Translation commentary on John 3:12

The things of this world (Jerusalem Bible “things in this world”; New English Bible “things on earth”) is literally “earthly things,” and the things of heaven (so also New English Bible) is literally “heavenly things.” The problem is to determine precisely what is intended by these expressions. The least complicated solution is to assume that the things of this world refers to the things that Jesus has already spoken to Nicodemus about, while the things of heaven points forward to what Jesus will now say to him. Jesus has drawn analogies between things that happen on earth and things that happen in the realm where God’s Spirit operates, but Nicodemus has failed to perceive the spiritual truths of which Jesus is speaking. Now, without the use of earthly analogies, Jesus will speak directly to Nicodemus about the things of heaven (perhaps verses 13-15). If the use of earthly analogies could not make Nicodemus understand and believe, how can he be expected to believe when Jesus speaks directly about the things of heaven?

It may be misleading to translate literally the things of this world. which would be understood in many languages to refer merely to particular physical objects. A more satisfactory equivalent may be “You do not believe me when I tell you about happenings here in this world” or “… what takes place here in this world” or “… what happens here on earth.” What follows must then be so translated as to provide the maximum of contrast; for example, “about happenings in heaven” or “about what takes place in heaven.”

You throughout this verse is plural, that is, “you all” and not simply Nicodemus alone.

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 3:12

3:12a

If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as earthly things refers to things that happen here on earth. In this context Jesus probably meant what he had just been talking about with Nicodemus. Even though the new birth comes from heaven, it is something that happens on earth.

If I have told you about earthly things: Jesus was saying that this was what he had done. He was not suggesting it as a possibility only. So it may be natural to translate this clause in one of these ways:

• Use a statement without the conditional If. For example:

I have told you about things here on earth…. (Contemporary English Version)

• Use a clause that assumes the truth of the condition. For example:

because I have told you earthly things…

3:12b

how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?: This is a rhetorical question. It emphasizes a statement that implies a rebuke. Jesus was saying that Nicodemus (and others) would not believe if he spoke of heavenly things.

There are two ways to translate this rebuke:

• Use a rhetorical question. For example:

how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? (New Living Translation (2004))

• Use a statement. For example:

So you will not believe me if I tell you about things of heaven. (Contemporary English Version)

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

you: This is a plural form. Jesus was probably again referring to the same group of Pharisees that Nicodemus talked about in 3:2b.

heavenly things: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as heavenly things refers to truths or ideas relating to God and the spiritual world. These truths would include the ones in the following verses.

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