12:35a

Then: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Then is often translated “therefore.” Many English translations do not translate this word. Others do translate this word. Translate this connection in a way that is natural in your language. For example:

So (English Standard Version)

Jesus told them: The word them refers to the crowd.

For a little while longer, the Light will be among you: This is a metaphor. In this metaphor the Light represents Jesus. He is like light in that he shows/reveals things as they truly are. He reveals the true God to people.

In some languages a literal translation of this metaphor may be difficult to understand. Here are some other ways to translate it:

• Make it explicit that Jesus is the source of light. For example:

My light will shine out for you just a little while longer. (New Living Translation (2004))

• Change the metaphor to a simile and make it explicit that Jesus is the one like the light. For example:

I am like a light that will be with you a little longer.
-or-
For just a little more time I, who am like a light which shines on you, will be with you.

a little while longer…will be among you: This phrase indicates that Jesus will be with them just a little while more. (The Greek text emphasizes the phrase a little while longer.) After that, Jesus implied, he would no longer be with them. It may be natural to use the future tense for the verb. For example:

will be with you for a little longer (New Century Version)
-or-
will still be with you for a little while (God’s Word)

12:35b

Walk while you have the Light: The word Walk is a command to keep on going to continue following Jesus, as long as it is possible. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

Continue on your way while you have the light (Good News Translation)
-or-
Go on your way while you have the light. (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Walk in the light while you can. (New Living Translation (2004))

while you have the Light: While they still have Jesus with them, the people need to listen to him and believe him. Jesus was implying that he would not always be with them. Refer to how you translated the metaphor of the Light in 12:35a. Also check that your readers understand that Jesus continued to refer to himself. For example:

while I am with you to give you light

12:35c

so that: This phrase introduces a purpose clause. It introduces the reason why the people should walk in the light.

darkness will not overtake you: This is a metaphor. In this metaphor, darkness represents evil. People who do not believe in Jesus will not know the truth about God. So spiritual darkness will overcome them, and they will not know what is true or how they should live. In your translation, help your readers understand the meaning by implying that darkness is an evil thing to be avoided. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

the darkness may not come upon you (Good News Translation)
-or-
the darkness will not catch you (New Century Version)

overtake: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as overtake can mean “to suddenly seize someone like an enemy.” It can also include the idea of overcoming and gaining control over someone or something. The same verb is used in John 1:5b (darkness is unable to overcome the light), Mark 9:18 (an evil spirit seized a boy), and 1 Thessalonians 5:4 (a day cannot overtake you like a thief). Refer to the notes on those verses and use a verb that refers to the sudden arrival of some enemy. For example:

seize you
-or-
overcome you

General Comment on 12:35c

In some languages it may not be natural to talk about “darkness” as though it were a person that can “overtake” or overcome someone. It may be more natural for the pronoun “you” to be the subject of the clause. For example:

so that you will not be suddenly walking in the dark
-or-
so that you will not find yourselves walking in dark places

12:35d

The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going: This is a metaphor or illustration of a spiritual truth. In this figure of speech darkness again represents evil. People who refuse to believe in Jesus, the light, are separated from good. They cannot know the truth about God and what he is like. They cannot know how loving and holy he is. They cannot know how he wants them to live. They walk in spiritual darkness.

The metaphors of “light” and darkness are important in scripture. So it is recommended that you keep the metaphor in your translation. Here are other ways to translate this sentence:

Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. (New International Version)
-or-
Those who walk in the dark don’t know where they’re going. (God’s Word)
-or-
He who walks when it is dark cannot find the good/right path to walk on.

General Comment on 12:35d

The Berean Standard Bible follows the Greek and translates this verse part in the third person. In some languages it may be more natural to express the idea in second person. For example:

If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. (New Revised Standard Version)

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