In Greek verses 24 and 25 are one sentence. The verb rendered trust … to is the same verb translated believe in in the previous verse. Verse 24 serves as an excellent commentary on the meaning of the word. To believe in Jesus is not merely to agree with certain facts about him; it is rather a commitment or trust of one’s life to him and to his way of life.

Because he knew them all is literally “because he knew all (men).” In earlier editions of Good News Translation the text was “all men,” since in Greek “all” is masculine. However, in this context the meaning is generic, “all people,” and this explains the change in the fourth edition. New English Bible renders this clause “he knew men so well, all of them,” and Goodspeed “for he knew them all.”

Because he himself knew what was in their hearts (New American Bible “he was well aware of what was in man’s heart”) is rendered literally by New English Bible (“he himself could tell what was in a man”) and Revised Standard Version (“he himself knew what was in man”). These two expressions, because he knew them all and because he knew what was in their hearts, carry essentially the same meaning. They are different ways of expressing Jesus’ insight into the human heart. For similar instances of Jesus’ insight into men’s character see 1.48; 5.42; 6.61,64; 13,11. In 13.11 the Greek verb oida is used for “to know”; this is different from the verb used in the present verse and in 1.48 and 5.42 (ginōskō), but these verbs are essentially synonymous in John’s Gospel.

He knew them all may be rendered “He knew very well what all people were like.” In some languages this sentence may be more appropriately rendered “He knew just how all people thought” or “He knew exactly why people did what they did.”

There was no need for anyone to tell him about them may be better rendered in some instances “He did not need anyone to tell him about people” or “No one could add to what Jesus already knew about people.”

What was in their hearts may be better expressed in some languages as “what was in their minds” or “how people thought.” However, some other part of the human anatomy is used in some languages as the seat of mental activity and will. Accordingly, one may speak of “what was in people’s liver” or “how they think in their abdomen.”

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 .