Then he took Simon to Jesus (New English Bible “he brought Simon to Jesus”) is literally “he brought him to Jesus.”

Apparently all modern translations refer to Simon as the son of John, based on the best manuscript evidence. The reading of King James Version (“the son of Jona”) is based on manuscripts which seek to harmonize this passage with the reading of Matthew 16.17.

There is a potential ambiguity in the expression “Your name is Simon son of John.” Since the only other person identified as John in this context is John the Baptist, some readers might conclude that John the Baptist was the father of Simon Peter. In order to make clear that this John is another person, not yet identified in the context, it may be necessary to translate “You are Simon, your father’s name is John.”

The Greek word Petros renders the Aramaic kepa, the Greek form of which, Kephas, appears in this verse. This information can be conveyed by translating literally and providing a footnote, as in Revised Standard Version. However, it seems preferable to follow the technique of Good News Translation or New English Bible, which make this information explicit in the text: Your name will be Cephas. (This is the same as Peter and means “a rock.”)

A term chosen to translate “Rock” should have a meaning which focuses primarily on durability and permanence. The Greek word petros is a masculine form corresponding to the feminine form, petra, Normally referring to bedrock (compare Matt 16.18). Since Peter is a man, the masculine form is required, even though it imperfectly renders the original Aramaic. Of course, in this context “rock” does not mean simply a large stone but rather a rock outcrop, on which a house could be built (compare Matt 7.24). One must be careful in the selection of a term for “rock,” since such terms may carry special connotations. In some languages, for example, a term for “rock” can suggest “incurably stubborn” or “difficult to deal with.” Although Simon’s new name is not explained in this verse, it clearly does not have these connotations.

Some persons have thought that the use of the name “Petros” (that is, Peter) is a reference to the character of Simon, a person as dependable as bedrock to be used as a foundation for a house. In Matthew 16.18, however, the reference to Peter as “a rock” is generally interpreted as being related to Peter’s declaration (Matt 16.16) that Jesus was “the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

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 .