Translation commentary on John 8:55

Two different Greek verbs are translated known and know in this verse, though they are used synonymously. Compare, for example, 7.28-29 (you do not know him, but I know him), which uses the second (oida) of these verbs twice, with 10.15 (The Father knows me and I know the Father), which uses the first (ginōskō) of these verbs twice. Both verbs also occur here in the perfect tense, but the verb oida, though perfect in form, has a present meaning. This explains the basis for Good News Translation: have … known and know.

But I do know him, and I obey his word indicates that, according to the theology of John’s Gospel, obedience is an essential part in “knowing God.” In fact, this teaching is a basic affirmation of the Old and New Testaments alike. To know God means that one follows him in faithful obedience. In 15.10 and 17.6 obedience is again stressed as an important element in this relation.

As the result of this distinctive meaning of the verb know in biblical contexts, it is important to avoid a receptor language term which will merely suggest “knowledge about.” The emphasis is upon “personal acquaintance with” or direct involvement in an interpersonal relation. This type of context requires a term for “know” which will suggest the most intimate interpersonal acquaintance and involvement.

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 8:55

8:55a

The Greek begins this verse with a conjunction that introduces information that is in direct contrast to what Jesus’ opponents just said. This information is unexpected. They knew about God, but they did not really know him. They were not personally close to him. Translate this clause in a way that indicates this unexpected contrast. For example:

but you don’t even know him (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
although you do not know him (New Jerusalem Bible)

8:55b

but I know Him: The words I know Him form a contrast to what Jesus had just said about the religious leaders. Jesus himself did know God. He knew him personally and closely. It may be natural to indicate the contrast with a verb that is emphasized. Or you can emphasize the word I as the Greek text does. For example:

But I do know him. (God’s Word)
-or-
but as for me, I know him

8:55c

If I said I did not know Him: This clause refers to a situation that is not real. Jesus did not say that he did not know God. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

if I were to say that I do not know him (NET Bible Bible)
-or-
if I said otherwise (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
to say that I do not know him would make me a liar

In some languages it may be natural to translate the inner quotation by using a direct quotation. For example:

if I said, “I do not know him/God”

8:55d

I would be a liar like you: This clause also describes a situation that is not real. Jesus was not a liar. His opponents were liars because they said they knew God when in fact they did not. Here is another way to translate this clause:

I would be as great a liar as you! (New Living Translation (2004))

8:55e

But I do know Him: Jesus repeated for emphasis that he knew God. The English verb phrase I do know communicates this emphasis. Consider how it is natural to emphasize this in your language.

and I keep His word: This clause indicates that Jesus heard, received and obeyed God’s word. See how you translated the same verb in 8:51b.

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