21:22a
Jesus answered: This phrase introduces an answer to Peter’s question. In some languages it is more natural to say “replied.” For example:
Jesus replied (NET Bible)
If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you?: This sentence is Jesus’ reply to Peter. He said that Peter did not need to know how John would die or even if he would die. Those things should not concern (matter to) Peter. This is a rhetorical question that Jesus used as a rebuke. Here are some ways to translate this rebuke:
• Use a rhetorical question. For example:
If I want him to live until I come back, what concern is that of yours? (NET Bible)
-or-
If I want him to live until I come again, how does that concern you? (God’s Word)
• Use a statement: For example:
If it is my will that he remain alive until I return, it should not matter to you (sing.).
-or-
If I want him to live until I return to earth, you (sing.) do not need to know about it.
Translate this rhetorical question in a way that is natural for a rebuke.
If I want him to remain until I return: This is a conditional clause that may be fulfilled (true) or may not be fulfilled. Jesus did not indicate whether or not it was his will that this other disciple remain alive until he returned. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
If I want him to stay behind until I come (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
If I want him to live until I come back (NET Bible)
-or-
If I want him to remain alive until I return (New Living Translation (2004))
If I want: The conditional If introduces a condition that can be either true or false. Jesus knew what he wanted, but he did not tell Peter. He implied that what he wanted would in fact happen, but he did not say what he wanted. He would not tell Peter whether or not the beloved disciple would still be alive when he returned. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
Perhaps it is my will…
-or-
Possibly I want him to…
him to remain: The word remain is short for “remain alive” or “continue to live.” For example:
if I want him to live (Contemporary English Version)
until I return: This clause is short for “until I come back to earth.” For example:
until I come back ⌊to earth⌋
-or-
until I return ⌊to you⌋
what is that to you?: This clause is a rhetorical question that Jesus used as a rebuke. Jesus rebuked Peter for asking his question. He said that Peter should not try to find out what would happen to John. See the second note of 21:22a for ways to translate this rhetorical question. For example:
how does that concern you? (God’s Word)
-or-
what does it matter to you? (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
you (sing.) do not need to know that
General Comment on 21:22a
In some languages it may be natural to reverse the order of the clauses in this sentence. For example:
What is it to you, if I want him to live until I return? (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
It is not your (sing.) concern if I want him to live until I return to earth.
21:22b
You follow Me!: The clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as You follow Me is emphasizing “You (sing.).” Jesus emphasized to Peter that Peter’s responsibility was to follow him, whatever might happen to the other disciple. Indicate this emphasis in a way that is natural in your language.
The clause follow Me means “continue to believe and obey me.”
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