So translates the particle oun, so frequently used by John (see 2.18).
The Jewish authorities is literally “the Jews” (see Appendix I). It seems, however, that in the present verse a larger group than the Jewish authorities is intended, since later (verse 30) it is stated that many who heard Jesus say these things believed in him. However, it is possible to understand that Jesus is here addressing the Jewish authorities in particular, but that a larger group is listening and that those who believe in him are from the larger group. Our inability to define precisely who “the Jews” are in this particular verse reflects the loose style of John as far as temporal and locational markers are concerned. His primary concern is to teach certain truths about Jesus, rather than to indicate persons and places, except where such information is important to his purpose.
So the Jewish authorities said must be understood as a statement which the Jewish authorities made to one another, for example, “So the Jewish officials said to one another” or “… said among themselves.”
Good News Translation reorders the elements in the main part of his verse. In Greek, the question Does this mean that he will kill himself? comes first and is followed by the words “because he says.” These words introduce Jesus’ statement “You cannot go where I am going.” Good News Translation changes this statement from a direct to an indirect quotation, to achieve a more natural style. The Greek particle used to introduce the question of the Jews (meti) is the same one used to introduce the question in 4.29. It indicates a degree of hesitancy in the questioners; that is, they are raising the question, though they really doubt that it is valid. Does this mean…? may be translated “Is he trying to say?” or “Does he mean that…?” or “Is this what his words are saying?”
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 .