This verse was written to correct a misinterpretation of Jesus’ statement to Peter. It is intended to explain that Jesus’ words were a hypothetical statement and not a prophecy of what would actually take place.

In some languages one cannot say “a report spread,” but one can say “more and more people were hearing” or “more and more people thought.” In this particular context one may translate the first part of the verse: “As a result more and more of the followers of Jesus thought that this disciple would not die” or “… was not going to die.” The following sentence may employ direct discourse in both parts, for example, “But Jesus did not say, He will not die; rather he said, ‘If I want him to stay alive until I come back, why should that concern you?’ ”

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 .