᾶς

This “We” includes both Jesus and the disciples he is talking to. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

ἡμέρα…νὺξ

Here “day” and “night” are metaphors. Jesus is comparing the time when people can do God’s work to daytime, the time when people normally work, and nighttime to when they cannot do God’s work. (See: Metaphor)

John 9:5

ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ

Here the “world” is a metonym for the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: “living among the people of this world” (See: Metonymy)

φῶς…τοῦ κόσμου

Here “light” is a metaphor for the true revelation of God. Alternate translation: “the one who shows what is true just as light allows people to see what is in the darkness” (See: Metaphor)

John 9:6

ἐποίησεν πηλὸν ἐκ τοῦ πτύσματος

Jesus used his fingers to mix the dirt and saliva. Alternate translation: “and used his fingers to mix the dirt and saliva to make mud” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 9:7

νίψαι…ἐνίψατο

You may need to make explicit that Jesus wanted him to wash the mud off of his eyes in the pool and that that is what the man did. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὃ ἑρμηνεύεται, ἀπεσταλμένος

A brief break occurs here in the story line so John can explain to his readers what “Siloam” means. Alternate translation: “which means ‘Sent’” (See: Background Information)

John 9:8

οὐχ οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ καθήμενος καὶ προσαιτῶν

This remark appears in the form of a question to express the surprise of the people. Alternate translation: “This man is the one who used to sit and beg!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 9:10

The neighbors of the man who had been blind continue to speak to him.

πῶς ἠνεῴχθησάν σου οἱ ὀφθαλμοί

“Then what caused you to be able to see?” or “How is it that you can see now?”

John 9:11

ἐπέχρισέν μου τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς

“used his fingers to cover my eyes with mud.” See how you translated a similar phrase in John 9:6.

John 9:13

Verse 14 tells background information about when Jesus healed the man. (See: Background Information)

ἄγουσιν αὐτὸν πρὸς τοὺς Φαρισαίους, τόν ποτε τυφλόν

The people insisted that the man go with them to the Pharisees. They did not physically force him to go.

John 9:14

Σάββατον ἐν ᾗ ἡμέρᾳ

“Jewish Day of Rest”

John 9:15

πάλιν οὖν ἠρώτων αὐτὸν…οἱ Φαρισαῖοι

“So the Pharisees also asked him”

John 9:16

In verse 18 there is a break from the main story line as John provides background information about the Jews’ disbelief. (See: Background Information)

τὸ Σάββατον οὐ τηρεῖ

This means Jesus does not obey the law about doing no work on the Jewish Day of Rest.

πῶς δύναται ἄνθρωπος ἁμαρτωλὸς τοιαῦτα σημεῖα ποιεῖν

This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that Jesus’ signs prove he is not a sinner. Alternate translation: “A sinner can not do such signs!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

σημεῖα

This is another word for miracles. “Signs” give evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.

John 9:17

προφήτης ἐστίν

“I think he is a prophet”

John 9:18

οὐκ ἐπίστευσαν οὖν οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι

Here “Jews” is a synecdoche for the “Jewish leaders” who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: Now the Jewish leaders still did not believe. (See: Synecdoche)

John 9:19

ἠρώτησαν αὐτοὺς

“They” refers to the Jewish leaders.

John 9:21

ἡλικίαν ἔχει, αὐτὸς

“he is a man” or “he is no longer a child”

John 9:22

In verse 22 there is a break from the main story line as John provides background information about the man’s parents being afraid of the Jews. (See: Background Information)

ἐφοβοῦντο τοὺς Ἰουδαίους

Here “Jews” is a synecdoche for the “Jewish leaders” who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: “they were afraid of what the Jewish leaders might do to them” (See: Synecdoche)

ἐφοβοῦντο

This refers to the unpleasant feeling a person has when there is a threat of harm to oneself or others.

αὐτὸν ὁμολογήσῃ Χριστόν…γένηται

“would say that Jesus is the Christ”

ἀποσυνάγωγος

Here “be thrown out of the synagogue” is a metaphor for no longer being allowed to go into the synagogue and no longer belonging to the group of people who attend services at the synagogue. Alternate translation: “he would not be allowed to go into the synagogue” or “he would no longer belong to the synagogue” (See: Metaphor)

John 9:23

ἡλικίαν ἔχει

“he is a man” or “he is no longer a child.” See how you translated this in John 9:21.

John 9:24

ἐφώνησαν…τὸν ἄνθρωπον

Here, “they” refers to the Jews. (John 9:18)

δὸς δόξαν τῷ Θεῷ

This is an idiom that people used when taking an oath. Alternate translation: “In the presence of God, tell the truth” or “Speak the truth before God” (See: Idiom)

οὗτος ὁ ἄνθρωπος

This refers to Jesus.

John 9:25

ἐκεῖνος

This refers to the man who had been blind.

John 9:26

The Jews continue to speak to the man who had been blind.

John 9:27

τί πάλιν θέλετε ἀκούειν

This remark appears in the form of a question to express the man’s amazement that the Jewish leaders have asked him to tell them again what happened. Alternate translation: “I am surprised that you want to hear again what happened to me!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

μὴ καὶ ὑμεῖς θέλετε αὐτοῦ μαθηταὶ γενέσθαι

This remark appears in the form of a question to add irony to the man’s statement. He knows that the Jewish leaders do not want to follow Jesus. Here he ridicules them. Alternate translation: “It sounds like you also want to become his disciples!” (See: Rhetorical Question and Irony)

John 9:28

σὺ μαθητὴς εἶ ἐκείνου

“You are following Jesus!”

ἡμεῖς δὲ τοῦ Μωϋσέως ἐσμὲν μαθηταί

The pronoun “we” is exclusive. The Jewish leaders are speaking only of themselves. Alternate translation: “but we are following Moses” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive 'We')

John 9:29

ἡμεῖς οἴδαμεν ὅτι Μωϋσεῖ λελάληκεν ὁ Θεός

“We are sure that God has spoken to Moses”

τοῦτον…οὐκ οἴδαμεν πόθεν ἐστίν

Here the Jewish leaders are referring to Jesus. They imply that he has no authority to call disciples. Alternate translation: “we do not know where he comes from or where he gets his authority” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 9:30

ὅτι ὑμεῖς οὐκ οἴδατε πόθεν ἐστίν

The man is surprised that the Jewish leaders question Jesus’ authority when they know he has the power to heal. Alternate translation: “that you do not know where he gets his authority” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 9:31

ἁμαρτωλῶν…οὐκ ἀκούει…τούτου ἀκούει

“does not answer the prayers of sinners…God answers his prayers”

John 9:32

The man who had been blind continues speaking to the Jews.

οὐκ ἠκούσθη, ὅτι ἠνέῳξέν τις

This is a passive statement. You can translate it in an active form. Alternate translation: “no one has ever heard of anyone who healed a man who was blind from birth” (See: Active or Passive)

John 9:33

εἰ μὴ ἦν οὗτος παρὰ Θεοῦ, οὐκ ἠδύνατο ποιεῖν οὐδέν

This sentence uses a double negative pattern. “Only a man from God could do something like that!” (See: Double Negatives)

John 9:34

ἐν ἁμαρτίαις σὺ ἐγεννήθης ὅλος, καὶ σὺ διδάσκεις ἡμᾶς

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. It also implies that the man was born blind because of the sins of his parents. Alternate translation: “You were born as a result of your parents’ sins. You are not qualified to teach us!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐξέβαλον αὐτὸν ἔξω

“they threw him out of the synagogue”

John 9:35

Jesus finds the man whom he healed (John 9:1-7) and begins to speak to him and the crowd.

πιστεύεις εἰς

This means to “believe in Jesus,” to believe that he is the Son of God, to trust him as Savior, and live in a way that honors him.

τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Here the reader needs to understand that Jesus was speaking as if “the Son of Man” were another person. The man who had been born blind did not realize that Jesus was speaking of himself when he spoke of “the Son of Man.” You should translate so that the man does not learn that Jesus is the Son of Man until verse 37.

John 9:39

εἰς τὸν κόσμον τοῦτον ἦλθον

The “world” is a metonym for “the people who live in the world.” Alternate translation: “came to live among the people of this world” (See: Metonymy)

ἵνα οἱ μὴ βλέποντες, βλέπωσιν; καὶ οἱ βλέποντες, τυφλοὶ γένωνται

Here “seeing” and “blindness” are metaphors. Jesus distinguishes between people who are spiritually blind and physically blind. Alternate translation: “so that those who are blind spiritually, but who want to see God, can see him, and those who already falsely think they can see God will remain in their blindness” (See: Metaphor)

John 9:40

μὴ καὶ ἡμεῖς τυφλοί ἐσμεν

“Do you think we are spiritually blind?”

John 9:41

εἰ τυφλοὶ ἦτε, οὐκ ἂν εἴχετε ἁμαρτίαν

Here “blindness” is a metaphor for not knowing God’s truth. Alternate translation: “If you wanted to know God’s truth, you would be able to receive your sight. (See: Metaphor)

νῦν δὲ λέγετε, ὅτι βλέπομεν, ἡ ἁμαρτία ὑμῶν μένει

Here “seeing” is a metaphor for knowing God’s truth. Alternate translation: “Since you falsely think that you already know God’s truth, you will remain blind” (See: Metaphor)

John 10

John 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Blasphemy

When a person claims that he is God or that God has told him to speak when God has not told him to speak, this is called blasphemy. The law of Moses commanded the Israelites to kill blasphemers by stoning them to death. When Jesus said, “I and the Father are one,” the Jews thought he was blaspheming, so they took up stones to kill him. (See: blasphemy, blaspheme, blasphemous and law of Moses, God’s law, law of Yahweh, the law)

Important metaphors in this chapter

Sheep

Jesus spoke of people as sheep because sheep do not see well, they do not think well, they often walk away from those who care for them, and they cannot defend themselves when other animals attack them. God’s people also rebel against him and do not know when they are doing wrong.

Sheep pen

A sheep pen was a space with a stone wall around it in which shepherds would keep their sheep. Once they were inside the sheep pen, the sheep could not run away, and animals and thieves could not easily get inside to kill or steal them.

Laying down and taking up life

Jesus speaks of his life as if it were a physical object that he could lay down on the ground, a metaphor for dying, or pick up again, a metaphor for becoming alive again.

John 10:1

Jesus begins to speak in parables. (See: Parables)

Jesus continues to speak to the Pharisees. This is the same part of the story which began in John 9:35.

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

See how you translated this in John 1:51.

αὐλὴν τῶν προβάτων

This is a fenced area where a shepherd keeps his sheep.

κλέπτης…καὶ λῃστής

This is the use of two words with similar meanings to add emphasis. (See: Doublet)

John 10:3

τούτῳ ὁ θυρωρὸς ἀνοίγει

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd”

ὁ θυρωρὸς

This is a hired man who watches the gate of the sheep pen at night while the shepherd is away.

τὰ πρόβατα τῆς φωνῆς αὐτοῦ ἀκούει

“The sheep hear the shepherd’s voice”

John 10:4

ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν πορεύεται

“he walks in front of them”

ὅτι οἴδασιν τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ

“because they recognize his voice”

John 10:6

ἐκεῖνοι…οὐκ ἔγνωσαν

Possible meanings: 1) “the disciples did not understand” or 2) “the crowd did not understand.”

ταύτην τὴν παροιμίαν

This is an illustration from the work of shepherds, using metaphors. The “shepherd” is a metaphor for Jesus. The “sheep” represent those who follow Jesus, and the “strangers” are the Jewish leaders, including the Pharisees, who try to deceive the people. (See: Metaphor)

John 10:7

Jesus begins to explain the meaning of the parables he had spoken.

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

See how you translated this in John 1:51.

ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ θύρα τῶν προβάτων

Here “gate” is a metaphor that means Jesus provides access into the sheepfold where God’s people dwell in his presence. Alternate translation: “I am like the gate that the sheep use to enter into the sheepfold” (See: Metaphor)

John 10:8

πάντες ὅσοι ἦλθον πρὸ ἐμοῦ

This refers to other teachers who have taught the people, including the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: “All of the teachers who came without my authority” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κλέπται…καὶ λῃσταί

These words are metaphors. Jesus calls those teachers “a thief and a robber” because their teachings were false, and they were trying to lead God’s people while not understanding the truth. As a result, they deceived the people. (See: Metaphor)

John 10:9

ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ θύρα

Here “gate” is a metaphor. By referring to himself as “the gate,” Jesus is showing that he offers a true way to enter the kingdom of God. Alternate translation: “I myself am like that gate” (See: Metaphor)

νομὴν

The word “pasture” means a grassy area where sheep eat.

John 10:10

οὐκ ἔρχεται εἰ μὴ ἵνα κλέψῃ

This is a double negative. In some languages it is more natural to use a positive statement. Alternate translation: “comes only to steal” (See: Double Negatives)

κλέψῃ, καὶ θύσῃ, καὶ ἀπολέσῃ

Here the implied metaphor is “sheep,” which represents God’s people. Alternate translation: “steal and kill and destroy the sheep” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Metaphor)

ἵνα ζωὴν ἔχωσιν

The word “they” refers to the sheep. “Life” refers to eternal life. Alternate translation: “so that they will really live, lacking nothing”

John 10:11

Jesus continues his parable about the good shepherd.

ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός

Here “good shepherd” is a metaphor that represents Jesus. Alternate translation: “I am like a good shepherd” (See: Metaphor)

τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ τίθησιν

To lay down something means to give up control of it. It is a mild way to refer to dying. Alternate translation: “dies” (See: Euphemism)

John 10:12

ὁ μισθωτὸς

The “hired servant” is a metaphor that represents the Jewish leaders and teachers. Alternate translation: “The one who is like a hired servant” (See: Metaphor)

ἀφίησιν τὰ πρόβατα

Here the word “sheep” is a metaphor that represents God’s people. Like a hired servant who abandons the sheep, Jesus says that the Jewish leaders and teachers do not care for God’s people. (See: Metaphor)

John 10:13

οὐ μέλει…περὶ τῶν προβάτων

Here the word “sheep” is a metaphor that represents God’s people. Like a hired servant who abandons the sheep, Jesus says that the Jewish leaders and teachers do not care for God’s people. (See: Metaphor)

John 10:14

ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός

Here the “good shepherd” is a metaphor for Jesus. Alternate translation: “I am like a good shepherd” (See: Metaphor)

John 10:15

γινώσκει με ὁ Πατὴρ, κἀγὼ γινώσκω τὸν Πατέρα

God the Father and God the Son know each other unlike anyone else knows them. “Father” is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

τὴν ψυχήν μου τίθημι ὑπὲρ τῶν προβάτων

This is a mild way for Jesus to say that he will die to protect his sheep. Alternate translation: “I die for the sheep” (See: Euphemism)

John 10:16

ἄλλα πρόβατα ἔχω

Here “other sheep” is a metaphor for followers of Jesus who are not Jews. (See: Metaphor)

μία ποίμνη, εἷς ποιμήν

Here “flock” and “shepherd” are metaphors. All of Jesus’s followers, Jews and non-Jews, will be like one flock of sheep. He will be like a shepherd who cares for all of them. (See: Metaphor)

John 10:17

Jesus finishes speaking to the crowd.

διὰ τοῦτό, με ὁ Πατὴρ ἀγαπᾷ, ὅτι ἐγὼ τίθημι τὴν ψυχήν μου

God’s eternal plan was for God the Son to give his life to pay for the sins of humanity. Jesus’ death on the cross reveals the intense love of the Son for the Father and of the Father for the Son.

Πατὴρ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ἀγαπᾷ

This kind of love comes from God and is focused on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.

ἐγὼ τίθημι τὴν ψυχήν μου, ἵνα πάλιν λάβω αὐτήν

This is a mild way for Jesus to say he will die and then will become alive again. Alternate translation: “I allow myself to die in order that I may bring myself back to life” (See: Euphemism)

John 10:18

ἐγὼ τίθημι αὐτὴν ἀπ’ ἐμαυτοῦ

The reflexive pronoun “myself” is used here to emphasize that Jesus lays down his own life. No one takes it from him. Alternate translation: “I myself lay it down” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

ταύτην τὴν ἐντολὴν ἔλαβον παρὰ τοῦ Πατρός μου

“This is what my Father has commanded me to do.” The word “Father” is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 10:19

These verses tell how the Jews responded to what Jesus had said.

John 10:20

τί αὐτοῦ ἀκούετε

This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize the point that the people should not listen to Jesus. Alternate translation: “Do not listen to him!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 10:21

δαιμόνιον δύναται τυφλῶν ὀφθαλμοὺς ἀνοῖξαι

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “Certainly a demon cannot cause a blind man to see!” or “Certainly a demon cannot give sight to blind people!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 10:22

During the Festival of Dedication, some Jews begin to question Jesus. Verses 22 and 23 give background information about the setting of the story. (See: Background Information)

ἐνκαίνια

This is an eight-day, winter holiday Jews use to remember a miracle where God made a small amount of oil remain lit in a lampstand for eight days. They lit the lampstand to dedicate the Jewish temple to God. To dedicate something is to promise to use it for a special purpose.

John 10:23

περιεπάτει ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ

The area where Jesus was walking was actually a courtyard that was outside the temple building. Alternate translation: “Jesus was walking in the temple courtyard” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

στοᾷ

This is a structure attached to the entrance of a building; it has a roof and it may or may not have walls.

John 10:24

ἐκύκλωσαν οὖν αὐτὸν οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι

Here “Jews” is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: “Then the Jewish leaders surrounded him” (See: Synecdoche)

τὴν ψυχὴν ἡμῶν αἴρεις

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “keep us wondering” or “keep us from knowing for sure?” (See: Idiom)

John 10:25

Jesus begins to respond to the Jews.

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Πατρός μου

Here “name” is a metonym for the power of God. Here “Father” is an important title for God. Jesus performed miracles through his Father’s power and authority. Alternate translation: “through my Father’s power” or “with my Father’s power” (See: Metonymy and Translating Son and Father)

ταῦτα μαρτυρεῖ περὶ ἐμοῦ

His miracles offer proof about him like a person who testifies would offer proof in a court of law. Alternate translation: “offer proof concerning me” (See: Personification)

John 10:26

οὐκ…ἐκ τῶν προβάτων τῶν ἐμῶν

The word “sheep” is a metaphor for the followers of Jesus. Alternate translation: “not my followers” or “not my disciples” (See: Metaphor)

John 10:27

τὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἐμὰ τῆς φωνῆς μου ἀκούουσιν

The word “sheep” is a metaphor for the followers of Jesus. The metaphor of Jesus as the “shepherd” is also implied. Alternate translation: “Just as sheep obey the voice of their true shepherd, my followers heed my voice” (See: Metaphor)

John 10:28

οὐχ ἁρπάσει…αὐτὰ ἐκ τῆς χειρός μου

Here the word “hand” is a metonym that represents the protective care of Jesus. Alternate translation: “no one will steal them away from me” or “they will remain secure forever in my care” (See: Metonymy)

John 10:29

ὁ Πατήρ μου ὃς δέδωκέν μοι

The word “Father” is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

τῆς χειρὸς τοῦ Πατρός

The word “hand” is a metonym that refers to God’s possession and protective care. Alternate translation: “No one can steal them from my Father” (See: Metonymy)

John 10:30

ἐγὼ καὶ ὁ Πατὴρ ἕν ἐσμεν

Jesus, God the Son, and God the Father are one. The word “Father” is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 10:31

ἐβάστασαν πάλιν λίθους οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι

The word “Jews” is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: “Then the Jewish leaders started picking up stones again” (See: Synecdoche)

John 10:32

ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς, πολλὰ ἔργα καλὰ ἔδειξα ὑμῖν ἐκ τοῦ Πατρός

Jesus performed the miracles by the power of God. The word “Father” is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

διὰ ποῖον αὐτῶν ἔργον, ἐμὲ λιθάζετε

This question uses irony. Jesus knows the Jewish leaders do not want to stone him because he has done good works. (See: Irony)

John 10:33

ἀπεκρίθησαν αὐτῷ οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι

The word “Jews” is a synecdoche that represents the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: “The Jewish opponents replied” or “The Jewish leaders answered him” (See: Synecdoche)

ποιεῖς σεαυτὸν Θεόν

“claiming to be God”

John 10:34

οὐκ ἔστιν γεγραμμένον ἐν τῷ νόμῳ ὑμῶν, ὅτι ἐγὼ εἶπα, θεοί ἐστε?

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “You should already know that it is written in your law that I said, ‘you are gods.’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

θεοί ἐστε

Here Jesus quotes a scripture where God calls his followers “gods,” perhaps because he has chosen them to represent him on earth.

John 10:35

ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐγένετο

Jesus speaks of God’s message as though it were a person who moved toward those who heard it. Alternate translation: “God spoke his message” (See: Metaphor)

οὐ δύναται λυθῆναι ἡ Γραφή

Possible meanings are 1) “no one can change the scripture” or 2) “the scripture will always be true.”

John 10:36

ὃν ὁ Πατὴρ ἡγίασεν καὶ ἀπέστειλεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον, ὑμεῖς λέγετε, ὅτι βλασφημεῖς, ὅτι εἶπον, Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰμι

Jesus used this question to rebuke his opponents for saying that he was blaspheming when he called himself “the Son of God.” Alternate translation: “you should not say to the very one whom the Father set apart to send into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ when I say that I am the Son of God!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

βλασφημεῖς

“You are insulting God.” Jesus’ opponents understood that when said that he is the Son of God, he was implying that he is equal with God.

Πατὴρ…Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 10:37

Jesus finishes responding to the Jews.

Πατρός

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

πιστεύετέ μοι

Here the word “believe” means to accept or trust what Jesus said is true.

John 10:38

τοῖς ἔργοις πιστεύετε

Here “believe in” is to acknowledge that the works Jesus does are from the Father.

ἐν ἐμοὶ ὁ Πατὴρ, κἀγὼ ἐν τῷ Πατρί

These are idioms that express the close personal relationship between God and Jesus. Alternate translation: “My Father and I are completely joined together as one” (See: Idiom)

John 10:39

ἐξῆλθεν ἐκ τῆς χειρὸς αὐτῶν

The word “hand” is a metonym that represents the custody or possession of the Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: “got away from them again” (See: Metonymy)

John 10:40

πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου

Jesus had been on the west side of the Jordan River. Alternate translation: “to the east side of the Jordan River” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔμεινεν ἐκεῖ

Jesus remained on the east side of Jordan for a short period of time. Alternate translation: “Jesus stayed there for several days” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 10:41

Ἰωάννης μὲν σημεῖον ἐποίησεν οὐδέν; πάντα δὲ ὅσα εἶπεν Ἰωάννης περὶ τούτου ἀληθῆ ἦν

“It is true that John did no signs, but he certainly did speak the truth about this man, who does signs.”

σημεῖον

These are miracles that prove that something is true or that give someone credibility.

John 10:42

ἐπίστευσαν εἰς

Here “believed in” means accepted or trusted what Jesus said was true.

John 11

John 11 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Light and darkness

The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Passover

After Jesus made Lazarus become alive again, the Jewish leaders were trying hard to kill him, so he started traveling from place to place in secret. Now the Pharisees knew that he would probably come to Jerusalem for the Passover because God had commanded all Jewish men to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem, so they planned to catch him and kill him then. (See: Passover)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

“One man dies for the people”

The law of Moses commanded the priests to kill animals so that God would forgive the people’s sins. The high priest Caiaphas said, “It is better for you that one man dies for the people than that the whole nation perishes” (John 10:50). He said this because he loved his “place” and “nation” (John 10:48) more than he loved the God who had made Lazarus become alive again. He wanted Jesus to die so that the Romans would not destroy the temple and Jerusalem, but God wanted Jesus to die so that he could forgive all of his people’s sins.

Hypothetical situation

When Martha said, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died,” she was speaking of a situation that could have happened but did not happen. Jesus had not come, and her brother had died.

John 11:1

These verses introduce the story of Lazarus and give background information about him and his sister Mary. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants and Background Information)

John 11:2

ἦν δὲ Μαρία ἡ ἀλείψασα τὸν Κύριον μύρῳ, καὶ ἐκμάξασα τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ ταῖς θριξὶν αὐτῆς

As John introduces Mary, the sister of Martha, he also shares information concerning what would later happen in the story. (See: Background Information)

John 11:3

ἀπέστειλαν…πρὸς αὐτὸν

“asked Jesus to come”

φιλεῖς

Here “love” refers to brotherly love, a natural, human love between friends or relatives.

John 11:4

αὕτη ἡ ἀσθένεια οὐκ ἔστιν πρὸς θάνατον

Jesus implies that he knows what will happen related to Lazarus and his sickness. Alternate translation: “Death will not be the final result of this sickness” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

θάνατον

This refers to physical death.

ἀλλ’ ὑπὲρ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἵνα δοξασθῇ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ δι’ αὐτῆς

Jesus implies that he knows what the outcome will be. Alternate translation: “but the purpose is that the people might see how great God is because of what his power will allow me to do” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 11:5

ἠγάπα δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς τὴν Μάρθαν, καὶ τὴν ἀδελφὴν αὐτῆς, καὶ τὸν Λάζαρον

This is background information. (See: Background Information)

John 11:8

Ῥαββεί, νῦν ἐζήτουν σε λιθάσαι οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι, καὶ πάλιν ὑπάγεις ἐκεῖ

This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that the disciples do not want Jesus to go to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “Teacher, you surely do not want to go back there! The Jews were trying to stone you the last time you were there!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι

This is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: Synecdoche)

John 11:9

οὐχὶ δώδεκα ὧραί εἰσιν τῆς ἡμέρας

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “You know that the day has twelve hours of light!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐάν τις περιπατῇ ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ, οὐ προσκόπτει, ὅτι τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου τούτου βλέπει

People who walk in the light of the day can see well and do not stumble. “Light” is a metaphor for “truth.” Jesus is implying that people who live according to truth will be able to successfully do the things that God wants them to do” (See: Metaphor)

John 11:10

Jesus continues speaking to his disciples.

ἐὰν…τις περιπατῇ ἐν τῇ νυκτί

Here “night” is a metaphor that refers to one’s walking without God’s light. (See: Metaphor)

τὸ φῶς οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν αὐτῷ

Possible meanings are 1) “he cannot see” or “he does not have God’s light.”

John 11:11

Λάζαρος ὁ φίλος ἡμῶν κεκοίμηται

Here “fallen asleep” is an idiom that means Lazarus has died. If you have a way of saying this in your language, you may use it here. (See: Idiom)

ἀλλὰ πορεύομαι ἵνα ἐξυπνίσω αὐτόν

The words “wake him out of sleep” form an idiom. Jesus is revealing his plan to bring Lazurus back to life. If you have an idiom for this in your language, you may use it here. (See: Idiom)

John 11:12

In verse 13 there is a break in the story line as John comments on the disciples’ misunderstanding about what Jesus meant when he said Lazarus was asleep. (See: Background Information)

εἰ κεκοίμηται

The disciples misunderstand Jesus to mean that Lazarus is resting and will recover.

John 11:14

τότε…εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς παρρησίᾳ

“So Jesus told them in words that they could understand”

John 11:15

Jesus continues speaking to his disciples.

δι’ ὑμᾶς

“for your benefit”

ἵνα πιστεύσητε, ὅτι οὐκ ἤμην ἐκεῖ

“that I was not there. Because of this you will learn to trust me more.”

John 11:16

ὁ λεγόμενος Δίδυμος

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “whom they called Didymus” (See: Active or Passive)

Δίδυμος

This is a male name that means “twin.” (See: How to Translate Names)

John 11:17

Jesus is now in Bethany. These verses give background information about the setting and about what has happened before Jesus arrived. (See: Background Information)

εὗρεν αὐτὸν, τέσσαρας ἤδη ἡμέρας ἔχοντα ἐν τῷ μνημείῳ

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “he learned that people had put Lazarus in a tomb four days before” (See: Active or Passive)

John 11:18

ἀπὸ σταδίων δεκαπέντε

“about three kilometers away.” A “stadium” is 185 meters. (See: Biblical Distance)

John 11:19

περὶ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ

Lazarus was their younger brother. Alternate translation: “about their younger brother” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 11:21

οὐκ ἂν ἀπέθανεν ὁ ἀδελφός μου

Lazarus was the younger brother. Alternate translation: “my younger brother would still be alive” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 11:23

ἀναστήσεται ὁ ἀδελφός σου

Lazarus was the younger brother. Alternate translation: “Your younger brother will become alive again” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 11:24

ἀναστήσεται

“he will become alive again”

John 11:25

κἂν ἀποθάνῃ

Here “dies” refers to physical death.

ζήσεται

Here “live” refers to spiritual life.

John 11:26

πᾶς ὁ ζῶν καὶ πιστεύων εἰς ἐμὲ, οὐ μὴ ἀποθάνῃ εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα

“those who live and trust in me will never be separated eternally from God” or “those who live and trust in me will be spiritually alive with God forever”

οὐ μὴ ἀποθάνῃ εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα

Here “die” refers to spiritual death.

John 11:27

λέγει αὐτῷ

“Martha said to Jesus”

ναί, Κύριε; ἐγὼ πεπίστευκα ὅτι σὺ εἶ ὁ Χριστὸς, ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἐρχόμενος

Martha believes that Jesus is Lord, the Christ (the Messiah), the Son of God.

Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 11:28

ἀπῆλθεν, καὶ ἐφώνησεν Μαριὰμ, τὴν ἀδελφὴν αὐτῆς

Mary is the younger sister of Martha. Alternate translation: “she went away and called her younger sister Mary” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

διδάσκαλος

This is a title referring to Jesus.

φωνεῖ σε

“is asking that you come”

John 11:30

οὔπω δὲ ἐληλύθει ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς τὴν κώμην

Here John provides a brief break in the story to give background information regarding the location of Jesus. (See: Background Information)

John 11:32

ἔπεσεν αὐτοῦ πρὸς τοὺς πόδας

Mary lay down or knelt at the feet of Jesus to show respect.

οὐκ ἄν μου ἀπέθανεν ὁ ἀδελφός

Lazarus was Mary’s younger brother. See how you translated this in John 11:21. Alternate translation: “my younger brother would still be alive” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 11:33

ἐνεβριμήσατο τῷ πνεύματι καὶ ἐτάραξεν ἑαυτόν

John combines these phrases that have similar meanings to express the intense emotional distress and possible anger that Jesus experienced. Alternate translation: “he was greatly upset” (See: Doublet)

John 11:34

ποῦ τεθείκατε αὐτόν

This is a milder way of asking, “Where have you buried him?” (See: Euphemism)

John 11:35

ἐδάκρυσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς

“Jesus began to cry” or “Jesus started crying”

John 11:36

ἐφίλει

This refers to brotherly love or human love for a friend or family member.

John 11:37

οὐκ ἐδύνατο οὗτος, ὁ ἀνοίξας τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς τοῦ τυφλοῦ, ποιῆσαι ἵνα καὶ οὗτος μὴ ἀποθάνῃ

This remark appears in the form of a question to express the Jews’ surprise that Jesus did not heal Lazarus. Alternate translation: “He could heal a man who was blind, so he should have been able to heal this man so he would not have died!” or “Since he did not keep this man from dying, maybe he did not really heal the man who was born blind, as they say he did!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὁ ἀνοίξας τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “healed the eyes” (See: Idiom)

John 11:38

ἦν δὲ σπήλαιον, καὶ λίθος ἐπέκειτο ἐπ’ αὐτῷ

John pauses the story briefly to describe the tomb where the people had buried Lazarus. (See: Background Information)

John 11:39

ἡ ἀδελφὴ τοῦ τετελευτηκότος Μάρθα

Martha and Mary were older sisters of Lazarus. Alternate translation: “Martha, the older sister of Lazarus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἤδη ὄζει

“by this time there will be a bad smell” or “the body is already stinking”

John 11:40

οὐκ εἶπόν σοι, ὅτι ἐὰν πιστεύσῃς, ὄψῃ τὴν δόξαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis to the point that God is about to do something wonderful. Alternate translation: “I told you that if you trusted me, you would see what God can do!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 11:41

Ἰησοῦς ἦρεν τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς ἄνω

This is an idiom that means to look up. Alternate translation: “Jesus looked up toward heaven” (See: Idiom)

Πάτερ, εὐχαριστῶ σοι ὅτι ἤκουσάς μου

Jesus prays directly to the Father so that others around him will hear his prayer. Alternate translation: “Father, I thank you that you have heard me” or “Father, I thank you that you have heard my prayer”

Πάτερ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 11:42

ἵνα πιστεύσωσιν ὅτι σύ με ἀπέστειλας

“I want them to believe that you have sent me”

John 11:43

ταῦτα εἰπὼν

“After Jesus had prayed”

φωνῇ μεγάλῃ ἐκραύγασεν

“he shouted”

John 11:44

δεδεμένος τοὺς πόδας καὶ τὰς χεῖρας κειρίαις, καὶ ἡ ὄψις αὐτοῦ σουδαρίῳ περιεδέδετο

A burial custom of this time was to wrap the dead body with long strips of linen cloth. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone had wrapped strips of cloth around his hands and feet. They had also tied a cloth around his face” (See: Active or Passive)

λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς

The word “them” refers to the people who were there and saw the miracle.

John 11:45

These verses tell us what happened after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. (See: Background Information)

John 11:47

Because so many people have told them that Lazarus is alive again, the chief priests and Pharisees gather the Jewish council for a meeting.

οὖν οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς

“Then the leaders among the priests”

οὖν

The author uses this word to tell the reader that the events that begin in this verse are a result of the events of John 11:45-46.

τί ποιοῦμεν

It is implied here that the council members are talking about Jesus. Alternate translation: “What are we going to do about Jesus?” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 11:48

πάντες πιστεύσουσιν εἰς αὐτὸν

The Jewish leaders were afraid that the people would try to make Jesus their king. Alternate translation: “everyone will trust in him and rebel against Rome” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐλεύσονται οἱ Ῥωμαῖοι

This is a synecdoche for the Roman army. Alternate translation: “the Roman army will come” (See: Synecdoche)

ἀροῦσιν ἡμῶν καὶ τὸν τόπον καὶ τὸ ἔθνος

“destroy both our temple and our nation”

John 11:49

εἷς…τις ἐξ αὐτῶν

This is a way to introduce a new character to the story. If you have a way to do this in your language, you can use it here. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ὑμεῖς οὐκ οἴδατε οὐδέν

This is an exaggeration that Caiaphas uses to insult his hearers. Alternate translation: “You do not understand what is happening” or “You speak as though you know nothing” (See: Hyperbole)

John 11:50

καὶ μὴ ὅλον τὸ ἔθνος ἀπόληται

Caiaphas implies that the Roman army would kill all of the people of the Jewish nation if Jesus is allowed to live and cause a rebellion. The word “nation” here is a synecdoche that represents all of the Jewish people. Alternate translation: “than that the Romans kill all the people of our nation” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Synecdoche)

John 11:51

In verses 51 and 52 John explains that Caiaphus was prophesying even though he did not realize it at the time. This is background information. (See: Background Information)

ἀποθνῄσκειν ὑπὲρ τοῦ ἔθνους

The word “nation” is a synecdoche and refers to the people of the nation of Israel. (See: Synecdoche)

John 11:52

συναγάγῃ εἰς ἕν

This is an ellipsis. The word “people” is implied by the context. Alternate translation: “would be gathered into one people” (See: Ellipsis)

τέκνα τοῦ Θεοῦ

This refers to people who belong to God through faith in Jesus and are spiritually God’s children.

John 11:54

Jesus leaves Bethany and goes to Ephraim. In verse 55 the story shifts to telling about what many of the Jews are doing now that Passover is near.

παρρησίᾳ περιεπάτει ἐν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις

Here “Jews” is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders and “walk openly” is a metaphor for “live where everyone could see him.” Alternate translation: “live where all the Jews could see him” or “walk openly among the Jewish leaders who opposed him” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

τὴν χώραν

the rural area outside cities where fewer people live

κἀκεῖ ἔμεινεν μετὰ τῶν μαθητῶν

Jesus and his disciples stayed in Ephraim for a while. Alternate translation: “There he stayed with his disciples for a short period of time” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 11:55

ἀνέβησαν…εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα

The phrase “went up” is used here because Jerusalem is higher in elevation than the surrounding areas.

John 11:56

The content of verse 57 occurs before that of verse 56. If this order might confuse your readers, you can combine these verses and put the text of verse 57 before the text of verse 56. (See: Order of Events)

ἐζήτουν…τὸν Ἰησοῦν

The word “they” refers to the Jewish people who had traveled to Jerusalem.

τί δοκεῖ ὑμῖν? ὅτι οὐ μὴ ἔλθῃ εἰς τὴν ἑορτήν

These are rhetorical questions that express a strong element of doubt that Jesus will come to the Passover Festival. The second question is an ellipsis that leaves out the words “do you think.” The speakers here were wondering if Jesus would come to the festival since there was the danger of his being arrested. Alternate translation: “Jesus will probably not come to the festival. He might be afraid of getting arrested!” (See: Rhetorical Question and Ellipsis)

John 11:57

δὲ οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς

This is background information that explains why the Jewish worshipers were wondering if Jesus would come to the festival or not. If your language has a way to mark background information, use it here. (See: Background Information)

John 12

John 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 12:38 and 40, which are words from the Old Testament.

Verse 16 is a commentary on these events. It is possible to put this entire verse in parentheses in order to set it apart from the narrative of the story.

Special concepts in this chapter

Mary anointed Jesus’ feet

The Jews would put oil on a person’s head to make that person feel welcome and comfortable. They would also put oil on a person’s body after the person had died but before they buried the body. But they would never think to put oil on a person’s feet, because they thought that feet were dirty.

The donkey and the colt

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on an animal. In this way he was like a king who came into a city after he had won an important battle. Also, the kings of Israel in the Old Testament rode on a donkeys. Other kings rode on horses. So Jesus was showing that he was the king of Israel and that he was not like other kings.

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about this event. Matthew and Mark wrote that the disciples brought Jesus a donkey. John wrote that Jesus found a donkey. Luke wrote that they brought him a colt. Only Matthew wrote that there were both a donkey had a colt. No one knows for sure whether Jesus rode the donkey or the colt. It is best to translate each of these accounts as it appears in the ULT without trying to make them all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 21:1-7 and Mark 11:1-7 and Luke 19:29-36 and John 12:14-15)

Glory

Scripture often speaks of God’s glory as a great, brilliant light. When people see this light, they are afraid. In this chapter John says that the glory of Jesus is his resurrection (John 12:16).

Important figures of speech in this chapter

The metaphors of light and darkness

The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: Metaphor and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. A paradox occurs in 12:25: “He who loves his life will lose it; but he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” But in 12:26 Jesus explains what it means to keep one’s life for eternal life. (John 12:25-26).

John 12:1

Jesus is at dinner in Bethany when Mary anoints his feet with oil.

πρὸ ἓξ ἡμερῶν τοῦ Πάσχα

The author uses these words to mark the beginning of a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἤγειρεν ἐκ νεκρῶν

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “had made alive again” (See: Idiom)

John 12:3

λίτραν μύρου

You may convert this to a modern measure. A “litra” is about one third of a kilogram. Or you may refer to a container that could hold that amount. Alternate translation: “a third of a kilogram of perfume” or “a bottle of perfume” (See: Biblical Weight)

μύρου

This is a good-smelling liquid made by using the oils of pleasant smelling plants and flowers.

νάρδου

This is a perfume made from a pink, bell-shaped flower in the mountains of Nepal, China, and India. (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἡ…οἰκία ἐπληρώθη ἐκ τῆς ὀσμῆς τοῦ μύρου

This can be translated in an active form. Alternate translation: “The scent of her perfume filled the house” (See: Active or Passive)

John 12:4

ὁ μέλλων αὐτὸν παραδιδόναι

“the one who later enabled Jesus’ enemies to seize him”

John 12:5

διὰ τί τοῦτο τὸ μύρον οὐκ ἐπράθη τριακοσίων δηναρίων, καὶ ἐδόθη πτωχοῖς

This is a rhetorical question. You can translate it as a strong statement. Alternate translation: “This perfume could have been sold for three hundred denarii and the money could have been given to the poor!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τριακοσίων δηναρίων

You can translate this as a numeral. Alternate translation: “300 denarii” (See: Numbers)

δηναρίων

A denarius was the amount of silver that a common laborer could earn in one day of work. (See: Biblical Money)

John 12:6

εἶπεν δὲ τοῦτο, οὐχ ὅτι περὶ τῶν πτωχῶν ἔμελεν αὐτῷ, ἀλλ’ ὅτι κλέπτης ἦν, καὶ τὸ γλωσσόκομον ἔχων τὰ βαλλόμενα ἐβάσταζεν

John explains why Judas asked the question about the poor. If your language has a way of indicating background information, you can use it here. (See: Background Information)

εἶπεν…τοῦτο, οὐχ ὅτι περὶ τῶν πτωχῶν ἔμελεν αὐτῷ, ἀλλ’ ὅτι κλέπτης ἦν

“he said this because he was a thief. He did not care about the poor”

John 12:7

ἄφες αὐτήν, ἵνα εἰς τὴν ἡμέραν τοῦ ἐνταφιασμοῦ μου, τηρήσῃ αὐτό

Jesus implies that the woman’s actions can be understood as anticipating his death and burial. Alternate translation: “Allow her to show how much she appreciates me! In this way she has prepared my body for burial” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 12:8

τοὺς πτωχοὺς…πάντοτε ἔχετε μεθ’ ἑαυτῶν

Jesus implies that there will always be opportunities to help the poor people. Alternate translation: “There will always be poor people among you, and you can help them whenever you want” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐμὲ δὲ οὐ πάντοτε ἔχετε

In this way, Jesus implies that he will die. Alternate translation: “But I will not always be here with you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 12:9

οὖν

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here John tells about a new group of people that has come to Bethany from Jerusalem. (See: Background Information)

John 12:11

δι’ αὐτὸν

The fact that Lazarus was alive again caused many Jews to believe in Jesus.

ἐπίστευον εἰς τὸν Ἰησοῦν

This implies that many of the Jewish people were trusting in Jesus as the Son of God. Alternate translation: “were putting their trust in Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 12:12

Jesus enters Jerusalem and the people honor him as a king.

τῇ ἐπαύριον

The author uses these words to mark the beginning of a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ὁ ὄχλος πολὺς

“a great crowd of people”

John 12:13

ὡσαννά

This means “May God save us now!”

εὐλογημένος

This expresses a desire for God to cause good things to happen to a person.

ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου

Here the word “name” is a metonym for the person’s authority and power. Alternate translation: “comes as the representative of the Lord” or “comes in the power of the Lord” (See: Metonymy)

John 12:14

εὑρὼν…ὁ Ἰησοῦς ὀνάριον, ἐκάθισεν ἐπ’ αὐτό

Here John gives background information that Jesus secures a donkey. He implies that Jesus will ride the donkey into Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “he found a young donkey and sat on it, riding into the city” (See: Background Information and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καθώς ἐστιν γεγραμμένον

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “as the prophets wrote in the Scripture” (See: Active or Passive)

John 12:15

θυγάτηρ Σιών

“Daughter of Zion” here is a metonym that refers to the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “you people of Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

John 12:16

John, the writer, interrupts here to give the reader some background information about what the disciples later understood. (See: Background Information)

ταῦτα οὐκ ἔγνωσαν αὐτοῦ οἱ μαθηταὶ

Here the words “these things” refer to the words that the prophet had written about Jesus.

ὅτε ἐδοξάσθη Ἰησοῦς

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “when God glorified Jesus” (See: Active or Passive)

ταῦτα ἐποίησαν αὐτῷ

The words “these things” refer to what the people did when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey (praising him and waving the palm branches).

John 12:17

οὖν

This word is used here to mark a break in the main narrative. Here John explains that many of the people came to meet Jesus because they heard others say that he had raised Lazarus from the dead. (See: Background Information)

John 12:18

ἤκουσαν τοῦτο αὐτὸν πεποιηκέναι τὸ σημεῖον

“they heard others say that he had done this sign”

τοῦτο…τὸ σημεῖον

A “sign” is an event or occurrence that proves something is true. In this case, the “sign” of raising Lazarus proves that Jesus is the Messiah.

John 12:19

θεωρεῖτε ὅτι οὐκ ὠφελεῖτε οὐδέν

The Pharisees imply here that it might be impossible to stop Jesus. Alternate translation: “It seems like we can do nothing to stop him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἴδε, ὁ κόσμος ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ ἀπῆλθεν

The Pharisees use this exaggeration to express their shock that so many people have come out to meet Jesus. Alternate translation: “It looks like everyone is becoming his disciple” (See: Hyperbole)

ὁ κόσμος

Here “the world” is a metonym that represents (in exaggeration) all of the people in the world. You may need to make explicit that the hearers would have understood that the Pharisees were speaking only of the people in Judea. (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 12:20

δὲ Ἕλληνές τινες

The phrase “now certain” marks the introduction of new characters to the story. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἵνα προσκυνήσωσιν ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ

John implies that these “Greeks” were going to worship God during the Passover. Alternate translation: “to worship God at the Passover festival” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 12:21

Βηθσαϊδὰ

This was a town in the province of Galilee.

John 12:22

λέγουσιν τῷ Ἰησοῦ

Philip and Andrew tell Jesus about the Greeks’ request to see him. You can translate this by adding the implied words. Alternate translation: “they told Jesus what the Greeks had said” (See: Ellipsis)

John 12:23

Jesus begins to respond to Philip and Andrew.

ἐλήλυθεν ἡ ὥρα ἵνα δοξασθῇ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus implies that it is now the right time for God to honor the Son of Man through his upcoming suffering, death and resurrection. Alternate translation: “God will soon honor me when I die and rise again” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 12:24

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν

Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated “Truly, truly” in John 1:51.

ἐὰν μὴ ὁ κόκκος τοῦ σίτου πεσὼν εἰς τὴν γῆν ἀποθάνῃ, αὐτὸς μόνος μένει; ἐὰν δὲ ἀποθάνῃ, πολὺν καρπὸν φέρει

Here “a grain of wheat” or “seed” is a metaphor for Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. Just as a seed is planted and grows again into a plant that will bear much fruit, so will many people trust in Jesus after he is killed, buried, and raised back to life. (See: Metaphor)

John 12:25

ὁ φιλῶν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ, ἀπολλύει αὐτήν

Here “loves his life” means to consider one’s own physical life to be more valuable than the lives of others. Alternate translation: “whoever values his own life more than others will not receive eternal life” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ μισῶν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ τούτῳ, εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον φυλάξει αὐτήν

Here the one who “hates his life” refers to one who loves his own life less than he loves the lives of others. Alternate translation: “whoever considers the lives of others as more important than his own life will live with God forever” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 12:26

ὅπου εἰμὶ ἐγὼ, ἐκεῖ καὶ ὁ διάκονος ὁ ἐμὸς ἔσται

Jesus implies that those who serve him will be with him in heaven. Alternate translation: “when I am in heaven, my servant will also be there with me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τιμήσει αὐτὸν ὁ Πατήρ

Here “Father” is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 12:27

τί εἴπω, Πάτερ, σῶσόν με ἐκ τῆς ὥρας ταύτης

This remark appears in the form of a rhetorical question. Although Jesus desires to avoid crucifixion, he chooses to be obedient to God and to be killed. Alternate translation: “I will not pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour!’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Πάτερ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

τῆς ὥρας ταύτης

Here “this hour” is a metonym that represents when Jesus would suffer and die on the cross. (See: Metonymy)

John 12:28

δόξασόν σου τὸ ὄνομα

Here the word “name” is a metonym that refers to God. Alternate translation: “make your glory known” or “reveal your glory” (See: Metonymy)

ἦλθεν…φωνὴ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

This represents God speaking. Sometimes people avoid referring directly to God because they respect him. Alternate translation: “God spoke from the heavens” (See: Metonymy and Euphemism)

John 12:30

Jesus explains why the voice spoke from heaven.

John 12:31

νῦν κρίσις ἐστὶν τοῦ κόσμου τούτου

Here “this world” is a metonym that refers to all the people in the world. Alternate translation: “Now is the time for God to judge all of the people” (See: Metonymy)

νῦν ὁ ἄρχων τοῦ κόσμου τούτου ἐκβληθήσεται ἔξω

Here “ruler” refers to Satan. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Now is the time when I will destroy the power of Satan who rules this world” (See: Active or Passive)

John 12:32

In verse 33 John tells us background information about what Jesus said about being “lifted up” (See: Background Information)

κἀγὼ ἐὰν ὑψωθῶ ἐκ τῆς γῆς

Here Jesus refers to his crucifixion. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “When people raise me high on a cross” (See: Active or Passive)

πάντας ἑλκύσω πρὸς ἐμαυτόν

Through his crucifixion, Jesus will provide a way for everyone to trust in him.

John 12:33

τοῦτο…ἔλεγεν, σημαίνων ποίῳ θανάτῳ ἤμελλεν ἀποθνῄσκειν

John interprets Jesus’ words to mean that people will crucify him. Alternate translation: “He said this to let the people know how he would die” (See: Background Information)

John 12:34

δεῖ ὑψωθῆναι τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

The phrase “lifted up” means crucified. You may translate this in a way that includes the implied words “on a cross.” Alternate translation: “The Son of Man must be lifted up on a cross” (See: Ellipsis)

τίς ἐστιν οὗτος ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Possible meanings are 1) “What is the identity of this Son of Man? or 2) “What kind of Son of Man are you talking about?”

John 12:35

εἶπεν οὖν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς, ἔτι μικρὸν χρόνον, τὸ φῶς ἐν ὑμῖν ἐστιν. περιπατεῖτε ὡς τὸ φῶς ἔχετε, ἵνα μὴ σκοτία ὑμᾶς καταλάβῃ; καὶ ὁ περιπατῶν ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ, οὐκ οἶδεν ποῦ ὑπάγει

Here “light” is a metaphor for Jesus’ teachings which reveal the truth of God. To “walk in darkness” is a metaphor that means to live without God’s truth. Alternate translation: “My words are like a light to you, to help you understand how to live as God wants you to. I will not be with you much longer. You need to follow my instructions while I am still with you. If you reject my words, it will be like walking in darkness and you cannot see where you are going” (See: Metaphor)

John 12:36

ὡς τὸ φῶς ἔχετε, πιστεύετε εἰς τὸ φῶς, ἵνα υἱοὶ φωτὸς γένησθε

The “light” is a metaphor for the teachings of Jesus which reveal the truth of God. “sons of light” is a metaphor for those who accept the message of Jesus and live according to God’s truth. Alternate translation: “While I am with you, believe what I teach so that God’s truth will be in you” (See: Metaphor)

John 12:37

This is a break in the main story line as the John begins to explain about the fulfillment of prophesies that had been spoken by the prophet Isaiah.

John 12:38

ἵνα ὁ λόγος Ἠσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου πληρωθῇ

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “in order to fulfill the message of Isaiah the prophet” (See: Active or Passive)

Κύριε, τίς ἐπίστευσεν τῇ ἀκοῇ ἡμῶν? καὶ ὁ βραχίων Κυρίου τίνι ἀπεκαλύφθη

This appears in the form of two rhetorical questions to express the prophet’s dismay that the people do not believe his message.They may be stated as a single rhetorical question, Alternate translation: “Lord, hardly anyone has believed our message, even though they have seen that you are powerfully able to save them!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὁ βραχίων Κυρίου

This is a metonym that refers to the Lord’s ability to rescue with power. (See: Metonymy)

John 12:40

ἐπώρωσεν αὐτῶν τὴν καρδίαν…νοήσωσιν τῇ καρδίᾳ

Here “hearts” is a metonym for a person’s mind. The phrase “hardened their hearts” is a metaphor for making someone become stubborn. Also, to “understand with their hearts” means to “truly understand.” Alternate translation: “he has made them stubborn…truly understand” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

καὶ στραφῶσιν

Here “turn” is a metaphor for “repent.” Alternate translation: “and they would repent” (See: Metaphor)

John 12:42

ἵνα μὴ ἀποσυνάγωγοι γένωνται

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “so people would not stop them from going to the synagogue” (See: Active or Passive)

John 12:43

ἠγάπησαν…τὴν δόξαν τῶν ἀνθρώπων μᾶλλον ἤπερ τὴν δόξαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

“They wanted people to praise them more than they wanted God to praise them”

John 12:44

Now John returns to the main story line. This is another time when Jesus begins to speak to the crowd.

Ἰησοῦς…ἔκραξεν καὶ εἶπεν

Here John implies that a crowd of people had gathered to hear Jesus speak. Alternate translation: “Jesus shouted out to the crowd that had gathered” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 12:45

ὁ θεωρῶν ἐμὲ, θεωρεῖ τὸν πέμψαντά με

Here the word “him” refers to God. Alternate translation: “the one who sees me sees God, who sent me”

John 12:46

Jesus continues speaking to the crowd.

ἐγὼ φῶς…ἐλήλυθα

Here the “light” is a metaphor for Jesus’ example. Alternate translation: “I have come to show the truth” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ μὴ μείνῃ

Here “darkness” is a metaphor for living in ignorance of God’s truth. Alternate translation: “may not continue to be spiritually blind” (See: Metaphor)

τὸν κόσμον

Here “the world” is a metonym that represents all of the people in the world. (See: Metonymy)

John 12:47

αὶ ἐάν τίς μου ἀκούσῃ τῶν ῥημάτων, καὶ μὴ φυλάξῃ, ἐγὼ οὐ κρίνω αὐτόν, οὐ γὰρ ἦλθον, ἵνα κρίνω τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ’ ἵνα σώσω τὸν κόσμον

Here “to judge the world” implies condemnation. Jesus did not come to condemn people. Alternate translation: “If anyone hears my teaching and rejects it, I do not condemn him. I have not come to condemn people. Instead, I have come to save those who trust in me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 12:48

ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ

“at the time when God judges people’s sins”

John 12:49

Πατὴρ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 12:50

οἶδα, ὅτι ἡ ἐντολὴ αὐτοῦ ζωὴ αἰώνιός ἐστιν

“I know that the words that he commanded me to speak are the words that give life forever”

John 13

John 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The events of this chapter are commonly referred to as the last supper or the Lord’s supper. This Passover feast in many ways parallels Jesus’ sacrifice as the lamb of God. (See: Passover)

Special concepts in this chapter

The washing of feet

People in the ancient Near East thought that feet were very dirty. Only servants would wash people’s feet. The disciples did not want Jesus to wash their feet because they considered him their master and themselves his servants, but he wanted to show them that they needed to serve each other. (See: Symbolic Action)

I AM

John records Jesus as saying these words four times in this book, once in this chapter. They stand alone as a complete sentence, and they literally translate the Hebrew word for “I AM,” by which Yahweh identified himself to Moses. For these reasons, many people believe that when Jesus said these words he was claiming to be Yahweh. (See: Yahweh).

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Son of Man”

Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” in this chapter (John 13:31). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. (See: Son of Man, son of man and First, Second or Third Person)

John 13:1

It is not yet Passover and Jesus is together with his disciples for supper. These verses explain the setting of the story and give background information about Jesus and Judas. (See: Background Information)

Πατέρα

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ἀγαπήσας

This is the kind of love that comes from God, which is focused on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.

John 13:2

τοῦ διαβόλου ἤδη βεβληκότος εἰς τὴν καρδίαν, ἵνα παραδοῖ αὐτὸν Ἰούδας, Σίμωνος Ἰσκαριώτης

The phrase “put it into the heart” is an idiom that means to cause someone to think about something. Alternate translation: “the devil had already caused Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to think about betraying Jesus” (See: Idiom)

John 13:3

Verse 3 continues to tell us background information about what Jesus knew. The action in the story begins in verse 4. (See: Background Information)

Πατὴρ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

πάντα δέδωκεν αὐτῷ…εἰς τὰς χεῖρας

Here “his hands” is a metonym for power and authority. Alternate translation: “had given him complete power and authority over everything” (See: Metonymy)

ἀπὸ Θεοῦ ἐξῆλθεν καὶ πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν ὑπάγει

Jesus had always been with the Father, and would return there after his work on earth was finished.

John 13:4

ἐγείρεται ἐκ τοῦ δείπνου καὶ τίθησιν τὰ ἱμάτια

Because the region was very dusty, it was customary for the host of a dinner to provide a servant to wash the feet of the guests. Jesus took off his outer clothing so he would look like a servant.

John 13:5

ἤρξατο νίπτειν τοὺς πόδας τῶν μαθητῶν

Because the region was very dusty, it was customary for the host of a dinner to provide a servant to wash the feet of the guests. Jesus did the work of the servant by washing the disciples’ feet.

John 13:6

Κύριε, σύ μου νίπτεις τοὺς πόδας

Peter’s question shows that he is not willing for Jesus to wash his feet. Alternate translation: “Lord, it is not right for you to wash the feet of me, a sinner!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 13:8

ἐὰν μὴ νίψω σε, οὐκ ἔχεις μέρος μετ’ ἐμοῦ

Here Jesus states two negatives to convince Peter to allow him to wash his feet. Jesus implies that Peter must let him wash his feet if he wants to continue being a disciple. Alternate translation: “If I wash you, you will always belong with me” (See: Double Negatives and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 13:10

Jesus uses the word “you” to refer to all of his disciples.

Jesus continues to speak to Simon Peter.

ὁ λελουμένος οὐκ ἔχει χρείαν, εἰ μὴ τοὺς πόδας νίψασθαι

Here “bathed” is a metaphor that means that God has cleansed a person spiritually. Alternate translation: “If anyone has already received God’s forgiveness, he now only needs to receive cleansing from his daily sins” (See: Metaphor)

John 13:11

οὐχὶ πάντες καθαροί ἐστε

Jesus implies that the one who will betray him, Judas, has not trusted in him. Therefore God has not forgiven him of his sins. Alternate translation: “Not all of you have received God’s forgiveness” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 13:12

γινώσκετε τί πεποίηκα ὑμῖν

This remark appears in the form of a question so Jesus can emphasize the importance of what he is teaching his disciples. Alternate translation: “You need to understand what I have done for you!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 13:13

ὑμεῖς φωνεῖτέ με ὁ Διδάσκαλος καὶ, ὁ Κύριος

Here Jesus implies that his disciples have great respect for him. Alternate translation: “You show me great respect when you call me ‘teacher’ and ‘Lord.’” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 13:15

καθὼς ἐγὼ ἐποίησα ὑμῖν, καὶ ὑμεῖς ποιῆτε

Jesus implies that his disciples should be willing to follow his example and serve one another. Alternate translation: “you should also humbly serve each other” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 13:16

Jesus continues to speak to his disciples.

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

See how you translated this in John 1:51.

μείζων

one who is more important or more powerful, or one who should have an easier life or a more pleasant life

John 13:17

μακάριοί ἐστε

Here “bless” means to cause good, beneficial things to happen to a person. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will bless you” (See: Active or Passive)

John 13:18

ἵνα ἡ Γραφὴ πληρωθῇ

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “this is in order to fulfill the scripture” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ τρώγων μετ’ ἐμοῦ τὸν ἄρτον, ἐπῆρεν ἐπ’ ἐμὲ τὴν πτέρναν αὐτοῦ

Here the phrase “eats my bread” is an idiom for someone who pretends to be a friend. The phrase “lifted up his heel” is also an idiom, which means someone who has become an enemy. If you have idioms in your language that carry these meanings, you can use them here. Alternate translation: “the one who has pretended to be my friend has turned out to be an enemy” (See: Idiom)

John 13:19

ἀπ’ ἄρτι λέγω ὑμῖν πρὸ τοῦ γενέσθαι

“I am telling you now what is going to happen before it happens”

ἐγώ εἰμι

Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is identifying himself as Yahweh, who identified himself to Moses as “I AM,” or 2) Jesus is saying, “I am the one I claim to be.”

John 13:20

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

See how you translated this in John 1:51.

John 13:21

ἐταράχθη

concerned, upset

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

See how you translated this in John 1:51.

John 13:22

ἔβλεπον εἰς ἀλλήλους οἱ μαθηταὶ, ἀπορούμενοι περὶ τίνος λέγει

“The disciples looked at each other and wondered: “Who will betray Jesus?”

John 13:23

εἷς ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ…ὃν ἠγάπα ὁ Ἰησοῦς

This refers to John.

ἀνακείμενος

During the time of Christ, Jews would often dine together in the Greek style, in which they lay on their sides on low couches. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῷ κόλπῳ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ

Lying with one’s head against the side of another diner in the Greek style was considered to be the place of greatest friendship with him.

ἠγάπα

This kind of love comes from God and focuses on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.

John 13:26

Ἰσκαριώτη

This indicates that Judas was from the village of Kerioth. (See: Background Information)

John 13:27

καὶ μετὰ τὸ ψωμίον

The words “Judas took” are understood from the context. Alternate translation: “Then after Judas took the bread” (See: Ellipsis)

εἰσῆλθεν εἰς ἐκεῖνον ὁ Σατανᾶς

This is an idiom that means Satan took complete control of Judas. Alternate translation: “Satan took control of him” or “Satan started to command him” (See: Idiom)

λέγει οὖν αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς

Here Jesus is speaking to Judas.

ὃ ποιεῖς, ποίησον τάχειον

“Do quickly what you are planning to do!”

John 13:29

τοῖς πτωχοῖς ἵνα τι δῷ

You can translate this as a direct quote: “Go and give some money to the poor.”

John 13:30

ἐκεῖνος ἐξῆλθεν εὐθύς; ἦν…νύξ

John seems to draw attention here to the fact that Judas will do his evil or “dark” deed in the darkness of the night. Alternate translation: “he went out immediately into the dark night” (See: Background Information)

John 13:31

νῦν ἐδοξάσθη ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς ἐδοξάσθη ἐν αὐτῷ

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Now people are about to see how the Son of Man will receive honor and how God will receive honor through what the Son of Man is doing” (See: Active or Passive)

John 13:32

ὁ Θεὸς δοξάσει αὐτὸν ἐν αὐτῷ, καὶ εὐθὺς δοξάσει αὐτόν

The word “him” refers to the Son of Man. The word “himself” is a reflexive pronoun that refers to God. Alternate translation: “God himself will immediately give honor to the Son of Man” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

John 13:33

τεκνία

Jesus uses the term “Little children” to communicate that he loves the disciples as though they were his children.

καθὼς εἶπον τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις

Here “Jews” is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: “as I said to the Jewish leaders” (See: Synecdoche)

John 13:34

Jesus continues speaking to his disciples.

ἀγαπᾶτε

This is the kind of love that comes from God and focuses on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.

John 13:35

πάντες

You may need to make explicit that this exaggeration refers only to those people who see how the disciples love each other. (See: Hyperbole)

John 13:37

τὴν ψυχήν μου…θήσω

“give up my life” or “die”

John 13:38

τὴν ψυχήν σου ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ θήσεις

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis to Jesus’ statement. Alternate translation: “You say that you will die for me, but the truth is that you will not!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐ μὴ ἀλέκτωρ φωνήσῃ, ἕως οὗ ἀρνήσῃ με τρίς

“you will say that you do not know me three times before the rooster crows”

John 14

John 14 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“My Father’s house”

Jesus used these words to speak of heaven, where God lives, not of the temple. (See: heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly)

The Holy Spirit

Jesus told his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to them. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter (John 14:16) who is always with God’s people to help them and to speak to God for them, He is also the Spirit of truth (John 14:17) who tells God’s people what is true about God so they know him better and serve him well. (See: Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit)

John 14:1

The part of the story from the previous chapter continues. Jesus reclines at the table with his disciples and continues to speak to them.

μὴ ταρασσέσθω ὑμῶν ἡ καρδία

Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s inner being. Alternate translation: “Stop being so anxious and worried” (See: Metonymy)

John 14:2

ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ τοῦ Πατρός μου, μοναὶ πολλαί εἰσιν

“There are many places to live in my Father’s house”

ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ τοῦ Πατρός μου

This refers to heaven, where God lives.

Πατρός

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

μοναὶ πολλαί

The word “room” can refer to a single room, or to a larger dwelling.

πορεύομαι ἑτοιμάσαι τόπον ὑμῖν

Jesus will prepare a place in heaven for every person who trusts in him. The “you” is plural and refers to all his disciples. (See: Forms of You)

John 14:4

τὴν ὁδόν

This is a metaphor that has these possible meanings 1) “the way to God” or 2) “the one who takes people to God.” (See: Metaphor)

John 14:5

πῶς δυνάμεθα τὴν ὁδὸν εἰδέναι

“how can we know how to get there?”

John 14:6

ἡ ἀλήθεια

This is a metaphor that has these possible meanings 1) “the true person” or 2) “the one who speaks true words about God.” (See: Metaphor)

ἡ ζωή

This is a metaphor that means Jesus can give life to people. Alternate translation: “the one who can make people alive” (See: Metaphor)

οὐδεὶς ἔρχεται πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα, εἰ μὴ δι’ ἐμοῦ

People can come to God and live with him only by trusting Jesus. Alternate translation: “No one can come to the Father and live with him unless he comes through me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Πατέρα

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 14:8

Κύριε, δεῖξον ἡμῖν τὸν Πατέρα

The “Father” is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 14:9

τοσοῦτον χρόνον μεθ’ ὑμῶν εἰμι, καὶ οὐκ ἔγνωκάς με, Φίλιππε

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis to Jesus’ words. Alternate translation: “Philip, I have been with you disciples already for a very long time. You should know me by now!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὁ ἑωρακὼς ἐμὲ, ἑώρακεν τὸν Πατέρα

To see Jesus, who is God the Son, is to see God the Father. The “Father” is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

πῶς σὺ λέγεις, δεῖξον ἡμῖν τὸν Πατέρα

This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize Jesus’ words to Philip. Alternate translation: “So you really should not be saying, ‘Show us the Father!’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 14:10

Jesus asks Philip a question and then he continues to speak to all of his disciples.

οὐ πιστεύεις ὅτι ἐγὼ ἐν τῷ Πατρὶ, καὶ ὁ Πατὴρ ἐν ἐμοί ἐστιν

This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize Jesus’ words to Philip. Alternate translation: “You really should believe…in me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Πατρὶ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

τὰ ῥήματα ἃ ἐγὼ λαλῶ ὑμῖν, ἀπ’ ἐμαυτοῦ οὐ λαλῶ

“What I am telling you is not from me” or “The words I tell you are not from me”

τὰ ῥήματα ἃ ἐγὼ λαλῶ ὑμῖν

Here “you” is plural. Jesus is now speaking to all of his disciples.

John 14:11

ἐγὼ ἐν τῷ Πατρὶ, καὶ ὁ Πατὴρ ἐν ἐμοί

This is an idiom that means God the Father and Jesus have a unique relationship. Alternate translation: “I am one with the Father, and the Father is one with me” or “my Father and I are just as though we were one” (See: Idiom)

John 14:12

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

See how you translated this in John 1:51.

ὁ πιστεύων εἰς ἐμὲ

This means to believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

Πατέρα

This is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 14:13

ὅ τι ἂν αἰτήσητε ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου

Here “name” is a metonym that represents the authority of Jesus. Alternate translation: “Whatever you ask, using my authority” (See: Metonymy)

ἵνα δοξασθῇ ὁ Πατὴρ ἐν τῷ Υἱῷ

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “so I can show everyone how great my Father is” (See: Active or Passive)

Πατὴρ…Υἱῷ

These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 14:14

ἐάν τι αἰτήσητέ με ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου, ἐγὼ ποιήσω

Here “name” is a metonym that represents the authority of Jesus. Alternate translation: “If you ask me anything as one of my followers, I will do it” or “Whatever you ask of me, I will do it because you belong to me” (See: Metonymy)

John 14:16

Παράκλητον

This refers to the Holy Spirit.

John 14:17

Πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας

This refers to the Holy Spirit who teaches people what is true about God.

ὃ ὁ κόσμος οὐ δύναται λαβεῖν

Here the “world” is a metonym that refers to the people who oppose God. Alternate translation: “The unbelieving people in this world will never welcome him” or “Those who oppose God will not accept him” (See: Metonymy)

John 14:18

ἀφήσω ὑμᾶς ὀρφανούς

Here Jesus implies that he will not leave his disciples with no one to care for them. Alternate translation: “leave you with no one to care for you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 14:19

ὁ κόσμος

Here the “world” is a metonym that represents the people who do not belong to God. Alternate translation: “the unbelievers” (See: Metonymy)

John 14:20

γνώσεσθε ὑμεῖς ὅτι ἐγὼ ἐν τῷ Πατρί μου

God the Father and Jesus live as one person. Alternate translation: “you will know that my Father and I are just like one person”

Πατρί μου

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

καὶ ὑμεῖς ἐν ἐμοὶ, κἀγὼ ἐν ὑμῖν

“you and I are just like one person”

John 14:21

ἀγαπῶν

This kind of love comes from God and focuses on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.

ὁ…ἀγαπῶν με, ἀγαπηθήσεται ὑπὸ τοῦ Πατρός μου

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “my Father will love anyone who loves me” (See: Active or Passive)

Πατρός μου

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 14:22

Ἰούδας, οὐχ ὁ Ἰσκαριώτης

This refers to another disciple whose name was Judas, not to the disciple who was from the village of Kerioth who betrayed Jesus. (See: How to Translate Names)

τί γέγονεν, ὅτι ἡμῖν μέλλεις ἐμφανίζειν σεαυτὸ

Here the word “show” refers to revealing how wonderful Jesus is. Alternate translation: “Why will you reveal yourself only to us” or “Why will you only let us see how wonderful you are?”

οὐχὶ τῷ κόσμῳ

Here “world” is a metonym that represents the people who oppose God. Alternate translation: “not to those who do not belong to God” (See: Metonymy)

John 14:23

Jesus responds to Judas (not Iscariot).

ἐάν τις ἀγαπᾷ με, τὸν λόγον μου τηρήσει

“The one who loves me will do what I have told him to do”

ἀγαπᾷ

This kind of love comes from God and focuses on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.

ὁ Πατήρ μου

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

πρὸς αὐτὸν ἐλευσόμεθα, καὶ μονὴν παρ’ αὐτῷ ποιησόμεθα

The Father and the Son will share life with those who obey what Jesus commands. Alternate translation: “we will come to live with him, and will have a personal relationship with him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 14:24

ὁ λόγος ὃν ἀκούετε, οὐκ ἔστιν ἐμὸς, ἀλλὰ τοῦ πέμψαντός με Πατρός

“The things I have told you are not things that I have decided to say on my own”

ὁ λόγος

“The message”

ὃν ἀκούετε

Here when Jesus says “you” he is speaking to all of his disciples.

John 14:26

Πατὴρ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 14:27

κόσμος

The “world” is a metonym that represents those people who do not love God. (See: Metonymy)

μὴ ταρασσέσθω ὑμῶν ἡ καρδία, μηδὲ δειλιάτω

Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s inner being. Alternate translation: “So stop being anxious, and do not be afraid” (See: Metonymy)

John 14:28

ἠγαπᾶτέ

This kind of love comes from God and desires the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.

πορεύομαι πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα

Here Jesus implies that he will return to his Father. Alternate translation: “I am going back to the Father” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ Πατὴρ μείζων μού ἐστιν

Here Jesus implies that the Father has greater authority than the Son while the Son is on the earth. Alternate translation: “the Father has greater authority than I have here” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Πατέρα

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 14:30

τοῦ κόσμου ἄρχων

Here “ruler” refers to Satan. See how you translated this in John 12:31. Alternate translation: “Satan who rules this world”

ἔρχεται…ἄρχων

Here Jesus implies that Satan is coming to attack him. Alternate translation: “Satan is coming to attack me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 14:31

ἵνα γνῷ ὁ κόσμος

Here the “world” is a metonym for the people who do not belong to God. Alternate translation: “in order that the ones who do not belong to God may know” (See: Metonymy)

τὸν Πατέρα

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 15

John 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter

Vine

Jesus used the vine as a metaphor for himself. This is because the vine of the grape plant is what takes water and minerals from the ground to the leaves and grapes. Without the vine, the grapes and leaves die. He wanted his followers to know that unless they loved and obeyed him, they would be unable to do anything that pleased God. (See: Metaphor)

John 15:1

The part of the story from the previous chapter continues. Jesus reclines at the table with his disciples and continues to speak to them.

ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ ἄμπελος ἡ ἀληθινή

Here the “true vine” is a metaphor. Jesus compares himself to a vine or a vine stem. He is the source of life that causes people to live in a way that pleases God. Alternate translation: “I am like a vine that produces good fruit” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ Πατήρ μου ὁ γεωργός ἐστιν

The “gardener” is a metaphor. A “gardener” is a person who takes care of the vine to ensure it is as fruitful as possible. Alternate translation: “my Father is like a gardener” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ Πατήρ μου

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 15:2

πᾶν κλῆμα ἐν ἐμοὶ μὴ φέρον καρπὸν, αἴρει

Here “every branch” represents people, and “bear fruit” represents living in a way that pleases God. (See: Metaphor)

αἴρει

“cuts off and takes away”

πᾶν…καθαίρει

“trims every branch”

John 15:3

ἤδη ὑμεῖς καθαροί ἐστε, διὰ τὸν λόγον ὃν λελάληκα ὑμῖν

The implied metaphor here is the “clean branches” that have already been “pruned.” Alternate translation: “It is as if you have already been pruned and are clean branches because you have obeyed what I have taught you” (See: Metaphor)

ὑμεῖς…ὑμῖν

The word “you” throughout this passage is plural and refers to the disciples of Jesus. (See: Forms of You)

John 15:4

μείνατε ἐν ἐμοί, κἀγὼ ἐν ὑμῖν

“If you remain joined to me, I will remain joined to you” or “Remain joined to me, and I will remain joined to you”

ἐὰν μὴ ἐν ἐμοὶ μένητε

By remaining in Christ, those who belong to him depend on him for everything. Alternate translation: “unless you stay joined to me and depend upon me for everything”

John 15:5

ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ ἄμπελος; ὑμεῖς τὰ κλήματα

The “vine” is a metaphor that represents Jesus. The “branches” is a metaphor that represent those who trust in Jesus and belong to him. Alternate translation: “I am like a vine, and you are like branches that are attached to the vine” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ μένων ἐν ἐμοὶ κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτῷ

Here Jesus implies that his followers are joined to him as he is joined to God. Alternate translation: “He who stays joined to me, as I stay joined to my Father” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὗτος φέρει καρπὸν πολύν

The implied metaphor here is the fruitful branch that represents the believer who pleases God. Just as a branch that is attached to the vine will bear much fruit, those who stay joined to Jesus will do many things that please God. Alternate translation: “you will bear much fruit” (See: Metaphor)

John 15:6

ἐβλήθη ἔξω ὡς τὸ κλῆμα καὶ ἐξηράνθη

Here the implied metaphor is the unfruitful branch that represents those who do not stay joined to Jesus. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “the vinedresser throws him away like a branch and it dries up” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

καίεται

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “the fire burns them” (See: Active or Passive)

John 15:7

ὃ ἐὰν θέλητε, αἰτήσασθε

Jesus implies that believers must ask God to answer their prayers. Alternate translation: “ask God whatever you wish” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

γενήσεται ὑμῖν

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “he will do it for you” (See: Active or Passive)

John 15:8

ἐν τούτῳ ἐδοξάσθη ὁ Πατήρ μου

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “It causes people to honor my Father” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ Πατήρ μου

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ἵνα καρπὸν πολὺν φέρητε

Here “fruit” is a metaphor for living to please God. Alternate translation: “when you live in a way that pleases him” (See: Metaphor)

γένησθε ἐμοὶ μαθηταί

“show you are my disciples” or “demonstrate you are my disciples”

John 15:9

καθὼς ἠγάπησέν με ὁ Πατήρ, κἀγὼ ὑμᾶς ἠγάπησα

Jesus shares the love that God the Father has for him with those who trust in him. Here “Father” is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

μείνατε ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ τῇ ἐμῇ

“Continue to accept my love”

John 15:10

ἐὰν τὰς ἐντολάς μου τηρήσητε, μενεῖτε ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ μου, καθὼς ἐγὼ τοῦ Πατρός τὰς ἐντολὰς τετήρηκα, καὶ μένω αὐτοῦ ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ

When Jesus’ followers obey him, they show their love for him. Alternate translation: “When you do the things I have told you to do, you are living in my love, just as I obey my Father and live in his love” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῦ Πατρός

Here “Father” is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 15:11

ταῦτα λελάληκα ὑμῖν, ἵνα ἡ χαρὰ ἡ ἐμὴ ἐν ὑμῖν ᾖ

“I have told you these things so that you will have the same kind of joy that I have”

καὶ ἡ χαρὰ ὑμῶν πληρωθῇ

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “so that you will be completely joyful” or “so that your joy may have nothing missing” (See: Active or Passive)

John 15:13

τὴν ψυχὴν

This refers to physical life.

John 15:15

πάντα ἃ ἤκουσα παρὰ τοῦ Πατρός μου, ἐγνώρισα ὑμῖν

“I have told you everything my Father told me”

τοῦ Πατρός μου

Here “Father” is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 15:16

οὐχ ὑμεῖς με ἐξελέξασθε

Jesus implies that his followers did not decide on their own to become his disciples. Alternate translation: “You did not decide to become my disciples” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὑπάγητε καὶ καρπὸν φέρητε

Here “fruit” is a metaphor that represents a life that is pleasing to God. Alternate translation: “live lives that please God” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ ὁ καρπὸς ὑμῶν μένῃ

“that the results of what you do should last forever”

ὅ τι ἂν αἰτήσητε τὸν Πατέρα ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου, δῷ ὑμῖν

Here “name” is a metonym that represents the authority of Jesus. Alternate translation: “Because you belong to me, whatever you ask of the Father, he will give it to you” (See: Metonymy)

τὸν Πατέρα

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 15:18

ὁ κόσμος

the people who do not belong to God and are opposed to him (See: Metonymy)

John 15:19

τοῦ κόσμου

the people who do not belong to God and are opposed to him (See: Metonymy)

ἐφίλει

This refers to human, brotherly love or love for a friend or family member.

John 15:20

μνημονεύετε τοῦ λόγου οὗ ἐγὼ εἶπον ὑμῖν

Here “word” is a metonym for the message of Jesus. Alternate translation: “Remember the message that I spoke to you” (See: Metonymy)

John 15:21

διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου

Here “because of my name” is a metonym that represents Jesus. People will make his followers suffer because they belong to him. Alternate translation: “because you belong to me” (See: Metonymy)

John 15:22

εἰ μὴ ἦλθον καὶ ἐλάλησα αὐτοῖς, ἁμαρτίαν οὐκ εἴχοσαν; νῦν δὲ πρόφασιν οὐκ ἔχουσιν περὶ τῆς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν

Jesus implies here that he has shared God’s message with those who do not trust him. Alternate translation: “Because I have come and told them God’s message, they have no excuse when God judges them for their sins” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 15:23

ὁ ἐμὲ μισῶν, καὶ τὸν Πατέρα μου μισεῖ

To hate God the Son is to hate God the Father.

τὸν Πατέρα

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 15:24

εἰ τὰ ἔργα μὴ ἐποίησα ἐν αὐτοῖς ἃ οὐδεὶς ἄλλος ἐποίησεν, ἁμαρτίαν οὐκ εἴχοσαν…δὲ

You can translate this double negative in a positive form. Alternate translation: “Because I have done among them the works that no one else did, they have had sin, and” (See: Double Negatives)

ἁμαρτίαν οὐκ εἴχοσαν

“they would not have any sin.” See how you translated this in John 15:22.

καὶ ἑωράκασιν καὶ μεμισήκασιν, καὶ ἐμὲ καὶ τὸν Πατέρα μου

To hate God the Son is to hate God the Father.

John 15:25

ἵνα πληρωθῇ ὁ λόγος ὁ ἐν τῷ νόμῳ αὐτῶν γεγραμμένος

You can translate this in an active form. “Word” here is a metonym for the entire message of God. Alternate translation: “to fulfill the prophecy in their law” and “to fulfill the prophecy in their law” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

τῷ νόμῳ

This refers generally to the entire Old Testament, which contained all of God’s instructions for his people.

John 15:26

πέμψω…παρὰ τοῦ Πατρός, τὸ Πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας…ἐκεῖνος μαρτυρήσει περὶ ἐμοῦ

God the Father sent God the Spirit to show the world that Jesus is God the Son.

Πατρός

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

τὸ Πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας

This is a title for the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “the Spirit who tells the truth about God and me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 15:27

καὶ ὑμεῖς…μαρτυρεῖτε

Here “testifying” means to tell others about Jesus. Alternate translation: “You also must tell everyone what you know about me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀρχῆς

Here the “beginning” is a metonym that means the first days of Jesus’ ministry. Alternate translation: “from the very first days when I began teaching the people and doing miracles” (See: Metonymy)

John 16

John 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The Holy Spirit

Jesus told his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to them. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter (John 14:16) who is always with God’s people to help them and to speak to God for them, He is also the Spirit of truth (John 14:17) who tells God’s people what is true about God so they know him better and serve him well. (See: Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit)

“The hour is coming”

Jesus used these words to begin prophecies about times that could be shorter or longer than sixty minutes. “The hour” in which people would persecute his followers (John 16:2) was days, weeks, and years long, but “the hour” in which his disciples would scatter and leave him alone (John 16:32) was less than sixty minutes long. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Simile

Jesus said that just as a woman is in pain as she gives birth to a baby and his followers would be sad when he died. But the woman is glad after the baby is born, and his followers would be happy when he became alive again. (See: Simile)

John 16:1

The part of the story from the previous chapter continues. Jesus reclines at the table with his disciples and continues to speak to them.

μὴ σκανδαλισθῆτε

Here the phrase “fall away” implies to stop putting one’s trust in Jesus. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “you will not stop trusting in me because of the difficulties you must face” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

John 16:2

ἔρχεται ὥρα, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ ἀποκτείνας ὑμᾶς, δόξῃ λατρείαν προσφέρειν τῷ Θεῷ

“it will someday happen that a person will kill you and think he is doing something good for God.”

John 16:3

ταῦτα ποιήσουσιν, ὅτι οὐκ ἔγνωσαν τὸν Πατέρα οὐδὲ ἐμέ

They will kill some believers because they do not know God the Father or Jesus.

Πατέρα

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 16:4

ὅταν ἔλθῃ ἡ ὥρα αὐτῶν

Here “hour” is a metonym that refers to the time when people will persecute Jesus’ followers. Alternate translation: “when they cause you to suffer” (See: Metonymy)

ἐξ ἀρχῆς

This is a metonym that refers to the first days of Jesus’ ministry. Alternate translation: “when you first started following me” (See: Metonymy)

John 16:6

ἡ λύπη πεπλήρωκεν ὑμῶν τὴν καρδίαν

Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s inner being. Alternate translation: “you are now very sad” (See: Metonymy)

John 16:7

ἐὰν…μὴ ἀπέλθω, ὁ Παράκλητος οὐκ ἐλεύσεται πρὸς ὑμᾶς

You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “the Comforter will come to you only if I go away” (See: Double Negatives)

Παράκλητος

This is a title for the Holy Spirit who will be with the disciples after Jesus goes away. See how you translated this in John 14:26.

John 16:8

ἐκεῖνος ἐλέγξει τὸν κόσμον περὶ ἁμαρτίας

When the Holy Spirit came, he began to show people that they are sinners.

ἐκεῖνος

This refers to the Holy Spirit. See how you translated this in John 14:16.

κόσμον

This is a metonym that refers to the people in the world.(See: Metonymy)

John 16:9

περὶ ἁμαρτίας μέν, ὅτι οὐ πιστεύουσιν εἰς ἐμὲ

“they are guilty of sin because they do not trust in me”

John 16:10

περὶ δικαιοσύνης…ὅτι πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα ὑπάγω, καὶ οὐκέτι θεωρεῖτέ με

“when I return to God, and they see me no more, they will know that I did the right things”

Πατέρα

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 16:11

περὶ…κρίσεως, ὅτι ὁ ἄρχων τοῦ κόσμου τούτου κέκριται

“God will hold them accountable and will punish them for their sins, just as he will punish Satan, the one who rules this world”

ὁ ἄρχων τοῦ κόσμου τούτου

Here “ruler” refers to Satan. See how you translated this in John 12:31. Alternate translation: “Satan who rules this world”

John 16:12

πολλὰ…ὑμῖν λέγειν

“messages for you” or “words for you”

John 16:13

τὸ Πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας

This is a name for the Holy Spirit who will tell the people the truth about God.

ὁδηγήσει ὑμᾶς ἐν τῇ ἀληθείᾳ πάσῃ

The “truth” refers to spiritual truth. Alternate translation: “he will teach you all the spiritual truth you need to know” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὅσα ἀκούσει, λαλήσει

Jesus implies that God the Father will speak to the Spirit. Alternate translation: “he will say whatever God tells him to say” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 16:14

ἐκ τοῦ ἐμοῦ λήμψεται, καὶ ἀναγγελεῖ ὑμῖν

Here “things of mine” refers to Jesus’ teaching and mighty works. Alternate translation: “he will reveal to you that what I have said and done are indeed true” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 16:15

Πατὴρ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ἐκ τοῦ ἐμοῦ λαμβάνει, καὶ ἀναγγελεῖ ὑμῖν

The Holy Spirit will tell people that the words and works of Jesus are true. Alternate translation: “The Holy Spirit will tell everyone that my words and works are true” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 16:16

μικρὸν

“Soon” or “Before much time passes”

καὶ πάλιν μικρὸν

“again, before much time passes”

John 16:17

There is a break in Jesus’ speaking as his disciples ask each other about what Jesus meant.

μικρὸν…οὐ θεωρεῖτέ με

The disciples did not understand that this refers to Jesus’ death on the cross.

πάλιν μικρὸν καὶ ὄψεσθέ με

Possible meanings are 1) This could refer to Jesus’ resurrection or 2) This could refer to Jesus’ coming at the end of time.

τὸν Πατέρα

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 16:19

Jesus continues speaking to his disciples.

περὶ τούτου ζητεῖτε μετ’ ἀλλήλων, ὅτι εἶπον, μικρὸν καὶ οὐ θεωρεῖτέ με; καὶ πάλιν μικρὸν καὶ ὄψεσθέ με

Jesus uses this question so his disciples will focus on what he has just told them, so he can explain further. Alternate translation: “You are asking yourselves what I meant when I said,…see me.’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 16:20

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν

Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated this in John 1:51.

ὁ δὲ κόσμος χαρήσεται

Here the “world” is a metonym for the people who oppose God. Alternate translation: “but the people who oppose God will be glad” (See: Metonymy)

ἀλλ’ ἡ λύπη ὑμῶν εἰς χαρὰν γενήσεται

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “but your sadness will become joy” or “but afterwards instead of being sad you will be very happy” (See: Active or Passive)

John 16:22

χαρήσεται ὑμῶν ἡ καρδία

Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s inner being. Alternate translation: “you will be very happy” or “you will be very joyful” (See: Metonymy)

John 16:23

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν

Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated this in John 1:51.

ἄν τι αἰτήσητε τὸν Πατέρα, δώσει ὑμῖν ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου

Here the word “name” is a metonym that refers to the person and authority of Jesus. Alternate translation: “if you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you because you belong to me” (See: Metonymy)

Πατέρα

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου

Here “name” is a metonym that refers to the person and authority of Jesus. The Father will honor the requests of the believers because of their relationship with Jesus. Alternate translation: “because you are my followers” or “on my authority” (See: Metonymy)

John 16:24

ἡ χαρὰ ὑμῶν ᾖ πεπληρωμένη

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will give you great joy” (See: Active or Passive)

John 16:25

ἐν παροιμίαις

“in language that is not clear”

ἔρχεται ὥρα

“it will soon happen”

παρρησίᾳ περὶ τοῦ Πατρὸς ἀπαγγελῶ ὑμῖν

“tell you about the Father in a way that you will clearly understand.”

Πατρὸς

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 16:26

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου αἰτήσεσθε

Here “name” is a metonym for the person and authority of Jesus. Alternate translation: “you will ask because you belong to me” (See: Metonymy)

Πατέρα

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 16:27

αὐτὸς…ὁ Πατὴρ φιλεῖ ὑμᾶς, ὅτι ὑμεῖς ἐμὲ πεφιλήκατε

When a person loves Jesus, the Son, they also love the Father, because the Father and Son are one.

ἐγὼ παρὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐξῆλθον

Here “Father” is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 16:28

ἐξῆλθον παρὰ τοῦ Πατρὸς, καὶ ἐλήλυθα εἰς τὸν κόσμον; πάλιν ἀφίημι τὸν κόσμον, καὶ πορεύομαι πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα

After his death and resurrection, Jesus will return to God the Father.

ἐξῆλθον παρὰ τοῦ Πατρὸς…πορεύομαι πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα

Here “Father” is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

κόσμον

The “world” is a metonym that refers to the people who live in the world. (See: Metonymy)

John 16:29

The disciples respond to Jesus.

John 16:31

ἄρτι πιστεύετε

This remarks appears in the form of a question to show that Jesus is puzzled that his disciples are only now ready to trust him. Alternate translation: “So, now you finally place your trust in me! (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 16:32

Jesus continues speaking to his disciples.

σκορπισθῆτε

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “others will scatter you” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ Πατὴρ μετ’ ἐμοῦ ἐστιν

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 16:33

ἵνα ἐν ἐμοὶ εἰρήνην ἔχητε

Here “peace” refers to inner peace. Alternate translation: “so that you may have inner peace because of your relationship with me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐγὼ νενίκηκα τὸν κόσμον

Here “the world” refers to the troubles and persecution that believers will endure from those who oppose God. Alternate translation: “I have conquered the troubles of this world” (See: Metonymy)

John 17

John 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter forms one long prayer.

Special concepts in this chapter

Glory

Scripture often speaks of God’s glory as a great, brilliant light. When people see this light, they are afraid. In this chapter Jesus asks God to show his followers his true glory (John 17:1).

Jesus is eternal

Jesus existed before God created the world (John 17:5). John wrote about this in John 1:1.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Prayer

Jesus is God’s one and only Son (John 3:16), so he could pray differently from the way other people pray. He used many words that sounded like commands. Your translation should make Jesus sound like a son speaking with love and respect to his father and telling him what the father needs to do so that the father will be happy.

John 17:1

The part of the story from the previous chapter continues. Jesus had been speaking to his disciples, but now he begins to pray to God.

ἐπάρας τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν

This is an idiom that means to look upward. Alternate translation: “he looked up to the sky” (See: Idiom)

οὐρανὸν

This refers to the sky.

Πάτερ…δόξασόν σου τὸν Υἱόν, ἵνα ὁ Υἱὸς δοξάσῃ σέ

Jesus asks God the Father to honor him so that he can give honor to God.

Πάτερ…Υἱὸς

These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ἐλήλυθεν ἡ ὥρα

Here the word “hour” is a metonym that refers to the time for Jesus to suffer and die. Alternate translation: “it is time for me to suffer and die” (See: Metonymy)

John 17:2

πάσης σαρκός

This refers to all people.

John 17:3

αὕτη δέ ἐστιν ἡ αἰώνιος ζωὴ, ἵνα γινώσκωσι σὲ, τὸν μόνον ἀληθινὸν Θεὸν, καὶ ὃν ἀπέστειλας, Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν

Eternal life is to know the only true God, God the Father and God the Son.

John 17:4

τὸ ἔργον…ὃ δέδωκάς μοι ἵνα ποιήσω

Here “work” is a metonym that refers to Jesus’ entire earthly ministry. (See: Metonymy)

John 17:5

δόξασόν με σύ, Πάτερ…τῇ δόξῃ ᾗ εἶχον πρὸ τοῦ τὸν κόσμον, εἶναι παρὰ σοί

Jesus had glory with God the Father “before the world was made” because Jesus is God the Son. Alternate translation: “Father, give me honor by bringing me into your presence as we were before we made the world” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Πάτερ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 17:6

Jesus begins to pray for his disciples.

ἐφανέρωσά σου τὸ ὄνομα

Here “name” is a metonym that refers to the person of God. Alternate translation: “I taught them who you really are and what you are like” (See: Metonymy)

ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου

Here “world” is a metonym that refers to the people of the world that oppose God. This means that God has separated the believers spiritually from the people who do not believe in him. (See: Metonymy)

τὸν λόγον σου τετήρηκαν

This is an idiom that means to obey. Alternate translation: “obeyed your teaching” (See: Idiom)

John 17:9

οὐ περὶ τοῦ κόσμου ἐρωτῶ

Here the word “world” is a metonym that refers to the people who oppose God. Alternate translation: “I am not praying for those who do not belong to you” (See: Metonymy)

John 17:11

ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ

This is a metonym that refers to being on earth and being among the people who oppose God. Alternate translation: “among the people who do not belong to you” (See: Metonymy)

Πάτερ Ἅγιε, τήρησον αὐτοὺς…ἵνα ὦσιν ἓν, καθὼς ἡμεῖς

Jesus asks the Father to keep those who trust in him so they can have a close relationship with God.

Πάτερ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

τήρησον αὐτοὺς ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου, ᾧ δέδωκάς μοι

Here the word “name” is a metonym for God’s power and authority. Alternate translation: “keep them safe by your power and authority, which you have given me” (See: Metonymy)

John 17:12

ἐγὼ ἐτήρουν αὐτοὺς ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου

Here “name” is a metonym that refers to the power and protection of God. Alternate translation: “I kept them with your protection” (See: Metonymy)

οὐδεὶς ἐξ αὐτῶν ἀπώλετο, εἰ μὴ ὁ υἱὸς τῆς ἀπωλείας

“the only one among them who was destroyed is the son of destruction”

ὁ υἱὸς τῆς ἀπωλείας

This refers to Judas, who betrayed Jesus. Alternate translation: “the one whom you long ago decided you would destroy” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἵνα ἡ Γραφὴ πληρωθῇ

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “to fulfill the prophecy about him in the scriptures” (See: Active or Passive)

John 17:13

τῷ κόσμῳ

These words are a metonym for the people who live in the world. (See: Metonymy)

ἵνα ἔχωσιν τὴν χαρὰν τὴν ἐμὴν, πεπληρωμένην ἐν ἑαυτοῖς

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “so that you might give them great joy” (See: Active or Passive)

John 17:14

ἐγὼ δέδωκα αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον σου

“I have spoken your message to them”

ὁ κόσμος…ὅτι οὐκ εἰσὶν ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου…ἐγὼ οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου

Here “the “world” is a metonym that refers to the people who oppose God. Alternate translation: “The people who oppose you have hated my followers because they do not belong to those who do not believe, just as I do not belong to them” (See: Metonymy)

John 17:15

τοῦ κόσμου

In this passage, “the world” is a metonym for the people who oppose God. (See: Metonymy)

τηρήσῃς αὐτοὺς ἐκ τοῦ πονηροῦ

This refers to Satan. Alternate translation: “protect them from Satan, the evil one” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 17:17

ἁγίασον αὐτοὺς ἐν τῇ ἀληθείᾳ

The purpose for setting them apart can be stated clearly. The phrase “by the truth” here represents by teaching the truth. Alternate translation: “Make them your own people by teaching them the truth” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ λόγος ὁ σὸς ἀλήθειά ἐστιν

“Your message is true” or “What you say is true”

John 17:18

εἰς τὸν κόσμον

Here into “the world” is a metonym that means to the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: “to the people of the world” (See: Metonymy)

John 17:19

ἵνα ὦσιν καὶ αὐτοὶ ἡγιασμένοι ἐν ἀληθείᾳ

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “so that they may also set apart themselves truly to you” (See: Active or Passive)

John 17:20

τῶν πιστευόντων διὰ τοῦ λόγου αὐτῶν εἰς ἐμὲ

“those who will believe in me because they teach about me”

John 17:21

πάντες ἓν ὦσιν, καθὼς σύ, Πάτερ, ἐν ἐμοὶ, κἀγὼ ἐν σοί, ἵνα καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐν ἡμῖν ὦσιν

Those who trust in Jesus become united with the Father and the Son when they believe.

Πάτερ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ὁ κόσμος

Here the “the world” is a metonym that refers to the people who do not yet know God. Alternate translation: “the people who do not know God” (See: Metonymy)

John 17:22

κἀγὼ τὴν, δόξαν ἣν δέδωκάς μοι, δέδωκα αὐτοῖς

“I have honored my followers just as you have honored me”

ἵνα ὦσιν ἓν, καθὼς ἡμεῖς ἕν

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “so that you can unite them just as you have united us” (See: Active or Passive)

John 17:23

ἵνα ὦσιν τετελειωμένοι εἰς ἕν

“that they may be completely united”

ἵνα γινώσκῃ ὁ κόσμος

Here “the world” is a metonym that refers to the people who do not know God. Alternate translation: “that all the people will know” (See: Metonymy)

ἠγάπησας

This kind of love comes from God and focuses on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.

John 17:24

Πάτερ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ὅπου εἰμὶ ἐγὼ

Here “where I am” refers to heaven. Alternate translation: “with me in heaven” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

θεωρῶσιν τὴν δόξαν τὴν ἐμὴν

“to see my greatness”

πρὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου

Here Jesus refers to the time before creation. Alternate translation: “before we created the world” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 17:25

Jesus finishes his prayer.

Πάτερ δίκαιε

Here “Father” is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ὁ κόσμος σε οὐκ ἔγνω

The “world” is a metonym for the people who do not belong to God. Alternate translation: “those who do not belong to you do not know what you are like” (See: Metonymy)

John 17:26

ἐγνώρισα αὐτοῖς τὸ ὄνομά σου

The word “name” refers to God. Alternate translation: “I have revealed to them what you are like” (See: Metonymy)

ἀγάπη…ἠγάπησάς

This kind of love comes from God and focuses on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.

John 18

John 18 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Verse 14 says, “Now Caiaphas was the one who had given the advice to the Jews that it would be better that one man die for the people.” The author says this to help the reader understand why it was to Caiaphas that they took Jesus. You might want to put these words in parentheses. (See: Background Information)

Special concepts in this chapter

“It is not lawful for us to put any man to death”

The Roman government did not allow the Jews to kill criminals, so the Jews needed to ask Pilate, the governor, to kill him (John 18:31).

Jesus’ kingdom

No one knows for sure what Jesus meant when he told Pilate that his kingdom was not “of this world” (John 18:36). Some people think that Jesus means that his kingdom is only spiritual and that he has no visible kingdom on this earth, Other people think that Jesus meant that he would not build and rule his kingdom by force, the way other kings build theirs. It is possible to translate the words “is not of this world” as “is not from this place” or “comes from another place.”

King of the Jews

When Pilate asked if Jesus were the King of the Jews (John 18:33), he was asking if Jesus were claiming to be like King Herod, whom the Romans were permitting to rule Judea. When he asked the crowd if he should release the King of the Jews (John 18:39), he is mocking the Jews, because the Romans and Jews hated each other. He was also mocking Jesus, because he did not think that Jesus was a king at all, (See: Irony)

John 18:1

Verses 1-2 give background information for the events that follow. Verse 1 tells where they took place, and verse 2 gives background information about Judas. (See: Background Information)

ταῦτα εἰπὼν, Ἰησοῦς

The author uses these words to mark the beginning of a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

Κεδρὼν

a valley in Jerusalem separating the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives (See: How to Translate Names)

ὅπου ἦν κῆπος

This was a grove of olive trees. Alternate translation: “where there was a grove of olive trees” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 18:4

Jesus begins to speak with the soldiers, officers, and Pharisees.

Ἰησοῦς οὖν εἰδὼς πάντα τὰ ἐρχόμενα ἐπ’ αὐτὸν

“Then Jesus, who knew everything that was about to happen to him”

John 18:5

Ἰησοῦν τὸν Ναζωραῖον

“Jesus, the man from Nazareth”

ἐγώ εἰμι

The word “he” is implied in the text. Alternate translation: “I am he” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ παραδιδοὺς αὐτὸν

“who handed him over”

John 18:6

ἐγώ εἰμι

Here the word “he” is not present in the original text, but it is implied. Alternate translation: “I am he” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔπεσαν χαμαί

The men fell to the ground because of Jesus’ power. Alternate translation: “fell down because of Jesus’ power” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 18:7

Ἰησοῦν τὸν Ναζωραῖον

“Jesus, the man from Nazareth”

John 18:8

In verse 9 there is a break from the main story line as John tells us background information about Jesus fulfilling Scripture. (See: Background Information)

ἐγώ εἰμι

Here the word “he” is not present in the original text, but it is implied. Alternate translation: “I am he” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 18:9

ἵνα πληρωθῇ ὁ λόγος ὃν εἶπεν

Here “the word” refers to the words Jesus had prayed. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “This happened in order to fulfill the words that he had said when he was praying to his Father” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

John 18:10

Μάλχος

Malchus is a male servant of the high priest. (See: How to Translate Names)

John 18:11

θήκην

the cover for a sharp knife or sword, so the knife will not cut the owner

τὸ ποτήριον ὃ δέδωκέν μοι ὁ Πατὴρ, οὐ μὴ πίω αὐτό

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis to Jesus’ statement. Alternate translation: “I must surely drink the cup that the Father has given to me!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τὸ ποτήριον

Here “cup” is a metaphor that refers to the suffering that Jesus must endure. (See: Metaphor)

Πατὴρ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 18:12

Verse 14 tells us background information about Caiaphas. (See: Background Information)

τῶν Ἰουδαίων

Here “the Jews” is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: Synecdoche)

συνέλαβον τὸν Ἰησοῦν καὶ ἔδησαν αὐτὸν

The soldiers tied Jesus’ hands to prevent him from escaping. Alternate translation: “captured Jesus and tied him up to prevent him from escaping” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 18:15

ὁ δὲ μαθητὴς ἐκεῖνος ἦν γνωστὸς τῷ ἀρχιερεῖ, καὶ συνεισῆλθεν τῷ Ἰησοῦ

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Now the high priest knew that disciple so he was able to enter with Jesus” (See: Active or Passive)

John 18:16

οὖν ὁ μαθητὴς ὁ ἄλλος ὅς ἦν γνωστὸς τοῦ ἀρχιερέως

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “So the other disciple, whom the high priest knew” (See: Active or Passive)

John 18:17

μὴ καὶ σὺ ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν εἶ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τούτου

This appears in the form of a question to enable the servant to express her remark somewhat cautiously. Alternate translation: “You are also one of the arrested man’s disciples! Are you not?” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 18:18

ἵστήκεισαν δὲ οἱ δοῦλοι καὶ οἱ ὑπηρέται, ἀνθρακιὰν πεποιηκότες, ὅτι ψῦχος ἦν, καὶ ἐθερμαίνοντο

These were the high priest’s servants and the temple guards. Alternate translation: “It was cold, so the high priest’s servants and temple guards made a charcoal fire and were standing and warming themselves around it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

δὲ

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line so John can add the information about the people who were warming themselves around the fire. (See: Background Information)

John 18:19

Here the story line shifts back to Jesus.

ὁ…ἀρχιερεὺς

This was Caiphas (John 18:13).

περὶ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ, καὶ περὶ τῆς διδαχῆς αὐτοῦ

Here “his teaching” refers to what Jesus had been teaching the people. Alternate translation: “about his disciples and what he had been teaching the people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 18:20

ἐγὼ παρρησίᾳ λελάληκα τῷ κόσμῳ

You may need to make explicit that the word “world” is a metonym for those people who had heard Jesus teach. Here the exaggeration “the world” emphasizes that Jesus has spoken openly. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Metonymy and Hyperbole)

ὅπου πάντες οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι συνέρχονται

Here “all the Jews” is an exaggeration that emphasizes that Jesus spoke where anyone who wanted to hear him could hear him. (See: Hyperbole)

John 18:21

τί με ἐρωτᾷς

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis to what Jesus is saying. Alternate translation: “You should not be asking me these questions!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 18:22

οὕτως ἀποκρίνῃ τῷ ἀρχιερεῖ

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “That is not how you should answer the high priest!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 18:23

μαρτύρησον περὶ τοῦ κακοῦ

“tell me what I said that was wrong”

εἰ…καλῶς, τί με δέρεις

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis to what Jesus is saying. Alternate translation: “if I said only what was right, you should not be hitting me!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 18:25

Here the story line shifts back to Peter.

δὲ

This word is used to mark a break in the story line so John can provide information about Peter. (See: Background Information)

μὴ καὶ σὺ ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ εἶ

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “You are also one of his disciples!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 18:26

οὐκ ἐγώ σε εἶδον ἐν τῷ κήπῳ μετ’ αὐτοῦ

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Here the word “him” refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “I saw you in the olive tree grove with the man they arrested! Did I not?” (See: Rhetorical Question and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 18:27

πάλιν οὖν ἠρνήσατο Πέτρος

Here it is implied that Peter denied knowing and being with Jesus. Alternate translation: “Peter then denied again that he knew Jesus or that he had been with him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εὐθέως ἀλέκτωρ ἐφώνησεν

Here it is assumed the reader will remember that Jesus had said Peter would deny him before the rooster crowed. Alternate translation: “immediately the rooster crowed, just as Jesus had said would happen” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 18:28

Here the story line shifts back to Jesus. The soldiers and Jesus’ accusers bring him to Caiaphas. Verse 28 gives us background information about why they did not enter the Praetorium. (See: Background Information)

ἄγουσιν οὖν τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἀπὸ τοῦ Καϊάφα

Here it is implied that they are leading Jesus from Caiaphas’ house. Alternate translation: “Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas’ house” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

αὐτοὶ οὐκ εἰσῆλθον εἰς τὸ πραιτώριον, ἵνα μὴ μιανθῶσιν

Pilate was not a Jew, so if the Jewish leaders entered his headquarters, they would be defiled. This would have prevented them from celebrating the Passover. You can translate the double negative in a positive form. Alternate translation: “they themselves remained outside Pilate’s headquarters because Pilate was a Gentile. They did not want to become defiled” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Double Negatives)

John 18:30

εἰ μὴ ἦν οὗτος κακὸν ποιῶν, οὐκ ἄν σοι παρεδώκαμεν αὐτόν

You can translate this double negative in a positive form. Alternate translation: “This man is an evil doer, and we had to bring him to you for punishment” (See: Double Negatives)

παρεδώκαμεν αὐτόν

This phrase here means to hand over to an enemy.

John 18:31

In verse 32 there is a break from the main story line as the author tells us background information about how Jesus’ predicted how he would die. (See: Background Information)

εἶπον αὐτῷ οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι

Here “Jews” is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus and arrested him. Alternate translation: “The Jewish leaders said to him” (See: Synecdoche)

ἡμῖν οὐκ ἔξεστιν ἀποκτεῖναι οὐδένα

According to Roman law, the Jews could not put a man to death. Alternate translation: “According to Roman law, we cannot put a person to death” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 18:32

ἵνα ὁ λόγος τοῦ Ἰησοῦ πληρωθῇ

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “in order to fulfill what Jesus had said earlier” (See: Active or Passive)

σημαίνων ποίῳ θανάτῳ ἤμελλεν ἀποθνῄσκειν

“regarding how he would die”

John 18:35

μήτι ἐγὼ Ἰουδαῖός εἰμι

This remark appears in the form of a question so Pilate can emphasize his complete lack of interest in the cultural affairs of the Jewish people. Alternate translation: “Well I am certainly not a Jew, and I have no interest in these matters!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τὸ ἔθνος τὸ σὸν

“Your fellow Jews”

John 18:36

ἡ βασιλεία ἡ ἐμὴ οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου τούτου

Here “world” is a metonym for the people who oppose Jesus. Possible meanings are 1) “My kingdom is not part of this world” or 2) “I do not need this world’s permission to rule as their king” or “It is not from this world that I have authority to be king.” (See: Metonymy)

ἄν, ἵνα μὴ παραδοθῶ τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “and would prevent the Jewish leaders from arresting me” (See: Active or Passive)

τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις

Here “Jews” is a synecdoche that refers to the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. (See: Synecdoche)

John 18:37

ἐλήλυθα εἰς τὸν κόσμον

Here “world” is a synecdoche that refers to the people who live in the world. (See: Synecdoche)

μαρτυρήσω τῇ ἀληθείᾳ

Here “the truth” refers to the truth about God. Alternate translation: “tell people the truth about God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ ὢν ἐκ τῆς ἀληθείας

This is an idiom that refers to anyone who loves the truth about God. (See: Idiom)

μου τῆς φωνῆς

Here “voice” is a synecdoche that refers to words Jesus says. Alternate translation: “the things I say” or “me” (See: Synecdoche)

John 18:38

τί ἐστιν ἀλήθεια

This remark appears in the form of a question to reflect Pilate’s belief that no one really knows what truth is. Alternate translation: “No one can know what is true!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τοὺς Ἰουδαίους

Here “Jews” is a synecdoche that refers to the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. (See: Synecdoche)

John 18:40

μὴ τοῦτον, ἀλλὰ τὸν Βαραββᾶν

This is an ellipsis. You can add the implied words. Alternate translation: “No! Do not release this man! Release Barabbas instead” (See: Ellipsis)

ἦν δὲ ὁ Βαραββᾶς λῃστής

Here John provides background information about Barabbas. (See: Background Information)

John 19

John 19 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 19:24, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

“Purple garment”

Purple is a color like red or blue. The people were mocking Jesus, so they put him in a purple garment. This was because kings wore purple garments. They spoke and acted like they were giving honor to a king, but everyone knew that they were doing it because they hated Jesus. (See: Irony)

“You are not Caesar’s friend”

Pilate knew that Jesus was not a criminal, so he did not want to have his soldiers kill him. But the Jews told him that Jesus was claiming to be a king, and anyone who did that was breaking Caesar’s laws (John 19:12).

The tomb

The tomb in which Jesus was buried (John 19:41) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Sarcasm

The soldiers were insulting Jesus when they said, “Hail, King of the Jews.” Pilate was insulting the Jews when he asked, “Should I crucify your king?” He was probably also insulting both Jesus and the Jews when he wrote, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” (See: Irony)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Gabbatha, Golgotha

These are two Hebrew words. After translating the meanings of these words (“The Pavement” and “The Place of a Skull”), the author transliterates their sounds by writing them with Greek letters.

John 19:1

The part of the story from the previous chapter continues. Jesus is standing before Pilate as he is being accused by the Jews.

τότε οὖν ἔλαβεν ὁ Πειλᾶτος τὸν Ἰησοῦν καὶ ἐμαστίγωσεν

Pilate himself did not whip Jesus. Here “Pilate” is a synecdoche for the soldiers that Pilate ordered to whip Jesus. Alternate translation: “Then Pilate ordered his soldiers to whip Jesus” (See: Synecdoche)

John 19:3

χαῖρε, ὁ Βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων

The greeting “Hail” with a raised hand was only used to greet Caesar. As the soldiers use the crown of thorns and the purple robe to mock Jesus, it is ironic that they do not recognize that he is indeed a king. (See: Irony)

John 19:4

αἰτίαν ἐν αὐτῷ οὐχ εὑρίσκω

Pilate states this twice to say he does not believe Jesus is not guilty of any crime. He does not want to punish him. Alternate translation: “I see no reason to punish him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 19:5

τὸν ἀκάνθινον στέφανον καὶ τὸ πορφυροῦν ἱμάτιον

The crown and the purple robe are things only kings wear. The soldiers dressed Jesus in this manner to mock him. See John 19:2.

John 19:7

ἀπεκρίθησαν αὐτῷ οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι

Here “Jews” is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: “The Jewish leaders answered Pilate” (See: Synecdoche)

ὀφείλει ἀποθανεῖν, ὅτι Υἱὸν Θεοῦ ἑαυτὸν ἐποίησεν

Jesus was condemned to death by crucifixion because he claimed he was “the Son of God.”

Υἱὸν Θεοῦ

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 19:10

ἐμοὶ οὐ λαλεῖς

This remark appears in the form of a question. Here Pilate expresses his surprise that Jesus does not take the opportunity to defend himself. Alternate translation: “I cannot believe you are refusing to speak to me!” or “Answer me!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐκ οἶδας ὅτι ἐξουσίαν ἔχω ἀπολῦσαί σε, καὶ ἐξουσίαν ἔχω σταυρῶσαί σε

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “You should know that I am able to release you or to order my soldiers to crucify you!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐξουσίαν

Here “power” is a metonym that refers to the ability to do something or to cause something to happen. (See: Metonymy)

John 19:11

οὐκ εἶχες ἐξουσίαν κατ’ ἐμοῦ οὐδεμίαν, εἰ μὴ ἦν δεδομένον σοι ἄνωθεν

You can translate this double negative in a positive and active form. Alternate translation: “You are able to act against me only because God has made you able” (See: Double Negatives and Active or Passive)

ἄνωθεν

This is a respectful way of referring to God.

παραδούς μέ

This phrase here means to hand over to an enemy.

John 19:12

ἐκ τούτου

Here “this answer” refers to Jesus’ answer. Alternate translation: “When Pilate heard Jesus’ answer” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ Πειλᾶτος ἐζήτει ἀπολῦσαι αὐτόν

The form of “tried” in the original indicates that Pilate tried “hard” or “repeatedly” to release Jesus. Alternate translation: “he tried hard to release Jesus” or “he tried again and again to release Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οἱ δὲ Ἰουδαῖοι ἐκραύγασαν

Here “Jews” is a synecdoche that refers to the Jewish leaders that opposed Jesus. In the original, the form of “cried out” indicates that they cried out or shouted repeatedly. Alternate translation: “but the Jewish leaders kept shouting” (See: Synecdoche and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐκ εἶ φίλος τοῦ Καίσαρος

“you are opposing Caesar” or “you are opposing the emperor”

βασιλέα ἑαυτὸν ποιῶν

“claims that he is a king”

John 19:13

ἤγαγεν ἔξω τὸν Ἰησοῦν

Here “he” refers to Pilate and is a synecdoche for “Pilate ordered the soldiers.” Alternate translation: “he ordered the soldiers to bring Jesus out” (See: Synecdoche)

ἐκάθισεν

Important people like Pilate sat down when they performed an official duty, while people who were not so important stood up.

ἐπὶ βήματος

This is the special chair that an important person like Pilate sat in when he was making an official judgment. If your language has a special way to describe this action, you can use it here.

εἰς τόπον λεγόμενον Λιθόστρωτον…δὲ

This is a special stone platform where only the important people were allowed to go. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “in a place the people called The Pavement, but” (See: Active or Passive)

Ἑβραϊστὶ

This refers to the language that the people of Israel spoke.

John 19:14

Some time has passed and it is now the sixth hour, as Pilate orders his soldiers to crucify Jesus.

δὲ

This word marks a break in the story line so that John can provide information about the upcoming Passover and the time of day. (See: Background Information)

ὥρα…ἕκτη

“about noontime”

λέγει τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις

Here “Jews” is a synecdoche that refers to the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: “Pilate said to the Jewish leaders” (See: Synecdoche)

John 19:15

τὸν βασιλέα ὑμῶν σταυρώσω

Here “I” is a synecdoche that refers to Pilate’s soldiers who will actually perform the crucifixion. Alternate translation: “Do you really want me to tell my soldiers to nail your king to a cross?” (See: Synecdoche)

John 19:16

τότε…παρέδωκεν αὐτὸν αὐτοῖς, ἵνα σταυρωθῇ

Here Pilate gives the order for his soldiers to crucify Jesus. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “So Pilate ordered his soldiers to crucify Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

John 19:17

εἰς τὸν λεγόμενον, Κρανίου Τόπον

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “to the place that the people called ‘The Place of a Skull,’” (See: Active or Passive)

ὃ λέγεται Ἑβραϊστὶ, Γολγοθᾶ

Hebrew is the language of the people of Israel. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “which in Hebrew they call ‘Golgotha.’”

John 19:18

μετ’ αὐτοῦ ἄλλους δύο

This is an ellipsis. You can translate this, adding the implied words. Alternate translation: “they also nailed two other criminals to their crosses” (See: Ellipsis)

John 19:19

ἔγραψεν…καὶ τίτλον ὁ Πειλᾶτος, καὶ ἔθηκεν ἐπὶ τοῦ σταυροῦ

Here “Pilate” is a synecdoche for the person who wrote on the sign. Here “on the cross” refers to Jesus’ cross. Alternate translation: “Pilate also commanded someone to write on a sign and to attach it to Jesus’ cross” (See: Synecdoche)

ἦν…γεγραμμένον, Ἰησοῦς ὁ Ναζωραῖος, ὁ Βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων.

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “So that person wrote the words: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” (See: Active or Passive)

John 19:20

ὁ τόπος…ὅπου ἐσταυρώθη ὁ Ἰησοῦς

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “the place where the soldiers crucified Jesus” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ ἦν γεγραμμένον Ἑβραϊστί, Ῥωμαϊστί, Ἑλληνιστί

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “The one who prepared the sign wrote the words in 3 languages: Hebrew, Latin, and Greek” (See: Active or Passive)

Ῥωμαϊστί

This was the language of the Roman government.

John 19:21

ἔλεγον οὖν τῷ Πειλάτῳ οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς τῶν Ἰουδαίων

The chief priests had to go back to Pilate’s headquarters to protest to him about the words on the sign. Alternate translation: “The chief priests went back to Pilate and said” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 19:22

ὃ γέγραφα, γέγραφα

Pilate implies that he will not change the words on the sign. Alternate translation: “I have written what I wanted to write, and I will not change it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 19:23

At the end of verse 24 there is a break from the main story line as the John tells us how this event fulfills Scriture. (See: Background Information)

καὶ τὸν χιτῶνα

“and they also took his tunic.” The soldiers kept the tunic separate and did not divide it. Alternate translation: “they kept his tunic separate” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 19:24

λάχωμεν περὶ αὐτοῦ, τίνος ἔσται

The soldiers will gamble and the winner will receive the shirt. Alternate translation: “let us gamble for the tunic and the winner will get to keep it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἵνα ἡ Γραφὴ πληρωθῇ ἡ λέγουσα

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “This fulfilled the scripture that said” or “This happened to make the scripture come true which said”

λάχωμεν

This was how the soldiers divided Jesus’ clothing among themselves. Alternate translation: “they gambled”

John 19:26

τὸν μαθητὴν…ὃν ἠγάπα

This is John, the writer of this Gospel.

γύναι, ἰδοὺ, ὁ υἱός σου

Here the word “son” is a metaphor. Jesus wants his disciple, John, to be like a son to his mother. Alternate translation: “Woman, here is the man who will act like a son to you” (See: Metaphor)

John 19:27

ἴδε, ἡ μήτηρ σου

Here the word “mother” is a metaphor. Jesus wants his mother to be like a mother to his disciple, John. Alternate translation: “Think of this woman as if she were your own mother” (See: Metaphor)

ἀπ’ ἐκείνης τῆς ὥρας

“From that very moment”

John 19:28

εἰδὼς…ὅτι ἤδη πάντα τετέλεσται

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “he knew that he had done everything that God had sent him to do” (See: Active or Passive)

John 19:29

σκεῦος ἔκειτο ὄξους μεστόν

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Someone had placed there a full container of sour wine” (See: Active or Passive)

ὄξους

“bitter wine”

περιθέντες

Here “they” refers to the Roman guards.

σπόγγον

a small object that can soak up and hold much liquid

ὑσσώπῳ περιθέντες

“on a branch of a plant called hyssop”

John 19:30

κλίνας τὴν κεφαλὴν, παρέδωκεν τὸ πνεῦμα

John implies here that Jesus gave his spirit back to God. Alternate translation: “He bowed his head and gave God his spirit” or “He bowed his head and died” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 19:31

οἱ…Ἰουδαῖοι

Here “Jews” is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: Synecdoche)

παρασκευὴ

This is the time before the Passover when people prepared food for the Passover.

ἵνα κατεαγῶσιν αὐτῶν τὰ σκέλη, καὶ ἀρθῶσιν

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “to break the legs of the executed men and take their bodies down from the crosses” (See: Active or Passive)

John 19:32

τοῦ συνσταυρωθέντος αὐτῷ

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “whom they had crucified near Jesus” (See: Active or Passive)

John 19:35

ὁ ἑωρακὼς

This sentence gives background information to the story. John is telling readers that he was there and that we can trust what he has written. (See: Background Information)

μεμαρτύρηκεν, καὶ ἀληθινὴ αὐτοῦ ἐστιν ἡ μαρτυρία

To “testify” means to tell about something that one has seen. Alternate translation: “has told the truth about what he has seen” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς πιστεύητε

Here “believe” means to put one’s trust in Jesus. Alternate translation: “so that you will also put your trust in Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 19:36

In these verses there is a break from the main story line as John tells us about how these events have made Scripture come true. (See: Background Information)

ἵνα ἡ Γραφὴ πληρωθῇ

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “to fulfill the words that someone wrote in the scripture” (See: Active or Passive)

ὀστοῦν οὐ συντριβήσεται αὐτοῦ

This is a quotation from Psalm 34. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “No one will break any of his bones” (See: Active or Passive)

John 19:37

ὄψονται εἰς ὃν ἐξεκέντησαν

This is a quotation from Zechariah 12.

John 19:38

Ἰωσὴφ ὁ ἀπὸ Ἁριμαθαίας

Arimathea was a small town. Alternate translation: “Joseph from the town of Arimathea” (See: How to Translate Names)

διὰ τὸν φόβον τῶν Ἰουδαίων

Here “Jews” is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: “for fear of the Jewish leaders” (See: Synecdoche)

ἵνα ἄρῃ τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ

John implies that Joseph of Arimathea wants to bury the body of Jesus. Alternate translation: “for permission to take the body of Jesus down from the cross for burial” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 19:39

Νικόδημος

Nicodemus was one of the Pharisees who believed in Jesus. See how you translated this name in John 3:1.

σμύρνης καὶ ἀλόης

These are spices that people use to prepare a body for burial.

ὡς λίτρας ἑκατόν

You may convert this to a modern measure. A “litra” is about one third of a kilogram. Alternate translation: “about 33 kilograms in weight” or “weighing about thirty-three kilograms” (See: Biblical Weight)

ἑκατόν

“100” (See: Numbers)

John 19:41

ἦν δὲ ἐν τῷ τόπῳ ὅπου ἐσταυρώθη κῆπος, καὶ ἐν τῷ κήπῳ μνημεῖον καινόν, ἐν ᾧ οὐδέπω οὐδεὶς ἦν τεθειμένος

Here John marks a break in the story line in order to provide background information about the location of the tomb where they would bury Jesus. (See: Background Information)

ἦν δὲ ἐν τῷ τόπῳ ὅπου ἐσταυρώθη κῆπος

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Now in the place where they crucified Jesus there was a garden” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν ᾧ οὐδέπω οὐδεὶς ἦν τεθειμένος

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “in which people had buried no one” (See: Active or Passive)

John 19:42

διὰ τὴν παρασκευὴν τῶν Ἰουδαίων

According to Jewish law, no one could work after sundown on Friday. It was the beginning of the Sabbath and Passover. Alternate translation: “The Passover was about to begin that evening” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 20

John 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The tomb

The tomb in which Jesus was buried (John 20:1) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.

“Receive the Holy Spirit”

If your language uses the same word for “breath” and “spirit,” be sure that the reader understands that Jesus was performing a symbolic action by breathing, and that what the disciples received was the Holy Spirit, not Jesus’ breath. (See: Symbolic Action and Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Rabboni

John used Greek letters to describe the sound of the word, and then he explained that it means “Teacher.” You should do the same, using the letters of your language.

Jesus’ resurrection body

No one is sure what Jesus’ body looked like after he became alive again. His disciples knew it was Jesus because they could see his face and touch the places where the soldiers had put the nails through his hands and feet, But he could also walk through solid walls and doors. It is best not to try to say more than what the ULT says.

Two angels in white

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about angels in white clothing with the women at Jesus’ tomb. Two of the authors called them men, but that is only because the angels were in human form. Two of the authors wrote about two angels, but the other two authors wrote about only one of them. It is best to translate each of these passages as it appears in the ULT without trying to make the passages all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 28:1-2 and Mark 16:5 and Luke 24:4 and John 20:12)

John 20:1

This is the third day after Jesus was buried.

μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων

“Sunday”

βλέπει τὸν λίθον ἠρμένον

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “she saw that someone had rolled away the stone” (See: Active or Passive)

John 20:2

μαθητὴν ὃν ἐφίλει ὁ Ἰησοῦς

This phrase appears to be the way that John refers to himself throughout his book. Here the word “love” refers to brotherly love or love for a friend or family member.

ἦραν τὸν Κύριον ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου

Mary Magdalene thinks that someone has stolen the Lord’s body. Alternate translation: “Someone has taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 20:3

ὁ ἄλλος μαθητής

John apparently shows his humility by referring to himself here as “the other disciple,” rather than including his name.

ἐξῆλθεν

John implies that these disciples were going to the tomb. Alternate translation: “rushed out to the tomb” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 20:5

ὀθόνια

These were the burial cloths that people had used to wrap the body of Jesus.

John 20:6

ὀθόνια

These were the burial cloths that people had used to wrap the body of Jesus. See how you translated this in John 20:5.

John 20:7

σουδάριον, ὃ ἦν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ

Here “his head” refers to “Jesus’ head.” You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “cloth that someone had used to cover Jesus’ face” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀλλὰ χωρὶς ἐντετυλιγμένον εἰς ἕνα τόπον

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “but someone had folded it and put it aside, separate from the linen cloths” (See: Active or Passive)

John 20:8

ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς

John apparently expresses his humility by referring to himself as “the other disciple,” rather than including his name in this book.

εἶδεν καὶ ἐπίστευσεν

When he saw that the tomb was empty, he believed that Jesus had risen from the dead. Alternate translation: “he saw these things and began to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 20:9

οὐδέπω…ᾔδεισαν τὴν Γραφὴν

Here the word “they” refers to the disciples who did not understand the scripture that said Jesus would rise again. Alternate translation: “the disciples still did not understand the scripture” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀναστῆναι

become alive again

ἐκ νεκρῶν

From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld.

John 20:10

ἀπῆλθον…πάλιν πρὸς αὑτοὺς

The disciples continued to stay in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “went back to where they were staying in Jerusalem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 20:12

θεωρεῖ δύο ἀγγέλους ἐν λευκοῖς

The angels were wearing white clothing. Alternate translation: “She saw two angels dressed in white clothing” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 20:13

λέγουσιν αὐτῇ ἐκεῖνοι

“They asked her”

ὅτι ἦραν τὸν Κύριόν μου

“Because they took away the body of my Lord”

οὐκ οἶδα ποῦ ἔθηκαν αὐτόν

“I do not know where they have put it”

John 20:15

λέγει αὐτῇ Ἰησοῦς

“Jesus asked her”

κύριε, εἰ σὺ ἐβάστασας αὐτόν

Here the word “him” refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “If you have taken away the body of Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰπέ μοι ποῦ ἔθηκας αὐτόν

“tell me where you have put it”

κἀγὼ αὐτὸν ἀρῶ

Mary Magdalene wants to get Jesus’ body and bury it again. Alternate translation: “I will get the body and bury it again” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 20:16

Ραββουνεί

The word “Rabboni” means rabbi or teacher in Aramaic, the language that Jesus and his disciples spoke.

John 20:17

τοὺς ἀδελφούς

Jesus used the word “brothers” to refer to his disciples.

ἀναβαίνω πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα μου, καὶ Πατέρα ὑμῶν, καὶ Θεόν μου, καὶ Θεὸν ὑμῶν

Jesus rose from the dead and then predicted he would go up into heaven, back to his Father, who is God. Alternate translation: “I am about to return to heaven to be with my Father and your Father, to the one who is my God and your God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸν Πατέρα μου, καὶ Πατέρα ὑμῶν

These are important titles that describe the relationship between Jesus and God, and between believers and God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 20:18

ἔρχεται Μαριὰμ ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ ἀγγέλλουσα τοῖς μαθηταῖς

Mary Magdalene went to where the disciples were staying and told them what she had seen and heard. Alternate translation: “Mary Magdalene went to where the disciples were and told them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 20:19

It is now evening and Jesus appears to the disciples.

ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ τῇ μιᾷ σαββάτων

This refers to Sunday.

τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων ὅπου ἦσαν οἱ μαθηταὶ

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “the disciples had locked the doors where they were” (See: Active or Passive)

διὰ τὸν φόβον τῶν Ἰουδαίων

Here “Jews” is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who might arrest the disciples. Alternate translation: “because they were afraid that the Jewish leaders might arrest them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰρήνη ὑμῖν

This is a common greeting that means “May God give you peace” .

John 20:20

ἔδειξεν τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τὴν πλευρὰν αὐτοῖς

Jesus showed the disciples his wounds. Alternate translation: “he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 20:21

εἰρήνη ὑμῖν

This is a common greeting that means “May God give you peace” .

Πατήρ

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

John 20:23

ἀφέωνται αὐτοῖς

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will forgive them” (See: Active or Passive)

ἄν τινων κρατῆτε

“If you do not forgive another’s sins”

κεκράτηνται

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will not forgive them” (See: Active or Passive)

John 20:24

Δίδυμος

This is a male name that means “twin.” See how this name is translated in John 11:15. (See: How to Translate Names)

John 20:25

ἔλεγον…αὐτῷ οἱ…μαθηταί

The word “him” refers to Thomas.

ἐὰν μὴ ἴδω ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν αὐτοῦ τὸν τύπον τῶν ἥλων, καὶ βάλω τὸν δάκτυλόν μου εἰς τὸν τύπον τῶν ἥλων, καὶ βάλω μου τὴν χεῖρα εἰς τὴν πλευρὰν αὐτοῦ, οὐ μὴ πιστεύσω

You can translate this double negative in a positive form. Alternate translation: “I will believe only if I see…his side” (See: Double Negatives)

ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν αὐτοῦ…εἰς τὴν πλευρὰν αὐτοῦ

The word “his” refers to Jesus.

John 20:26

οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ

The word “his” refers to Jesus.

ῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “when they had locked the doors” (See: Active or Passive)

εἰρήνη ὑμῖν

This is a common greeting that means “May God give you peace” .

John 20:27

μὴ γίνου ἄπιστος, ἀλλὰ πιστός

Jesus uses the double negative “Do not be unbelieving” to emphasize the words that follow, “but believe.” If your language does not allow double negatives or the reader would not understand that Jesus is emphasizing the words that follow, you can leave these words untranslated. Alternate translation: “This is what is most important for you to do: you must believe” (See: Double Negatives)

πιστός

Here “believe” means to trust in Jesus. Alternate translation: “put your trust in me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 20:29

πεπίστευκας

Thomas believes that Jesus is alive because he has seen him. Alternate translation: “you have believed that I am alive” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μακάριοι οἱ

This means “God gives great happiness to those.”

μὴ ἰδόντες

This means those who have not seen Jesus. Alternate translation: “who have not seen me alive” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 20:30

As the story is nearing the end, the author comments about the many things Jesus did. (See: End of Story)

σημεῖα

The word “signs” refers to miracles that show that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.

ἃ οὐκ ἔστιν γεγραμμένα ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “signs that the author did not write about in this book” (See: Active or Passive)

John 20:31

ταῦτα δὲ γέγραπται

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “but the author wrote about these signs” (See: Active or Passive)

Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ζωὴν…ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ

Here “life” is a metonym that means Jesus gives life. Alternate translation: “you may have life because of Jesus” (See: Metonymy)

ζωὴν

This refers to spiritual life.

John 21

John 21 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

The metaphor of sheep

Before Jesus died, he spoke of himself taking care of his people as if he were a good shepherd taking care of sheep (John 10:11). After he became alive again, he told Peter that Peter would be the one who took care of Jesus’ sheep. (See: Metaphor)

John 21:1

Jesus shows himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. Verses 2 and 3 tell us what happens in the story before Jesus appears. (See: Background Information)

μετὰ ταῦτα

“Some time later”

John 21:2

ὁμοῦ…Θωμᾶς ὁ λεγόμενος Δίδυμος

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “with Thomas whom we called Didymus” (See: Active or Passive)

Δίδυμος

This is a male name that means “twin.” See how this name is translated in John 11:15. (See: How to Translate Names)

John 21:5

παιδία

This is a term of endearment that means “My dear friends.”

John 21:6

εὑρήσετε

Here “some” refers to fish. Alternate translation: “you will catch some fish in your net” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

αὐτὸ ἑλκύσαι

“pull the net in”

John 21:7

ἠγάπα

This is love that comes from God and is focused on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.

τὸν ἐπενδύτην διεζώσατο

“he secured his outer garment around him” or “he put on his tunic”

ἦν γὰρ γυμνός

This is background information. Peter had taken off some of his clothes to make it easier to work, but now that he was about to greet the Lord, he wanted to wear more clothing. Alternate translation: “for he had taken off some of his clothes” (See: Background Information)

ἔβαλεν ἑαυτὸν εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν

Peter jumped into the water and swam to shore. Alternate translation: “jumped into the sea and swam to shore” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔβαλεν ἑαυτὸν

This is a idiom that means Peter jumped into the water very quickly. (See: Idiom)

John 21:8

οὐ γὰρ ἦσαν μακρὰν ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς…ὡς ἀπὸ πηχῶν διακοσίων

This is background information. (See: Background Information)

πηχῶν διακοσίων

“90 meters.” A cubit was a little less than half a meter. (See: Biblical Distance)

John 21:11

ἀνέβη…Σίμων Πέτρος

Here “went up” means Simon Peter had to go back to the boat. Alternate translation: “So Simon Peter went back to the boat” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἵλκυσεν τὸ δίκτυον εἰς τὴν γῆν

“pulled the net to the shore”

οὐκ ἐσχίσθη τὸ δίκτυον

You can translate this as an active form. Alternate translation: “the net did not break” (See: Active or Passive)

μεστὸν ἰχθύων μεγάλων

“full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three.” There were 153 large fish. (See: Numbers)

John 21:12

ἀριστήσατε

the morning meal

John 21:14

τρίτον

You can translate this ordinal term “third” as “time number 3.” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

John 21:15

Jesus begins to have a conversation with Simon Peter.

ἀγαπᾷς με

Here “love” refers the type of love that comes from God, which focuses on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself.

σὺ οἶδας ὅτι φιλῶ σε

When Peter answers, he uses the word for “love” that refers to brotherly love or love for a friend or family member.

βόσκε τὰ ἀρνία μου

Here “lambs” is a metaphor for those persons who love Jesus and follow him. Alternate translation: “Feed the people I care for” (See: Metaphor)

John 21:16

ἀγαπᾷς με

Here “love” refers the type of love that comes from God, which focuses on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself.

ποίμαινε τὰ πρόβατά μου

Here “sheep” is a metaphor for those who love and follow Jesus. Alternate translation: “Care for the people I care for” (See: Metaphor)

John 21:17

λέγει αὐτῷ τὸ τρίτον

The pronoun “he” refers to Jesus. Here “a third time” means “time number 3.” Alternate translation: “Jesus said to him a third time” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

φιλεῖς με

This time when Jesus asks this question he uses the word for “love” that refers to brotherly love or love for a friend or family member.

βόσκε τὰ προβάτια μου

Here “sheep” is a metaphor that represents those who belong to Jesus and follow him. Alternate translation: “Care for the people I care for” (See: Metaphor)

John 21:18

ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν

See how you translated this in John 1:51.

John 21:19

δὲ

John uses this word to show he is giving background information before he continues the story. (See: Background Information)

σημαίνων ποίῳ θανάτῳ δοξάσει τὸν Θεόν

Here John implies that Peter would die on a cross. Alternate translation: “to indicate that Peter would die on a cross to honor God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀκολούθει μοι

Here the word “follow” means “to be a disciple.” Alternate translation: “Keep on being my disciple” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 21:20

τὸν μαθητὴν ὃν ἠγάπα ὁ Ἰησοῦς

John refers to himself in this way throughout the book, rather than mentioning his name.

ἠγάπα

This is the kind of love that comes from God and always desires the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.

ἐν τῷ δείπνῳ

This is a reference to the Last Supper (John 13).

John 21:21

τοῦτον…ἰδὼν, ὁ Πέτρος

Here “him” refers to “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”

Κύριε, οὗτος δὲ τ

Peter wants to know what will happen to John. Alternate translation: “Lord, what will happen to this man?” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 21:22

λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς

“Jesus said to Peter”

ἐὰν αὐτὸν θέλω μένειν

Here “him” refers to the “disciple whom Jesus loved” in John 21:20.

ἔρχομαι

This refers to Jesus’ second coming, his return to earth from heaven.

τί πρὸς σέ

This remark appears in the form of a question to express a mild rebuke. Alternate translation: “that is not your concern.” or “you should not be concerned about that.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

John 21:23

εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς

Here “the brothers” refers to all the followers of Jesus.

John 21:24

This is the end of the Gospel of John. Here the author, the Apostle John, gives a closing comment about himself and what he has written in this book. (See: End of Story)

ὁ μαθητὴς

“the disciple John”

ὁ μαρτυρῶν περὶ τούτων

Here “testifies” means that he personally sees something. Alternate translation: “who has seen all these things” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οἴδαμεν

Here “we” refers to those who trust in Jesus. Alternate translation: “we who trust in Jesus know” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

John 21:25

ἐὰν γράφηται καθ’ ἕν

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “If someone wrote down all of them” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐδ’ αὐτὸν…τὸν κόσμον χωρήσειν τὰ…βιβλία

John exaggerates to emphasize that Jesus did many more miracles than what people could write about in many books. (See: Hyperbole)

τὰ γραφόμενα βιβλία

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “the books that people could write about what he did” (See: Active or Passive)