diff --git a/en_tn_44-JHN.tsv b/en_tn_44-JHN.tsv index bbbfd69fd8..a0440df32a 100644 --- a/en_tn_44-JHN.tsv +++ b/en_tn_44-JHN.tsv @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote -JHN front intro t6za 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of John\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the Gospel of John\n\n1. Introduction about who Jesus is (1:1–18)\n2. John the Baptizer baptizes Jesus, and Jesus chooses 12 disciples (1:19–51)\n3. Jesus preaches, teaches, and heals people (2–11)\n4. The seven days before Jesus’ death (12–19)\n\n* Mary anoints the feet of Jesus (12:1–11)\n* Jesus rides a donkey into Jerusalem (12:12–19)\n* Some Greek men want to see Jesus (12:20–36)\n* The Jewish leaders reject Jesus (12:37–50)\n* Jesus teaches his disciples (13–16)\n* Jesus prays for himself and his disciples (17)\n* Jesus is arrested and undergoes trial (18:1–19:15)\n* Jesus is crucified and buried (19:16–42)\n\n1. Jesus rises from the dead (20:1–29)\n2. John says why he wrote his Gospel (20:30–31)\n3. Jesus meets with the disciples (21)\n\nMore detailed outlines are in the General Notes for each chapter.\n\n### What is the Gospel of John about?\n\nThe Gospel of John is one of four books in the New Testament that describe some of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. These books are called “Gospels,” which means “good news.” Their authors wrote about different aspects of who Jesus was and what he did. John said that he wrote his Gospel “so that people might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God” ([20:31](../20/31.md)). John’s Gospel repeatedly emphasizes that Jesus is God in human form.\n\nJohn’s Gospel is very different from the other three Gospels. John does not include some of the teachings and events that the other writers included in their Gospels. Also, John wrote about some teachings and events that are not in the other Gospels.\n\nJohn wrote much about the miraculous signs Jesus did to prove that what Jesus said about himself was true. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sign]])\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nTranslators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “The Gospel of John” or “The Gospel According to John.” Or they may choose a title that may be clearer, such as, “The Good News About Jesus That John Wrote.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n### Who wrote the Gospel of John?\n\nThis book does not give the name of the author. However, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that the apostle John was the author. Further evidence that the apostle John wrote this Gospel is the fact that his name does not occur once within the book. Instead, this Gospel contains the phrases “the disciple whom Jesus loved” or “the other disciple” in places where the other Gospels indicate that John was present ([13:23–25](../13/23.md); [19:26–27](../19/26.md); [20:2–8](../20/02.md); [21:7](../21/07.md), [20–24](../21/20.md)). The apostle John most likely referred to himself in this manner because he wanted to humbly say that he had a very close relationship with Jesus. He was part of Jesus’ inner circle of disciples who became the “pillars” of the early church ([Galatians 2:9](../../gal/02/09.md)).\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### Why does John write so much about the final week of Jesus’ life?\n\nJohn wrote much about Jesus’ final week. He wanted his readers to think deeply about Jesus’ final week and his death on the cross. He wanted people to understand that Jesus willingly died on the cross so that God could forgive them for sinning against him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### Why does Jesus refer to himself as the “Son of Man”?\n\nIn the Gospels, Jesus calls himself the “Son of Man.” This is a reference to [Daniel 7:13–14](../../dan/07/13.md). In that passage, there is a person who is described as like a “son of man.” That means that the person was someone who looked like a human being. God gave authority to this “son of man” to rule over the nations forever. All people will worship him forever.\n\nJews of Jesus’ time did not use “Son of Man” as a title for anyone. But Jesus used it for himself to help them understand who he truly was. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]])\n\nTranslating the title “Son of Man” can be difficult in many languages. Readers may misunderstand a literal translation. Translators can consider alternatives, such as “The Human One.” It may also be helpful to include a footnote to explain the title.\n\n### What does the word “sign” mean in the Gospel of John?\n\nWhile other New Testament writers use terms like “mighty works” or “wonders” to refer to the miracles that Jesus did, John prefers to use the term “sign.” The miracles John calls “signs” were significant displays of divine power. John called them signs to emphasize that an important purpose of Jesus’ miracles was to prove that Jesus was God and that what Jesus said about himself was true. John said that in his Gospel he only wrote about some of the signs that Jesus did. John said, “these have been written so that you would believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so that believing, you would have life in his name” ([20:30–31](../20/30.md)).\n\n### What do the words “remain,” “reside,” and “abide” mean in the Gospel of John?\n\nJohn often used the words “remain,” “reside,” and “abide” as metaphors. John spoke of a believer becoming more faithful to Jesus and knowing Jesus better as if Jesus’ word “remained” in the believer. John also spoke of someone being spiritually joined to someone else as if the person “remained” in the other person. Christians are said to “remain” in Christ and in God. The Father is said to “remain” in the Son, and the Son is said to “remain” in the Father. The Son is said to “remain” in believers. The Holy Spirit is also said to “remain” in the believers.\n\nMany translators will find it impossible to represent these ideas in their languages in exactly the same way. For example, Jesus intended to express the idea of the Christian being spiritually together with him when he said, “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him” ([6:56](../06/56.md)). The UST uses the idea of “will be united with me, and I will be united with them,” but translators may have to find other ways of expressing the idea.\n\nIn the passage, “my words remain in you” ([15:7](../15/07.md)), the UST expresses this idea as “obey what I have taught you.” Translators may find it possible to use this translation as a model.\n\n### What is double meaning in the Gospel of John?\n\nJohn occasionally used words or phrases that could have two meanings (double entendre) in the language in which he originally wrote this Gospel. For example, the phrase translated “born again” in the ULT could also mean “born from above” ([3:3](../03/03.md), [7](../03/07.md)). In such cases, you may want to choose one meaning and put the other meaning in a footnote.\n\n### What are the major issues in the text of the Gospel of John?\n\nThe following verses are found in older versions of the Bible but are not included in most modern versions. Translators are advised not to translate these verses. However, if there are older versions of the Bible in the translators’ region that include these verses, then the translators can include them. If they are translated, they should be put inside square brackets (\\[\\]) to indicate that they were probably not originally in John’s Gospel.\n\n* “waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel of the Lord went down into the pool and stirred up the water at certain times, and whoever then first stepped in after the water was stirred was healed from whatever disease he suffered from.” (5:3-4)\n* “going through the midst of them, and so passed by” ([8:59](../08/59.md))\n\nThe following passage is included in most older and modern versions of the Bible. But it is not in the earliest copies of the Bible. Translators are advised to translate this passage. It should be put inside of square brackets (\\[\\]) to indicate that it may not have been original to John’s Gospel.\n\n* The story of the adulterous woman ([7:53](../07/53.md)–[8:11](../08/11.md)) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) -JHN 1 intro k29b 0 # John 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Jesus is God (1:1–5)\n2. John the Baptist was Jesus’ witness (1:6–8)\n3. Summary of Jesus’ ministry on earth (1:9–13)\n4. Jesus is God in the flesh (1:14–18)\n5. John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus (1:19–34)\n6. Jesus meets Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathaniel (1:35–51)\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in [1:23](../01/23.md), which are words from the Old Testament.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### “The Word”\n\nJohn uses the phrase “the Word” to refer to Jesus ([1:1](../01/01.md), [14](../01/14.md)). John is saying that God’s most important message to all people is actually Jesus, a person with a physical body. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/wordofgod]])\n\n### Light and Darkness\n\nIn [1:4–9](../01/04.md), John uses an extended metaphor in which light represents what is true and good and darkness represents what is false and evil. John applies that light metaphor to Jesus in order to show that Jesus is God’s truth and goodness displayed in a human body. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])\n\n### “Children of God”\n\nPeople are sometimes described as “children of God” because God created them. However, John uses this expression in a different sense in this chapter. He uses it to describe people who have entered into a father-child relationship with God by putting their faith and trust in Jesus. God indeed created all people, but people can only become children of God in this sense by believing in Jesus. “Children” in this usage does not refer to those who are young, but only to the relationship that people have to their father at any age. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### Metaphors\n\nJohn uses the metaphors of light and darkness and of “the Word” to tell the reader that he will be writing more about good and evil and about what God wants to tell people through Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### “In the beginning”\n\nSome languages and cultures speak of the world as if it has always existed, as if it had no beginning. But “very long ago” is different from “in the beginning,” and you need to be sure that your translation communicates correctly.\n\n### “Son of Man”\n\nJesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” in this chapter ([1:51](../01/51.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. See the discussion of this concept in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +JHN front intro t6za 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of John

## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of the Gospel of John

1. Introduction about who Jesus is (1:1–18)
2. John the Baptizer baptizes Jesus, and Jesus chooses 12 disciples (1:19–51)
3. Jesus preaches, teaches, and heals people (2–11)
4. The seven days before Jesus’ death (12–19)

* Mary anoints the feet of Jesus (12:1–11)
* Jesus rides a donkey into Jerusalem (12:12–19)
* Some Greek men want to see Jesus (12:20–36)
* The Jewish leaders reject Jesus (12:37–50)
* Jesus teaches his disciples (13–16)
* Jesus prays for himself and his disciples (17)
* Jesus is arrested and undergoes trial (18:1–19:15)
* Jesus is crucified and buried (19:16–42)

1. Jesus rises from the dead (20:1–29)
2. John says why he wrote his Gospel (20:30–31)
3. Jesus meets with the disciples (21)

More detailed outlines are in the General Notes for each chapter.

### What is the Gospel of John about?

The Gospel of John is one of four books in the New Testament that describe some of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. These books are called “Gospels,” which means “good news.” Their authors wrote about different aspects of who Jesus was and what he did. John said that he wrote his Gospel “so that people might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God” ([20:31](../20/31.md)). John’s Gospel repeatedly emphasizes that Jesus is God in human form.

John’s Gospel is very different from the other three Gospels. John does not include some of the teachings and events that the other writers included in their Gospels. Also, John wrote about some teachings and events that are not in the other Gospels.

John wrote much about the miraculous signs Jesus did to prove that what Jesus said about himself was true. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sign]])

### How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “The Gospel of John” or “The Gospel According to John.” Or they may choose a title that may be clearer, such as, “The Good News About Jesus That John Wrote.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

### Who wrote the Gospel of John?

This book does not give the name of the author. However, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that the apostle John was the author. Further evidence that the apostle John wrote this Gospel is the fact that his name does not occur once within the book. Instead, this Gospel contains the phrases “the disciple whom Jesus loved” or “the other disciple” in places where the other Gospels indicate that John was present ([13:23–25](../13/23.md); [19:26–27](../19/26.md); [20:2–8](../20/02.md); [21:7](../21/07.md), [20–24](../21/20.md)). The apostle John most likely referred to himself in this manner because he wanted to humbly say that he had a very close relationship with Jesus. He was part of Jesus’ inner circle of disciples who became the “pillars” of the early church ([Galatians 2:9](../../gal/02/09.md)).

## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

### Why does John write so much about the final week of Jesus’ life?

John wrote much about Jesus’ final week. He wanted his readers to think deeply about Jesus’ final week and his death on the cross. He wanted people to understand that Jesus willingly died on the cross so that God could forgive them for sinning against him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

## Part 3: Important Translation Issues

### Why does Jesus refer to himself as the “Son of Man”?

In the Gospels, Jesus calls himself the “Son of Man.” This is a reference to [Daniel 7:13–14](../../dan/07/13.md). In that passage, there is a person who is described as like a “son of man.” That means that the person was someone who looked like a human being. God gave authority to this “son of man” to rule over the nations forever. All people will worship him forever.

Jews of Jesus’ time did not use “Son of Man” as a title for anyone. But Jesus used it for himself to help them understand who he truly was. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]])

Translating the title “Son of Man” can be difficult in many languages. Readers may misunderstand a literal translation. Translators can consider alternatives, such as “The Human One.” It may also be helpful to include a footnote to explain the title.

### What does the word “sign” mean in the Gospel of John?

While other New Testament writers use terms like “mighty works” or “wonders” to refer to the miracles that Jesus did, John prefers to use the term “sign.” The miracles John calls “signs” were significant displays of divine power. John called them signs to emphasize that an important purpose of Jesus’ miracles was to prove that Jesus was God and that what Jesus said about himself was true. John said that in his Gospel he only wrote about some of the signs that Jesus did. John said, “these have been written so that you would believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so that believing, you would have life in his name” ([20:30–31](../20/30.md)).

### What do the words “remain,” “reside,” and “abide” mean in the Gospel of John?

John often used the words “remain,” “reside,” and “abide” as metaphors. John spoke of a believer becoming more faithful to Jesus and knowing Jesus better as if Jesus’ word “remained” in the believer. John also spoke of someone being spiritually joined to someone else as if the person “remained” in the other person. Christians are said to “remain” in Christ and in God. The Father is said to “remain” in the Son, and the Son is said to “remain” in the Father. The Son is said to “remain” in believers. The Holy Spirit is also said to “remain” in the believers.

Many translators will find it impossible to represent these ideas in their languages in exactly the same way. For example, Jesus intended to express the idea of the Christian being spiritually together with him when he said, “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him” ([6:56](../06/56.md)). The UST uses the idea of “will be united with me, and I will be united with them,” but translators may have to find other ways of expressing the idea.

In the passage, “my words remain in you” ([15:7](../15/07.md)), the UST expresses this idea as “obey what I have taught you.” Translators may find it possible to use this translation as a model.

### What is double meaning in the Gospel of John?

John occasionally used words or phrases that could have two meanings (double entendre) in the language in which he originally wrote this Gospel. For example, the phrase translated “born again” in the ULT could also mean “born from above” ([3:3](../03/03.md), [7](../03/07.md)). In such cases, you may want to choose one meaning and put the other meaning in a footnote.

### What are the major issues in the text of the Gospel of John?

The following verses are found in older versions of the Bible but are not included in most modern versions. Translators are advised not to translate these verses. However, if there are older versions of the Bible in the translators’ region that include these verses, then the translators can include them. If they are translated, they should be put inside square brackets (\\[\\]) to indicate that they were probably not originally in John’s Gospel.

* “waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel of the Lord went down into the pool and stirred up the water at certain times, and whoever then first stepped in after the water was stirred was healed from whatever disease he suffered from.” (5:3-4)
* “going through the midst of them, and so passed by” ([8:59](../08/59.md))

The following passage is included in most older and modern versions of the Bible. But it is not in the earliest copies of the Bible. Translators are advised to translate this passage. It should be put inside of square brackets (\\[\\]) to indicate that it may not have been original to John’s Gospel.

* The story of the adulterous woman ([7:53](../07/53.md)–[8:11](../08/11.md)) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) +JHN 1 intro k29b 0 # John 1 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Jesus is God (1:1–5)
2. John the Baptist was Jesus’ witness (1:6–8)
3. Summary of Jesus’ ministry on earth (1:9–13)
4. Jesus is God in the flesh (1:14–18)
5. John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus (1:19–34)
6. Jesus meets Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathaniel (1:35–51)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in [1:23](../01/23.md), which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### “The Word”

John uses the phrase “the Word” to refer to Jesus ([1:1](../01/01.md), [14](../01/14.md)). John is saying that God’s most important message to all people is actually Jesus, a person with a physical body. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/wordofgod]])

### Light and Darkness

In [1:4–9](../01/04.md), John uses an extended metaphor in which light represents what is true and good and darkness represents what is false and evil. John applies that light metaphor to Jesus in order to show that Jesus is God’s truth and goodness displayed in a human body. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

### “Children of God”

People are sometimes described as “children of God” because God created them. However, John uses this expression in a different sense in this chapter. He uses it to describe people who have entered into a father-child relationship with God by putting their faith and trust in Jesus. God indeed created all people, but people can only become children of God in this sense by believing in Jesus. “Children” in this usage does not refer to those who are young, but only to the relationship that people have to their father at any age. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])

## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

### Metaphors

John uses the metaphors of light and darkness and of “the Word” to tell the reader that he will be writing more about good and evil and about what God wants to tell people through Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

### “In the beginning”

Some languages and cultures speak of the world as if it has always existed, as if it had no beginning. But “very long ago” is different from “in the beginning,” and you need to be sure that your translation communicates correctly.

### “Son of Man”

Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” in this chapter ([1:51](../01/51.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. See the discussion of this concept in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) JHN 1 1 er9g figs-explicit ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν 1 In the beginning This phrase refers to the very earliest time before God created the heavens and the earth. It does not refer to time in the distant past. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “Before the beginning of the universe there was” or “Before the universe began there was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 1 1 z59q figs-explicit ὁ λόγος, καὶ ὁ λόγος…καὶ Θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος 1 the Word Here, **the Word** refers to Jesus. It does not refer to a spoken word. ULT indicates this by capitalizing **Word** to indicate that this is a title for Jesus. Use whatever convention your language uses to indicate that this is a name. If “word” is feminine in your language, it could be translated as “the one who is called the Word.” Alternate translation: “Jesus, who is the Word, and Jesus … and Jesus was God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 1 2 u6xx writing-pronouns οὗτος 1 **He** here refers to Jesus, whom John has called “the Word” in the previous verse. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus” or “the Word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) @@ -206,7 +206,7 @@ JHN 1 51 yuye figs-you λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Jesus is using the plural form of JHN 1 51 s28k figs-explicit ὄψεσθε τὸν οὐρανὸν ἀνεῳγότα, καὶ τοὺς ἀγγέλους τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀναβαίνοντας καὶ καταβαίνοντας 1 Here, Jesus refers to an event described in the book of Genesis. While fleeing from his brother, Jacob had a dream in which he saw angels descending from and ascending to heaven. If it would be helpful to your readers who may not be familiar with the story, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “just as Jacob saw in his vision, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 1 51 ahj4 figs-123person τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) JHN 1 51 z4a7 figs-explicit τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 The title **Son of Man** is equivalent to “Messiah.” Jesus uses it to claim that role subtly and implicitly. You may want to translate this title directly into your language. On the other hand, if you think it would be helpful to your readers, you could state what it means. See the discussion of this phrase in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. Alternate translation: “the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -JHN 2 intro jav2 0 # John 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Jesus’ first sign: he turns water into wine (2:1–12)\n2. Jesus causes controversy in the Temple (2:13–22)\n3. Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem at Passover (2:23–25)\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Wine\n\nThe Jews drank wine at many meals and especially when they were celebrating special events. They did not believe that it was a sin to drink wine.\n\n### Driving out the money changers\n\nJesus drove the money changers out of the temple to show that he had authority over the temple and over all of Israel. As the Son of God, it was his Father’s temple that was being used inappropriately for making money. Therefore, he had the authority to drive out those who were misusing the temple.\n\n### “He knew what was in man”\n\nJesus knew what other people were thinking only because he is the Son of Man and the Son of God. Because he is the Son of God, he has supernatural insight into what other people were thinking and could correctly judge their intentions.\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### “His disciples remembered”\n\nJohn used this phrase to stop telling the main historical narrative and to tell about something that happened much later. The Jewish authorities spoke to Jesus right after he scolded the sellers in the temple in ([2:16](../02/16.md)). Jesus’ disciples remembered what the prophet had written long ago and that Jesus was talking about the temple of his body after Jesus became alive again ([2:17](../02/17.md) and [2:22](../02/22.md)). +JHN 2 intro jav2 0 # John 2 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Jesus’ first sign: he turns water into wine (2:1–12)
2. Jesus causes controversy in the Temple (2:13–22)
3. Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem at Passover (2:23–25)

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### Wine

The Jews drank wine at many meals and especially when they were celebrating special events. They did not believe that it was a sin to drink wine.

### Driving out the money changers

Jesus drove the money changers out of the temple to show that he had authority over the temple and over all of Israel. As the Son of God, it was his Father’s temple that was being used inappropriately for making money. Therefore, he had the authority to drive out those who were misusing the temple.

### “He knew what was in man”

Jesus knew what other people were thinking only because he is the Son of Man and the Son of God. Because he is the Son of God, he has supernatural insight into what other people were thinking and could correctly judge their intentions.

## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

### “His disciples remembered”

John used this phrase to stop telling the main historical narrative and to tell about something that happened much later. The Jewish authorities spoke to Jesus right after he scolded the sellers in the temple in ([2:16](../02/16.md)). Jesus’ disciples remembered what the prophet had written long ago and that Jesus was talking about the temple of his body after Jesus became alive again ([2:17](../02/17.md) and [2:22](../02/22.md)). JHN 2 1 rl16 writing-background 0 Jesus and his disciples were invited to a wedding. This verse gives background information about the setting of the story. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) JHN 2 1 vw9e writing-newevent τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ τρίτῃ 1 Three days later This phrase introduces a new event. The **third day** could refer to: (1) the third day from when Jesus called Philip and Nathaniel to follow him in [1:43](../01/43.md). According to the Jewish way of counting days, the first day would have been the day in [1:43](../01/43.md), making **the third day** occur two days afterward. Alternate translation: “two days after Jesus called Philip and Nathaniel” (2) the day after Jesus called Philip and Nathaniel to follow him in [1:43](../01/43.md). In this case, the first day would have occurred in [1:35](../01/35.md) and the second day in [1:43](../01/43.md). Alternate translation: “on the day after Jesus called Philip and Nathaniel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) JHN 2 1 po3t translate-names Κανὰ 1 **Cana** is the name of a town in the region of Galilee. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -274,7 +274,7 @@ JHN 2 24 cm49 οὐκ ἐπίστευεν αὑτὸν αὐτοῖς 1 Althou JHN 2 24 f2n7 figs-gendernotations τὸ αὐτὸν γινώσκειν πάντας 1 Although the word **men** is masculine, John is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “he knew all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) JHN 2 25 et23 figs-gendernotations περὶ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου…τί ἦν ἐν τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ 1 about man, for he knew what was in man Although both instances of the word **man** are masculine, John is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “about mankind … what was in mankind” or “about people … what was in people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) JHN 2 25 lxro figs-explicit τί ἦν ἐν τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ 1 This refers to the inner thoughts and desires of people, which some cultures refer to as “the heart.” (See the discussion of this in the General Notes to this chapter.) If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “what people think” or “the thoughts and desires people have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -JHN 3 intro i7a7 0 # John 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\n1. Jesus teaches Nicodemus about being born again (3:1–21)\n2. John the Baptist testifies about Jesus (3:22–36)\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Light and Darkness\n\nThe Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong, and to begin to obey God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])\n\n### The kingdom of God\n\nThe kingdom of God is a concept that is very rich in meaning. It includes the idea of eternal life in the presence of God, but it also includes the idea of what the earth will be like in the future when Jesus returns and rules everything, and the idea of life on earth right now, when and where God’s wishes are carried out fully. The unifying concept behind all of these ideas is God ruling and people embracing God’s rule over their lives. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/kingdomofgod]])\n\n### Born again\n\nA major idea in this chapter is the spiritual new birth that Jesus says is necessary in order for someone to enter the kingdom of God [3:3–8](../03/03.md). Jesus also uses the following expressions to refer to being born again: “born from water and the Spirit” ([3:4](../03/04.md)) and “born from the Spirit” ([3:6,8](../03/06.md)). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bornagain]])\n\n## Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### “Son of Man”\n\nJesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” twice in this chapter ([3:13–14](../03/13.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. See the discussion of this concept in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +JHN 3 intro i7a7 0 # John 3 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

1. Jesus teaches Nicodemus about being born again (3:1–21)
2. John the Baptist testifies about Jesus (3:22–36)

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### Light and Darkness

The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong, and to begin to obey God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

### The kingdom of God

The kingdom of God is a concept that is very rich in meaning. It includes the idea of eternal life in the presence of God, but it also includes the idea of what the earth will be like in the future when Jesus returns and rules everything, and the idea of life on earth right now, when and where God’s wishes are carried out fully. The unifying concept behind all of these ideas is God ruling and people embracing God’s rule over their lives. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/kingdomofgod]])

### Born again

A major idea in this chapter is the spiritual new birth that Jesus says is necessary in order for someone to enter the kingdom of God [3:3–8](../03/03.md). Jesus also uses the following expressions to refer to being born again: “born from water and the Spirit” ([3:4](../03/04.md)) and “born from the Spirit” ([3:6,8](../03/06.md)). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bornagain]])

## Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

### “Son of Man”

Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” twice in this chapter ([3:13–14](../03/13.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. See the discussion of this concept in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) JHN 3 1 yl6f writing-newevent δὲ 1 **Now** here introduces a new event that happened some time after the events the story has just related in the previous chapter. The story does not say how long after those events this new event happened. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Some time later” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) JHN 3 1 s9p9 writing-participants ἦν…ἄνθρωπος ἐκ τῶν Φαρισαίων, Νικόδημος ὄνομα αὐτῷ, 1 Now Here, **there was a man** is used to introduce Nicodemus as a new character in the story. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new character. The phrase **from the Pharisees** identifies him as member of a strict Jewish religious sect. Alternate translation: “there was a man named Nicodemus, who was a member of a strict Jewish religious group” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) JHN 3 1 fz6f figs-explicit ἄρχων τῶν Ἰουδαίων 1 This phrase means that Nicodemus was a member of the Jewish religious leadership, specifically the Jewish council called the Sanhedrin which made decisions about Jewish law. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/council]]) If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “a member of the Jewish ruling council” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) @@ -419,7 +419,7 @@ JHN 3 36 joql ὁ…ἀπειθῶν 2 The word translated **disobeys** can al JHN 3 36 ni86 figs-metaphor οὐκ ὄψεται ζωήν 1 John the Baptist uses **see** metaphorically to refer to experiencing or participating in something. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will not experience life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) JHN 3 36 pzf5 figs-explicit οὐκ ὄψεται ζωήν 1 Here, **life** refers to eternal life, as indicated by the previous clause. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “will not see eternal life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 3 36 zy7u figs-abstractnouns ἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ μένει ἐπ’ αὐτόν 1 the wrath of God stays on him If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **wrath**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God will continue to be angry against him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -JHN 4 intro j1hv 0 # John 4 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Jesus leaves Judea for Galilee (4:1–6)\n2. Jesus meets a Samaritan woman (4:7–14)\n3. Jesus teaches the Samaritan woman about worship (4:15–26)\n4. Jesus teaches his disciples about evangelism (4:27–38)\n5. Jesus’ ministry in Samaria (4:39–42)\n6. Jesus goes to Galilee (4:43–45)\n7. Jesus’ second sign: he heals an official’s son (4:46–54)\n\n[John 4:7–38](../04/07.md) forms one story centered on the teaching of Jesus as the “living water” who gives eternal life to all who believe in him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### “It was necessary for him to pass through Samaria”\n\nJews avoided traveling through the region of Samaria, because Jews and Samaritans were longtime enemies who hated each other. So Jesus did what most Jews did not want to do. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/samaria]])\n\n### “an hour is coming”\n\nJesus used these words to begin prophecies about events that could be shorter or longer than sixty minutes. In such instances, “hour” refers to a point in time when something happens, not a set length of time. For example, “an hour … when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” refers to the point in time when people begin to do so ([4:23](../04/23.md)).\n\n### The proper place of worship\n\nLong before Jesus came to earth, the Samaritan people had broken the law of Moses by setting up their own temple on Mount Gerizim ([4:20](../04/20.md)). Jesus explained to the Samaritan woman that in the near future it would no longer be important where people worshiped ([4:21–24](../04/21.md)).\n\n### Harvest\n\nHarvest refers to the time when people go out to get the food they have planted so they can bring it to their houses and eat it. Jesus used this as a metaphor to teach his followers that they need to go and tell other people about Jesus so those people can be part of God’s kingdom. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])\n\n### “The Samaritan woman”\n\nJohn probably told this story to show the difference between the Samaritan woman, who believed, and the Jews, who did not believe and would later kill Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### “in spirit and truth”\n\nThe people who truly know who God is and enjoy worshiping him for who the Bible says he is are the ones who truly please him. The place where they worship him is not important. +JHN 4 intro j1hv 0 # John 4 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Jesus leaves Judea for Galilee (4:1–6)
2. Jesus meets a Samaritan woman (4:7–14)
3. Jesus teaches the Samaritan woman about worship (4:15–26)
4. Jesus teaches his disciples about evangelism (4:27–38)
5. Jesus’ ministry in Samaria (4:39–42)
6. Jesus goes to Galilee (4:43–45)
7. Jesus’ second sign: he heals an official’s son (4:46–54)

[John 4:7–38](../04/07.md) forms one story centered on the teaching of Jesus as the “living water” who gives eternal life to all who believe in him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### “It was necessary for him to pass through Samaria”

Jews avoided traveling through the region of Samaria, because Jews and Samaritans were longtime enemies who hated each other. So Jesus did what most Jews did not want to do. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/samaria]])

### “an hour is coming”

Jesus used these words to begin prophecies about events that could be shorter or longer than sixty minutes. In such instances, “hour” refers to a point in time when something happens, not a set length of time. For example, “an hour … when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” refers to the point in time when people begin to do so ([4:23](../04/23.md)).

### The proper place of worship

Long before Jesus came to earth, the Samaritan people had broken the law of Moses by setting up their own temple on Mount Gerizim ([4:20](../04/20.md)). Jesus explained to the Samaritan woman that in the near future it would no longer be important where people worshiped ([4:21–24](../04/21.md)).

### Harvest

Harvest refers to the time when people go out to get the food they have planted so they can bring it to their houses and eat it. Jesus used this as a metaphor to teach his followers that they need to go and tell other people about Jesus so those people can be part of God’s kingdom. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

### “The Samaritan woman”

John probably told this story to show the difference between the Samaritan woman, who believed, and the Jews, who did not believe and would later kill Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])

## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

### “in spirit and truth”

The people who truly know who God is and enjoy worshiping him for who the Bible says he is are the ones who truly please him. The place where they worship him is not important. JHN 4 1 jum6 writing-background 0 [Verses 1–6](../04/01.md) give the background to the next event, which is Jesus’ conversation with a Samaritan woman. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) JHN 4 1 ci4n 0 Connecting Statement: John 4:1–3 is one long sentence. It may be necessary in your language to divide this long sentence into several shorter sentences. JHN 4 1 b1vc figs-infostructure ὡς οὖν ἔγνω ὁ Ἰησοῦς ὅτι ἤκουσαν οἱ Φαρισαῖοι, ὅτι Ἰησοῦς πλείονας μαθητὰς ποιεῖ καὶ βαπτίζει ἢ Ἰωάννης 1 Now when Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that he was making and baptizing more disciples than John If it would be natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “Now Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John. When he knew that the Pharisees had heard that he was doing this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) @@ -569,7 +569,7 @@ JHN 4 53 qek2 figs-quotations εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς, ὁ υ JHN 4 53 jhg4 figs-rpronouns ἐπίστευσεν αὐτὸς 1 So he himself and his whole household believed John uses the word **himself** to emphasize the importance of this event. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “that same royal official … believed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) JHN 4 54 k5x6 τοῦτο δὲ πάλιν δεύτερον σημεῖον ἐποίησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς 1 sign This verse is a comment about the events described in [4:46–53](../04/46.md). John wrote much about the miraculous signs Jesus did. This is the second of those signs. Alternate translation: “That was the second sign Jesus did” JHN 4 54 jvfs σημεῖον 1 See how you translated this term, **sign**, in [2:11](../02/11.md). See also the discussion of signs in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. Alternate translation: “significant miracle” -JHN 5 intro qe17 0 # John 5 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Jesus’ third sign: he heals a paralyzed man (5:1–9)\n2. Jewish leaders oppose Jesus’ ministry (5:10–18)\n3. Jesus says he is equal with God (5:19–30)\n4. Jesus’ witnesses are John the Baptist, Jesus’ works, God, and the Scriptures (5:31–47)\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Healing water\n\nMany of the Jews believed that God would heal people who got into some of the pools in Jerusalem when the waters were “stirred up.” The man Jesus healed in this chapter was one of those people ([5:2–7](../05/02.md)).\n\n### Testimony\n\nIn the Bible, a testimony is what one person says about another person. What a person says about himself is not as important as what other people say about that person. In this chapter, Jesus tells the Jews that God had told them who Jesus was, so he did not need to tell them who he was ([5:34–37](../05/34.md)). This was because God had told the writers of the Old Testament what his Messiah would do, and Jesus had done everything they had written that he would do ([5:44–47](../05/44.md)).\n\n### The resurrection of life and the resurrection of judgment\n\nIn this chapter, Jesus mentions two resurrections, the resurrection of life and the resurrection of judgment ([5:28–29](../05/28.md)). Regarding the resurrection of life, God will make some people alive again, and they will live with him forever, because he gives them his grace. Regarding the resurrection of judgment, God will make some people alive again and they will live apart from him forever, because he will treat them justly.\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### The Son, the Son of God, and the Son of Man\n\nJesus refers to himself in this chapter as the “Son” ([5:19](../05/19.md)), the “Son of God” ([5:25](../05/25.md)), and the “Son of Man” ([5:27](../05/27.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])\n\n### “Son of Man”\n\nJesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” in this chapter ([5:27](../05/27.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. See the discussion of this concept in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +JHN 5 intro qe17 0 # John 5 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Jesus’ third sign: he heals a paralyzed man (5:1–9)
2. Jewish leaders oppose Jesus’ ministry (5:10–18)
3. Jesus says he is equal with God (5:19–30)
4. Jesus’ witnesses are John the Baptist, Jesus’ works, God, and the Scriptures (5:31–47)

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### Healing water

Many of the Jews believed that God would heal people who got into some of the pools in Jerusalem when the waters were “stirred up.” The man Jesus healed in this chapter was one of those people ([5:2–7](../05/02.md)).

### Testimony

In the Bible, a testimony is what one person says about another person. What a person says about himself is not as important as what other people say about that person. In this chapter, Jesus tells the Jews that God had told them who Jesus was, so he did not need to tell them who he was ([5:34–37](../05/34.md)). This was because God had told the writers of the Old Testament what his Messiah would do, and Jesus had done everything they had written that he would do ([5:44–47](../05/44.md)).

### The resurrection of life and the resurrection of judgment

In this chapter, Jesus mentions two resurrections, the resurrection of life and the resurrection of judgment ([5:28–29](../05/28.md)). Regarding the resurrection of life, God will make some people alive again, and they will live with him forever, because he gives them his grace. Regarding the resurrection of judgment, God will make some people alive again and they will live apart from him forever, because he will treat them justly.

## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

### The Son, the Son of God, and the Son of Man

Jesus refers to himself in this chapter as the “Son” ([5:19](../05/19.md)), the “Son of God” ([5:25](../05/25.md)), and the “Son of Man” ([5:27](../05/27.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

### “Son of Man”

Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” in this chapter ([5:27](../05/27.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. See the discussion of this concept in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) JHN 5 1 urn9 writing-background 0 [Verses 1–4](../05/01.md) give background information about the setting of the story. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) JHN 5 1 ea65 writing-newevent μετὰ ταῦτα 1 After this This phrase introduces a new event that happened some time after the events the story has just related. The story does not say how long after those events this new event happened. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Some time later” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) JHN 5 1 z4th ἀνέβη…εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα 1 went up to Jerusalem **Jerusalem** is located on the top of a hill. Therefore, roads to **Jerusalem** went **up**. If your language has a different word for going up a hill than for walking on level ground or going down a gill, you should use it here. @@ -709,7 +709,7 @@ JHN 5 46 m9sq grammar-connect-condition-contrary εἰ 1 John records Jesus mak JHN 5 47 kxa6 grammar-connect-condition-fact εἰ…οὐ πιστεύετε 1 John records Jesus speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Jesus is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Since you do not believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]]) JHN 5 47 b8dd figs-rquestion πῶς τοῖς ἐμοῖς ῥήμασιν πιστεύσετε? 1 If you do not believe his writings, how are you going to believe my words? Jesus is using the question form for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “you will certainly never believe my words!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) JHN 5 47 x7h9 figs-metonymy τοῖς ἐμοῖς ῥήμασιν 1 my words Here, **words** refers to what Jesus said to these Jewish leaders. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I have told you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -JHN 6 intro xe4t 0 # John 6 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Jesus’ fourth sign: Jesus feeds a large crowd (6:1–14)\n2. Jesus’ fifth sign: Jesus walks on the Sea of Galilee (6:15–21)\n3. Jesus says he is the bread of life (6:22–71)\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### King\n\nThe king of any nation was the richest and most powerful person in that nation. The people wanted Jesus to be their king because he gave them food. They thought he would make the Jews into the richest and most powerful nation in the world. They did not understand that Jesus came to die so God could forgive his people’s sins and that the world would persecute his people.\n\n## Important Metaphors in this Chapter\n\n### Bread\n\nBread was the most common and important food in Jesus’ day, so the word “bread” was their general word for “food.” It is often difficult to translate the word “bread” into the languages of people who do not eat bread, because the general word for food in some languages refers to food that did not exist in Jesus’ culture. Jesus used the word “bread” to refer to himself. He wanted the people to understand that they need him so they can have eternal life, just as people need food to sustain physical life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])\n\n### Eating the flesh and drinking the blood\n\nWhen Jesus said, “unless you would eat the flesh of the Son of Man and would drink his blood, you do not have life in yourselves,” he was speaking figuratively of believing in his sacrificial death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. He also knew that before he died he would tell his followers to commemorate this sacrifice by eating bread and drinking wine. In the event this chapter describes, he expected that his hearers would understand that he was using a metaphor but would not understand to what the metaphor referred. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/blood]])\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### Parenthetical ideas\n\nSeveral times in this passage, John explains something or gives the reader some background information needed to better understand the story. These explanations are intended to give the reader some additional knowledge without interrupting the flow of the narrative. This information is placed inside parentheses.\n\n### “Son of Man”\n\nJesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” several times in this chapter. Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. See the discussion of this concept in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +JHN 6 intro xe4t 0 # John 6 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Jesus’ fourth sign: Jesus feeds a large crowd (6:1–14)
2. Jesus’ fifth sign: Jesus walks on the Sea of Galilee (6:15–21)
3. Jesus says he is the bread of life (6:22–71)

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### King

The king of any nation was the richest and most powerful person in that nation. The people wanted Jesus to be their king because he gave them food. They thought he would make the Jews into the richest and most powerful nation in the world. They did not understand that Jesus came to die so God could forgive his people’s sins and that the world would persecute his people.

## Important Metaphors in this Chapter

### Bread

Bread was the most common and important food in Jesus’ day, so the word “bread” was their general word for “food.” It is often difficult to translate the word “bread” into the languages of people who do not eat bread, because the general word for food in some languages refers to food that did not exist in Jesus’ culture. Jesus used the word “bread” to refer to himself. He wanted the people to understand that they need him so they can have eternal life, just as people need food to sustain physical life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

### Eating the flesh and drinking the blood

When Jesus said, “unless you would eat the flesh of the Son of Man and would drink his blood, you do not have life in yourselves,” he was speaking figuratively of believing in his sacrificial death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. He also knew that before he died he would tell his followers to commemorate this sacrifice by eating bread and drinking wine. In the event this chapter describes, he expected that his hearers would understand that he was using a metaphor but would not understand to what the metaphor referred. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/blood]])

## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

### Parenthetical ideas

Several times in this passage, John explains something or gives the reader some background information needed to better understand the story. These explanations are intended to give the reader some additional knowledge without interrupting the flow of the narrative. This information is placed inside parentheses.

### “Son of Man”

Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” several times in this chapter. Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. See the discussion of this concept in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) JHN 6 1 qhj7 writing-background 0 General Information: Jesus had traveled from Jerusalem to Galilee. A crowd has followed him up a mountainside. Verses [1–4](../06/01.md) tell the setting of this part of the story. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) JHN 6 1 el4l writing-newevent μετὰ ταῦτα 1 After these things This phrase, **After these things**, introduces a new event that happened some time after the events the story has just related. The story does not say how long after those events this new event happened. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Some time later” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) JHN 6 1 z345 figs-explicit θαλάσσης τῆς Γαλιλαίας τῆς Τιβεριάδος 1 The **Sea of Galilee** was called by several names, one of which was Sea **of Tiberias**. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/seaofgalilee]]) If having two different names for the same place would be confusing in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “of the Sea of Galilee (also known as the Sea of Tiberias)” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) @@ -845,13 +845,6 @@ JHN 6 44 s6b5 figs-idiom ἀναστήσω αὐτὸν 1 raise him up See how y JHN 6 44 g2ia figs-explicit ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ 1 Here, **the last day** refers to “the day of the Lord,” which is the time when God judges everyone, Jesus returns to earth, and the bodies of those who are dead are raised from their graves. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/dayofthelord]]) See how you translated this in verse [40](../06/40.md). Alternate translation: “on the day when I return and judge everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 6 45 j1af figs-activepassive ἔστιν γεγραμμένον ἐν τοῖς προφήταις 1 It is written in the prophets If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) JHN 6 45 jg6g writing-quotations ἔστιν γεγραμμένον ἐν τοῖς προφήταις 1 It is written in the prophets Here Jesus uses **It is written** to introduce a quotation from an Old Testament book ([Isaiah 54:13](../../isa/54/13.md)). If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Jesus is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “it had been written by the prophets in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) -JHN 6 52 q5nw writing-quotations ἐμάχοντο…πρὸς ἀλλήλους οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι λέγοντες 1 It is written in the prophets Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “then the Jews began to argue among themselves, and they said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) -JHN 7 15 z0db writing-quotations ἐθαύμαζον…οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι λέγοντες 1 It is written in the prophets Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “the Jews marveled, and they said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) -JHN 7 28 ht31 writing-quotations διδάσκων…καὶ λέγων 1 It is written in the prophets Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “while he was teaching he said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) -JHN 7 37 n3um writing-quotations ἔκραξεν λέγων 1 It is written in the prophets Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “cried out, and he said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) -JHN 8 12 pvpr writing-quotations πάλιν…αὐτοῖς ἐλάλησεν…λέγων 1 Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “spoke to the people again, and he said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) -JHN 9 2 hf1y writing-quotations ἠρώτησαν αὐτὸν…λέγοντες 1 Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “asked him, and they said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) -JHN 9 19 umip writing-quotations ἠρώτησαν αὐτοὺς λέγοντες 1 Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “they asked him, and they said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) JHN 6 45 wnjr figs-quotesinquotes ἐν τοῖς προφήταις, καὶ ἔσονται πάντες διδακτοὶ Θεοῦ 1 If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “in the prophets that all will be taught by God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) JHN 6 45 fken figs-activepassive ἔσονται πάντες διδακτοὶ Θεοῦ 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will teach all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) JHN 6 45 orme guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρὸς 1 **Father** is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) @@ -876,6 +869,7 @@ JHN 6 51 k4bo figs-metonymy σάρξ μού 1 Here, John records Jesus using ** JHN 6 51 ee9d figs-extrainfo ὁ ἄρτος 2 Here Jesus is using the **bread** metaphor slightly differently from how he has used it previously. Here it refers specifically to his physical body, which he would sacrifice on the cross to pay for the sins of those who believe in him. Since Jesus says this explicitly at the end of the verse, you do not need to explain its meaning further. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]]) JHN 6 51 c5z3 figs-explicit ὑπὲρ τῆς τοῦ κόσμου ζωῆς 1 Here, **life** refers to eternal life. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “for the eternal life of the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 6 51 nb41 figs-metonymy ὑπὲρ τῆς τοῦ κόσμου ζωῆς 1 for the life of the world Here, **the world** is used figuratively to refer to the people in the world. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for the life of the people in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +JHN 6 52 q5nw writing-quotations ἐμάχοντο…πρὸς ἀλλήλους οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι λέγοντες 1 Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “then the Jews began to argue among themselves, and they said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) JHN 6 52 v6g7 figs-synecdoche οὖν…οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι 1 Here, **the Jews** refers to the Jewish leaders. See how you translated this term in [1:19](../01/19.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) JHN 6 52 fj5p figs-rquestion πῶς δύναται οὗτος ἡμῖν δοῦναι τὴν σάρκα φαγεῖν? 1 How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Here the Jewish leaders are using the form of a question to emphasize that they are reacting negatively to what Jesus has said about **his flesh**. If this might be misunderstood in your language, you could translate these words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “There is no way that this one is able to give us his flesh to eat!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) JHN 6 52 llc0 figs-metonymy τὴν σάρκα 1 Here, John records the Jews using **flesh** figuratively to refer to Jesus’ whole physical body. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) @@ -952,7 +946,7 @@ JHN 6 70 jl5i figs-explicit ἐξ ὑμῶν εἷς διάβολός ἐστι JHN 6 71 z9yc writing-background 0 General Information: In this verse John provides background information about what Jesus said in the previous verse. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) JHN 6 71 joha translate-names Ἰούδαν Σίμωνος Ἰσκαριώτου 1 **Judas** and **Simon** are names of two men. This **Simon** is not the same as Simon Peter. **Iscariot** is a distinguishing term that most likely means he came from the village of Kerioth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) JHN 6 71 lttr figs-nominaladj τῶν δώδεκα 1 See how you translated **the Twelve** in verse [67](../06/67.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) -JHN 7 intro l712 0 # John 7 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Jesus goes to Jerusalem for the Festival of Shelters (7:1–13)\n2. Jesus says his authority is from God (7:14–24)\n3. Jesus says he came from God (7:25–31)\n4. Jesus says he will return to God (7:32–36)\n5. Jesus says he is the living water (7:37–39)\n6. The people disagree about who Jesus is (7:40–44)\n7. The Jewish leaders disagree about who Jesus is (7:45–53)\n\nTranslators may wish to include a note at [verse 53](../07/53.md) to explain to the reader why they have chosen or chosen not to translate [verses 7:53–8:11](../07/53.md). These verses are not in the best and oldest ancient manuscripts. If the translators have chosen to translate these verses, then they will want to either put them in a footnote outside of the main text or mark them in some way, such as square brackets ([ ]), to indicate that the passage may not have originally been in John’s Gospel.\n(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### “Believing in him”\n\nA recurring theme in this chapter is the concept of believing Jesus to be the Messiah. Some people believed he was the Messiah, while others did not. Some were willing to recognize his power and even the possibility that he was a prophet, but most were unwilling to believe that he was the Messiah. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])\n\n### “My time has not yet come”\n\nThis phrase and “his hour had not yet come” are used in this chapter to indicate that Jesus is in control of the events that are happening in his life.\n\n### “Living water”\n\nThis is an important metaphor used in the New Testament to refer to the Holy Spirit. See the discussion of this metaphor in the note about “living water” for [4:10](../04/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### Prophecy\n\nIn [verses 33–34](../07/33.md) Jesus gives a prophecy about his return to heaven without explicitly indicating his statement as prophecy.\n\n### Irony\n\nNicodemus explains to the other Pharisees that the Law requires them to hear directly from a person before making a judgment about that person. The Pharisees in turn made a judgment about Jesus without speaking to Jesus.\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### “Did not believe in him”\n\nJesus’ brothers did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah at the time the events in this chapter took place. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])\n\n### “The Jews”\n\nThis term is used in two different ways in this passage. It is used specifically to refer to the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus and were trying to kill him ([7:1](../07/01.md), [11](../07/11.md), [13](../07/13.md), [15](../07/15.md), [35](../07/35.md)). It is also used in [verse 2](../07/02.md) to refer to Jewish people in general. The translator may wish to use the terms “Jewish leaders” and “Jewish people” to clarify this distinction. +JHN 7 intro l712 0 # John 7 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Jesus goes to Jerusalem for the Festival of Shelters (7:1–13)
2. Jesus says his authority is from God (7:14–24)
3. Jesus says he came from God (7:25–31)
4. Jesus says he will return to God (7:32–36)
5. Jesus says he is the living water (7:37–39)
6. The people disagree about who Jesus is (7:40–44)
7. The Jewish leaders disagree about who Jesus is (7:45–53)

Translators may wish to include a note at [verse 53](../07/53.md) to explain to the reader why they have chosen or chosen not to translate [verses 7:53–8:11](../07/53.md). These verses are not in the best and oldest ancient manuscripts. If the translators have chosen to translate these verses, then they will want to either put them in a footnote outside of the main text or mark them in some way, such as square brackets ([ ]), to indicate that the passage may not have originally been in John’s Gospel.
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### “Believing in him”

A recurring theme in this chapter is the concept of believing Jesus to be the Messiah. Some people believed he was the Messiah, while others did not. Some were willing to recognize his power and even the possibility that he was a prophet, but most were unwilling to believe that he was the Messiah. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

### “My time has not yet come”

This phrase and “his hour had not yet come” are used in this chapter to indicate that Jesus is in control of the events that are happening in his life.

### “Living water”

This is an important metaphor used in the New Testament to refer to the Holy Spirit. See the discussion of this metaphor in the note about “living water” for [4:10](../04/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

### Prophecy

In [verses 33–34](../07/33.md) Jesus gives a prophecy about his return to heaven without explicitly indicating his statement as prophecy.

### Irony

Nicodemus explains to the other Pharisees that the Law requires them to hear directly from a person before making a judgment about that person. The Pharisees in turn made a judgment about Jesus without speaking to Jesus.

## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

### “Did not believe in him”

Jesus’ brothers did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah at the time the events in this chapter took place. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])

### “The Jews”

This term is used in two different ways in this passage. It is used specifically to refer to the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus and were trying to kill him ([7:1](../07/01.md), [11](../07/11.md), [13](../07/13.md), [15](../07/15.md), [35](../07/35.md)). It is also used in [verse 2](../07/02.md) to refer to Jewish people in general. The translator may wish to use the terms “Jewish leaders” and “Jewish people” to clarify this distinction. JHN 7 1 b99m writing-newevent μετὰ ταῦτα 1 After these things This phrase introduces a new event that happened some time after the events the story has just related. The story does not say how long after those events this new event happened. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “some time later” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) JHN 7 1 r94g figs-synecdoche οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι 1 the Jews Here and throughout this chapter, **the Jews** refers to the Jewish leaders. Apart from one exception in [verse 2](../07/02.md), it does not refer to the Jewish people in general. See how you translated this term in [1:19](../01/19.md). Alternate translation: “the Jewish authorities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) JHN 7 2 n2ud writing-background 0 In this verse John briefly stops telling about the events in the story in order to give background information about when the events happened. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “This event took place near the time of the Shelters Festival, the festival of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) @@ -986,6 +980,7 @@ JHN 7 13 yyiv figs-possession διὰ τὸν φόβον τῶν Ἰουδαίω JHN 7 13 n8bb figs-synecdoche τῶν Ἰουδαίων 1 the Jews Here, **the Jews** refers to the Jewish leaders. See how you translated this term in [1:19](../01/19.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) JHN 7 14 yut8 τῆς ἑορτῆς 1 Here, **the festival** refers to the Jewish Festival of Shelters mentioned in verse [1](../07/01.md). See how you translated the word **festival** there. Alternate translation: “the Shelters festival” JHN 7 14 jqnk figs-synecdoche εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν 1 Since only priests could enter **the temple** building, this refers to **the temple** courtyard. John is using the word for the entire building to refer to one part of it. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “into the temple courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +JHN 7 15 z0db writing-quotations ἐθαύμαζον…οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι λέγοντες 1 Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “the Jews marveled, and they said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) JHN 7 15 u12l figs-synecdoche οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι 1 Here, **the Jews** refers to the Jewish leaders. See how you translated this term in [1:19](../01/19.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) JHN 7 15 obtt figs-explicit ἐθαύμαζον 1 The word translated **marveled** refers to being amazed or in wonder of something in either a negative or positive way. Since the Jewish leaders despised Jesus, their amazement was unfavorable toward him. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “showed their surprise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 7 15 e7ve figs-rquestion πῶς οὗτος γράμματα οἶδεν, μὴ μεμαθηκώς? 1 The Jewish leaders are using the form of a question to emphasize that they were surprised and annoyed by how much knowledge Jesus had about Scripture. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate their words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “He certainly cannot know so much about the scriptures, not being educated!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) @@ -1024,6 +1019,7 @@ JHN 7 26 n5pi figs-explicit οὐδὲν αὐτῷ λέγουσιν 1 they say JHN 7 26 s2un figs-explicit μήποτε ἀληθῶς ἔγνωσαν οἱ ἄρχοντες, ὅτι οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ Χριστός? 1 It cannot be that the rulers indeed know that this is the Christ, can it? Here, the Jerusalemites ask this question in a way that expects a negative response, but also expresses uncertainty about that response. If your language has a question form that assumes a negative response with uncertainty, you should use it here. Alternate translation: “Could it be possible that the rulers really know this is the Christ?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 7 26 f1jp figs-explicit οἱ ἄρχοντες 1 This phrase refers to the Jewish religious leadership, specifically the Jewish council called the Sanhedrin, which made decisions about Jewish law. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/council]]) If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The members of the Jewish ruling council” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 7 27 rqq8 figs-explicit τοῦτον 1 Here, John records the Jerusalemites saying **this one** as a disrespectful way to refer to Jesus without saying his name. If your language has a similar way to refer to someone in an indirect but derogatory manner, you may use it here. Alternate translation: “this so-and-so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 7 28 ht31 writing-quotations διδάσκων…καὶ λέγων 1 Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “while he was teaching he said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) JHN 7 28 zxh7 ἔκραξεν 1 cried out Alternate translation: “spoke in a loud voice” JHN 7 28 ah7u figs-synecdoche ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ 1 in the temple Jesus and the people were actually in the courtyard of the **temple**. See how you translated **temple** in [verse 14](../07/14.md). Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) JHN 7 28 w35k figs-explicit ἀπ’ ἐμαυτοῦ 1 of myself See how you translated **from myself** in verse [17](../07/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) @@ -1051,6 +1047,7 @@ JHN 7 36 ib6p figs-metonymy τίς ἐστιν ὁ λόγος οὗτος ὃν JHN 7 36 h18z figs-quotesinquotes εἶπε, ζητήσετέ με, καὶ οὐχ εὑρήσετέ; καὶ ὅπου εἰμὶ ἐγὼ, ὑμεῖς οὐ δύνασθε ἐλθεῖν 1 If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) JHN 7 36 dyy1 ζητήσετέ με, καὶ οὐχ εὑρήσετέ; καὶ ὅπου εἰμὶ ἐγὼ, ὑμεῖς οὐ δύνασθε ἐλθεῖν 1 See how you translated this in verse [34](../07/34.md). JHN 7 37 elc6 0 General Information: About three or four days has passed since the events described in verses [14–36](../07/14.md). It is now the last day of the Festival of Shelters, and Jesus speaks to the crowd. +JHN 7 37 n3um writing-quotations ἔκραξεν λέγων 1 Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “cried out, and he said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) JHN 7 37 ipem ἔκραξεν 1 See how you translated this in verse [28](../07/28.md). JHN 7 37 iy9e figs-metaphor ἐάν τις διψᾷ 1 If anyone is thirsty Here Jesus uses **thirst** figuratively to refer to a person’s need for God, just as someone would **thirst** for water. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: “If anyone may recognize your need for God like a thirsty person desires water” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) JHN 7 37 ayn6 figs-metaphor ἐρχέσθω πρός με καὶ πινέτω 1 let him come to me and drink Here Jesus uses **come** and **drink** figuratively to refer together to believing in Jesus. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use similes. Alternate translation: “let him believe in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) @@ -1094,10 +1091,11 @@ JHN 7 52 k6pg figs-ellipsis ἐραύνησον καὶ ἴδε 1 Search and see JHN 7 52 jm59 figs-explicit προφήτης ἐκ τῆς Γαλιλαίας οὐκ ἐγείρεται 1 no prophet comes from Galilee The Jewish leaders believed that Jesus came **from Galilee** and that no **prophet** in the scriptures came **from Galilee**. Therefore, based on their reasoning, Jesus could not be a **prophet**. However, what they believed was incorrect. Jesus did not originally come from Galilee, but Bethlehem in Judea. Also, the prophet Jonah came **from Galilee** ([2 Kings 14:25](../2ki/14/25.md)) and [Isaiah 9:1–7](../isa/09/01.md) said that the Messiah would be a great light rising from Galilee. If your readers might not understand what the Jewish leaders are implying, you could say it explicitly. Alternate translation: “no prophet rises up from Galilee, so this man cannot be a true prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 7 52 i0im ἐγείρεται 1 Here, **rises up** means to appear. Alternate translation: “appears” JHN 7 53 s5fi translate-textvariants 0 General Information: The best early texts do not have [7:53–8:11](../07/53.md). The ULT has set them apart in square brackets ([ ]) to show that John probably did not include them in his original text. See the discussion of this textual issue in the General Notes to this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) -JHN 8 intro e667 0 # John 8 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Jesus forgives the adulterous woman [8:1–11](../08/01.md)\n2. Jesus says he is the light of the world (8:12–20)\n3. Jesus says he came from above (8:21–30)\n4. Jesus says he frees people from sin (8:31–36)\n5. Jesus describes the true children of Abraham and the children of Satan (8:37–47)\n6. Jesus is greater than Abraham (8:48–59)\n\nTranslators may wish to include a note at [verse 1](../08/01.md) to explain to the reader why they have chosen to translate or to not translate [verses 8:1–11](../08/01.md). [Verses 7:53–8:11](../07/53.md) are not in the best and oldest ancient manuscripts. Those ancient texts which do have these verses also have many differences between them, which are additional evidence that these verses were not originally in the Gospel of John. If the translators have chosen to translate these verses, then they will want to either put them in a footnote outside of the main text or mark them in some way, such as square brackets ([ ]), to indicate that the passage may not have originally been in John’s Gospel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Light and darkness\n\nGenerally in John’s Gospel, light represents what is true and good and darkness represents what is false and evil. Similar to the discussion of light in [1:4–9](../01/04.md), in [8:12](../08/12.md) Jesus applies the light metaphor to himself in order to show that he is the embodiment of God’s truth and goodness. Jesus calls himself the Light of the World because he is the one who enables people to know God’s truth and goodness. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/light]])\n\n### I AM\n\nJohn records Jesus saying these words as an independent phrase three times in this chapter ([8:24](../08/24.md), [28](../08/28.md), [58](../08/58.md)). They stand alone as a complete sentence, and they literally translate the Hebrew expression “I AM,” by which Yahweh identified himself to Moses in Exodus [3:14](../exo/03/14.md). For these reasons, many people believe that when Jesus said these words he was claiming to be Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/yahweh]]).\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### “Son of Man”\n\nJesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” in this chapter ([8:28](../08/28.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. See the discussion of this concept in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +JHN 8 intro e667 0 # John 8 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Jesus forgives the adulterous woman [8:1–11](../08/01.md)
2. Jesus says he is the light of the world (8:12–20)
3. Jesus says he came from above (8:21–30)
4. Jesus says he frees people from sin (8:31–36)
5. Jesus describes the true children of Abraham and the children of Satan (8:37–47)
6. Jesus is greater than Abraham (8:48–59)

Translators may wish to include a note at [verse 1](../08/01.md) to explain to the reader why they have chosen to translate or to not translate [verses 8:1–11](../08/01.md). [Verses 7:53–8:11](../07/53.md) are not in the best and oldest ancient manuscripts. Those ancient texts which do have these verses also have many differences between them, which are additional evidence that these verses were not originally in the Gospel of John. If the translators have chosen to translate these verses, then they will want to either put them in a footnote outside of the main text or mark them in some way, such as square brackets ([ ]), to indicate that the passage may not have originally been in John’s Gospel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### Light and darkness

Generally in John’s Gospel, light represents what is true and good and darkness represents what is false and evil. Similar to the discussion of light in [1:4–9](../01/04.md), in [8:12](../08/12.md) Jesus applies the light metaphor to himself in order to show that he is the embodiment of God’s truth and goodness. Jesus calls himself the Light of the World because he is the one who enables people to know God’s truth and goodness. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/light]])

### I AM

John records Jesus saying these words as an independent phrase three times in this chapter ([8:24](../08/24.md), [28](../08/28.md), [58](../08/58.md)). They stand alone as a complete sentence, and they literally translate the Hebrew expression “I AM,” by which Yahweh identified himself to Moses in Exodus [3:14](../exo/03/14.md). For these reasons, many people believe that when Jesus said these words he was claiming to be Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/yahweh]]).

## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

### “Son of Man”

Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” in this chapter ([8:28](../08/28.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. See the discussion of this concept in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) JHN 8 1 mkz2 translate-textvariants 0 General Information: The best early texts do not have [7:53–8:11](../07/53.md). The ULT has set them apart in square brackets ([ ]) to show that John probably did not include them in his original text. See the discussion of this textual issue in the General Notes to this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) +JHN 8 12 pvpr writing-quotations πάλιν…αὐτοῖς ἐλάλησεν…λέγων 1 Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “spoke to the people again, and he said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) JHN 8 12 m4ma writing-newevent 0 In this verse Jesus begins speaking to a crowd near the treasury in the temple some time after the events of [John 7:1–52](../07/01.md). John does not mark the beginning of this new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) -JHN 8 12 k5ib figs-metaphor ἐγώ εἰμι τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου…ἀλλ’ ἕξει τὸ φῶς 1 I am the light of the world Here Jesus uses **light** figuratively to refer to God’s truth and goodness that are revealed to the world by Jesus. He is the embodiment of God’s truth and goodness. See the discussion of **light** and **darkness** in the General Notes to this chapter. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a simile. Alternate translation: “I am the one who reveals God’s truth and goodness, that is like a light, to the world … but will have that truth and goodness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 8 12 k5ib figs-metaphor ἐγώ εἰμι τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου…ἀλλ’ ἕξει τὸ φῶς 1 I am the light of the world Here Jesus uses **light** figuratively to refer to God’s truth and goodness that are revealed to the world by Jesus. He is the embodiment of God’s truth and goodness. See the discussion of **light** and **darkness** in the General Notes to this chapter. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a simile. Alternate translation: “I am the one who reveals God’s truth and goodness, that is like a light, to the world … but will have that truth and goodness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) JHN 8 12 yc5p figs-metonymy τοῦ κόσμου 1 the world Here, **world** refers figuratively to all the people in the world. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of the people of the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) JHN 8 12 zf41 figs-idiom ὁ ἀκολουθῶν ἐμοὶ 1 he who follows me Here, **following** means to become Jesus’ disciple and obey his teachings. See how you translated a similar phrase in [1:43](../01/43.md). Alternate translation: “the one who becomes my disciple” or “the one who obeys me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) JHN 8 12 tse3 figs-metaphor οὐ μὴ περιπατήσῃ ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ 1 will not walk in the darkness Here Jesus uses the phrase **walk in the darkness** figuratively to refer to living a sinful life. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a simile. Alternate translation: “may certainly not live as if he were living in the darkness of sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) @@ -1125,7 +1123,7 @@ JHN 8 20 p01r writing-background 0 In this verse John finishes telling about t JHN 8 20 xa7h figs-metonymy ταῦτα τὰ ῥήματα 1 Here, **these words** refers to what Jesus had just spoken in verses [12–19](../08/12.md). If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “these things about himself” or “these things to the Pharisees” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) JHN 8 20 witr translate-unknown τῷ γαζοφυλακίῳ 1 A **treasury** is the place where treasures are stored. In Jesus’ time, the temple **treasury** referred to a place in the courtyard that had containers for receiving money offerings. If your readers would not be familiar with this use of **treasury**, you could give a fuller description. Alternate translation: “the place where people gave money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) JHN 8 20 b11j figs-metonymy οὔπω ἐληλύθει ἡ ὥρα αὐτοῦ 1 his hour had not yet come Here, the word **hour** is used figuratively to refer to the time God had planned for Jesus to be arrested and killed. See how you translated this phrase in [7:30](../07/30.md). Alternate translation: “the right time to arrest him had not yet come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -JHN 8 21 ls93 writing-newevent εἶπεν οὖν πάλιν αὐτοῖς 1 **Then again** here introduces a new event that happened some time after the events the story has just related. The story does not say how long after those events this new event happened. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “At another time he again said to them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) +JHN 8 21 ls93 writing-newevent εἶπεν οὖν πάλιν αὐτοῖς 1 **Then again** here introduces a new event that happened some time after the events the story has just related. The story does not say how long after those events this new event happened. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “At another time he again said to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) JHN 8 21 lxox figs-extrainfo ἐγὼ ὑπάγω…ὅπου ἐγὼ ὑπάγω 1 Two times in this verse Jesus uses **go away** figuratively to refer to his death and return to God in heaven. However, the Jews did not understand this. Therefore, you do not need to explain its meaning further here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]]) JHN 8 21 d70v figs-genericnoun ἐν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ ὑμῶν 1 Here, **sin** is singular. This could refer to one: (1) the specific sin of rejecting Jesus as the Messiah. Alternate translation: “in your sin of unbelief” (2) sinfulness in general. Alternate translation: “in your state of sinfulness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) JHN 8 21 m0w8 figs-infostructure ὅπου ἐγὼ ὑπάγω, ὑμεῖς οὐ δύνασθε ἐλθεῖν 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “You are not able to come to where I go” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) @@ -1249,6 +1247,7 @@ JHN 8 59 bxs5 figs-explicit ἦραν…λίθους, ἵνα βάλωσιν ἐ JHN 8 59 qwe6 figs-synecdoche τοῦ ἱεροῦ 1 **Jesus** and his Jewish opponents were in the courtyard of **the temple**. See how you translated **temple** in [verse 14](../08/14.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) JHN 9 intro hq31 0 # John 9 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

1. Jesus’ sixth sign: he heals a blind man (9:1–12)
2. The Pharisees question the formerly blind man whom Jesus healed (9:13–34)
3. Jesus speaks with the formerly blind man and some Pharisees (9:35–41)

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “Who sinned?”

Many of the Jews in Jesus’ time believed that if a person was blind or deaf or crippled, it was because he, his parents, or someone else in his family had sinned. The rabbis even taught that it was possible for a baby to sin while still in the womb. This was not the teaching of the law of Moses. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

### “A sinner”

The Pharisees call some people in this chapter “sinners.” The Jewish leaders thought these people were sinful, but in reality the leaders were also sinful. This can be taken as irony. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

### “He does not keep the Sabbath”

The Pharisees thought that Jesus was working, and so breaking the Sabbath, by healing the blind man. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]])

## Important metaphors in this chapter

### Light and darkness

The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

### Seeing and being blind

Jesus uses the healing of the blind man as a metaphor for spiritual blindness. Just as a blind man cannot see the physical world, a man who is spiritually blind does not recognize God’s truth, which includes his sinfulness and need for salvation. The blind man in this story is first healed from his physical blindness ([9:6–7](../09/06.md)), then from his spiritual blindness ([9:38](../09/38.md)). By contrast, the Pharisees are not physically blind but are spiritually blind. Jesus calls the Pharisees blind because they have seen him do great miracles that only someone sent from God could do, but they still refuse to believe that God sent him or that they are sinners who need to repent ([9:39–40](../09/39.md)). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “Son of Man”

Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” in this chapter ([9:35](../09/35.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. See the discussion of this concept in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) JHN 9 1 un4h grammar-connect-words-phrases καὶ 1 Now **And** here shows that John intended for the events in this chapter to be directly connected to what Jesus said in the previous chapter. In [chapter 8](../08/01.md), Jesus said that he is the Light of the World. In this chapter, Jesus demonstrates that he is the Light of the World by giving physical sight and spiritual light to a blind man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) +JHN 9 2 hf1y writing-quotations ἠρώτησαν αὐτὸν…λέγοντες 1 Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “asked him, and they said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) JHN 9 2 w44c figs-explicit τίς ἥμαρτεν, οὗτος ἢ οἱ γονεῖς αὐτοῦ, ἵνα τυφλὸς γεννηθῇ? 1 who sinned, this man or his parents … blind? This question reflects the ancient Jewish belief that sin caused illnesses and other deformities. See the discussion of this in the General Notes for this chapter. Alternate translation: “Teacher, we know that sin causes a person to be blind. Whose sin caused this man to be born blind? did this man himself sin, or was it his parents who sinned?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 9 2 zzh8 figs-activepassive ἵνα τυφλὸς γεννηθῇ 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that he might be blind when his mother bore him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) JHN 9 3 q69k figs-ellipsis ἵνα φανερωθῇ τὰ ἔργα τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ 1 Here, John records Jesus leaving out some information that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “he was born blind so that the works of God might be revealed in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) @@ -1296,6 +1295,7 @@ JHN 9 17 glud figs-explicit ὅτι ἠνέῳξέν σου τοὺς ὀφθα JHN 9 17 lcb3 figs-metonymy ἠνέῳξέν σου τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς 1 Here, **opened** **eyes** figuratively describes the ability to see by referring to something associated with vision coming into action, specifically, the **eyes**. See how you translated a similar phrase in [verse 14](../09/14.md). Alternate translation: “he caused you to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) JHN 9 18 y3wn grammar-connect-logic-result οὖν 1 **Therefore** here indicates that what follows is the result of what the man said about Jesus in the previous verse. Because the formerly blind man believed Jesus was a prophet, **the Jews** who opposed Jesus refused to believe that the man had really been blind. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “Since the man said that Jesus was a prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) JHN 9 18 awp6 figs-synecdoche οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι 1 Here, **the Jews** refers to the Jewish leaders, which in this chapter may have been a group of leaders among the Pharisees. See how you translated this term in [1:19](../01/19.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +JHN 9 19 umip writing-quotations ἠρώτησαν αὐτοὺς λέγοντες 1 Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “they asked him, and they said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) JHN 9 19 npf9 figs-activepassive τυφλὸς ἐγεννήθη 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he was blind when you bore him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) JHN 9 20 pg6a figs-activepassive τυφλὸς ἐγεννήθη 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he was blind when his mother bore him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) JHN 9 21 ahky figs-explicit ἡλικίαν ἔχει 1 The phrase **full maturity** describes a person who is an adult and is legally responsible for himself. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “is an adult” or “is a full-grown man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) @@ -1347,7 +1347,7 @@ JHN 9 41 rh3l figs-metaphor εἰ τυφλοὶ ἦτε, οὐκ ἂν εἴχε JHN 9 41 bj0s figs-metaphor οὐκ ἂν εἴχετε ἁμαρτίαν…ἡ ἁμαρτία ὑμῶν μένει 1 If you were blind, you would have no sin In these two phrases, Jesus speaks figuratively of **sin** as if it were an object that a person could possess or that could remain with a person. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you would not be sinful … you are still sinful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) JHN 9 41 jmq7 figs-metaphor λέγετε, ὅτι βλέπομεν, ἡ ἁμαρτία ὑμῶν μένει 1 See how you translated **see** in [verse 39](../09/39.md). Alternate translation: “you say, ‘We know God’s truth,’ your sin remains” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) JHN 9 41 ch0y figs-quotesinquotes λέγετε, ὅτι βλέπομεν 1 If the direct quotation inside a direct quotation would be confusing in your language, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “you say that you see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) -JHN 10 intro e8mb 0 # John 10 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Jesus tells the Parable of the Sheep Pen (10:1–6)\n2. Jesus says he is the gate of the sheep pen (10:7–10)\n3. Jesus says he is the Good Shepherd (10:11–18)\n4. The Jewish leaders disagree about who Jesus is (10:19–21)\n5. Jesus says he is God at the Festival of Dedication (10:22–42)\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Blasphemy\n\nBlasphemy is when a person claims that he is God or claims that God has told him to speak when God has not told him to speak. The law of Moses commanded the Israelites to kill blasphemers by throwing stones at them until they died. When Jesus said, “I and the Father are one,” the Jews thought he was blaspheming, so they picked up stones to kill him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/blasphemy]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### Parables\n\nParables were short stories that Jesus told so that people who wanted to believe in him could easily understand the lesson he was trying to teach them. People who did not want to believe in him would not be able to understand the message ([10:1–6](../10/01.md)).\n\n### Sheep\n\nJesus spoke metaphorically of people as sheep because sheep do not see well, do not think well, often walk away from those who care for them, and cannot defend themselves when other animals attack them. God’s people are similar to sheep in that they also are weak and do foolish things like rebelling against God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/sheep]])\n\n### Sheep pen\n\nA sheep pen was a space with a stone wall around it in which shepherds would keep their sheep for periods of time, such as over night. There were large sheep pens in which multiple flocks were kept, and also smaller sheep pens for a single flock. Once they were inside the sheep pen, the sheep could not run away, and animals and thieves could not easily get inside to kill or steal them. In [10:1–5](../10/01.md), Jesus uses the sheep pen as a metaphor for the people of Israel. Out of the “sheep pen” of the Jewish people, Jesus calls his first “sheep.”\n\n### Laying down and taking up life\n\nJesus speaks of his life as if it were a physical object that he could: (1) lay down on the ground, which is a metaphor for dying, or (2) pick up again, which is a metaphor for becoming alive again. +JHN 10 intro e8mb 0 # John 10 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Jesus tells the Parable of the Sheep Pen (10:1–6)
2. Jesus says he is the gate of the sheep pen (10:7–10)
3. Jesus says he is the Good Shepherd (10:11–18)
4. The Jewish leaders disagree about who Jesus is (10:19–21)
5. Jesus says he is God at the Festival of Dedication (10:22–42)

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### Blasphemy

Blasphemy is when a person claims that he is God or claims that God has told him to speak when God has not told him to speak. The law of Moses commanded the Israelites to kill blasphemers by throwing stones at them until they died. When Jesus said, “I and the Father are one,” the Jews thought he was blaspheming, so they picked up stones to kill him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/blasphemy]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

### Parables

Parables were short stories that Jesus told so that people who wanted to believe in him could easily understand the lesson he was trying to teach them. People who did not want to believe in him would not be able to understand the message ([10:1–6](../10/01.md)).

### Sheep

Jesus spoke metaphorically of people as sheep because sheep do not see well, do not think well, often walk away from those who care for them, and cannot defend themselves when other animals attack them. God’s people are similar to sheep in that they also are weak and do foolish things like rebelling against God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/sheep]])

### Sheep pen

A sheep pen was a space with a stone wall around it in which shepherds would keep their sheep for periods of time, such as over night. There were large sheep pens in which multiple flocks were kept, and also smaller sheep pens for a single flock. Once they were inside the sheep pen, the sheep could not run away, and animals and thieves could not easily get inside to kill or steal them. In [10:1–5](../10/01.md), Jesus uses the sheep pen as a metaphor for the people of Israel. Out of the “sheep pen” of the Jewish people, Jesus calls his first “sheep.”

### Laying down and taking up life

Jesus speaks of his life as if it were a physical object that he could: (1) lay down on the ground, which is a metaphor for dying, or (2) pick up again, which is a metaphor for becoming alive again. JHN 10 1 gzd8 figs-parables 0 General Information: In [verses 1–5](../10/01.md), Jesus speaks a parable, which he then uses for teaching purposes in [verses 7–18](../10/07.md). Here, the “shepherd” is a metaphor for Jesus and “sheep” is a metaphor for people. “His own sheep” are the people who follow Jesus, and the **thief**, **robber**, and “strangers” are the Jewish leaders, including the Pharisees, who try to deceive the people. Since Jesus does not explain the meaning of this parable here, you should not explain the metaphors within the parable itself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) JHN 10 1 ab9x 0 Connecting Statement: In [verses 1–21](../10/01.md), Jesus continues to speak to the Pharisees whom he was speaking with at the end of the last chapter. This section continues the story which began in [9:35](../09/35.md). JHN 10 1 i3tj figs-doublet ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly, truly Jesus uses this phrase to emphasize the truth of the statement that follows. See how you translated this is in [1:51](../01/51.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) @@ -1459,8 +1459,6 @@ JHN 10 33 h4kp ποιεῖς σεαυτὸν Θεόν 1 making yourself God Thi JHN 10 34 qi82 figs-rquestion οὐκ ἔστιν γεγραμμένον ἐν τῷ νόμῳ ὑμῶν, ὅτι ἐγὼ εἶπα, θεοί ἐστε? 1 Is it not written … gods”’? Here Jesus uses the form of a question to add emphasis. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate these words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “It is certainly written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) JHN 10 34 tb1l figs-activepassive οὐκ ἔστιν γεγραμμένον 1 Is it not written … gods”’? If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Did not a prophet write” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) JHN 10 34 smk1 writing-quotations οὐκ ἔστιν γεγραμμένον ἐν τῷ νόμῳ ὑμῶν 1 Is it not written … gods”’? Here Jesus uses **written in your law** to introduce a quotation from an Old Testament book ([Psalm 82:6](../../psa/82/06.md)). If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Jesus is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “Has it not been written in the Psalms, part of your law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) -JHN 11 3 ue08 writing-quotations ἀπέστειλαν…αἱ ἀδελφαὶ πρὸς αὐτὸν λέγουσαι 1 Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “the sisters sent to him, and they said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) -JHN 11 32 sn74 writing-quotations ἔπεσεν αὐτοῦ πρὸς τοὺς πόδας, λέγουσα αὐτῷ 1 Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “she fell down at his feet and said to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) JHN 10 34 rycn figs-synecdoche ἐν τῷ νόμῳ ὑμῶν 1 Jesus is using the name of the first part of the Hebrew Scriptures, the **law**, to represent the entire Hebrew Scriptures in general. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in your Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) JHN 10 34 b3gp figs-123person ἐγὼ εἶπα, θεοί ἐστε 1 You are gods Jesus quotes [Psalm 82:6](../psa/82/06.md) where God calls some humans **gods**. Jesus does this in order to show that God also used the word “god” to refer to people other than himself. In the verse that Jesus quotes, the first person **I** refers to God. If this might be misunderstood by your readers, you could say it explicitly. Alternate translation: “I, God, said, ‘You are gods’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) JHN 10 34 h189 figs-quotesinquotes ἐγὼ εἶπα, θεοί ἐστε 1 You are gods If the direct quotation inside a direct quotation would be confusing in your language, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “I said that you are gods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) @@ -1489,12 +1487,16 @@ JHN 10 40 wztl figs-explicit ἦν Ἰωάννης τὸ πρῶτον βαπτ JHN 10 40 f5dx figs-explicit ἔμεινεν ἐκεῖ 1 he stayed there Jesus remained on the east side of **Jordan** for a short period of time. If your language requires a length of time for **stay**, you can use a general expression. Alternate translation: “Jesus stayed there for several days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 10 41 yfin σημεῖον 1 See how you translated this term in [2:11](../02/11.md). See also the discussion of signs in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. Alternate translation: “significant miracle” JHN 10 41 gd31 writing-pronouns τούτου 1 Here, **this one** refers to Jesus. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “this man, Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) -JHN 11 intro tks5 0 # John 11 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Jesus returns to Judea (11:1–16)\n2. Jesus’ seventh sign: Jesus makes Lazarus become alive again (11:17–46)\n3. The Jewish leaders plan to kill Jesus (11:47–57)\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Ancient Jewish burial customs\n\nAccording to the burial customs of that time, a dead person’s family would wrap the dead body with many strips of linen cloth and place it on a table inside a tomb. The tomb was either a cave or a room cut out of the side a large rock. According to Jewish tradition, the body was left to decompose in the tomb for one year. Then the family would place the bones in a stone box. If your readers would be unfamiliar with these burial customs, then you may need to provide explanations in your translation or in a note for [verses 38–44](../11/38.md).\n\n### Passover\n\nAfter Jesus made Lazarus become alive again, the Jewish leaders were determined to kill Jesus, so he started traveling secretly from place to place. The Pharisees knew that he would come to Jerusalem for the Passover festival because God had commanded all Jewish men to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem. Thus they planned to catch him and kill him during Passover ([11:55–57](../11/55.md)). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/passover]])\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### “Walks in the daytime” and “walks at night”\n\nIn [verses 9–10](../11/09.md) of this chapter, Jesus uses the idea of a person working in the light of day and stumbling in the darkness of night as a metaphor for his ministry on the earth. The “daytime” refers to the length of time that Jesus would do God’s work on the earth. The “night” refers to the end of his earthly ministry. This ministry would end when he “stumbled,” which refers to his death. Jesus uses this metaphor to comfort his disciples when they worry about him going to Judea ([11:8](../11/08.md)). He reassures them that, just as the daylight has a set length of time, so does his earthly ministry, and nothing can shorten that time.\n\n### “One man dies for the people”\n\nIn the law of Moses, God commanded the priests to kill animals so that God would forgive the people’s sins. In this chapter, the high priest Caiaphas says, “It is better for you that one man dies for the people than that the whole nation perishes” ([11:50](../11/50.md)). He said this because he loved his “place” and “nation” ([11:48](../11/48.md)) more than he loved the God who had made Lazarus become alive again. He wanted Jesus to die so that the Romans would not destroy the temple and Jerusalem. However, God wanted Jesus to die so that he could forgive all of his people’s sins.\n\n### “The Jews”\n\nThis term is used in three different ways in this chapter. Unlike in other parts of John’s Gospel, it is used here primarily to refer to the Jewish people who were living in Judea, especially Judean friends and relatives of Lazarus. Some of these Judeans believed in Jesus and others opposed him ([11:36–37](../11/36.md)). The term is also used specifically at least once in this chapter to refer to the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus and were trying to kill him ([11:8](../11/08.md) and possibly [11:54](../11/54.md)). Finally, the term is used in [11:55](../11/55.md) to refer to the Jewish people in general. The translator may wish to use the terms “Judeans,” “Jewish authorities,” and “Jewish people” to clarify these distinctions.\n\n### Hypothetical situation\n\nWhen Martha and Mary said, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died,” they were speaking of a situation that could have happened but did not happen ([11:21](../11/21.md), [32](../11/32.md)). Jesus had not come, and their brother did die. +JHN 11 intro tks5 0 # John 11 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Jesus returns to Judea (11:1–16)
2. Jesus’ seventh sign: Jesus makes Lazarus become alive again (11:17–46)
3. The Jewish leaders plan to kill Jesus (11:47–57)

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### Ancient Jewish burial customs

According to the burial customs of that time, a dead person’s family would wrap the dead body with many strips of linen cloth and place it on a table inside a tomb. The tomb was either a cave or a room cut out of the side a large rock. According to Jewish tradition, the body was left to decompose in the tomb for one year. Then the family would place the bones in a stone box. If your readers would be unfamiliar with these burial customs, then you may need to provide explanations in your translation or in a note for [verses 38–44](../11/38.md).

### Passover

After Jesus made Lazarus become alive again, the Jewish leaders were determined to kill Jesus, so he started traveling secretly from place to place. The Pharisees knew that he would come to Jerusalem for the Passover festival because God had commanded all Jewish men to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem. Thus they planned to catch him and kill him during Passover ([11:55–57](../11/55.md)). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/passover]])

## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

### “Walks in the daytime” and “walks at night”

In [verses 9–10](../11/09.md) of this chapter, Jesus uses the idea of a person working in the light of day and stumbling in the darkness of night as a metaphor for his ministry on the earth. The “daytime” refers to the length of time that Jesus would do God’s work on the earth. The “night” refers to the end of his earthly ministry. This ministry would end when he “stumbled,” which refers to his death. Jesus uses this metaphor to comfort his disciples when they worry about him going to Judea ([11:8](../11/08.md)). He reassures them that, just as the daylight has a set length of time, so does his earthly ministry, and nothing can shorten that time.

### “One man dies for the people”

In the law of Moses, God commanded the priests to kill animals so that God would forgive the people’s sins. In this chapter, the high priest Caiaphas says, “It is better for you that one man dies for the people than that the whole nation perishes” ([11:50](../11/50.md)). He said this because he loved his “place” and “nation” ([11:48](../11/48.md)) more than he loved the God who had made Lazarus become alive again. He wanted Jesus to die so that the Romans would not destroy the temple and Jerusalem. However, God wanted Jesus to die so that he could forgive all of his people’s sins.

### “The Jews”

This term is used in three different ways in this chapter. Unlike in other parts of John’s Gospel, it is used here primarily to refer to the Jewish people who were living in Judea, especially Judean friends and relatives of Lazarus. Some of these Judeans believed in Jesus and others opposed him ([11:36–37](../11/36.md)). The term is also used specifically at least once in this chapter to refer to the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus and were trying to kill him ([11:8](../11/08.md) and possibly [11:54](../11/54.md)). Finally, the term is used in [11:55](../11/55.md) to refer to the Jewish people in general. The translator may wish to use the terms “Judeans,” “Jewish authorities,” and “Jewish people” to clarify these distinctions.

### Hypothetical situation

When Martha and Mary said, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died,” they were speaking of a situation that could have happened but did not happen ([11:21](../11/21.md), [32](../11/32.md)). Jesus had not come, and their brother did die. JHN 11 1 fsf7 writing-background 0 General Information: [Verses 1–2](../11/01.md) provide background information about **Lazarus** and his sisters. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) JHN 11 1 s5im writing-participants ἦν δέ τις ἀσθενῶν Λάζαρος ἀπὸ Βηθανίας 1 This verse introduces **Lazarus** as a new character in the story. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new character. Alternate translation: “There was a man named Lazarus, who was from Bethany and was sick” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) +JHN 11 1 b2r5 translate-names Λάζαρος 1 **Lazarus** is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +JHN 11 1 eglj translate-names Βηθανίας 1 See how you translated **Bethany** in [1:28](../01/28.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +JHN 11 1 xoy8 translate-names Μαρίας…Μάρθας 1 **Mary** and **Martha** are the names of two women. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) JHN 11 1 p19k translate-kinship Μάρθας τῆς ἀδελφῆς αὐτῆς 1 Because those who wrote scripture usually listed the names of siblings in order from oldest to youngest, the list in [verse 5](../11/05.md) suggests that **Martha** was the oldest and **Lazarus** was the youngest of the three siblings. If your language uses different words for **sister** depending on birth order, use the word for an older **sister** here. Alternate translation: “her older sister Martha” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]]) JHN 11 2 c6r9 figs-events ἦν δὲ Μαρία ἡ ἀλείψασα τὸν Κύριον μύρῳ, καὶ ἐκμάξασα τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ ταῖς θριξὶν αὐτῆς 1 It was Mary who anointed the Lord … her hair Here, John refers to an event that would happen at a time following the events recorded in this chapter ([12:1–8](../12/01.md)). If this might confuse your readers, you could translate this as a future event. Alternate translation: “Now it was Mary who would later anoint the Lord with myrrh and wipe his feet with her hair” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]]) JHN 11 2 xlio translate-kinship ὁ ἀδελφὸς Λάζαρος 1 Because those who wrote scripture usually listed the names of siblings in order from oldest to youngest, the list in [verse 5](../11/05.md) suggests that Martha was the oldest and **Lazarus** was the youngest of the three siblings. If your language uses different words for **brother** depending on birth order, use the word for a younger **brother** here. Alternate translation: “younger brother Lazarus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]]) +JHN 11 3 ue08 writing-quotations ἀπέστειλαν…αἱ ἀδελφαὶ πρὸς αὐτὸν λέγουσαι 1 Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “the sisters sent to him, and they said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) JHN 11 3 i2ar figs-ellipsis ἀπέστειλαν…πρὸς αὐτὸν 1 sent for Jesus Here, John is leaving out a word that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply this word from the context. Alternate translation: “sent messengers to him” or “sent a message to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) JHN 11 3 g1im figs-declarative Κύριε, ἴδε, ὃν φιλεῖς ἀσθενεῖ 1 Here, the **sisters** are using a present statement to make a request indirectly. They tell Jesus that Lazarus is **sick**, because they want Jesus to come and heal him. If this use of a statement is confusing in your language, you can use a more natural form for instruction. Alternate translation: “Sir, behold, he whom you love is sick and needs your help” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative]]) JHN 11 3 czm1 figs-metaphor ἴδε 1 Here, **behold** means to take notice of something or pay attention to something. It is used here to emphasize the urgency of the words that follow. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “take notice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) @@ -1524,9 +1526,6 @@ JHN 11 13 pf8u figs-possession τῆς κοιμήσεως τοῦ ὕπνου 1 JHN 11 14 azy3 τότε…εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς παρρησίᾳ 1 Then Jesus said to them plainly Here, **plainly** means to say something clearly without using and metaphors or others figures of speech. Because the disciples did not understand the metaphor Jesus told them in [verse 11](../11/11.md), he told them the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Jesus then said to them in words that they could understand” JHN 11 15 c4wj δι’ ὑμᾶς 1 for your sakes Alternate translation: “for your benefit” or “for your good” JHN 11 15 ar2j figs-ellipsis ἵνα πιστεύσητε 1 Here, Jesus is leaving out some words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could supply this word from the context. You may also need to start a new sentence. Alternate translation: “ for I allowed this to happen so that you may believe in me” or “for I let Lazarus die so that you may believe that I am the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) -JHN 11 1 b2r5 translate-names Λάζαρος 1 **Lazarus** is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -JHN 11 1 eglj translate-names Βηθανίας 1 See how you translated **Bethany** in [1:28](../01/28.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -JHN 11 1 xoy8 translate-names Μαρίας…Μάρθας 1 **Mary** and **Martha** are the names of two women. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) JHN 11 16 e043 translate-names Θωμᾶς 1 **Thomas** is the name of a man, one of Jesus’ disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) JHN 11 16 dzc3 figs-activepassive ὁ λεγόμενος Δίδυμος 1 who was called Didymus If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom some people called Didymus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) JHN 11 16 ymy6 translate-names Δίδυμος 1 Didymus **Didymus** is the name of a man. It is a Greek word that means “twin” and is Thomas’ other name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -1561,6 +1560,7 @@ JHN 11 28 zs2t figs-explicit διδάσκαλος 1 Teacher Here, **Teacher** re JHN 11 30 k5hy writing-background οὔπω δὲ ἐληλύθει ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς τὴν κώμην 1 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village Here John provides a brief break in the story to give background information regarding the location of Jesus. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “At that time Jesus had not yet come into the village” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) JHN 11 31 zpe9 οἱ…Ἰουδαῖοι 1 See how you translated **the Jews** in [verse 19](../11/19.md). JHN 11 31 q0iv figs-distinguish οἱ ὄντες μετ’ αὐτῆς ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ καὶ παραμυθούμενοι αὐτήν 1 This phrase is making a distinction between **the Jews** who were **comforting** **Mary** in her **house** and those who were not doing so. It is not giving us further information about **the Jews**. If this might confuse your readers, you could make the relationship between these phrases more clear. Alternate translation: “the Jews, that is, those Jews who were with her in the house and comforting her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) +JHN 11 32 sn74 writing-quotations ἔπεσεν αὐτοῦ πρὸς τοὺς πόδας, λέγουσα αὐτῷ 1 Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “she fell down at his feet and said to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) JHN 11 32 zmp7 figs-explicit ἔπεσεν αὐτοῦ πρὸς τοὺς πόδας 1 fell down at his feet Here, **fell down** means that Mary voluntarily threw herself down on the ground in front of Jesus to show the respect that she had for him. The phrase does not mean that **Mary** involuntarily **fell down**. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “she prostrated herself at his feet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 11 32 j2wr Κύριε, εἰ ἦς ὧδε, οὐκ ἄν μου ἀπέθανεν ὁ ἀδελφός 1 my brother would not have died See how you translated this sentence in [11:21](../11/21.md). JHN 11 33 ct82 τοὺς…Ἰουδαίους 1 See how you translated **the Jews** in [verse 19](../11/19.md). @@ -1627,7 +1627,7 @@ JHN 11 56 i7en figs-idiom τί δοκεῖ ὑμῖν 1 What do you think? That JHN 11 56 p2wz figs-rquestion ὅτι οὐ μὴ ἔλθῃ εἰς τὴν ἑορτήν? 1 What do you think? That he will not come to the festival? The people are using a rhetorical question here to emphasize that they do not think Jesus will **come** to the **Passover** festival. The speakers here were wondering if Jesus would come to the festival since the Jewish leaders wanted to kill him. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate these words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “He will certainly not come to the festival!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) JHN 11 56 x6im figs-ellipsis ὅτι οὐ μὴ ἔλθῃ εἰς τὴν ἑορτήν? 1 The people are leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “Does it seem to you that he will come to the festival?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) JHN 11 57 glb6 figs-events δὲ οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς 1 Now the chief priests This event occurs before that of the previous verse. If this order might confuse your readers, you can combine these verses and put the text of this verse before the text of [verse 56](../11/56.md). Another option would be to clearly state that this verse refers to an earlier event. Alternate translation: “Earlier, the chief priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]]) -JHN 12 intro qzv4 0 # John 12 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Mary pours perfume on Jesus (12:1–11)\n2. Jesus enters Jerusalem (12:12–19)\n3. Some Greeks come to Jesus (12:20–26)\n4. Jesus predicts his death (12:27–36)\n5. John explains the Jews’ rejection of Jesus (12:37–43)\n6. Jesus says that he is God (12:44–50)\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry sections in [12:38](../12/38.md) and [40](../12/40.md), which are quotations from the Old Testament.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Mary poured perfume on Jesus’ feet\n\nThe Jews would put oil on a person’s head to make that person feel welcome and comfortable. They would also put oil on a person’s body after the person had died but before they buried the body. However, they would never think to put oil on a person’s feet, because they thought that feet were dirty.\n\n### The donkey and the colt\n\nJesus rode into Jerusalem on an animal, which was a common practice for kings. The kings of Israel in the Old Testament rode on donkeys. So by riding on a donkey Jesus was showing that he was the king of Israel.\n\n### Glory\n\nScripture often speaks of God’s glory as a great, brilliant light. When people see this light, they are afraid. In [12:16](../12/16.md) John says that the glory of Jesus is his resurrection and possibly his return to heaven as well.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Light and darkness\n\nIn [12:35–36, 46](../12/35.md), Jesus uses an extended metaphor in which light represents what is true and good, and darkness represents what is false and evil. He applies that light metaphor to himself in order to show that he is the embodiment of God’s truth and goodness. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### Paradox\n\nA paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. A paradox occurs in [12:25](../12/25.md): “He who loves his life will lose it; but he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” But in [12:26](../12/26.md) Jesus explains what it means to keep one’s life for eternal life.\n\n### “Son of Man”\n\nJesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” several times in this chapter. Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. See the discussion of this concept in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +JHN 12 intro qzv4 0 # John 12 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Mary pours perfume on Jesus (12:1–11)
2. Jesus enters Jerusalem (12:12–19)
3. Some Greeks come to Jesus (12:20–26)
4. Jesus predicts his death (12:27–36)
5. John explains the Jews’ rejection of Jesus (12:37–43)
6. Jesus says that he is God (12:44–50)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry sections in [12:38](../12/38.md) and [40](../12/40.md), which are quotations from the Old Testament.

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### Mary poured perfume on Jesus’ feet

The Jews would put oil on a person’s head to make that person feel welcome and comfortable. They would also put oil on a person’s body after the person had died but before they buried the body. However, they would never think to put oil on a person’s feet, because they thought that feet were dirty.

### The donkey and the colt

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on an animal, which was a common practice for kings. The kings of Israel in the Old Testament rode on donkeys. So by riding on a donkey Jesus was showing that he was the king of Israel.

### Glory

Scripture often speaks of God’s glory as a great, brilliant light. When people see this light, they are afraid. In [12:16](../12/16.md) John says that the glory of Jesus is his resurrection and possibly his return to heaven as well.

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Light and darkness

In [12:35–36, 46](../12/35.md), Jesus uses an extended metaphor in which light represents what is true and good, and darkness represents what is false and evil. He applies that light metaphor to himself in order to show that he is the embodiment of God’s truth and goodness. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

### Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. A paradox occurs in [12:25](../12/25.md): “He who loves his life will lose it; but he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” But in [12:26](../12/26.md) Jesus explains what it means to keep one’s life for eternal life.

### “Son of Man”

Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” several times in this chapter. Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. See the discussion of this concept in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) JHN 12 1 s1v2 writing-newevent οὖν…πρὸ ἓξ ἡμερῶν τοῦ Πάσχα 1 Six days before the Passover John uses this phrase to mark the beginning of a new event. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Some time later, six days before the Passover” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) JHN 12 1 bepc translate-names Βηθανίαν 1 See how you translated this village name, **Bethany**, in [1:28](../01/28.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) JHN 12 1 ii2v translate-names Λάζαρος 1 See how you translated this man’s name, **Lazarus**, in [11:1](../11/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -1804,7 +1804,7 @@ JHN 12 49 ybm5 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ…Πατὴρ 1 Father **Father JHN 12 49 l77y figs-doublet τί εἴπω, καὶ τί λαλήσω 1 Here, **what I should speak** could refer to: (1) the manner in which Jesus **should speak**. Alternate translation: “what I should say and the manner in which I should say it” (2) the same meaning as **what I should say**, in which case the two phrases would be a doublet used for emphasis and could be combined into one clause. Alternate translation: “exactly what I should say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) JHN 12 50 tar2 figs-explicit οἶδα, ὅτι ἡ ἐντολὴ αὐτοῦ 1 I know that his command is eternal life Here, **his command** refers to the teachings that God commanded Jesus to speak, as mentioned in the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I know that what he commanded me to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 12 50 q9cr figs-explicit ἡ ἐντολὴ αὐτοῦ ζωὴ αἰώνιός ἐστιν 1 I know that his command is eternal life This phrase means that what God commanded Jesus to say gives **eternal life** to those who believe it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “his command gives eternal life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -JHN 13 intro zk68 0 # John 13 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. The Passover meal begins: Jesus washes his disciples’ feet (13:1–20)\n2. Jesus predicts that Judas will betray him (13:21–30)\n3. Jesus commands his disciples to love each other (13:31–35)\n4. Jesus predicts that Peter will deny him (13:36–38)\n\nThe events of this chapter are commonly referred to as the “Last Supper.” In many ways this Passover meal parallels the sacrifice of Jesus as the lamb of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lordssupper]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/passover]])\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### The washing of feet\n\nPeople in the Ancient Near East thought that feet were very dirty. Only servants would wash people’s feet. The disciples did not want Jesus to wash their feet, because they considered him to be their master and themselves to be his servants, and it was a servant’s job to wash the feet of master and guests. However, Jesus wanted to show them that his disciples need to humbly serve and love each other. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])\n\n### I AM\n\nJohn records Jesus saying these words as an independent phrase one time in this chapter ([13:19](../13/19.md)). They stand alone as a complete sentence, and they literally translate the Hebrew expression “I AM,” by which Yahweh identified himself to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](../../exo/03/14.md). For these reasons many people believe that when Jesus said these words he was claiming to be Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/yahweh]]).\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### “The disciple whom Jesus loved”\n\nThe Apostle John first referred to himself as the disciple “whom Jesus loved” in this chapter ([13:23](../13/23.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. If this is the case, then you will need to add a first person pronoun to these references and the other references to John in ([13:23–25](../13/23.md). If your language can retain the third person references, then you may still want to make these references to John explicit by adding “John” next to them. See the discussion of this in Part 1 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/johntheapostle]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])\n\n### “Son of Man”\n\nJesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” in this chapter ([13:31](../13/31.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. See the discussion of this concept in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +JHN 13 intro zk68 0 # John 13 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. The Passover meal begins: Jesus washes his disciples’ feet (13:1–20)
2. Jesus predicts that Judas will betray him (13:21–30)
3. Jesus commands his disciples to love each other (13:31–35)
4. Jesus predicts that Peter will deny him (13:36–38)

The events of this chapter are commonly referred to as the “Last Supper.” In many ways this Passover meal parallels the sacrifice of Jesus as the lamb of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lordssupper]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/passover]])

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### The washing of feet

People in the Ancient Near East thought that feet were very dirty. Only servants would wash people’s feet. The disciples did not want Jesus to wash their feet, because they considered him to be their master and themselves to be his servants, and it was a servant’s job to wash the feet of master and guests. However, Jesus wanted to show them that his disciples need to humbly serve and love each other. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

### I AM

John records Jesus saying these words as an independent phrase one time in this chapter ([13:19](../13/19.md)). They stand alone as a complete sentence, and they literally translate the Hebrew expression “I AM,” by which Yahweh identified himself to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](../../exo/03/14.md). For these reasons many people believe that when Jesus said these words he was claiming to be Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/yahweh]]).

## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

### “The disciple whom Jesus loved”

The Apostle John first referred to himself as the disciple “whom Jesus loved” in this chapter ([13:23](../13/23.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. If this is the case, then you will need to add a first person pronoun to these references and the other references to John in ([13:23–25](../13/23.md). If your language can retain the third person references, then you may still want to make these references to John explicit by adding “John” next to them. See the discussion of this in Part 1 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/johntheapostle]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

### “Son of Man”

Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” in this chapter ([13:31](../13/31.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. See the discussion of this concept in Part 3 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) JHN 13 1 wk2k writing-background 0 General Information: It is not yet **Passover**, and **Jesus** is with his disciples for the evening meal. [Verses 1–4](../13/01.md) explain the setting of the story and give background information about Jesus and Judas. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) JHN 13 1 z4q9 figs-metonymy ἦλθεν αὐτοῦ ἡ ὥρα 1 Here, the word **hour** is used figuratively to refer to the time God had planned for Jesus to be arrested and killed. See how you translated this word in [7:30](../07/30.md). Alternate translation: “the right time to arrest him had come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) JHN 13 1 w7w3 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Πατέρα 1 Father **Father** is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) @@ -1903,7 +1903,7 @@ JHN 13 38 sp7p οὐ μὴ ἀλέκτωρ φωνήσῃ, ἕως οὗ ἀρν JHN 13 38 ef9n figs-metonymy οὐ μὴ ἀλέκτωρ φωνήσῃ, ἕως οὗ 1 the rooster will not crow before you have denied me three times Jesus is referring figuratively to a certain time of day. Roosters crow just before the sun appears in the morning. In other words, Jesus is referring to dawn. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before another morning begins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) JHN 13 38 ui2h translate-unknown ἀλέκτωρ 1 A **rooster** is a bird that calls out loudly around the time the sun comes up. If your readers would not be familiar with this bird, you could use the name of a bird in your area that calls out or sings just before dawn, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the birds that sing in the morning may certainly not sing before which you will deny three times” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) JHN 13 38 kfze figs-genericnoun ἀλέκτωρ 1 Jesus is not speaking of one particular **rooster** but of roosters in general. Alternate translation: “the roosters” or “the birds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) -JHN 14 intro kv6m 0 # John 14 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Jesus says he is the way to the Father (14:1–14)\n2. Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will come (14:15–31)\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### “My Father’s house”\n\nJesus used these words to refer to heaven, where God dwells. It does not refer to any temple in Jerusalem or to a church building. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]])\n\n### The Holy Spirit\n\nJesus told his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to them. He called the Holy Spirit the Helper ([14:16](../14/16.md)), who is always with God’s people to help them and to speak to God for them. Jesus also called him the Spirit of Truth ([14:17](../14/17.md)), who tells God’s people what is true about God so they know him better and serve him well. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]]) +JHN 14 intro kv6m 0 # John 14 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Jesus says he is the way to the Father (14:1–14)
2. Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will come (14:15–31)

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### “My Father’s house”

Jesus used these words to refer to heaven, where God dwells. It does not refer to any temple in Jerusalem or to a church building. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]])

### The Holy Spirit

Jesus told his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to them. He called the Holy Spirit the Helper ([14:16](../14/16.md)), who is always with God’s people to help them and to speak to God for them. Jesus also called him the Spirit of Truth ([14:17](../14/17.md)), who tells God’s people what is true about God so they know him better and serve him well. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]]) JHN 14 1 a2xv 0 Connecting Statement: The part of the story from the previous chapter continues in this chapter. Jesus reclines at the table with his disciples during the evening meal and continues to speak to them. JHN 14 1 ughe figs-you 0 In [verses 1–7](../14/01.md) the word “you” is always plural and refers to Jesus’ disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) JHN 14 1 w3dn figs-metaphor μὴ ταρασσέσθω ὑμῶν ἡ καρδία 1 Do not let your heart be troubled Jesus uses **heart** figuratively to represent the disciples’ thoughts and emotions. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do not let your thoughts be troubled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) @@ -2008,7 +2008,7 @@ JHN 14 30 ea6m figs-explicit ἐν ἐμοὶ οὐκ ἔχει οὐδέν 1 ru JHN 14 31 n3et grammar-connect-logic-goal ἀλλ’ ἵνα γνῷ ὁ κόσμος, ὅτι ἀγαπῶ τὸν Πατέρα, καὶ καθὼς ἐνετείλατο μοι ὁ Πατὴρ, οὕτως ποιῶ 1 Here, **so that** introduces a purpose clause. The first event that is done to accomplish this purpose could be: (1) a phrase Jesus left out that can be supplied from the context of the previous verses. Alternate translation: “but the ruler of this world is coming so that the world might know that I love the Father, and just as the Father commanded me, thus I do” or “but these things will happen so that the world might know that I love the Father, and just as the Father commanded me, thus I do” (2) what is stated later in the sentence, in which case the order of the clauses must be changed. Alternate translation: “but just as the Father commanded me, thus I do so that the world might know that I love the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) JHN 14 31 jhq1 figs-metonymy ὁ κόσμος 1 in order that the world will know See how you translated **the world** in [verse 17](../14/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) JHN 14 31 r9ub guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Πατέρα…ὁ Πατὴρ 1 the Father **Father** is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) -JHN 15 intro k9jd 0 # John 15 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Jesus says he is the vine (15:1–8)\n2. Jesus commands his disciples to love each other (15:9–17)\n3. Jesus promises that his disciples will be persecuted (15:18–16:4)\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Vine\n\nJesus used the vine as a metaphor for himself. The vine of the grape plant takes water and minerals from the ground and gives them to the leaves and grapes that are on the branches. Without the vine, the branches, grapes, and leaves die. He wanted his followers to know that unless they loved and obeyed him, they would be unable to do anything that pleased God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/vine]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/grape]], and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n### “Remain in me”\n\nJesus uses the word “remain” as a metaphor. He is speaking of a believer being spiritually joined to someone else as if the person “remained” in the other person. Christians are said to “remain” in Christ. The Son is said to “remain” in believers. Many translators will find it impossible to represent these ideas in their languages in exactly the same way. In ([15:7](../15/07.md)), the UST expresses this idea of “my words remain in you” as “obey what I have taught you.” Translators may find it possible to use this translation as a model. +JHN 15 intro k9jd 0 # John 15 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Jesus says he is the vine (15:1–8)
2. Jesus commands his disciples to love each other (15:9–17)
3. Jesus promises that his disciples will be persecuted (15:18–16:4)

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### Vine

Jesus used the vine as a metaphor for himself. The vine of the grape plant takes water and minerals from the ground and gives them to the leaves and grapes that are on the branches. Without the vine, the branches, grapes, and leaves die. He wanted his followers to know that unless they loved and obeyed him, they would be unable to do anything that pleased God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/vine]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/grape]], and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

### “Remain in me”

Jesus uses the word “remain” as a metaphor. He is speaking of a believer being spiritually joined to someone else as if the person “remained” in the other person. Christians are said to “remain” in Christ. The Son is said to “remain” in believers. Many translators will find it impossible to represent these ideas in their languages in exactly the same way. In ([15:7](../15/07.md)), the UST expresses this idea of “my words remain in you” as “obey what I have taught you.” Translators may find it possible to use this translation as a model. JHN 15 1 aws2 0 Connecting Statement: The part of the story from the previous chapter continues. Jesus continues to speak to his disciples either at the end of their evening meal or after they have finished that meal and are walking to Gethsemane. It is unclear whether or not they left immediately after Jesus said “Let us go from here,” at the end of the previous chapter ([John 14:31](../14/31.md)). JHN 15 1 fen5 figs-metaphor ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ ἄμπελος ἡ ἀληθινή 1 I am the true vine Jesus uses the **true vine** figuratively to refer to himself. As a **vine** is the source of life for its branches, so Jesus causes people to live in a way that pleases God and brings other people to believe in Jesus. Since the **vine** is an important metaphor in the Bible, you should translate the words directly or use a simile and not provide a non-figurative explanation in the text of your translation. Alternate translation: “I am like a true vine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) JHN 15 1 puzl translate-unknown ἡ ἀληθινή 1 The word translated **vine** refers specifically to the grapevine plant that produces grapes. If your readers would not be familiar with grapevines, use an equivalent word in your language for a **vine** that produces fruit. Alternate translation: “grapevine” or “fruit-producing vine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) @@ -2087,7 +2087,7 @@ JHN 15 26 eexc figs-explicit ὁ Παράκλητος 1 See how you translated JHN 15 26 tpw6 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Πατρός…Πατρὸς 1 Father **Father** is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) JHN 15 26 tzi9 figs-explicit τὸ Πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας 1 the Spirit of truth See how you translated **the Spirit of Truth** in [14:17](../14/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 15 27 ew2v figs-metonymy ἀρχῆς 1 the beginning Here Jesus uses **beginning** figuratively to refer to the first days of his ministry. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the very first days when I began teaching the people and doing miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -JHN 16 intro wb8v 0 # John 16 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Jesus promises that his disciples will be persecuted (15:18–16:4)\n2. Jesus describes the work of the Holy Spirit (16:5–15)\n3. Jesus says that he will return to his Father (16:16–28)\n4. Jesus says that his disciples will soon abandon him (16:29–33)\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### The Holy Spirit\n\nJesus told his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to them. The Holy Spirit is the Helper ([14:16](../14/16.md)) who is always with God’s people to help them and to speak to God for them. He is also the Spirit of Truth ([14:17](../14/17.md)) who tells God’s people what is true about God so they know him better and serve him well. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]])\n\n### “The hour is coming”\n\nJesus used these words to begin prophecies about events that could be shorter or longer than sixty minutes. “The hour” in which people would persecute his followers ([16:2](../16/02.md)) lasted for many years. However, “the hour” in which his disciples would scatter and leave him alone ([16:32](../16/32.md)) was less than sixty minutes long. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### Simile\n\nJesus said that just as a woman is in pain when she gives birth to a baby, so also his followers would be sad when he died. But just as the woman is happy after the baby is born, so also his followers would be happy when Jesus became alive again. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) +JHN 16 intro wb8v 0 # John 16 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Jesus promises that his disciples will be persecuted (15:18–16:4)
2. Jesus describes the work of the Holy Spirit (16:5–15)
3. Jesus says that he will return to his Father (16:16–28)
4. Jesus says that his disciples will soon abandon him (16:29–33)

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### The Holy Spirit

Jesus told his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to them. The Holy Spirit is the Helper ([14:16](../14/16.md)) who is always with God’s people to help them and to speak to God for them. He is also the Spirit of Truth ([14:17](../14/17.md)) who tells God’s people what is true about God so they know him better and serve him well. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]])

### “The hour is coming”

Jesus used these words to begin prophecies about events that could be shorter or longer than sixty minutes. “The hour” in which people would persecute his followers ([16:2](../16/02.md)) lasted for many years. However, “the hour” in which his disciples would scatter and leave him alone ([16:32](../16/32.md)) was less than sixty minutes long. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

### Simile

Jesus said that just as a woman is in pain when she gives birth to a baby, so also his followers would be sad when he died. But just as the woman is happy after the baby is born, so also his followers would be happy when Jesus became alive again. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) JHN 16 1 pbc8 0 Connecting Statement: The part of the story from the previous chapter continues. Jesus continues to speak to his disciples either at the end of their evening meal or after they have finished that meal and are walking to Gethsemane. It is unclear whether or not they left immediately after Jesus said “Let us go from here” at the end of the Chapter 14 ([John 14:31](../14/31.md)). JHN 16 1 hn4j 0 Connecting Statement: Verses 1–4 are part of the same topic Jesus began in [15:18](../15/18.md). He is speaking about the persecution that his disciples will experience. JHN 16 1 kz43 figs-explicit ταῦτα 1 Here, **these things** refers to what Jesus has just said in [15:18–25](../15/18.md) about the coming persecution of his disciples. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the warnings that you will be hated by everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) @@ -2175,7 +2175,7 @@ JHN 16 33 k6d6 figs-explicit ἵνα ἐν ἐμοὶ εἰρήνην ἔχητ JHN 16 33 wraa figs-metaphor εἰρήνην ἔχητε…θλῖψιν ἔχετε 1 so that you will have peace in me Here, Jesus speaks figuratively of **peace** and **troubles** as if they were objects that someone can possess. If these uses of **peace** and **troubles** might confuse your readers, you could use different expressions. Alternate translation: “you might be peaceful … you experience troubles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) JHN 16 33 ysh6 figs-idiom ἐν ἐμοὶ 1 so that you will have peace in me Here, **in me** refers to being united with Jesus or having a close relationship with him. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because of your relationship with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) JHN 16 33 z7wj figs-metonymy ἐγὼ νενίκηκα τὸν κόσμον 1 I have conquered the world Here Jesus uses **world** figuratively to refer to the people in the **world** who oppose God. See how you translated this is [14:17](../14/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -JHN 17 intro nb2a 0 # John 17 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nThis chapter is one long prayer that can be divided into three parts according to the topics of Jesus’ prayer requests:\n\n1. Jesus prays for himself (17:1–5)\n2. Jesus prays for his disciples (17:6–19)\n3. Jesus prays for all Christians (17:20–26)\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Glory\n\nScripture often speaks of God’s glory as a great, bright light that visually represents how great God is. When people see this light, they are afraid. In this chapter Jesus asks God to show his followers his true glory ([17:1](../17/01.md)). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/glory]])\n\n### Jesus is eternal\n\nJesus existed before God created the world ([17:5](../17/05.md)). John wrote about this in [1:1](../01/01.md).\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### Prayer\n\nJesus is God’s one and only Son ([3:16](../03/16.md)), so he could pray differently from the way other people pray. He used many words that might seem to be commands. Your translation should make Jesus sound like a son speaking with love and respect to his father and telling him what the father needs to do so that the father will be happy. +JHN 17 intro nb2a 0 # John 17 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

This chapter is one long prayer that can be divided into three parts according to the topics of Jesus’ prayer requests:

1. Jesus prays for himself (17:1–5)
2. Jesus prays for his disciples (17:6–19)
3. Jesus prays for all Christians (17:20–26)

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### Glory

Scripture often speaks of God’s glory as a great, bright light that visually represents how great God is. When people see this light, they are afraid. In this chapter Jesus asks God to show his followers his true glory ([17:1](../17/01.md)). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/glory]])

### Jesus is eternal

Jesus existed before God created the world ([17:5](../17/05.md)). John wrote about this in [1:1](../01/01.md).

## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

### Prayer

Jesus is God’s one and only Son ([3:16](../03/16.md)), so he could pray differently from the way other people pray. He used many words that might seem to be commands. Your translation should make Jesus sound like a son speaking with love and respect to his father and telling him what the father needs to do so that the father will be happy. JHN 17 1 uf8z 0 Connecting Statement: The part of the story from the previous chapter continues. Jesus had been speaking to his disciples, but now he begins to pray to God. JHN 17 1 an1o figs-explicit ταῦτα 1 Here, **these things** refers to everything that Jesus told his disciples in [chapters 13–16](../13/01.md). If this use of **these things** might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “that things about what would happen to him and his disciples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 17 1 b4pj figs-idiom ἐπάρας τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ 1 he lifted up his eyes to the heavens See how you translated this idiom in [6:5](../06/05.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) @@ -2251,7 +2251,7 @@ JHN 17 25 xpf5 figs-metonymy ὁ κόσμος σε οὐκ ἔγνω 1 the world JHN 17 26 xpi3 figs-metonymy τὸ ὄνομά 1 I made your name known to them Here, **name** refers to God himself. See how you translated this word in [verse 6](../17/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) JHN 17 26 gk2j figs-metaphor ἡ ἀγάπη ἣν ἠγάπησάς με, ἐν αὐτοῖς ᾖ 1 love … loved Here Jesus speaks of God’s **love** figuratively as if it were an object that could be inside a person. If this use of **love** might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they may love others in the same way that you have loved me” or “the love with which you have loved me may be experienced by them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) JHN 17 26 ilzj figs-idiom κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτοῖς 1 love … loved Here, Jesus uses the word **in** to express the close personal relationship between himself and those who believe in him. See how you translated a similar phrase in [10:38](../10/38.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -JHN 18 intro ltl2 0 # John 18 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Soldiers and guards arrest Jesus (18:1–11)\n2. The priests question Jesus, and Peter denies Jesus (18:12–27)\n3. Pilate questions Jesus (18:28–40)\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### “It is not lawful for us to put any man to death”\n\nThe Roman government did not allow the Jews to kill criminals, so the Jews needed to ask Pilate, the governor, to kill him ([18:31](../18/31.md)).\n\n### King of the Jews\n\nWhen Pilate asked if Jesus were the King of the Jews ([18:33](../18/33.md)), he was asking if Jesus were claiming to be a political leader like King Herod, whom the Romans allowed to rule Judea. When he asked the crowd if he should release the King of the Jews ([18:39](../18/39.md)), he is mocking the Jews, because the Romans and Jews hated each other. He was also mocking Jesus, because he did not think that Jesus was a king at all. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) +JHN 18 intro ltl2 0 # John 18 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Soldiers and guards arrest Jesus (18:1–11)
2. The priests question Jesus, and Peter denies Jesus (18:12–27)
3. Pilate questions Jesus (18:28–40)

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### “It is not lawful for us to put any man to death”

The Roman government did not allow the Jews to kill criminals, so the Jews needed to ask Pilate, the governor, to kill him ([18:31](../18/31.md)).

### King of the Jews

When Pilate asked if Jesus were the King of the Jews ([18:33](../18/33.md)), he was asking if Jesus were claiming to be a political leader like King Herod, whom the Romans allowed to rule Judea. When he asked the crowd if he should release the King of the Jews ([18:39](../18/39.md)), he is mocking the Jews, because the Romans and Jews hated each other. He was also mocking Jesus, because he did not think that Jesus was a king at all. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) JHN 18 1 sq3t writing-background 0 General Information: [Verses 1–2](../18/01.md) give background information for the events that follow. Verse 1 says where the events took place. Verse 2 gives background information about Judas. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) JHN 18 1 cxz8 writing-newevent ταῦτα εἰπὼν, Ἰησοῦς 1 After Jesus spoke these words John uses this phrase to mark the beginning of a new event that happened soon after the events that the story has just told. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Soon after Jesus spoke these words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) JHN 18 1 pxtm figs-possession τοῦ χειμάρρου τοῦ Κεδρὼν 1 Kidron Valley John is using **of** to describe a **brook** that is called **Kidron**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the Kidron Brook” or “the brook that people called ‘Kidron’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) @@ -2363,7 +2363,7 @@ JHN 18 40 a7pl figs-ellipsis μὴ τοῦτον, ἀλλὰ τὸν Βαραβ JHN 18 40 qy3p figs-explicit τοῦτον 1 Not this man, but Barabbas Here the Jewish leaders say **this one** as a disrespectful way to refer to Jesus without saying his name. If your language has a similar way to refer to someone in an indirect but derogatory manner, you may use it here. Alternate translation: “this so-and-so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 18 40 h11k writing-background ἦν δὲ ὁ Βαραββᾶς λῃστής 1 Now Barabbas was a robber In this sentence John provides background information about **Barabbas**. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) JHN 18 40 gq8w λῃστής 1 Now Barabbas was a robber The word usually translated **robber** can also refer to an insurrectionist, as is indicated by the description of **Barabbas** in [Mark 15:7](../../mrk/15/07). Alternate translation: “an insurrectionist” -JHN 19 intro u96u 0 # John 19 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Soldiers beat and mock Jesus (19:1–3)\n2. The Jewish leaders convince Pilate to crucify Jesus (19:4–16)\n3. Soldiers crucify Jesus (19:17–27)\n4. Jesus dies on the cross (19:28–37)\n5. Jesus’ friends put his body in a tomb (19:38–42)\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text in order to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in [19:24](../19/24.md), which are words from the Old Testament.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### “Purple garment”\n\nPurple is a color like red or blue. The soldiers mocked Jesus by putting him in a purple garment. This was because kings wore purple garments. They spoke and acted like they were giving honor to a king, but everyone knew that they were doing it because they hated Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])\n\n### “You are not Caesar’s friend”\n\nPilate knew that Jesus was not a criminal, so he did not want to have his soldiers kill him. But the Jews told him that Jesus was claiming to be a king, and anyone who did that was breaking Caesar’s laws ([19:12](../19/12.md)).\n\n### Ancient Jewish burial customs\n\nAccording to the burial customs of that time, a dead person’s family would wrap the dead body with many strips of linen cloth and place it on a table inside a tomb. The tomb was either a cave or a room cut out of the side a large rock. According to Jewish tradition, the body was left to decompose in the tomb for one year. Then the family would then place the bones in a stone box. If your readers would be unfamiliar with these burial customs, then you may need to provide explanations in your translation or in a note for [verses 39–42](../19/39.md).\n\n### The tomb\n\nThe tomb in which Jesus was buried ([19:41](../19/41.md)) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### Sarcasm\n\nThe soldiers were insulting Jesus when they said, “Hail, King of the Jews.” Pilate was insulting the Jews when he asked, “Should I crucify your king?” He was probably also insulting both Jesus and the Jews when he wrote, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### Gabbatha, Golgotha\n\nJohn explained the meanings of these two Aramaic words (“The Pavement” and “The Place of a Skull”). Then he used Greek letters to express the sound of these words. You should also use the letters of your language to express the sounds of these Aramaic words. +JHN 19 intro u96u 0 # John 19 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Soldiers beat and mock Jesus (19:1–3)
2. The Jewish leaders convince Pilate to crucify Jesus (19:4–16)
3. Soldiers crucify Jesus (19:17–27)
4. Jesus dies on the cross (19:28–37)
5. Jesus’ friends put his body in a tomb (19:38–42)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text in order to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in [19:24](../19/24.md), which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### “Purple garment”

Purple is a color like red or blue. The soldiers mocked Jesus by putting him in a purple garment. This was because kings wore purple garments. They spoke and acted like they were giving honor to a king, but everyone knew that they were doing it because they hated Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

### “You are not Caesar’s friend”

Pilate knew that Jesus was not a criminal, so he did not want to have his soldiers kill him. But the Jews told him that Jesus was claiming to be a king, and anyone who did that was breaking Caesar’s laws ([19:12](../19/12.md)).

### Ancient Jewish burial customs

According to the burial customs of that time, a dead person’s family would wrap the dead body with many strips of linen cloth and place it on a table inside a tomb. The tomb was either a cave or a room cut out of the side a large rock. According to Jewish tradition, the body was left to decompose in the tomb for one year. Then the family would then place the bones in a stone box. If your readers would be unfamiliar with these burial customs, then you may need to provide explanations in your translation or in a note for [verses 39–42](../19/39.md).

### The tomb

The tomb in which Jesus was buried ([19:41](../19/41.md)) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.

## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

### Sarcasm

The soldiers were insulting Jesus when they said, “Hail, King of the Jews.” Pilate was insulting the Jews when he asked, “Should I crucify your king?” He was probably also insulting both Jesus and the Jews when he wrote, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

### Gabbatha, Golgotha

John explained the meanings of these two Aramaic words (“The Pavement” and “The Place of a Skull”). Then he used Greek letters to express the sound of these words. You should also use the letters of your language to express the sounds of these Aramaic words. JHN 19 1 u3gi 0 Connecting Statement: The part of the story from the previous chapter continues. Pilate has been speaking outside his headquarters with the Jewish leaders who are accusing Jesus. JHN 19 1 yay2 figs-synecdoche τότε οὖν ἔλαβεν ὁ Πειλᾶτος τὸν Ἰησοῦν καὶ ἐμαστίγωσεν 1 Then Pilate took Jesus and whipped him **Pilate** himself did not whip Jesus. John uses **Pilate** to refer to the soldiers whom Pilate ordered to whip Jesus. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Pilate then ordered his soldiers to take Jesus and whip him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) JHN 19 2 mzrb figs-synecdoche πλέξαντες στέφανον ἐξ ἀκανθῶν 1 John uses **thorns** to refer to small branches with **thorns** on them. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “twisted together a crown from thorny branches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) @@ -2508,7 +2508,7 @@ JHN 19 42 nr4r figs-explicit διὰ τὴν παρασκευὴν τῶν Ἰο JHN 19 42 c70e figs-infostructure ἐκεῖ…διὰ τὴν παρασκευὴν τῶν Ἰουδαίων, ὅτι ἐγγὺς ἦν τὸ μνημεῖον, ἔθηκαν τὸν Ἰησοῦν 1 Because it was the day of preparation for the Jews If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: “they laid Jesus there because of the day of preparation of the Jews and because the tomb was close by” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) JHN 19 42 jsyu figs-explicit τὴν παρασκευὴν τῶν Ἰουδαίων 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in [verse 14](../19/14.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 19 42 jtfz figs-euphemism ἔθηκαν τὸν Ἰησοῦν 1 Because it was the day of preparation for the Jews John is referring to putting Jesus’ dead body in a tomb as laying him down. This is a polite way of referring to something unpleasant, and it accurately describes the Jewish burial practice of laying a dead body on a table inside the tomb. See how you translated a similar expression in [11:34](../11/34.md). Alternate translation: “they entombed Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) -JHN 20 intro nm1y 0 # John 20 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\n1. Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John go to Jesus’ tomb and find it empty (20:1–10)\n2. Mary Magdalene meets Jesus (20:11–18)\n3. Ten disciples meet Jesus (20:19–25)\n4. Thomas meets Jesus (20:26–29)\n5. John states the purpose for this Gospel (20:30–31)\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### The tomb\n\nThe tomb in which Jesus was buried ([20:1](../20/01.md)) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was a room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could look inside or enter.\n\n### “Receive the Holy Spirit”\n\nIf your language uses the same word for “breath” and “spirit,” be sure that the reader understands that Jesus was performing a symbolic action by blowing air out of his mouth, and that Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit, not his breath. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]])\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### Rabboni\n\nJohn used Greek letters to express the sound of this Aramaic word. Then he explained that the word means “Teacher.” You should also use the letters of your language to express the sounds of the Aramaic word.\n\n### Jesus’ resurrection body\n\nWe do not know what Jesus’ body looked like after he became alive again. His disciples knew he was Jesus because they could see his face and touch the places where the soldiers had put the nails through his hands and feet and pierced his side. However, he could also walk through solid walls and doors and sometimes people didn’t recognize him. It is best not to say more than what the ULT says about Jesus’ resurrection body.\n\n### Two angels in white\n\nMatthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about angels in white clothing with the women at Jesus’ tomb. Two of the authors called them men, but that is only because the angels appeared in human forms. Two of the Gospel authors wrote about two angels, but the other two authors wrote about only one of them. It is best to translate each of these passages as it appears in the ULT rather than trying to make the passages all say the exact same thing. (See: [Matthew 28:1-2](../../mat/28/01.md) and [Mark 16:5](../../mrk/16/05.md) and [Luke 24:4](../../luk/24/04.md) and [John 20:12](../../jhn/20/12.md)) +JHN 20 intro nm1y 0 # John 20 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

1. Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John go to Jesus’ tomb and find it empty (20:1–10)
2. Mary Magdalene meets Jesus (20:11–18)
3. Ten disciples meet Jesus (20:19–25)
4. Thomas meets Jesus (20:26–29)
5. John states the purpose for this Gospel (20:30–31)

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### The tomb

The tomb in which Jesus was buried ([20:1](../20/01.md)) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was a room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could look inside or enter.

### “Receive the Holy Spirit”

If your language uses the same word for “breath” and “spirit,” be sure that the reader understands that Jesus was performing a symbolic action by blowing air out of his mouth, and that Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit, not his breath. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]])

## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

### Rabboni

John used Greek letters to express the sound of this Aramaic word. Then he explained that the word means “Teacher.” You should also use the letters of your language to express the sounds of the Aramaic word.

### Jesus’ resurrection body

We do not know what Jesus’ body looked like after he became alive again. His disciples knew he was Jesus because they could see his face and touch the places where the soldiers had put the nails through his hands and feet and pierced his side. However, he could also walk through solid walls and doors and sometimes people didn’t recognize him. It is best not to say more than what the ULT says about Jesus’ resurrection body.

### Two angels in white

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about angels in white clothing with the women at Jesus’ tomb. Two of the authors called them men, but that is only because the angels appeared in human forms. Two of the Gospel authors wrote about two angels, but the other two authors wrote about only one of them. It is best to translate each of these passages as it appears in the ULT rather than trying to make the passages all say the exact same thing. (See: [Matthew 28:1-2](../../mat/28/01.md) and [Mark 16:5](../../mrk/16/05.md) and [Luke 24:4](../../luk/24/04.md) and [John 20:12](../../jhn/20/12.md)) JHN 20 1 a8vl figs-explicit τῇ…μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων 1 first day of the week John uses **first** to imply the **first** day of the week. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “on the first day of the week” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 20 1 sb4m translate-ordinal τῇ…μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων 1 first day of the week Here John is actually using a cardinal number, “one,” to mean **first**. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can also use a cardinal number here in your translation. Alternate translation: “on day one of the week” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) JHN 20 1 qj3j translate-names Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ 1 See how you translated **Mary Magdalene** in [19:25](../19/25.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -2618,9 +2618,9 @@ JHN 20 31 mlqg figs-you πιστεύητε…ἔχητε 1 but these have been w JHN 20 31 p5k4 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Son of God **Son of God** is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) JHN 20 31 uem2 figs-ellipsis πιστεύοντες 1 life in his name Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you can supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “believing that Jesus is the Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) JHN 20 31 ip1i figs-explicit ζωὴν 1 life Here, **life** refers to eternal **life**. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could say this explicitly. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -JHN 20 31 vgwe figs-explicit ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **in** indicates the means by which people can have eternal **life**. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “by means of his name” \n(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 20 31 vgwe figs-explicit ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **in** indicates the means by which people can have eternal **life**. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “by means of his name”
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 20 31 qxdy figs-synecdoche ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ 1 life in his name Here, **his name** could refer to: (1) Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “through union with him” or “by the power of his person” (2) calling on Jesus’ name for salvation. Alternate translation: “by calling on his name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) -JHN 21 intro e1bg 0 # John 21 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Jesus eats breakfast with his disciples (21:1–14)\n2. Jesus restores Peter as his disciple (21:15–19)\n3. Jesus and Peter speak about John (21:20–23)\n4. John concludes his Gospel (21:24–25)\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### The metaphor of sheep\n\nBefore Jesus died, he spoke of himself taking care of his people as if he were a good shepherd taking care of sheep ([10:11](../10/11.md)). After he became alive again, Jesus commanded Peter to take care of other believers in the same way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### “The disciple whom Jesus loved”\n\nThe apostle John referred to himself as the disciple “whom Jesus loved” twice in this chapter ([21:7](../21/07.md), [20](../21/20.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. If this is the case, then you will need to use a first person pronoun for these references and the other references to John throughout this chapter. You would also need to use first person plural pronouns in this chapter for all references to the disciples as a group, since John was one of them. If your language can retain the third person references, then you may want to make these references to John explicit by adding “John” next to them. See the discussion of this in Part 1 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/johntheapostle]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])\n\n### Different words for “love”\n\nIn [verses 15–17](../21/15.md), Jesus and Peter speak to each other using two different words in the original language that could both be translated as “love.” These words are often used interchangeably. However, when they are used together, as in [verses 15–17](../21/15.md), they can have slightly different meanings. One word can refer to a type of love that is based on affection and friendship, but the other word can refer to a type of love that is based on sincere devotion and high esteem for the person being loved. Although the UST translates both of these words as “love,” the notes will provide more specific alternatives. +JHN 21 intro e1bg 0 # John 21 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Jesus eats breakfast with his disciples (21:1–14)
2. Jesus restores Peter as his disciple (21:15–19)
3. Jesus and Peter speak about John (21:20–23)
4. John concludes his Gospel (21:24–25)

## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

### The metaphor of sheep

Before Jesus died, he spoke of himself taking care of his people as if he were a good shepherd taking care of sheep ([10:11](../10/11.md)). After he became alive again, Jesus commanded Peter to take care of other believers in the same way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

### “The disciple whom Jesus loved”

The apostle John referred to himself as the disciple “whom Jesus loved” twice in this chapter ([21:7](../21/07.md), [20](../21/20.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. If this is the case, then you will need to use a first person pronoun for these references and the other references to John throughout this chapter. You would also need to use first person plural pronouns in this chapter for all references to the disciples as a group, since John was one of them. If your language can retain the third person references, then you may want to make these references to John explicit by adding “John” next to them. See the discussion of this in Part 1 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of John. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/johntheapostle]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

### Different words for “love”

In [verses 15–17](../21/15.md), Jesus and Peter speak to each other using two different words in the original language that could both be translated as “love.” These words are often used interchangeably. However, when they are used together, as in [verses 15–17](../21/15.md), they can have slightly different meanings. One word can refer to a type of love that is based on affection and friendship, but the other word can refer to a type of love that is based on sincere devotion and high esteem for the person being loved. Although the UST translates both of these words as “love,” the notes will provide more specific alternatives. JHN 21 1 x44v writing-newevent μετὰ ταῦτα 1 General Information: This phrase introduces a new event that happened some time after the events the story has just related. The story does not say how long after those events this new event happened. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Some time later” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) JHN 21 1 yj6k translate-names θαλάσσης τῆς Τιβεριάδος 1 This **Sea** was also called “the Sea of Galilee.” See how you translated the similar name in [6:1](../06/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) JHN 21 2 et5h writing-background 0 General Information: [Verses 2–3](../21/02.md) provide background information on what happens in the story before Jesus appears to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])