11:16a
Then Thomas called Didymus: The name Thomas comes from a Hebrew word meaning “twin,” and Didymus is a Greek word meaning “twin.” Didymus was another name that people called Thomas, a nickname, and some translations translate it into English as “the Twin.” Apparently he had a twin brother or sister. We do not know if he was the older or the younger twin.
The verb called is passive. There are two ways to translate it:
• Use a passive verb. For example:
Thomas (called Didymus) (New International Version)
• Use an active verb. For example:
Thomas, whose nickname was “Twin” (Contemporary English Version)
Translate this expression in the way that is most natural in your language.
his fellow disciples: This phrase refers to the other disciples, the ones who were disciples with Thomas. See how you translated the word disciples in 11:7 and 11:12. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
the rest of the disciples (New International Version)
-or-
the other disciples (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
the other followers (New Century Version)
Let us also go: The verb Let us…go is the same as in 11:15c. It means “we (incl.) should go.” Thomas wanted to go with Jesus to Judea. He was encouraging the other disciples to go also. You may want to translate this as a strong suggestion. For example:
We (incl.) should go too
also: The Greek expression that the Berean Standard Bible translates as also here means “as well as Jesus” or “along with Jesus.” In many languages it may be natural to make this explicit. Consider using the term the disciples used to address Jesus in 11:8a or 11:12a. For example:
along with the Teacher (Good News Translation)
11:16b
so that: This word here introduces a purpose clause. Thomas wanted to go to Judea with Jesus in order to die with him there.
we may die with Him: Thomas expected the Jewish leaders to kill Jesus. He was willing to die with Jesus. In this clause, Thomas expressed his loyalty and love for his Lord.
we may die: The Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as we may die can refer to any kind of death. However, in this context, the words imply a violent death. Jesus’ opponents had tried to stone Jesus and here it is implied that Jesus and his disciples would be killed. Here is another way to translate these words:
we may be killed
we: This pronoun is inclusive here. It refers to Thomas, who is speaking, and the other disciples.
with Him: This phrase means “with Jesus.” All of them would die together. Check that your readers do not understand this to mean “with Lazarus.” Here is another way to translate this phrase:
with Jesus (New Living Translation (2004))
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