8:23a

Then He told them: The Greek text introduces this phrase with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Then. Many English translations do not translate this conjunction explicitly. You should introduce this phrase in the way that is natural in your language. For example:

Jesus answered (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Jesus said (New Century Version)
-or-
And He was saying to them (New American Standard Bible)

You are from below: This clause indicates that the religious leaders belonged to this world (see 8:23c) instead of belonging to God. They were naturally worldly in the way they thought and acted. In your translation, do not imply that Jesus referred to hell or a valley or other low-lying place. Here are examples of how to translate this clause:

You people are from here below. (New Century Version)
-or-
You belong to this world below. (Revised English Bible)

8:23b

I am from above: This clause indicates that Jesus came from God in heaven. It was true that he was born on earth, but that was not his true origin. In your translation, do not imply that he came from a high place or a mountain. It may be necessary to say:

I belong to the world above. (Revised English Bible)

General Comment on 8:23a–b

The Greek text emphasizes the pronouns You and I to emphasize the contrast between Jesus and the Pharisees. Translate these clauses so that the contrast is clear. For example:

You belong to this world here below, but I come from above. (Good News Translation)

8:23c

You are of this world: Jesus was saying that the religious authorities were connected to this present evil world instead of being connected to God. They belonged to this world system, not to God and his kingdom. Here is another way to translate this clause:

You belong to this world. (New Living Translation (2004))

this world: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as world refers to this sinful world system, all that is opposed to God. This world is ruined and lost because of sin.

8:23d

I am not of this world: This clause means that Jesus belonged to God and not to this evil world. He was not another sinful human being. This was not his true home. His origins were in heaven, in God. Here is another way to translate this clause:

I am not from this world. (NET Bible Bible)

General Comment on 8:23c–d

Again the Greek text emphasizes the pronouns you and I to emphasize the contrast between Jesus and the Pharisees. Translate these clauses so that they are in clear and direct contrast. For example:

You belong to this world; I do not. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
You belong to this world but I do not. (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
Your home is in this world, mine is not. (Revised English Bible)

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