This is the second Passover mentioned in John’s Gospel (the first was mentioned in 2.13,23). The Passover is doubtless mentioned primarily for its theological significance; John considers it important to understand the words and actions of Jesus in light of their theological relation to the Jewish Passover. The Last Supper must likewise be understood in this same light (see 13.1). For a discussion of translational problems involved in the phrase Passover Festival, see the comments under 2.13 and 23.

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 .