Translation commentary on John 1:43

In Greek, the subject of the verb decided is literally “he,” but all commentators understand it to be a reference to Jesus, and a number of translations make this information explicit.

The text does not make clear where Jesus found Philip. Some believe that Jesus found Philip before he set out for Galilee, while others maintain that he did not find him until after his arrival there, that is, west of the Jordan River. (The earlier incidents occurred on the east side of the river, verse 28.) There is no certainty in this matter, but 2.1 may hint that Jesus called Philip and Nathanael before going to Galilee.

As suggested in connection with 1.41, it is necessary to select carefully an equivalent of the verb “find.” It should not be suggested that Philip was lost and that Jesus went looking for him and found him. The context suggests “came across Philip.” Again, a rendering suggesting that what Jesus did was merely accidental and unintentional must be avoided. One can say “he went to where Philip was.”

Come with me translates the same verb discussed in 1.37. The command addressed to Philip is an invitation to become a follower of Jesus. In some languages the equivalent is “Join with me” or “Become one of my followers.”

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 1:43

Section 1:43–51

Jesus called Philip and Nathanael to follow him

This section tells how Philip and Nathaniel became disciples of Jesus. Jesus showed them his power to know all things. He told Nathaniel that he had seen him under a fig tree. That showed Nathaniel that Jesus was the Son of God and King of Israel.

Here are other possible section headings:

Jesus called Philip and Nathanael to be his disciples/followers
-or-
Jesus invited two more men to follow him
-or-
Philip and Nathanael became disciples

1:43a

The next day: The time phrase The next day introduces a new part of the story. See the notes on 1:29a and 1:35, where the same phrase appears.

Jesus decided to set out for Galilee: The Greek text has a singular masculine subject for the verb decided. The Berean Standard Bible has supplied the subject Jesus. Jesus did not leave alone; his disciples were with him. So you may need to say this:

The next day Jesus decided that ⌊they⌋ would go to Galilee.

to set out: The verb set out here means to begin a journey. The travelers certainly walked.

for Galilee: Galilee is the name of a district north of Judea. In some languages it is more natural to say this:

⌊the district called⌋ Galilee
-or-

⌊the region/area called⌋ Galilee

1:43b

Finding Philip, He told him: This is the first time Philip has been mentioned. Introduce him in a way that is natural in your language. It is not clear whether Jesus found Philip before he went to Galilee or after he went.

Finding Philip: Jesus found Philip and went to him. Philip was not lost. In some languages you may need to say this:

Saw a man called Philip and went to him

Follow Me: The Greek phrase Follow Me is an invitation for Philip to come with Jesus and learn from him. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

Come with me! (Good News Translation)
-or-
Become my disciple

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