In Greek this verse begins “and Jesus said,” again representing Semitic style.

The Good News Translation verb phrase to judge translates a noun phrase in Greek (literally “for judgement”), and it is emphatic in the sentence structure. There is a contrast between this verse and 3.17 (For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior), but there is no real contradiction. The earlier verse affirms that the ultimate purpose of God’s sending his Son into the world was to be its savior. This verse speaks of the inevitable results of the Son’s coming: judgement on those who refuse to open their eyes to the light.

A term for judge which means essentially “to indicate distinctions between people” may be satisfactory in this context. However, the term judge does not refer here to pronouncing condemnation or innocence, nor is it a reference to final judgement. It is a reference to the exposure of sins. In some languages this statement by Jesus may be rendered as “I have come into the world in order that people’s sins will be found out” or “… be exposed.” In one language this passage is translated “I came into this world to be a means of dividing up people.” The meaning of “dividing up” is clearly a reference to a process of judgement.

The contrast between sight and blindness in those who see should become blind has its roots in the Old Testament. See especially Isaiah 29.18; 35.5; 42.7, but also Isaiah 6.10; 42.18-19. Here the point is that those who reject Jesus reject the light of the world, while those who accept him have the light of life.

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 .