In the Greek text Jesus’ answer is a contrary-to-fact condition (see, for example, Revised Standard Version “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above”). “From above” (Good News Translation by God) is the same expression used in 3.3 (Good News Translation again); here the reference is to God, as Good News Translation indicates (so also Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch).

The translation of authority in this verse is even more complex than in verse 10. In fact, it may be necessary here to indicate precisely what the authority involved, for example, “You are able to have me crucified only because God has made you able.” However, it may be preferable to express authority in more general terms, for example, “You are able to command men to do things to me only because God has caused you to be able.”

Although handed over translates the same Greek verb rendered betray in 6.64,71 with reference to Judas, it is doubtful that Judas is meant here by the man who handed me over to you. Good News Translation‘s rendering (the man) suggests an individual, probably Caiaphas. However, the Greek participle (“the one handing over”) can be understood as a generalizing reference to the Jews. That Caiaphas (or the Jews) is guilty of a worse sin than Pilate may be explained as meaning that the sin of Caiaphas is willful and deliberate, whereas Pilate is simply trying to carry out his duties as a representative of the Emperor.

Is guilty of a worse sin may be expressed as “has sinned worse” or “has surpassed you in sinning” or “has sinned even more than you are sinning.”

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 .