Translation commentary on John 11:16

The name Thomas is derived from the Hebrew word Teʾoma, meaning “twin.” The word Twin translates the Greek word “Didymus,” which has the same meaning. Though there is some doubt whether Thomas, in its Hebrew or Aramaic form, was ever used as a proper name, Didymus evidently had wide use as such in Greek circles. Two other times in John’s Gospel (20.24; 21.2) Thomas is described as “the one called the Twin.” Elsewhere in the New Testament Thomas is mentioned only in lists of the apostles (Matthew 10.3; Mark 3.18; Luke 6.15; and Acts 1.13). Besides the passages already mentioned, Thomas appears also in John’s Gospel in 14.5 and 20.24-29.

Thomas (called the Twin) may be translated in some languages as “Thomas, whose nickname was Twin” or “Thomas, also called Twin.” However, in some languages it is important to distinguish between the older and younger twin that is, according to the order of their birth. There is no way on the basis of the Greek text to make this distinction, but in some languages one must choose one term or the other.

The word translated fellow disciples (so most other modern translations) is found only here in the New Testament. His fellow disciples may be translated “the rest of the disciples” or “those who were also disciples with him.”

Let us all go along with the Teacher, so that we may die with him is literally “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (Revised Standard Version). The problem is of a literal rendering, in which the participants are not specifically marked, is that a serious ambiguity may result. That is, the phrase with him could possibly be taken as a reference to Lazarus, who in verse 15 is referred to by with him and to him. Here Good News Translation makes it explicit that the disciples are intending to accompany Jesus so that they may die with him. Good News Translation refers to Jesus by the title Teacher in this verse because this title is the one by which the disciples address him in verse 8. However, since they address him as Lord in verse 12, it is also possible in translating to introduce “Lord” here instead of Teacher. As in other contexts, a first person plural admonition may be translated “We should all go along with the Teacher” or “… with our Teacher.”

This verse introduces for the first time in John’s Gospel the theme that the destiny of the disciples must be the same as that of their Lord, a theme further developed in the farewell discourses of Chapters 15-17.

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 .

SIL Translator’s Notes on John 11:16

11:16a

Then Thomas called Didymus: The name Thomas comes from a Hebrew word meaning “twin,” and Didymus is a Greek word meaning “twin.” Didymus was another name that people called Thomas, a nickname, and some translations translate it into English as “the Twin.” Apparently he had a twin brother or sister. We do not know if he was the older or the younger twin.

The verb called is passive. There are two ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

Thomas (called Didymus) (New International Version)

• Use an active verb. For example:

Thomas, whose nickname was “Twin” (Contemporary English Version)

Translate this expression in the way that is most natural in your language.

his fellow disciples: This phrase refers to the other disciples, the ones who were disciples with Thomas. See how you translated the word disciples in 11:7 and 11:12. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the rest of the disciples (New International Version)
-or-
the other disciples (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
the other followers (New Century Version)

Let us also go: The verb Let us…go is the same as in 11:15c. It means “we (incl.) should go.” Thomas wanted to go with Jesus to Judea. He was encouraging the other disciples to go also. You may want to translate this as a strong suggestion. For example:

We (incl.) should go too

also: The Greek expression that the Berean Standard Bible translates as also here means “as well as Jesus” or “along with Jesus.” In many languages it may be natural to make this explicit. Consider using the term the disciples used to address Jesus in 11:8a or 11:12a. For example:

along with the Teacher (Good News Translation)

11:16b

so that: This word here introduces a purpose clause. Thomas wanted to go to Judea with Jesus in order to die with him there.

we may die with Him: Thomas expected the Jewish leaders to kill Jesus. He was willing to die with Jesus. In this clause, Thomas expressed his loyalty and love for his Lord.

we may die: The Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as we may die can refer to any kind of death. However, in this context, the words imply a violent death. Jesus’ opponents had tried to stone Jesus and here it is implied that Jesus and his disciples would be killed. Here is another way to translate these words:

we may be killed

we: This pronoun is inclusive here. It refers to Thomas, who is speaking, and the other disciples.

with Him: This phrase means “with Jesus.” All of them would die together. Check that your readers do not understand this to mean “with Lazarus.” Here is another way to translate this phrase:

with Jesus (New Living Translation (2004))

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