Section 13:31–35

Jesus gave a new commandment

In this section Jesus talks about how he, the Son of Man, has been glorified. Also, God has been glorified in him. Jesus also tells his disciples a new commandment.

Here are some other possible section headings:

A new commandment
-or-
Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another
-or-
The Son of Man has been glorified and God has been glorified in him

13:31a

When Judas had gone out: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Judas is literally “he,” as in the New Revised Standard Version. The Berean Standard Bible sometimes uses names instead of pronouns in order to clarify the person to whom the author is referring. Refer to Judas in a way that is natural in your language.

Jesus said: In some languages it is more natural to say to whom Jesus was talking. For example:

Jesus said to his disciples

Now the Son of Man is glorified: This clause refers to the display of Jesus’ glory at the time of his death, resurrection, and return to heaven. These events glorify Jesus by showing his true greatness. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

Now the Son of Man’s glory is revealed (Good News Translation)
-or-
Now the Son of Man receives his glory (New Century Version)
-or-
What will soon happen to me who am the Son of Man will be the cause of my being honored

Now: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Now in this context indicates that the time was very near. The time had come but the event had not happened yet. Here is another way to translate this word:

The time has come for… (New Living Translation (2004))

the Son of Man: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the Son of Man is more literally “the Son of the human/person.” Jesus was referring to himself. He used this title to imply two things:

(a) He was a true human being, and he represented all people.

(b) He came from God and had authority from God.

Try to use an expression that implies both meanings. Here are some expressions that translators have used:

the Man whom God Sent
-or-
the True Man from God/Heaven
-or-
the Representative of Humanity
-or-
The Older Brother of All People

In some languages it may be necessary to use a first person pronoun to indicate that Jesus was referring to himself. For example:

me, the Son of Man
-or-

I who became man/human

See how you translated “Son of Man” in 1:51, 3:13, and 5:27.

is glorified: The word glorified means “greatly honored” or “shown to be wonderful.” In this context it refers to Jesus’ death, resurrection, and return to heaven. These events had not happened yet but would surely happen and would happen soon. Use the tense that is natural in your language. For example:

will be given glory (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
will soon be greatly honored

The verb is glorified is passive. There are at least two ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb, like the Berean Standard Bible.

• Use an active verb. For example:

the Son of Man receives his glory (New Century Version)

Use the form that is most natural in your language. The idea is that Jesus would soon display his glory. His death and resurrection would reveal his greatness.

13:31b

and God is glorified in Him: God also was honored and shown to be wonderful through Jesus’ death, resurrection, and return to heaven. Through Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, God’s greatness was revealed. Use the same verb tense that you used in 13:31a. As in 13:31a, there are two ways to translate the passive verb phrase is glorified :

• Use a passive verb. For example:

now God’s glory is revealed through him (Good News Translation)
-or-
and God will be glorified because of him (New Living Translation (2004))

• Use an active verb. For example:

and God receives glory through him (New Century Version)
-or-
and he will bring glory to God (Contemporary English Version)

in Him: This phrase here means “because of the Son of Man” or “through the Son of Man.” What Jesus would soon do would bring glory to God. For example:

through him (New Century Version)
-or-
because of him (New Living Translation (2004))

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