In form this verse is a typical Johannine structure: a remark introduced by the Greek conjunction gar (“for”).

The verb send is parallel to the verb gave in the previous verse; these same two words are used of the Helper in 14.16,26.

Good News Translation transforms the verb expression, “in order that he might judge the world.” to a noun expression, to be its judge. In the following clause as well, a passive verb with an agent (“in order that the world might be saved through him”) is changed to a noun expression: to be its savior. The basis for these changes is primarily stylistic: the nouns judge and savior are much easier for the ordinary reader to understand than is a long descriptive phrase. The Greek verb phrase that Good News Translation renders by judge may have either the fairly neutral meaning “to judge” or the more severe meaning “to condemn” (Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible). The same verb occurs several other times in John’s Gospel, and on each occasion one must depend on the context to determine which meaning is in focus. In the present passage the idea of condemnation seems to be primary, as suggested by the contrast between savior and judge.

Though in English the use of the nouns judge and savior is stylistically preferable, in many receptor languages such nouns cannot be used. Thus it may be necessary to specify more clearly what “judge” really means—in this context “to condemn.” The contrast may then be worded, “For God did not send his Son to earth in order to condemn people, but rather he sent him so that he could save people.”

In some receptor languages it is difficult to find precisely the right term for savior or for “one who saves.” Generally, the terms translated “to save” reflect two different kinds of situations or experiences. The first involves “rescuing from danger”; the second “restoring to health” or “reestablishing one’s original state.” In some languages a term for savior is roughly equivalent to “deliverer,” that is, “one who frees from bondage.” However, usually it is better to retain this type of term for use in contexts where deliverance is emphasized. Often a term is employed for savior which suggests one who rescues from danger, but there is a distinct advantage in using an expression which suggests “restoration” or “causing one to return to a state of complete wholeness.” The focus then shifts from merely eliminating danger to the more positive aspect of restoring the full expression of potentialities.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .