Translation commentary on John 11:40

It is obvious from the context that the implied answer to Jesus’ question is “Yes.” There is no specific place in this passage where Jesus told Martha that she would see God’s glory revealed if she believed. The reference is perhaps to the conversation Jesus had with Martha (verses 25-26, especially verse 26). In the comments on verse 4, where Jesus speaks to his disciples, it was suggested that the clause which Good News Translation translates this has happened to bring glory to God may have the meaning “this has happened to reveal how powerful God is.” Although Jesus’ words in verse 40 do not refer directly back to verse 4, it is possible to interpret these two verses in the same way; that is, to take the phrase you would see God’s glory to mean “you will see God reveal how powerful he is” or “you will see how powerful God is.” However, in some languages the equivalent of glory would be “how wonderful God is,” which may prove more meaningful and accurate than merely a reference to God’s “power.”

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 11:40

11:40a–b

Jesus replied: This phrase indicates that Jesus responded to Martha. For example:

Jesus answered

Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?: This is a rhetorical question. Jesus used it for emphasis. He was saying that he did tell Martha that if she believed, she would see the glory of God.

This rhetorical question works as a mild rebuke. Jesus rebuked Martha for not completely trusting him. He reminded her of something he said earlier.

There are two ways of translating this rebuke.

• Use a rhetorical question. For example:

Didn’t I tell you that if you believe, you would see God’s glory? (God’s Word)
-or-
Didn’t I tell you that you will see God’s glory if you believe? (New Living Translation (2004))

• Use a statement. For example:

I told you that if you believed, you would see God’s glory.
-or-

⌊You should remember what⌋ I told you, that if you believe you will see God’s glory.

Translate this rebuke in a way that is natural in your language.

11:40a

Did I not tell you: The word you is singular and refers to Martha.

if you believed: This is a condition that could be fulfilled: Martha could have faith. The Berean Standard Bible translates this using the past tense (believed) because Jesus had said this earlier. But it was still a present possibility. In many languages it may be more natural to use the present tense. For example:

if you believe (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
if you have faith (Revised English Bible)

believed: When the word “believe” is used without an object, it is usually a short way of saying “believe in Jesus.” So this word includes the idea of believing the facts about who Jesus was and what he did. But it also includes the idea of trusting Jesus instead of trusting oneself or someone else. Both ideas are very closely related. If someone believes the facts about Jesus, it should result in trusting him. Here are other ways to translate this idea:

would believe ⌊in me⌋
-or-
trusted ⌊in me⌋

11:40b

you would see the glory of God?: This clause states what will happen if the condition (if Martha believes Jesus) is fulfilled. Martha will see the glory and greatness of God. God will show her his amazing power. If you use a present tense for “believe,” you may need to use a future tense for see. For example:

if you believe you will see the glory of God (New Jerusalem Bible)

the glory of God: In this context this phrase refers to the power or greatness of God. For example:

the wonder of what God can do (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
how powerful God is (TH)
-or-
how great/wonderful God is

General Comment on 11:40

In some languages it may be natural to reorder the information in this verse. For example:

Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” (New Living Translation (2004))

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