SIL Translator’s Notes on John 2020 – Page 2

SIL Translator’s Notes on John 13:4

13:4a

So He got up from the supper: The Greek expression that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as got up from the supper means “stood up.” Jesus and his disciples were reclining around a low table. (See the note and picture at 12:2.) Now Jesus stood up. It is not necessary to mention a table if it is not natural in your language. For example:

he got up from the meal (New International Version)

General Comment on 13:3a–4a

It was because Jesus knew who he was, his true status and position, that he acted as he did. Here are ways to show this connection:

Because Jesus knew that the Father had handed all things over to him, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, he got up from the meal… (NET Bible)
-or-
Jesus knew that the Father had given him complete power; he knew that he had come from God and was going to God. So he rose from the table… (Good News Translation)

13:4b

laid aside His outer garments: Jesus took off his outer clothing, which was a robe (cloak). He still had his inner clothes on. He was dressed like a slave ready to serve, not like an important man.

A literal translation of the Berean Standard Bible may imply that Jesus wore two robes and he only removed the outer one. You may want to avoid this wrong understanding by following one of these examples:

took off his robe (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
took off his outer clothing (New International Version)
-or-
removed his outer clothes (NET Bible)

13:4c

and wrapped a towel around His waist: This phrase tells what Jesus did in order to free his hands for washing. Translate this phrase in a way that is natural in your language.

a towel: This phrase probably refers to a long piece of linen cloth. It was long enough that Jesus could wrap it around his waist and use the loose end to dry his disciples’ feet.

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SIL Translator’s Notes on John 13:36

Section 13:36–38

Jesus predicted that Peter would deny him

In this section Peter said that he would even die for Jesus. However, Jesus said that before morning Peter would deny knowing him three times.

Here are some other possible section headings:

Jesus predicted that one of his disciples would deny him
-or-
Peter says that he could die for Jesus, but Jesus says that he will deny him
-or-
Jesus knew that Peter would say that he did not know him

Paragraph 13:36–38

13:36a

“Lord, where are You going?” Simon Peter asked: The disciples did not understand what Jesus was talking about when he said he was going away. The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as asked is literally “said.” Use the expression that is natural in your language.

Simon Peter: Simon Peter was one of Jesus’ closest disciples who is often just called Peter. See the note about Simon Peter in 1:40a–b and how you translated the name there and in 13:24.

13:36b

Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now: Jesus was talking about going to God in heaven. Peter could not go with Jesus at that time. He did not say explicitly that he was going to God, and you should not indicate this in your translation. The Greek text emphasizes the words Where I am going by putting them first, but that may not be natural in some languages. In those languages, you may want to put those words at the end of the sentence. For example:

You cannot follow me now where I am going (Good News Translation)

you: This pronoun is singular and refers to Peter.

13:36c

but: The connector but introduces a contrast between now and later. Now Peter could not follow Jesus, but later he would follow him.

you will follow later: This clause indicates that one day Peter would go where Jesus was going. Jesus meant that Peter would go to heaven, but he did not say this explicitly.

SIL Translator’s Notes on John 14:30

14:30a

I will not speak with you much longer: This clause indicates that Jesus knew that he would soon have to leave his disciples. He would not be able to talk to them because he would not be there. In your translation, avoid implying that Jesus would not talk with them because he was angry with them. Here is one way to avoid this wrong implication:

I shall not be able to talk much longer to you (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

14:30b

for: The connector the Berean Standard Bible translated as for means “because.” It introduces the reason why Jesus said what he did in the previous clause.

the prince of this world is coming: This clause indicates that Satan would soon attack Jesus. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

the prince of this world approaches (Revised English Bible)
-or-
the leader of demons who rules this world will come soon

the prince of this world: This phrase refers to Satan, the chief of the evil spirits. See how you translated this phrase in 12:31. In some languages it may be necessary to make it explicit that Jesus spoke about an evil power or Satan. For example:

the ⌊evil⌋ one who rules this world
-or-
Satan, who rules the people who do not believe

14:30c

he has no claim on Me: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as he has no claim on Me is an idiom that is more literally “in me he has nothing.” This probably means that Satan had no right to accuse or control Jesus (because Jesus never sinned). He could not defeat Jesus. For example:

He has no hold on me. (New International Version)
-or-
He has no rights over me. (Revised English Bible)
-or-
He does not control me.

General Comment on 14:30

In some languages it may be natural to rearrange 14:30a–c. For example:

30c The ruler of this world has no power over me. 30b But he’s coming, 30a so I won’t talk with you much longer. (God’s Word)

SIL Translator’s Notes on John 16:4

16:4a

But: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But normally introduces a contrast. Here it indicates an implied contrast between those who do not know God or Jesus (16:3) and Jesus’ disciples, who do know them. However, because the contrast is not obvious, some English translations do not translate this conjunction. Translate this conjunction in a way that is natural in your language.

I have told you these things: The words these things is plural and refers to all that Jesus has told his disciples about being persecuted. This entire clause is the same clause that is used in 16:1.

16:4b

so that: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as so that here introduces a purpose. Jesus’ purpose in saying these things to his disciples was that they would remember them in the future.

when their hour comes: This clause means “when they do this” and refers to the time when people will persecute believers.

their hour comes: There is a textual issue here:

(1) Some Greek manuscripts include the word that means their. For example:

their time comes (NET Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, English Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, NET Bible, NIV2011)

(2) Some Greek manuscripts do not include the word that means their. For example:

the time comes (Contemporary English Version)

(King James Version, Contemporary English Version, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004), New Century Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version (1984), Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow option (1). Most of the best and oldest Greek manuscripts include the word their. However, in some languages there may be little difference in the meaning of the two options. Here is another way to translate this clause:

when the time comes for them to do these things (Good News Translation)

you will remember that I told you about them: This clause tells the purpose for Jesus saying what he did to his disciples. His purpose was for them to remember what he said when others persecuted them. That would encourage them because it would remind them that he knew the future and so they could trust him. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

you will remember what I told you (Good News Translation)
-or-
you will remember what I have said (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
you will remember my warning (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
you will remember that I warned you (New Century Version)

you: This pronoun is plural and refers to the disciples.

about them: This phrase is not in the Greek text but is implied. It refers to the things that Jesus said about the people that would persecute Jesus’ disciples. Consider how much implied information that it is natural to include in your language. For example:

you will remember that I told you ⌊that you would be persecuted⌋
-or-
you might remember what I told you

Section 16:4c–15 Jesus would send the Holy Spirit

Jesus told his disciples that it was for their benefit that he would leave. That is because he would send the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would prove that the world was wrong in their sin and righteousness and judgment. He would also lead the disciples into all truth, which comes from Jesus and his Father.

Here are some other possible section headings:

What the Holy Spirit would do when he came
-or-
The Holy Spirit will teach the world and Jesus’ disciples

Paragraph 16:4c–11

Jesus told his disciples that he would go back to God and send the Holy Spirit to them. The Holy Spirit would work in the world convicting the people there.

16:4c

I did not tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you: This sentence indicates that Jesus had not always told his disciples that people would persecute them. Earlier it was not necessary, because he himself was always with them. Here are other ways to translate this sentence:

I did not tell you this at first, because then I was with you. (Revised English Bible)

these things: This phrase refers to what Jesus said about the disciples being persecuted. The Greek text emphasizes the phrase.

from the beginning: This phrase refers to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Here is another way to translate this phrase:

at first (God’s Word)
-or-
when we were first companions (Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)

because I was with you: This clause indicates that Jesus did not tell his disciples before that they would be persecuted because he was still with them. Perhaps that was because when he was there, the opposition attacked him and not his disciples. And when he was there he was available to protect the disciples. But these reasons should not be made explicit in a translation.

General Comment on 16:4c

In some languages it is more natural to rearrange the clauses in 16:4c. For example:

I was with you at the first, and so I didn’t tell you these things. (Contemporary English Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on John 17:3

17:3a

Now this is eternal life, that they may know You: These clauses explain what the eternal life that Jesus will give is like and what it means. Having eternal life means knowing God. Here are other ways to translate these clauses:

this is ⌊the meaning of⌋ eternal life–knowing you
-or-
this is ⌊what it means to have⌋ eternal life: they will know you
-or-
And eternal life means to know you (Good News Translation)

Now this: The pronoun this here refers forward, to the idea of knowing God and Jesus Christ. And so knowing God and Jesus Christ is what eternal life really is. That is what eternal life is like—knowing and worshiping God and enjoying his presence forever.

eternal life: This phrase here is defined as a quality of life, not just as a life that does not end. See how you translated the phrase in 17:2. For example:

Really living is…
-or-

⌊The really important thing about⌋ eternal life is…
-or-

⌊good⌋ life forever

that they may know You: The phrase know You here means “have a close relationship with God.” This type of knowledge here implies love for God, and faith and trust in God.

the only true God: This phrase indicates that there is only one God. The many idols and other things that people believe are gods and worship are not truly gods at all. They do not have divine power and do not have the divine nature of the true God. In some languages it is more natural to translate this phrase with an additional clause or sentence. For example:

the only one who is really God (TH)
-or-
that they may know you. You are true and you are the only true God there is.

true: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as true in this context means “real” or “genuine,” the opposite of “false.” See how you translated this word in 1 John 5:20 and 1 Thessalonians 1:9.

17:3b

and Jesus Christ: This phrase here means that eternal life also includes knowing Jesus Christ. Because Jesus was speaking, in some languages it is more natural to include a first-person pronoun. See the General Comment on 17:1–3. For example:

and knowing ⌊me⌋ , Jesus Christ,

Jesus Christ: The word Christ is a title. The Jews used it to refer to the person whom God had appointed and promised to send as king and savior. But here the title Christ is used as one of Jesus’ names. See how you translated the phrase Jesus Christ in 1:17.

The title Christ is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word “Messiah,” which means “the anointed one.” In Old Testament times, kings and priests were anointed with oil (oil was put on their head). That was done to show that God had chosen and appointed them as leaders.

Here are some ways to translate Christ :

• Use a title or a descriptive phrase in your language that has the same meaning as Christ. For example:

Messiah
-or-
Promised Deliverer
-or-
the Rescuer-King whom God appointed

• Transliterate Christ and include a phrase that explains the meaning. For example:

Christ, the appointed one
-or-
Cristo, the Savior whom God promised to send
-or-
the Christ who comes from God

• Transliterate Christ and indicate in some way that it is a title. For example:

the Christ
-or-
the Kirisita

If you do not indicate the meaning of Christ in the text, you may want to include a footnote to explain it. Or you may want to explain the meaning in a glossary. For example:

The word/title “Christ” refers to the king and savior whom God had promised to send. The word means “anointed,” which means to pour oil on someone to show that God chose him for a special purpose.

See also Christ Messiah, in Key Biblical Terms.

whom You have sent: This clause gives more information about Jesus Christ. In some languages it is more natural to make this clause a separate sentence. For example.

And you sent him/me into the world.

General Comment on 17:1–3

In these verses Jesus referred to himself in the third person, as “your Son,” “the Son,” “him,” and “Jesus Christ.” In some languages a literal translation may cause readers to think that Jesus was talking about someone else. In those languages it may be necessary to include first person pronouns. For example:

⌊me,⌋ your Son
-or-

⌊me⌋
-or-
so that ⌊I⌋ might glorify you

SIL Translator’s Notes on John 18:9

18:9

18:9 is a comment by the author John, not part of the story. So some English translations such as the Revised English Bible place this verse in parentheses. You should indicate that this is parenthetical information in a way that is natural in your language.

18:9a

This was to fulfill the word He had spoken: This clause indicates that when Jesus protected his disciples in 18:8, he fulfilled his own prayer in 17:12. He had said that he had kept his followers safe, and he did in fact do so. The expression fulfill the word… is used often in the New Testament. See how you translated it in 12:38 and 13:18. It usually indicates that things happened that the Old Testament had said would happen. Here it refers to Jesus’ words being fulfilled in the same way that Old Testament scriptures were fulfilled.

Here are other ways to translate this clause:

This happened so that the words he had spoken might be fulfilled (New International Version)
-or-
This happened so that the words Jesus said before would come true (New Century Version)
-or-
In this way what Jesus had said came true (God’s Word)

This was: The word This refers to the way Jesus spoke up to protect his followers. In some languages it may be natural to indicate more explicitly to what This refers. For example:

What he said
-or-
In this way (God’s Word)

to fulfill: This phrase indicates that things happened just as Jesus said they would happen. Use the expression that is natural in your language. For example:

would come true (New Century Version)
-or-
came true (God’s Word)

the word He had spoken: This clause refers to the words in Jesus’ prayer, “not one of them was lost” (see John 17:12). Those words refer to his disciples, that he would keep them safe. This statement did not include Judas, as Jesus explained in 17:12. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

what Jesus had said (God’s Word)
-or-
his own statement (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
his previous words (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

18:9b

I have not lost one of those You have given Me: This is a free (approximate) quotation of Jesus’ words in 17:12. In that verse Jesus probably referred to eternal salvation but here John relates it more to physical safety. However, by protecting the disciples physically, Jesus protected them from possible spiritual damage. See how you translated 17:12 and translate this in a way that is similar but can refer to physical protection. For example:

I have not lost any of the ones you gave me. (New Century Version)
-or-
Not one of those you gave me have I lost. (New Jerusalem Bible)

In some languages it may be natural to use a positive expression. For example:

I have kept safe every one of those whom you gave me.
-or-
I have protected each one whom you gave me.

This is a direct quotation. John quoted what Jesus had said a few hours before. He did not use the exact same words. In some languages it is more natural to use an indirect quotation for such an approximate quotation. For example:

Saying that fulfilled what he said earlier, that none of those whom God had trusted to him would be lost.
-or-
This fulfilled what Jesus had said, that he had not lost any of those God had given to him.

one of those You have given Me: The Greek text emphasizes the word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as one. None of Jesus’ disciples died with him, not even one. For example:

even one of those you gave me (Good News Translation)

those You have given Me: This clause refers to Jesus’ disciples. Jesus was saying that God his Father chose them so that they would believe and follow him. See the note for a similar clause in 17:2b and how you translated the clause there. For example:

those whom God had trusted to him

SIL Translator’s Notes on John 19:1

Paragraph 19:1–3

The Roman soldiers whipped and mocked Jesus.

19:1

Then: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Then introduces the next event in the story. It also indicates a return to the main story after the parenthetical information at the end of 18:40. Indicate the next event and a return to main story after parenthetical information in a natural way in your language.

Pilate took Jesus and had Him flogged: The Greek text more literally says, “Pilate took Jesus and flogged (whipped) him.” It implies, however, that Pilate ordered his soldiers to take Jesus away and flog him, and that they obeyed him. (See 19:2–3 where the soldiers are the ones doing things to Jesus.) Also, in some languages it is more natural to leave the verb took implicit. For example:

Then Pilate ordered that Jesus be taken away and whipped. (New Century Version)
-or-
Then Pilate ⌊made his soldiers⌋ whip Jesus.
-or-
Pilate ⌊gave orders⌋ that Jesus be beaten with a whip, ⌊orders⌋ which were obeyed.

See the General Comment on 19:1 for a suggestion on how to translate this clause using direct speech.

flogged: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as flogged means “beaten with a whip.” Jesus had prophesied that this would happen. See Matthew 20:19, Mark 10:34, and Luke 18:33, where the same Greek verb is used. Use the same expression to translate this word in all these verses so it is clear that the prophecy was fulfilled. For example:

whipped (God’s Word)

General Comment on 19:1

In some languages it may be more natural to translate 19:1 as direct speech. For example:

Then Pilate commanded ⌊his soldiers⌋ , “Take Jesus away and flog/whip him.” And they did.

SIL Translator’s Notes on John 19:33

19:33a

But when they came to Jesus: Apparently the soldiers broke the legs of the two other men before they came to Jesus to break his legs.

they: This pronoun refers to the soldiers.

19:33b

and saw that He was already dead: This phrase indicates that Jesus had already died before they came to break his legs.

19:33c

they did not break His legs: The reason that the soldiers broke the men’s legs was so they would die quickly. So there was no reason to break Jesus’ legs because he was already dead.

General Comment on 19:33b–c

In some languages it is more natural to rearrange these verse parts. You may want to indicate that the men did not break Jesus’ legs before saying why they did not. For example:

33a But when they came to Jesus, 33c they did not break his legs 33b because they saw that he was already dead.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on John 2020