diff --git a/en_tn_44-JHN.tsv b/en_tn_44-JHN.tsv index 92314e3e12..45ab5c60e1 100644 --- a/en_tn_44-JHN.tsv +++ b/en_tn_44-JHN.tsv @@ -1,9 +1,9 @@ Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote -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. Jesus is baptized, and he chooses twelve 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 (13–17)
* Jesus is arrested and undergoes trial (18:1–19:15)
* Jesus is crucified and buried (19:16–42)
5. Jesus rises from the dead (20:1–29)
6. John says why he wrote his gospel (20:30–31)
7. Jesus meets with the disciples (21)

### 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). 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 it. Instead, this Gospel contains the phrase “the disciple whom Jesus loved” in places where the other Gospels indicate that John was involved. The Apostle John most likely referred to himself in this manner because he wanted to humbly testify to his close relationship with Jesus.

## 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

### 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. Also, John 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” (John 6:56). The UST uses the idea of “will be joined to me, and I will be joined to him.” But translators may have to find other ways of expressing the idea.

In the passage, “If my words remain in you” (John 15:7), the UST expresses this idea as, “If you live by my message.” Translators may find it possible to use this translation as a model.

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

The following verses 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 in the translators’ region, there are older versions of the Bible that include these verses, the translators can include them. If they are translated, they should be put inside square brackets (\[\]) to indicate that they were probably not original to John’s Gospel.

* “waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel of the Lord occasionally went down into the pool and stirred the water and whoever went first after the stirring of the water, was made well from the disease they had.” (5:3-4)
* “going through the midst of them, and so passed by” (8:59)

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 (7:53-8:11)

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) -JHN 1 intro k29b 0 # John 1 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

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 ([John 1:1, 14](../01/01.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

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. In 1:4–9 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 the embodiment of God’s truth and goodness. (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 at any age to their father. (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: [[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. Jesus is baptized, and he chooses twelve 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 (13–17)
* Jesus is arrested and undergoes trial (18:1–19:15)
* Jesus is crucified and buried (19:16–42)
5. Jesus rises from the dead (20:1–29)
6. John says why he wrote his gospel (20:30–31)
7. Jesus meets with the disciples (21)

### 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). 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 it. Instead, this Gospel contains the phrase “the disciple whom Jesus loved” in places where the other Gospels indicate that John was involved. The Apostle John most likely referred to himself in this manner because he wanted to humbly testify to his close relationship with Jesus as part of Jesus’ inner circle of disciples who became the “pillars” of the early church (Galatians 2:9).

## 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

### 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” (John 6:56). The UST uses the idea of “will be joined to me, and I will be joined to him.” But translators may have to find other ways of expressing the idea.

In the passage, “If my words remain in you” (John 15:7), the UST expresses this idea as, “If you live by my message.” Translators may find it possible to use this translation as a model.

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

The following verses 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 in the translators’ region, there are older versions of the Bible that include these verses, the translators can include them. If they are translated, they should be put inside square brackets (\[\]) to indicate that they were probably not original to John’s Gospel.

* “waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel of the Lord occasionally went down into the pool and stirred the water and whoever went first after the stirring of the water, was made well from the disease they had.” (5:3-4)
* “going through the midst of them, and so passed by” (8:59)

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 (7:53-8:11)

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) +JHN 1 intro k29b 0 # John 1 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

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, 14](../01/01.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

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. 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 the embodiment of God’s truth and goodness. (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 at any age to their father. (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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) JHN 1 1 er9g 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. Alternate translation: “Before the beginning of the universe there was” or “Before the universe began there was” -JHN 1 1 z59q figs-explicit ὁ λόγος…ὁ λόγος…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, the Word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -JHN 1 2 u6xx writing-pronouns οὗτος 1 Here, **He** refers to Jesus, whom John has called “the Word” in the previous verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus” or “the Word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +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 it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus” or “the Word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) JHN 1 2 k8cf ἐν ἀρχῇ 1 Here, this phrase refers to the very earliest time before God created the heavens and the earth. See how you translated this phrase in verse [1](../01/01.md). Alternate translation: “before the beginning of the universe” or “before the universe began” JHN 1 3 gm5g figs-activepassive πάντα δι’ αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο 1 All things were made through him If it would be clearer in your language, you can translate this with an active verb and say who did the action. Alternate translation: “God made all things through him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) JHN 1 3 t1lj writing-pronouns αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **him** refers to Jesus, the one who is called “the Word.” If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus” or “the Word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) @@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ JHN 1 10 krcb figs-metonymy ὁ κόσμος 1 Here, **world** refers to the un JHN 1 10 b93e grammar-connect-logic-contrast καὶ ὁ κόσμος αὐτὸν οὐκ ἔγνω 1 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world did not know him Here, **and** introduces a contrast between what was expected, that the world would recognize its Creator, and what happened, that the world did to do that. Alternate translation: “but the world did not know him” or “yet the world did not know him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) JHN 1 10 ke5s figs-metonymy ὁ κόσμος 2 the world did not know him Here, **world** refers to the people who lived in it. Alternate translation: “the people in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) JHN 1 10 t1qv οὐκ ἔγνω 1 Alternate translation: “did not acknowledge” -JHN 1 11 jr6d εἰς τὰ ἴδια ἦλθεν 1 He came to his own, and his own did not receive him **He**, **his**, and **him** in this verse refer to Jesus. If if would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus came to his own” +JHN 1 11 jr6d writing-pronouns εἰς τὰ ἴδια ἦλθεν 1 He came to his own, and his own did not receive him **He**, **his**, and **him** in this verse refer to Jesus. If if would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus came to his own” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) JHN 1 11 jvgs figs-explicit τὰ ἴδια…οἱ ἴδιοι 1 Here, **his own** could refer to: (1) his own people, the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “his fellow Jews … his fellow Jews” (2) his own creation. Alternate translation: “the people he created … the people he created” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 1 11 h13y grammar-connect-logic-contrast καὶ 1 Here, **and** introduces a contrast between what was expected, that his own people would know their Messiah, and what happened, that his own people did not do that. Alternate translation: “but” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) JHN 1 11 va1w αὐτὸν οὐ παρέλαβον 1 receive him Here, **receive** means to accept a person into one’s presence with friendliness. Alternate translation: “did not accept him” or “did not welcome him” @@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ JHN 1 28 tfxy translate-names τοῦ Ἰορδάνου 1 **Jordan** is the nam JHN 1 28 f5he translate-names πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου 1 Here, **beyond the Jordan** refers to the region of Judea that is on the east side of the Jordan River, which is the side opposite from Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “on the side of the Jordan River opposite from Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) JHN 1 28 ryi1 figs-explicit Ἰωάννης 1 Here, John refers to Jesus’ cousin, often referred to as “John the Baptist.” (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/johnthebaptist) It does not refer to the Apostle John who wrote this Gospel. If it would be clearer to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “John the Baptist” or “John the Immerser” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 1 29 bt67 grammar-connect-time-sequential τῇ ἐπαύριον 1 **The next day** here indicates that the events the story will now relate came after the event it has just described in [1:19–28](../01/19.md). If it would be clearer in your language, you could show this relationship by using a fuller phrase. Alternate translation: “The day after John spoke with the priests and Levites from Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) -JHN 1 29 aqo3 figs-explicit βλέπει…λέγει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, John uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he saw … said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 1 29 aqo3 βλέπει…λέγει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, John uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he saw … said” JHN 1 29 fpj6 figs-metaphor ἴδε 1 John records John the Baptist using the term **Behold** to call his audience’s attention to what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) JHN 1 29 gi3s figs-explicit ἴδε, ὁ Ἀμνὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 The phrase **lamb of God** refers to Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Behold, Jesus, the Lamb of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 1 29 j397 figs-metaphor Ἀμνὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Lamb of God Here, John uses a metaphor to refer to Jesus as God’s perfect sacrifice. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lamb) Since this is an important title for Jesus, we recommend that you translate the words directly and not provide a non-figurative explanation in the text of your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) @@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ JHN 1 38 so66 figs-explicit ποῦ μένεις 1 This question is the answer JHN 1 39 lio4 λέγει αὐτοῖς…μένει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, John uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “He said to them … he was staying” JHN 1 39 k5m2 μένει 1 See how you translated this in the previous verse. JHN 1 39 ydqg figs-explicit τὴν ἡμέραν ἐκείνην 1 Here, **that day** refers to the day the two disciples left John the Baptist to follow Jesus, as indicated in verse [35](../01/35.md). If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the same day that they left John” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -JHN 1 39 tb9j ὥρα…δεκάτη 1 tenth hour In this culture, people began counting the hours each day beginning around daybreak at six o’clock in the morning. Here, **the tenth hour** indicates a time in the late afternoon, before dark, at which it would be too late to start traveling to another town. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this in the way the people of your culture reckon time. Alternate translation, as in the UST: “about 4:00 p.m.” +JHN 1 39 tb9j ὥρα…δεκάτη 1 tenth hour In this culture, people began counting the hours each day beginning around daybreak at six o’clock in the morning. Here, **the tenth hour** indicates a time in the late afternoon, before dark, at which it would be too late to start traveling to another town. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this in the way the people of your culture reckon time. Alternate translation, as in the UST: “about 4:00 PM” JHN 1 40 x8g8 0 General Information: Verses [40–42] give background information about Andrew and how he brought his brother Peter to Jesus. JHN 1 40 f6b9 figs-explicit Ἰωάννου 1 Here, John refers to Jesus’ cousin, often referred to as “John the Baptist.” (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/johnthebaptist) It does not refer to the Apostle John who wrote this Gospel. If it would be clearer to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “John the Baptist” or “John the Immerser” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) JHN 1 40 q0bp translate-names Ἀνδρέας…Σίμωνος Πέτρου 1 These are names of two men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -277,112 +277,202 @@ JHN 2 23 st3f writing-pronouns ὡς δὲ ἦν 1 Here, **he** refers to Jesu JHN 2 23 n807 ἐν τῷ Πάσχα ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ 1 These two phrases could refer to: (1) two different parts of the festival, **the Passover** referring to the first day of **the festival**, and **the festival** referring to the Festival of Unleavened Bread that begins at Passover and was one week long. Alternate translation: “at the Passover, during the Festival of Unleavened Bread” (2) the same event. Alternate translation: “at the Passover Festival” JHN 2 23 w3qv figs-metonymy ἐπίστευσαν εἰς τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ 1 believed in his name Here, **name** is a metonym that represents the person of Jesus. Alternate translation: “believed in him” or “trusted in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) JHN 2 23 ipd6 grammar-connect-logic-result θεωροῦντες αὐτοῦ τὰ σημεῖα 1 Here, **seeing** indicates the reason why the people were believing in Jesus. These people had a superficial faith, only believing in Jesus because of the miracles he performed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “because they saw his signs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
-JHN 2 23 u65n τὰ σημεῖα ἃ ἐποίει 1 the signs that he did 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) +JHN 2 23 u65n τὰ σημεῖα ἃ ἐποίει 1 the signs that he did 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]]) JHN 2 24 cm49 οὐκ ἐπίστευεν αὑτὸν αὐτοῖς 1 Although many people were believing in him, Jesus knew that their belief was superficial and only lasted as long as he performed miracles for them. Therefore, he did not trust them the way he trusted his true disciples. Alternate translation: “did not trust them as true disciples” or “did not believe their belief in him” JHN 2 24 f2n7 figs-gendernotations τὸ αὐτὸν γινώσκειν πάντας 1 Here, the word **men** represents people in general. 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 Here, both instances of the word **man** represent people in general. 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 it would be clearer in your language, you could say this 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

## 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]])

### 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). (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” in this chapter ([John 3:13](../../jhn/03/13.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. (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

## 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]])

### 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](../03/05.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” in this chapter ([John 3:13](../../jhn/03/13.md)). Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking about someone else. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) JHN 3 1 yl6f writing-newevent δὲ 1 General Information: **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, the phrase **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. Since he is a new participant, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could say something like “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 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]]) +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]]) JHN 3 2 sxo1 writing-pronouns οὗτος 1 **This one** here refers to Nicodemus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Nicodemus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) JHN 3 2 n84a writing-pronouns πρὸς αὐτὸν 1 Here, **him** refers to Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) JHN 3 2 skq8 figs-exclusive οἴδαμεν 1 we know Here, **we** is exclusive. Nicodemus is only referring to himself and the other members of the Jewish council. Your language may require you to mark this form. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) JHN 3 2 hxcr figs-metaphor ἐὰν μὴ ᾖ ὁ Θεὸς μετ’ αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **with him** is used figuratively to refer to God's help. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “unless God is helping him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -JHN 3 3 b9u1 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus and Nicodemus continue talking. -JHN 3 3 nz18 ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν 1 Truly, truly See how you translated this in [John 1:51](../01/51.md). -JHN 3 3 t8pt γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν 1 born again “born from above” or “born of God” -JHN 3 3 ikj9 figs-metaphor Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 kingdom of God The word **kingdom** is a metaphor for the rule of God. Alternate translation: “place where God rules” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 3 nz18 ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν 1 Truly, truly Jesus uses this phrase to emphasize the truth of the statement that follows. See how you translated this in [1:51](../01/51.md). +JHN 3 3 svpx figs-metaphor γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν 1 The phrase **born again** is a metaphor that refers to spiritual rebirth. (See the discussion of this expression in the General Notes to this chapter.) Because this is an important biblical metaphor, you should retain this metaphor in your translation if possible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 3 t8pt γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν 1 born again Here, the word translated **again** could also be translated as “from above.” It could refer to: (1) spiritual rebirth as a second birth that takes place in addition to physical birth. Alternate translation, as in the ULT: “would be born again” (2) spiritual rebirth as a birth that is caused by God, in which case “above” is a euphemism for God. Alternate translation: “would be born from above” (3) spiritual rebirth as both a second birth and a birth caused by God. See the discussion of John’s use of double meaning in Part 3 of the Introduction to this book. Alternate translation: “would be born again by God” +JHN 3 3 i0ew figs-metaphor ἰδεῖν τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, **see** is used figuratively to refer to experiencing an event or state. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “to experience the kingdom of God” or “to participate in the kingdom of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 3 ikj9 figs-metaphor τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 kingdom of God This phrase is a metaphor for the rule of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/kingdomofgod]]) Alternate translation: “the place where God rules” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 4 z64b λέγει πρὸς αὐτὸν 1 a second time To call attention to a development in the story, John uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said to him” JHN 3 4 wa1p figs-rquestion πῶς δύναται ἄνθρωπος γεννηθῆναι, γέρων ὤν? 1 How can a man be born when he is old? Nicodemus uses this question to emphasize that this cannot happen. Alternate translation: “A man certainly cannot be born again when he is old!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) JHN 3 4 yk9d figs-rquestion μὴ δύναται εἰς τὴν κοιλίαν τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ δεύτερον εἰσελθεῖν καὶ γεννηθῆναι? 1 He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he? Nicodemus also uses this question to emphasize his belief that a second birth is impossible. “Certainly, he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -JHN 3 4 z64b δεύτερον 1 a second time “again” or “twice” -JHN 3 4 ppr8 τὴν κοιλίαν 1 womb the part of a woman’s body where a baby grows -JHN 3 5 il52 ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν 1 Truly, truly You can translate this in the same way you did in [John 3:3](../03/03.md). -JHN 3 5 n6d7 figs-metaphor γεννηθῇ ἐξ ὕδατος καὶ Πνεύματος 1 born of water and the Spirit This could mean: (1) “would be baptized in water and in the Spirit.” (2) “would be born physically and spiritually.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -JHN 3 5 m37g figs-metaphor εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 enter into the kingdom of God The word **kingdom** is a metaphor for the rule of God in one’s life. Alternate translation: “to experience the rule of God in his life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -JHN 3 7 t2sl 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues speaking to Nicodemus. -JHN 3 7 lpj4 δεῖ ὑμᾶς γεννηθῆναι ἄνωθεν 1 You must be born again “You must be born from above” -JHN 3 8 p87y figs-personification τὸ πνεῦμα ὅπου θέλει, πνεῖ 1 The wind blows wherever it wishes In the source language, wind and Spirit are the same word. The speaker here refers to the **wind** as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “The Holy Spirit is like a wind that blows wherever it wants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) -JHN 3 9 g4ji figs-rquestion πῶς δύναται ταῦτα γενέσθαι? 1 How can these things be? This question adds emphasis to the statement. Alternate translation: “This cannot be!” or “This is not able to happen!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -JHN 3 10 gw2h figs-rquestion σὺ εἶ ὁ διδάσκαλος τοῦ Ἰσραὴλ, καὶ ταῦτα οὐ γινώσκεις? 1 Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? Jesus knows that Nicodemus is a teacher. He is not looking for information. Alternate translation: “You are a teacher of Israel, so I am surprised you do not understand these things!” or “You are a teacher of Israel, so you should understand these things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -JHN 3 10 gbu5 σὺ εἶ ὁ διδάσκαλος τοῦ Ἰσραὴλ, καὶ ταῦτα οὐ γινώσκεις 1 Are you a teacher … yet you do not understand The word **you** is singular and refers to Nicodemus. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you) -JHN 3 11 j1k1 οὐ λαμβάνετε 1 you do not accept The word **you** is plural and refers to Jews in general. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you) -JHN 3 11 jt1f ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν 1 Truly, truly Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated this in [John 1:51](../01/51.md). -JHN 3 11 upi7 figs-exclusive λαλοῦμεν 1 we speak When Jesus said **we**, he was not including Nicodemus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) -JHN 3 12 y4e9 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues responding to Nicodemus. -JHN 3 12 pt4x figs-you εἶπον ὑμῖν…οὐ πιστεύετε, πῶς ἐὰν εἴπω ὑμῖν…πιστεύσετε 1 I told you … you do not believe … how will you believe if I tell you In all three places, **you** is plural and refers to Jews in general. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) -JHN 3 12 c6ia figs-rquestion πῶς ἐὰν εἴπω ὑμῖν τὰ ἐπουράνια, πιστεύσετε? 1 how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? This question emphasizes the disbelief of Nicodemus and the Jews. Alternate translation: “you certainly will not believe if I tell you about heavenly things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -JHN 3 14 tb3s figs-simile καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσεν τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up This figure of speech is called a simile. Some people will “lift up” Jesus just as Moses **lifted up** the bronze serpent in the wilderness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) -JHN 3 14 f9yi ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ 1 in the wilderness The **wilderness** is a dry, desert place, but here it refers specifically to the place where Moses and the Israelites walked around for forty years. -JHN 3 16 uxc2 figs-metonymy οὕτως…ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον 1 God so loved the world Here, **world** is a metonym that refers to everyone in the world. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -JHN 3 16 jen2 ἠγάπησεν 1 loved This is the kind of love that comes from God and is focused on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. God himself is love and is the source of true love. -JHN 3 17 b7vf figs-parallelism οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν Υἱὸν εἰς τὸν κόσμον, ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ’ ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι’ αὐτοῦ 1 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to condemn the world, but in order to save the world through him These two clauses mean nearly the same thing, said twice for emphasis, first in the negative and then in the positive. Some languages may indicate emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “God’s real reason for sending his Son into the world was to save it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) -JHN 3 17 rv45 ἵνα κρίνῃ 1 to condemn “to punish.” Usually “punish” implies that the person who has been punished is then accepted by God. When a person is condemned, he is punished but never accepted by God. +JHN 3 5 il52 ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν 1 Truly, truly Jesus uses this phrase to emphasize the truth of the statement that follows. See how you translated this is in [3:3](../03/03.md). +JHN 3 5 n6d7 figs-metaphor γεννηθῇ ἐξ ὕδατος καὶ Πνεύματος 1 born of water and the Spirit This could refer to: (1) spiritual birth that includes cleansing from sin and spiritual transformation by the Holy Spirit. In this case, Jesus’ words would be understood as a reference to Ezekiel 36:25–27, which Nicodemus would have been familiar with. Alternate translation: “would be born again by cleansing and the Spirit.” (2) physical birth and spiritual birth. Alternate translation: “would be born physically and spiritually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 5 e1dj figs-metaphor εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, **enter into** is used figuratively to refer to experiencing something. The meaning is similar to the meaning of “see” in [3:3](../03/03.md). Alternate translation: “to experience the kingdom of God” or “to participate in the kingdom of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 5 m37g figs-metaphor τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 enter into the kingdom of God This phrase is a metaphor for the rule of God. See how you translated this in [3:3](../03/03.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 6 rru5 figs-metonymy τῆς σαρκὸς, σάρξ ἐστιν 1 Here, Jesus is describing human beings figuratively by reference to something associated with them, the **flesh** they are made of. The word **flesh** here does not refer to sinful human nature as it does in other verses in the New Testament. Alternate translation: “a human being is a human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +JHN 3 6 v3g8 figs-explicit τὸ γεγεννημένον ἐκ τοῦ Πνεύματος 1 Here, **the Spirit** refers to the Holy Spirit, who enables people to be born again. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “what has been born again by means of the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 3 6 lfg1 figs-explicit πνεῦμά 1 Here, **spirit** refers to the new spiritual nature that God gives a person when they are born again. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bornagain]]) If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “a new spirit nature” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 3 7 t2sl figs-metaphor γεννηθῆναι ἄνωθεν 1 Connecting Statement: See how you translated this in [3:3](../03/03.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 8 p87y figs-metaphor τὸ πνεῦμα ὅπου θέλει, πνεῖ 1 The wind blows wherever it wishes The word translated **wind** can also mean spirit. Jesus here speaks figuratively of the Holy Spirit, as if he is **wind**. Just like people in Jesus’ time could not understand how the **wind** blew but could observe the effects of the wind, people cannot understand how the Holy Spirit works but can witness the effects of his work. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this as a simile. Alternate translation: “The Holy Spirit is like a wind that blows wherever it wants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 8 mxjc οὕτως ἐστὶν 1 This phrase connects with sentence with the previous sentence. In the same way that people cannot understand the wind but recognize its effects, people who are not born from the Spirit cannot understand those who are born from the Spirit but can recognize the effects of the new birth. Alternative translation: “So it is with” or “So it happens with” +JHN 3 8 k9ay ὁ γεγεννημένος ἐκ τοῦ Πνεύματος 1 See how you translated this phrase in [3:6](../03/06.md). +JHN 3 8 wh4z figs-explicit τοῦ Πνεύματος 1 Here, **the Spirit** refers to the Holy Spirit, who enables people to be born again. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 3 9 g4ji figs-rquestion πῶς δύναται ταῦτα γενέσθαι? 1 How can these things be? This question could be: (1) a genuine question that shows that Nicodemus is confused. Alternate translation: “How are these things possible” (2) a rhetorical question Nicodemus uses to add emphasis to the statement. Alternate translation: “These things cannot be!” or “These things are impossible!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +JHN 3 9 phe2 writing-pronouns ταῦτα 1 Here, **these things** refers to all that Jesus had spoken in [3:3–8](../03/03.md). If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “these things you have just told me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +JHN 3 10 gw2h figs-rquestion σὺ εἶ ὁ διδάσκαλος τοῦ Ἰσραὴλ, καὶ ταῦτα οὐ γινώσκεις 1 Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? Jesus is not asking Nicodemus a question in order to get information. He is using the question form for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You are a teacher of Israel, so I am surprised you do not understand these things!” or “You are a teacher of Israel, so you should understand these things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +JHN 3 10 gbu5 figs-you σὺ εἶ ὁ διδάσκαλος…οὐ γινώσκεις 1 Are you a teacher … yet you do not understand The word **you** is singular and refers to Nicodemus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Are you, Nicodemus, the teacher … you do not understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) +JHN 3 10 ljiy figs-explicit ὁ διδάσκαλος τοῦ Ἰσραὴλ 1 Here, **the teacher** indicates that Nicodemus was recognized as a master teacher and religious authority in the land of Israel. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the renowned religious teacher in Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 3 10 vx3u writing-pronouns ταῦτα 1 Here, **these things** refers to all that Jesus had spoken in [3:3–8](../03/03.md). If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. See how you translated this phrase is the previous verse. Alternate translation: “these things you have just told me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +JHN 3 11 jt1f ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν 1 Truly, truly Jesus uses this phrase to emphasize the truth of the statement that follows. See how you translated this is in [3:3](../03/03.md). +JHN 3 11 upi7 figs-exclusive ὃ οἴδαμεν λαλοῦμεν…τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἡμῶν 1 we speak When Jesus said **we**, he was not including Nicodemus. Jesus said **we** and **our** in this verse as a contrast to Nicodemus saying **we** in [3:2](../03/02.md). While Nicodemus used **we** to refer to him and the other Jewish religious leaders, Jesus could have been referring to: (1) himself and his disciples. Alternate translation: “my disciples and I speak what we know … our testimony” (2) himself and the other members of the Godhead. Alternate translation: “the Father, Spirit, and I speak what we know … our testimony” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) +JHN 3 11 j1k1 figs-you οὐ λαμβάνετε 1 you do not accept The word **you** is plural and could refer to: (1) the Jewish people in general. Alternate translation: “you Jews” (2) Nicodemus and his fellow Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: “you Jewish leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) +JHN 3 12 y4e9 grammar-connect-condition-fact εἰ τὰ ἐπίγεια εἶπον ὑμῖν 1 Connecting Statement: 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 I told you earthly things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]]) +JHN 3 12 pt4x figs-you εἶπον ὑμῖν…οὐ πιστεύετε, πῶς ἐὰν εἴπω ὑμῖν…πιστεύσετε 1 I told you … you do not believe … how will you believe if I tell you Throughout this verse, **you** is plural and could refer to: (1) the Jewish people in general. Alternate translation: “you Jews” (2) Nicodemus and his fellow Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: “you Jewish leaders” See how you translated this word in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) +JHN 3 12 mf2x figs-explicit τὰ ἐπίγεια 1 Here, **earthly things** refers to what Jesus had spoken in [3:3–8](../03/03.md). Those things are called **earthly** because they are about things that take place on earth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “these truths about what takes place on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 3 12 c6ia figs-rquestion πῶς ἐὰν εἴπω ὑμῖν τὰ ἐπουράνια, πιστεύσετε? 1 how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? Here, Jesus uses a question to emphasize the disbelief of Nicodemus and the Jews. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “you certainly will not believe if I tell you about heavenly things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +JHN 3 12 dfqi figs-explicit τὰ ἐπουράνια 1 Here, **heavenly things** refers to things that take place in heaven or are related to heaven. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “truths about what takes place in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 3 13 ld0m figs-explicit ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς 1 In this phrase Jesus is referring to himself. If it would clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “me, the one who descended from heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 3 13 ocj0 figs-explicit ὁ Υἱὸς 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. Alternate translation: “the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 3 14 tb3s figs-simile
καὶ καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσεν τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ 1 Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up In this verse, John records Jesus comparing his crucifixion to Moses lifting up a bronze snake. John assumes that his readers will know that Jesus is referring to a story recorded in the Old Testament book of Numbers. In that story, the Israelites complained against God and God punished them by sending poisonous snakes to kill them. God then told Moses to make a bronze snake and raise it up on a pole so that whoever was bitten by one of the poisonous snakes and looked at the bronze snake would not die. You could indicate this explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers, particularly if they would not know the story. Alternate translation: “And just as Moses lifted up the bronze serpent on a pole when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
+JHN 3 14 f9yi figs-activepassive ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 in the wilderness If it would be clearer in your language, you could state this in an active form and you could indicate who will do the action. Alternate translation: “it is necessary for people to lift up the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
+JHN 3 14 krir 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. Alternate translation: “the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 3 15 e9ls grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα 1 Here, **so that** indicates that Jesus is stating the purpose for which he would be crucified. In your translation, follow the conventions of your language for purpose clauses. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) +JHN 3 16 vg6z grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 *For** here indicates that Jesus is giving a reason why the statement in the previous two verses is true. Alternate translation: “This is true because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +JHN 3 16 h4ht οὕτως…ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον 1 Here, **so** could refer to: (1) the manner in which God loved the world. Alternate translation, as in the UST: “God loved the world in this way” (2) the degree to which God loved the world. Alternate translation: “God loved the world so much” (3) both the manner in which and the degree to which God loved the world. For this interpretation, see the discussion of John’s use of double meaning in Part 3 of the Introduction to this book. Alternate translation: “in this way God loved the world so much” +JHN 3 16 uxc2 figs-metonymy τὸν κόσμον 1 God so loved the world Here, **world** refers to the people who live in it. Alternate translation: “the people in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +JHN 3 16 jen2 grammar-connect-logic-result ὥστε 1 loved Here, **that** introduces the result of what the previous clause stated. Alternate translation: “as a result” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +JHN 3 16 fqk7 figs-explicit τὸν Υἱὸν τὸν μονογενῆ 1 Here, **One and Only Son** refers to Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “his One and Only Son, Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 3 16 z8at figs-explicit τὸν Υἱὸν τὸν μονογενῆ 1 Here and throughout John’s Gospel, the phrase **One and Only** is a title for Jesus that could refer to: (1) Jesus being unique as the only member of his kind. Alternate translation: “his Unique Son” (2) Jesus being the only child of his Father. Alternate translation: “his only begotten Son” +JHN 3 16 qpc9 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Υἱὸν τὸν μονογενῆ 1 This is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) +JHN 3 16 xryx writing-pronouns εἰς αὐτὸν 1 Here, **him** refers to Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +JHN 3 17 k8rf grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 *For** here indicates that Jesus is giving a reason why the statement in the previous verse is true. Alternate translation: “God have his One and Only Son because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +JHN 3 17 b7vf figs-parallelism οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν Υἱὸν εἰς τὸν κόσμον, ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ’ ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι’ αὐτοῦ 1 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to condemn the world, but in order to save the world through him These two clauses mean nearly the same thing, said twice for emphasis, first in the negative and then in the positive. Use whatever form your language uses for emphasis. Alternate translation: “For God truly sent his Son into the world so that he might save it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) +JHN 3 17 haut guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Υἱὸν 1 This is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) +JHN 3 17 mjjg figs-123person τὸν Υἱὸν…δι’ αὐτοῦ 1 Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. If this is confusing in your language, you can use the first person. Alternate translation: “me … through me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +JHN 3 17 amqn figs-explicit τὸν κόσμον 1 Here, **world** refers to the universe God created. It does not refer only to the people in the world or only to the earth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the universe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 3 17 f5o9 writing-pronouns ἵνα κρίνῃ 1 Here, **he** refers to God. It does not refer to Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “so that God might condemn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +JHN 3 17 zv1i ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον 1 The word translated **condemn** means to judge someone to be guilty and deserving of punishment. Alternate translation: “so that he might judge the world as guilty” +JHN 3 17 ynyh figs-metonymy τὸν κόσμον…ὁ κόσμος 2 Here, **world** refers to the people who lived in it. Alternate translation: “the people in the world … the people in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +JHN 3 17 kuow figs-activepassive ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form and indicate who did the action. Alternate translation: “so that God might save the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
+JHN 3 17 exd0 δι’ αὐτοῦ 1 This phrase indicates the means by which God would save the world. Alternate translation: “by means of him” +JHN 3 18 zl5p οὐ κρίνεται…ἤδη κέκριται 1 The word translated **condemn** means to judge someone to be guilty and deserving of punishment. See how you translated it in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “is not judged as guilty … has already been judged as guilty” +JHN 3 18 x14j writing-pronouns εἰς αὐτὸν 1 Here, **him** refers to Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +JHN 3 18 tmz7 figs-activepassive ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν οὐ κρίνεται 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form and indicate who did the action. Alternate translation: “God did not condemn the one who believes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +JHN 3 18 t21p figs-activepassive ὁ δὲ μὴ πιστεύων, ἤδη κέκριται 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form and indicate who did the action. Alternate translation: “but God has already condemned the one who does not believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +JHN 3 18 ps4n figs-metonymy μὴ πεπίστευκεν εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ μονογενοῦς Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, **name** stands for Jesus’ identity and everything about him. Alternate translation: “he has not believed in the One and Only Son of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +JHN 3 18 q8ku τοῦ μονογενοῦς Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here and throughout John’s Gospel, the phrase **One and Only** is a title for Jesus that could refer to: (1) Jesus being unique as the only member of his kind. Alternate translation: “of the Unique Son of God” (2) Jesus being the only child of his Father. Alternate translation: “of the Only Begotten Son of God” JHN 3 18 eb54 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Son of God This is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) -JHN 3 19 z9d2 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus finishes responding to Nicodemus. -JHN 3 19 t9z5 figs-metaphor τὸ φῶς ἐλήλυθεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον 1 The light has come into the world The word **light** is a metaphor for God’s truth that is revealed in Jesus. Alternate translation: “the one who is like a light has come into the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -JHN 3 19 s1z2 figs-metonymy τὸ φῶς ἐλήλυθεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον 1 The **world** is a metonym for all of the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: “the one who is like a light has revealed God’s truth to all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -JHN 3 19 gh4i figs-123person τὸ φῶς ἐλήλυθεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον 1 If your language does not allow people to speak of themselves in the third person, you may need to specify who **the light** is. Alternate translation: “the one who is like a light has revealed God’s truth to all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) -JHN 3 19 h4nk figs-metaphor ἠγάπησαν οἱ ἄνθρωποι…τὸ σκότος 1 men loved the darkness Here, **darkness** is a metaphor for evil. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -JHN 3 20 u25p figs-activepassive ἵνα μὴ ἐλεγχθῇ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ 1 so that his deeds will not be exposed You can state this in an active form. Alternate translation: “so that the light will not show the things he does” or “so that the light does not make clear his deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -JHN 3 21 l7ax figs-activepassive φανερωθῇ αὐτοῦ τὰ ἔργα 1 plainly seen that his deeds You can state this in an active form. Alternate translation: “people may clearly see his deeds” or “everyone may clearly see the things he does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -JHN 3 22 uy4j μετὰ ταῦτα 1 After this This refers to after Jesus had spoken with Nicodemus. See how you translated this in [John 2:12](../02/12.md). -JHN 3 23 x1ge translate-names Αἰνὼν 1 Aenon This word means “springs,” as of water. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -JHN 3 23 e5v2 translate-names τοῦ Σαλείμ 1 Salim a village or town next to the Jordan River (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -JHN 3 23 jh2w ὅτι ὕδατα πολλὰ ἦν ἐκεῖ 1 because there was much water there “because there were many springs in that place” -JHN 3 23 ukz2 figs-activepassive ἐβαπτίζοντο 1 were being baptized You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “John was baptizing them” or “he was baptizing them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -JHN 3 25 ft8r figs-activepassive ἐγένετο οὖν ζήτησις ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν Ἰωάννου μετὰ Ἰουδαίου 1 Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and a Jew You can state this in an active form for clarity. Alternate translation: “Then John’s disciples and a Jew began to argue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -JHN 3 25 fuq2 ζήτησις 1 a dispute a fight using words -JHN 3 26 jr28 σὺ μεμαρτύρηκας, ἴδε, οὗτος βαπτίζει 1 you have testified, look, he is baptizing, In this phrase, **behold** is a command meaning “pay attention!” Alternate translation: “you have testified, ‘Look! He is baptizing,’” or “you have testified. ‘Look at that! He is baptizing,’” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit) -JHN 3 27 kl21 οὐ δύναται ἄνθρωπος λαμβάνειν, οὐδὲ ἓν ἐὰν μὴ 1 A man cannot receive anything unless “Nobody has any power unless” -JHN 3 27 hap4 figs-metonymy ᾖ δεδομένον αὐτῷ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 1 it has been given to him from heaven Here, **heaven** is used as a metonym to refer to God. Alternate translation: “it has been given to him by God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -JHN 3 27 f818 figs-activepassive ᾖ δεδομένον αὐτῷ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 1 You can state this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God has given it to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -JHN 3 28 l9yt figs-you αὐτοὶ ὑμεῖς 1 You yourselves **You** is plural and refers to all the people John is talking to. Alternate translation: “You all” or “All of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) -JHN 3 28 nf9l figs-activepassive ἀπεσταλμένος εἰμὶ ἔμπροσθεν ἐκείνου 1 I have been sent before him You can state this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God sent me to arrive before him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -JHN 3 29 k5xq 0 Connecting Statement: John the Baptist continues speaking. -JHN 3 29 p569 figs-metaphor ὁ ἔχων τὴν νύμφην, νυμφίος ἐστίν 1 The bride belongs to the bridegroom Here the **bride** and **bridegroom** are metaphors. Jesus is like the “bridegroom” and John is like the friend of the “bridegroom.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -JHN 3 29 wkb8 figs-activepassive αὕτη οὖν ἡ χαρὰ ἡ ἐμὴ πεπλήρωται 1 This, then, is my joy made complete You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “So then I rejoice greatly” or “So I rejoice much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -JHN 3 29 hnw2 ἡ χαρὰ ἡ ἐμὴ 1 my joy The word **my** refers to John the Baptist, the one who is speaking. -JHN 3 30 kn9s ἐκεῖνον δεῖ αὐξάνειν 1 He must increase Here, **that one** refers to the bridegroom, Jesus, who will continue to grow in importance. -JHN 3 31 qd7t ὁ ἄνωθεν ἐρχόμενος, ἐπάνω πάντων ἐστίν 1 He who comes from above is above all “He who comes from heaven is more important than anyone else” -JHN 3 31 mhk9 figs-metonymy ὁ ὢν ἐκ τῆς γῆς, ἐκ τῆς γῆς ἐστιν, καὶ ἐκ τῆς γῆς λαλεῖ 1 He who is from the earth is from the earth and speaks about the earth John means that Jesus is greater than he is since Jesus is from heaven, and John was born on **the earth**. Alternate translation: “He who is born in this world is like everyone else who lives in the world and he speaks about what happens in this world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -JHN 3 31 qrg7 ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἐρχόμενος, ἐπάνω πάντων ἐστίν 1 He who comes from heaven is above all This means the same thing as the first sentence. John repeats this for emphasis. -JHN 3 32 c5yt ὃ ἑώρακεν καὶ ἤκουσεν, τοῦτο μαρτυρεῖ 1 He testifies about what he has seen and heard John is speaking about Jesus. Alternate translation: “The one from heaven tells about what he has seen and heard in heaven” -JHN 3 32 kqi1 figs-hyperbole τὴν μαρτυρίαν αὐτοῦ, οὐδεὶς λαμβάνει 1 no one accepts his testimony Here John exaggerates to emphasize that only a few people believe Jesus. Alternate translation: “very few people believe him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) -JHN 3 33 k36d ὁ λαβὼν αὐτοῦ τὴν μαρτυρίαν 1 He who has received his testimony “Anyone who believes what Jesus says” -JHN 3 33 g5x4 ἐσφράγισεν 1 has confirmed “proves” or “agrees” -JHN 3 34 db8m 0 Connecting Statement: John the Baptist finishes speaking. -JHN 3 34 rr83 ὃν γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς 1 For the one whom God has sent “This Jesus, whom God has sent to represent him” -JHN 3 34 bnx8 οὐ γὰρ ἐκ μέτρου δίδωσιν τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 For he does not give the Spirit by measure “For he is the one to whom God gave all the power of his Spirit” +JHN 3 19 z9d2 ἡ κρίσις 1 Connecting Statement: Here, **judgment** could refer to: (1) a verdict a judge pronounces in a court trial. Alternate translation: “the verdict” (2) the reason for a condemning judgment. “the basis for condemnation” +JHN 3 19 t9z5 figs-metaphor τὸ φῶς ἐλήλυθεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον…ἢ τὸ φῶς 1 The light has come into the world Here, **light** is a metaphor for the revelation of God’s truth and goodness in Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this plainly. See how you translated it in those places where **the light** also refers to Jesus in the [1:7–9](../01/07.md). Alternate translation: “Jesus, who revealed the true and good things of God, has come into the world … than Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 19 gh4i figs-123person τὸ φῶς ἐλήλυθεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον…ἢ τὸ φῶς 1 If your language does not allow people to speak of themselves in the third person, you may need to specify who **the light** is. Alternate translation: “I, the light, have come into the world … than me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +JHN 3 19 fvvg figs-gendernotations οἱ ἄνθρωποι 1 Although the term **men** is masculine, John records Jesus using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
+JHN 3 19 h4nk figs-metaphor ἠγάπησαν οἱ ἄνθρωποι…τὸ σκότος 1 men loved the darkness Here, **darkness** is a metaphor for what is false and evil. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this plainly. See the discussion of light and darkness in the General Notes for chapter 1. Alternate translation: “men loved evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 20 velv grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 **For** here indicates another reason why men love the darkness, as stated in the previous verse. People who do evil things hate the light. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This is because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
+JHN 3 20 bus8 πᾶς…ὁ φαῦλα πράσσων 1 This phrase refers to someone who habitually does evil things. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “everyone who habitually does evil” +JHN 3 20 cg3i figs-metaphor τὸ φῶς, καὶ…πρὸς τὸ φῶς 1 Here, **the light** is a metaphor for the revelation of God’s truth and goodness in Jesus. See how you translated this word in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “Jesus, who revealed the true and good things of God, and … to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 20 s49o figs-123person τὸ φῶς, καὶ…πρὸς τὸ φῶς 1 If your language does not allow people to speak of themselves in the third person, you may need to specify who **the light** is. Alternate translation: “me, the light, and … to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +JHN 3 20 u25p figs-activepassive ἵνα μὴ ἐλεγχθῇ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ 1 so that his deeds will not be exposed If it would be clearer in your language, you could state this in an active form and say who would do the action. Alternate translation: “so that the light might not expose his deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +JHN 3 21 q77t ὁ…ποιῶν τὴν ἀλήθειαν 1 This phrase refers to someone who habitually does true things. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “everyone who habitually does the truth” +JHN 3 21 kpb9 figs-abstractnouns ὁ…ποιῶν τὴν ἀλήθειαν 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the abstract noun **truth** with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the one who does true things” or “the one who does what is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +JHN 3 21 ud15 figs-metaphor ἔρχεται πρὸς τὸ φῶς 1 Here, **the light** is a metaphor for the revelation of God’s truth and goodness in Jesus. See how you translated this word in the previous two verses. Alternate translation: “comes to Jesus, who revealed the true and good things of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 21 k8wr figs-123person ἔρχεται πρὸς τὸ φῶς 1 If your language does not allow people to speak of themselves in the third person, you may need to specify who **the light** is. See how you translated this expression in the previous two verses. Alternate translation: “comes to me, the light” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +JHN 3 21 l7ax figs-activepassive φανερωθῇ αὐτοῦ τὰ ἔργα 1 plainly seen that his deeds If it would be clearer in your language, you could state this in an active form and say who would do the action. Alternate translation: “the light might reveal his deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +JHN 3 21 de2j ὅτι ἐν Θεῷ ἐστιν εἰργασμένα 1 This clause indicates what the light will reveal about the deeds of those who come to the light. The phrase **in God** indicates that the works these people have done were done with God’s help, and not by their own strength or effort. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “that they have been done with God’s help” +JHN 3 22 uy4j grammar-connect-time-sequential μετὰ ταῦτα 1 After this This phrase indicates that what follows occurred after Jesus had spoken with Nicodemus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “After this conversation with Nicodemus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) +JHN 3 23 m4yg translate-names ὁ Ἰωάννης 1 Here, John refers to Jesus’ cousin, often referred to as “John the Baptist.” (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/johnthebaptist) It does not refer to the Apostle John who wrote this Gospel. If it would be clearer to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “John the Baptist” or “John the Immerser” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit) +JHN 3 23 x1ge translate-names Αἰνὼν 1 Aenon This is the name of a town near the Jordan River close to Samaria. **Aenon** is the Aramaic word for springs of water, which explains John’s comment in the next clause about there being much water there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +JHN 3 23 e5v2 translate-names τοῦ Σαλείμ 1 Salim This is the name of a town near the Jordan River close to Samaria. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +JHN 3 23 ukz2 figs-activepassive ἐβαπτίζοντο 1 were being baptized If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this in an active form and say who was doing the action. Alternate translation: “John was baptizing them” or “he was baptizing them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +JHN 3 24 v13x figs-activepassive οὔπω…ἦν βεβλημένος 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this in an active form. You can also say who did the action, which is indicated to be Herod in Mark 6:17. Alternate translation: “Herod had not yet thrown”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +JHN 3 25 fuq2 figs-abstractnouns ἐγένετο οὖν ζήτησις ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν Ἰωάννου 1 a dispute If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the abstract noun **dispute** with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “Then the disciples of John began arguing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +JHN 3 25 ft8r figs-activepassive ἐγένετο οὖν ζήτησις ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν Ἰωάννου μετὰ Ἰουδαίου 1 Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and a Jew If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Then John’s disciples and a Jew began to dispute” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +JHN 3 25 qzq7 figs-explicit Ἰωάννου 1 Here, John refers to Jesus’ cousin, often referred to as “John the Baptist.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/johnthebaptist]]) It does not refer to the Apostle John who wrote this Gospel. If it would be clearer to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “of John the Baptist” or “of John the Immerser” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 3 26 uuvj writing-pronouns ἦλθον 1 Here, **they** refers to John the Baptist’s disciples who were disputing in the previous verse. If this would be clearer in your language, you could say it explicitly. Alternate translation: “John’s disciples went” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +JHN 3 26 cxy7 figs-explicit ὃς ἦν μετὰ σοῦ πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου, ᾧ σὺ μεμαρτύρηκας 1 This phrase refers to Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus, who was with you beyond the Jordan, about whom you had testified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 3 26 jr28 figs-explicit ἴδε, οὗτος βαπτίζει 1 you have testified, look, he is baptizing, John the Baptist’s disciples used the term **behold** to call John’s attention to what Jesus was doing. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here. Alternate translation: “look! He is baptizing” or “see how he is baptizing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 3 26 j8di figs-hyperbole πάντες ἔρχονται πρὸς αὐτόν 1 Here John the Baptist’s disciples use the word **all** as a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “it seems like everyone is going to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) +JHN 3 27 kl21 figs-genericnoun οὐ δύναται ἄνθρωπος λαμβάνει 1 A man cannot receive anything unless John is speaking of people in general, not of one particular man. Alternate translation: “A person is not able” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) +JHN 3 27 f818 figs-activepassive ᾖ δεδομένον αὐτῷ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “heaven has given it to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +JHN 3 27 hap4 figs-metonymy ᾖ δεδομένον αὐτῷ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 1 it has been given to him from heaven Here, **heaven** is used figuratively to refer to God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “it has been given to him by God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +JHN 3 28 l9yt figs-you αὐτοὶ ὑμεῖς 1 You yourselves **You** here is plural and refers to all the people John is talking to. Alternate translation: “You all” or “All of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) +JHN 3 28 p92u figs-quotesinquotes ὅτι εἶπον, οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐγὼ ὁ Χριστός, ἀλλ’, ὅτι ἀπεσταλμένος εἰμὶ ἔμπροσθεν ἐκείνου 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “that I said that I am not the Christ but that I have been sent before that one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) +JHN 3 28 nf9l figs-activepassive ἀπεσταλμένος εἰμὶ ἔμπροσθεν ἐκείνου 1 I have been sent before him If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this in an active form and say who did the action. Alternate translation: “God sent me before that one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +JHN 3 28 vguf writing-pronouns ἐκείνου 1 Here, **that** refers to Jesus, whom John has called “the Christ” in the previous clause. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus” or “the Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +JHN 3 29 p569 figs-metaphor ὁ ἔχων τὴν νύμφην, νυμφίος ἐστίν…τοῦ νυμφίου…τὴν φωνὴν τοῦ νυμφίου 1 The bride belongs to the bridegroom Here, the words **bride** and **bridegroom** are used figuratively to refer to people who believe in Jesus and Jesus, respectively. Since these are important terms for Christians and for Jesus, we recommend that you translate the words directly and not provide a non-figurative explanation in the text of your translation. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate these words with similes. Alternate translation: “The one who is like one who has a bride is like a bridegroom … of the one who is like a bridegroom … of the voice of one who is like a bridegroom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 29 nd5o figs-123person ὁ δὲ φίλος τοῦ νυμφίου 1 John the Baptist is referring to himself in the third person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation, as in the UST: “But me, the friend of the bridegroom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +JHN 3 29 nfvx figs-doublet χαρᾷ χαίρει 1 These words mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how much joy John had because Jesus had come. Alternate translation: “rejoices greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) +JHN 3 29 wkb8 figs-activepassive αὕτη…ἡ χαρὰ ἡ ἐμὴ πεπλήρωται 1 This, then, is my joy made complete If it would be clearer in your language, you could state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I rejoice greatly” or “I rejoice with complete joy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +JHN 3 29 hnw2 figs-123person αὕτη…ἡ χαρὰ ἡ ἐμὴ 1 my joy Here, **my** refers to John the Baptist, the one who is speaking. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “this joy that I, John, have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +JHN 3 30 kn9s writing-pronouns ἐκεῖνον δεῖ αὐξάνειν 1 He must increase Here, **that one** refers to Jesus, whom John the Baptist called “the bridegroom” in the previous verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “It is necessary for Jesus to increase” or “It is necessary for the bridegroom to increase” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +JHN 3 30 u5e0 figs-metaphor αὐξάνειν…ἐλαττοῦσθαι 1 Here, **increase** is used figuratively to refer to growing in importance and influence, while **decrease** refers to diminishing in importance and influence. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “to be more influential … to be less influential” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 31 wu2j figs-doublet ὁ ἄνωθεν ἐρχόμενος, ἐπάνω πάντων ἐστίν…ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἐρχόμενος, ἐπάνω πάντων ἐστίν 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. John repeats himself to emphasize that Jesus is greater than every person and every thing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases and include words that show emphasis. Alternate translation: “The one who comes from heaven is certainly above all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) +JHN 3 31 qd7t figs-explicit ὁ ἄνωθεν ἐρχόμενος, ἐπάνω πάντων ἐστίν…ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἐρχόμενος, ἐπάνω πάντων ἐστίν 1 He who comes from above is above all Both of these phrases refer to Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus, the one who comes from above, is above all things … Jesus, the one who comes from heaven, is above all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 3 31 ksp5 figs-metonymy ἄνωθεν 1 Here, **above** is used figuratively to refer to heaven, the place where God dwells. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “from heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +JHN 3 31 on9v figs-metaphor ἐπάνω πάντων ἐστίν…ἐπάνω πάντων ἐστίν 2 Here, **above** is used figuratively to refer to having superior status. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “is superior to all things … is superior to all things” or “is greater than all things … is greater than all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 31 mhk9 figs-123person ὁ ὢν ἐκ τῆς γῆς, ἐκ τῆς γῆς ἐστιν 1 He who is from the earth is from the earth and speaks about the earth Here, John the Baptist is referring to himself in the third person, but the statement is also true for all humans other than Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation, as in the UST: “I, the one who is from the earth, am from the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +JHN 3 31 p05h figs-metaphor ἐκ τῆς γῆς ἐστιν 1 This phrase refers figuratively to having an earthly origin, which is the case for John the Baptist and every human being other than Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “originates from the earth” or “has an earthly origin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 31 ar7r figs-metaphor καὶ ἐκ τῆς γῆς λαλεῖ 1 This phrase refers figuratively to speaking based on earthly perspective, which is the case for John the Baptist and every human being other than Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “and speaks from an earthly perspective” or “and speaks as someone from the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 3 32 c5yt writing-pronouns ὃ ἑώρακεν καὶ ἤκουσεν, τοῦτο μαρτυρεῖ…μαρτυρίαν αὐτοῦ 1 He testifies about what he has seen and heard **He** and **his** in this verse refer to Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus testifies about that which he has seen and heard … Jesus’ testimony” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/writing-pronouns]]) +JHN 3 32 umek figs-explicit ὃ ἑώρακεν καὶ ἤκουσεν 1 This phrase refers to what Jesus saw and heard while he was in heaven. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “which he has seen and heard in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 3 32 kqi1 figs-hyperbole τὴν μαρτυρίαν αὐτοῦ, οὐδεὶς λαμβάνει 1 no one accepts his testimony Here, John the Baptist exaggerates to emphasize that only a few people believed Jesus. Alternate translation: “very few people receive his testimony” or “it seems like no one receives his testimony” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) +JHN 3 33 k36d figs-genericnoun ὁ λαβὼν αὐτοῦ τὴν μαρτυρίαν 1 He who has received his testimony This phrase does not refer to a specific person, but to any person who does this thing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Anyone who has received his testimony” (See: rc://en/ta/man/[[translate/figs-genericnoun]]) +JHN 3 33 ygba writing-pronouns αὐτοῦ τὴν μαρτυρίαν 1 Here, **his** refers to Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus’ testimony” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/writing-pronouns]]) +JHN 3 33 g5x4 translate-unknown ἐσφράγισεν 1 has confirmed This expression refers to placing a seal on a document in order to certify that what is written in the document is true. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/seal]]) Here, this meaning is extended to refer to certifying that God is true. If your readers would not be familiar with this practice of sealing documents, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “has certified” or “has attested” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +JHN 3 34 rr83 figs-explicit ὃν…ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς 1 For the one whom God has sent This phrase refers to Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus, whom God has sent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 3 34 bnx8 οὐ…δίδωσιν 1 For he does not give the Spirit by measure Here, **he** refers to God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “God does not give” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/writing-pronouns]]) +JHN 3 34 cdia figs-litotes οὐ…ἐκ μέτρου δίδωσιν τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 This clause is a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “he certainly gives the Spirit without limit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) JHN 3 35 hmk4 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Πατὴρ…Υἱόν 1 Father … Son These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) -JHN 3 35 ha4e figs-idiom δέδωκεν ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ 1 given … into his hand This means to be put in his power or control. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -JHN 3 36 u1ks ὁ πιστεύων 1 He who believes “A person who believes” or “Anyone who believes” -JHN 3 36 zy7u ἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ μένει ἐπ’ αὐτόν 1 the wrath of God stays on him The abstract noun **wrath** can be translated with the verb “punish.” Alternate translation: “God will continue to punish him” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns) -JHN 4 intro j1hv 0 # John 4 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

John 4:4-38 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 the Samaritans were descendants of ungodly people. So Jesus had to do what most Jews did not want to do. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/kingdomofisrael]])

### “The hour is coming”

Jesus used these words to begin prophecies about times that could be shorter or longer than sixty minutes. “The hour” in which true worshipers will worship in spirit and truth is longer than sixty minutes.

### The proper place of worship

Long before Jesus lived, the Samaritan people had broken the law of Moses by setting up a false temple in their land ([John 4:20](../../jhn/04/20.md)). Jesus explained to the woman that it was no longer important where people worshiped ([John 4:21-24](./21.md)).

### Harvest

Harvest is 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 later killed 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 and love him for who he is are the ones who truly please him. Where they worship is not important. -JHN 4 1 jum6 writing-background 0 General Information: John 4:1-6 gives the background to the next event, Jesus’ conversation with a Samaritan woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) -JHN 4 1 ci4n 0 Connecting Statement: A long sentence begins here. -JHN 4 1 b1vc 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 “Now Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John. When he knew that the Pharisees had heard that he was doing this.” -JHN 4 1 h6ek ὡς οὖν ἔγνω ὁ Ἰησοῦς 1 Now when Jesus knew The word **Then** is used here to mark a break in the main events. Here John starts to tell a new part of the narrative. -JHN 4 2 d4ng figs-rpronouns Ἰησοῦς αὐτὸς οὐκ ἐβάπτιζεν 1 Jesus himself was not baptizing The reflexive pronoun **himself** adds emphasis that it was not Jesus who was **baptizing, but his disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) -JHN 4 3 dm2t ἀφῆκεν τὴν Ἰουδαίαν καὶ ἀπῆλθεν πάλιν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν 1 he left Judea and went back again to Galilee You may need to reorder the entire sentence that begins with the words “Now when Jesus” in verse 1. “Now Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples were). The Pharisees heard that Jesus was doing this. When Jesus knew that the Pharisees learned what he was doing, he left Judea and went back again to Galilee” -JHN 4 7 g82d δός μοι πεῖν 1 Give me some water This is a polite request, not a command. -JHN 4 8 u29c οἱ γὰρ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἀπεληλύθεισαν 1 For his disciples had gone He did not ask his disciples to draw water for him because they had gone. -JHN 4 9 l2qh λέγει οὖν αὐτῷ ἡ γυνὴ ἡ Σαμαρεῖτις 1 Then the Samaritan woman said to him The word **him** refers to Jesus. -JHN 4 9 xdw7 figs-rquestion πῶς σὺ Ἰουδαῖος ὢν, παρ’ ἐμοῦ πεῖν αἰτεῖς γυναικὸς Σαμαρείτιδος οὔσης? 1 How is it that you, being a Jew, are asking … for something to drink? This remark appears in the form of a question to express the Samaritan woman’s surprise that Jesus asked her for a drink. Alternate translation: “I cannot believe that you, being a Jew, are asking a Samaritan woman for a drink!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -JHN 4 9 px8w οὐ…συνχρῶνται 1 have no dealings with “do not associate with” -JHN 4 10 zub5 figs-metaphor ὕδωρ ζῶν 1 living water Jesus uses the metaphor **living water** to refer to the Holy Spirit who works in a person to transform and bring new life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -JHN 4 12 di9q figs-rquestion μὴ σὺ μείζων εἶ τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν Ἰακώβ, ὃς ἔδωκεν ἡμῖν τὸ φρέαρ, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐξ αὐτοῦ ἔπιεν, καὶ οἱ υἱοὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὰ θρέμματα αὐτοῦ? 1 You are not greater, are you, than our father Jacob … cattle? This remark occurs in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “You are not greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, and his sons and his cattle!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -JHN 4 12 knw5 τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν Ἰακώβ 1 our father Jacob “our ancestor Jacob” -JHN 4 12 sj7n ἐξ αὐτοῦ ἔπιεν 1 drank from it “drank water that came from this well” -JHN 4 13 leu7 διψήσει πάλιν 1 will be thirsty again “will need to drink water again” -JHN 4 14 g598 figs-metaphor τὸ ὕδωρ ὃ δώσω αὐτῷ γενήσεται ἐν αὐτῷ πηγὴ ὕδατος 1 the water that I will give him will become a fountain of water in him Here the word **fountain of water** is a metaphor for life-giving water. Alternate translation: “the water that I will give him will become like a spring of water in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -JHN 4 14 fha9 ζωὴν αἰώνιον 1 eternal life Here, **life** refers to the “spiritual life” that only God can give. -JHN 4 15 iz1p κύριε 1 Sir The Samaritan woman is addressing Jesus as **Sir** as a term of respect or politeness. -JHN 4 15 hd9f ἀντλεῖν 1 draw water “get water” or “pull water up from the well” using a container and rope -JHN 4 18 zpl1 τοῦτο ἀληθὲς εἴρηκας 1 What you have said is true Jesus says these words to emphasize his words to emphasize the words “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’” in verse 17. He wants the woman to know that he knows she is telling the truth. -JHN 4 19 kfs1 κύριε 1 Sir The Samaritan woman is addressing Jesus as **Sir** as a term of respect or politeness. -JHN 4 19 za2w θεωρῶ ὅτι προφήτης εἶ σύ 1 I see that you are a prophet “I can understand that you are a prophet” +JHN 3 35 ha4e figs-idiom πάντα δέδωκεν ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ 1 given … into his hand Here, giving **into his hand** means putting under his power or control. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “has given him control over everything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +JHN 3 36 u1ks figs-genericnoun ὁ πιστεύων 1 He who believes This phrase does not refer to a specific person, but to any person who does this thing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Anyone who believes” (See: rc://en/ta/man/[[translate/figs-genericnoun]]) +JHN 3 36 ob32 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples εἰς τὸν Υἱὸν…τῷ Υἱῷ 1 This is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) +JHN 3 36 hpte figs-genericnoun ὁ…ἀπειθῶν 2 This phrase does not refer to a specific person, but to any person who does this thing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Anyone who disobeys” (See: rc://en/ta/man/[[translate/figs-genericnoun]]) +JHN 3 36 joql ὁ…ἀπειθῶν 2 The word translated **disobeys** can also be translated “does not believe.” Alternate translation: “the one who does not believe” +JHN 3 36 ni86 figs-metaphor οὐκ ὄψεται ζωήν 1 Here, **see** is used metaphorically to refer to experiencing or participating in something. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this 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 it would be clearer in your language, you could say this 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 it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the abstract noun **wrath** with an equivalent expression. 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

## Structure and formatting

John 4:4-38 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]])

### “The hour is coming”

Jesus used these words to begin prophecies about times that could be shorter or longer than sixty minutes. For example, “The hour” in which true worshipers will worship in spirit and truth is longer than sixty minutes.

### The proper place of worship

Long before Jesus lived, the Samaritan people had broken the law of Moses by setting up their own temple in their land ([John 4:20](../../jhn/04/20.md)). Jesus explained to the woman that it was no longer important where people worshiped ([John 4:21-24](./21.md)).

### Harvest

Harvest is 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 later killed 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 and love him for who he is are the ones who truly please him. Where they worship is not important. +JHN 4 1 jum6 writing-background 0 General Information: John 4:1–6 gives the background to the next event, which is Jesus’ conversation with a Samaritan woman. (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]]) +JHN 4 1 h6ek writing-newevent ὡς οὖν ἔγνω ὁ Ἰησοῦς 1 Now when Jesus knew **Then** 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: “Some time later, when Jesus knew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) +JHN 4 2 d4ng figs-rpronouns Ἰησοῦς αὐτὸς οὐκ ἐβάπτιζεν 1 Jesus himself was not baptizing Here, **himself** is used to emphasize that Jesus was not baptizing disciples, but his disciples were. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) +JHN 4 2 qz7h figs-ellipsis ἀλλ’ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ 1 Here, John is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “but his disciples were baptizing people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) +JHN 4 3 op81 translate-names ἀφῆκεν 1 Here, **he** refers to Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus left” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/writing-pronouns]]) +JHN 4 3 dm2t translate-names τὴν Ἰουδαίαν…τὴν Γαλιλαίαν 1 he left Judea and went back again to Galilee These are two main regions in the land of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +JHN 4 4 tds9 translate-names τῆς Σαμαρείας 1 This is a region in the land of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +JHN 4 5 ukxr grammar-connect-time-sequential ἔρχεται οὖν 1 **Then** here indicates that the events the story will now relate came after the event just described in verse [3](../04/03.md). If it would be clearer in your language, you could show this relationship by using a fuller phrase. Alternate translation: “After leaving Judea, he comes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) +JHN 4 5 ff7t ἔρχεται 1 To call attention to a development in the story, John uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he came”
+JHN 4 5 vqjm translate-names Συχὰρ 1 This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +JHN 4 6 bd8s figs-explicit ἐκεῖ 1 Here, **there** refers to the town of Sychar mentioned in the previous verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “there at Sychar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 4 6 vwdf grammar-connect-time-sequential ὁ οὖν Ἰησοῦς 1 **Then** here indicates that the events the story will now relate came after the event just described in the previous verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could show this relationship by using a fuller phrase. Alternate translation: “When Jesus came to Sychar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) +JHN 4 6 lovl grammar-connect-logic-result κεκοπιακὼς 1 This clause indicates the reason why Jesus sat by the well. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “because he had grown weary” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +JHN 4 6 mwi2 grammar-connect-logic-result ἐκ τῆς ὁδοιπορίας 1 This phrase indicates the reason why Jesus had grown weary. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “because of the journey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +JHN 4 6 yjzo ὥρα ἦν ὡς ἕκτη 1 In this culture, people began counting the hours each day beginning around daybreak at six o’clock in the morning. Here, the sixth hour indicates a time in the middle of the day, when it would be the hottest. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this in the way the people of your culture reckon time. Alternate translation, as in the UST: “about noon” +JHN 4 7 kswz ἔρχεται…λέγει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, John uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “came … said” +JHN 4 7 g82d figs-imperative δός μοι πεῖν 1 Give me some water This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “Please give me to drink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) +JHN 4 7 urgd figs-ellipsis δός μοι πεῖν 1 Here, John records Jesus leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “Give me something to drink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) +JHN 4 8 u29c grammar-connect-logic-result οἱ γὰρ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἀπεληλύθεισαν 1 For his disciples had gone This phrase indicates the reason why Jesus asked the woman for water. The disciples had gone away and brought the tools for drawing water with them, so that Jesus could not draw the water himself. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “because his disciples had gone away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +JHN 4 9 dpoh λέγει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, John uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said” +JHN 4 9 l2qh writing-pronouns αὐτῷ 1 Then the Samaritan woman said to him Here, **him** refers to Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/writing-pronouns]]) +JHN 4 9 xdw7 figs-rquestion πῶς σὺ Ἰουδαῖος ὢν, παρ’ ἐμοῦ πεῖν αἰτεῖς γυναικὸς Σαμαρείτιδος οὔσης? 1 How is it that you, being a Jew, are asking … for something to drink? John records the woman is using the question form for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “I cannot believe that you, being a Jew, are asking a Samaritan woman for a drink!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +JHN 4 9 px8w οὐ…συνχρῶνται 1 have no dealings with Alternate translation: “do not associate with” or “have nothing to do with” +JHN 4 10 redz grammar-connect-condition-contrary εἰ ᾔδεις τὴν δωρεὰν τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ τίς ἐστιν ὁ λέγων σοι…σὺ ἂν ᾔτησας αὐτὸν 1 Jesus is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he knows that the condition is not true. He knows that the woman does not know the gift of God or who he is. Alternate translation: “You surely do not know the gift of God and who it is who is saying to you … Otherwise, you would have asked him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]]) +JHN 4 10 i9eg figs-metaphor τὴν δωρεὰν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, **the gift of God** refers to the “living water” that Jesus mentions at the end of the verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “God’s gift of living water” +JHN 4 10 ed4r figs-possession τὴν δωρεὰν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Jesus is using the possessive form to describe a **gift** that comes from God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the gift from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) +JHN 4 10 oywu figs-quotesinquotes τίς ἐστιν ὁ λέγων σοι…ᾔτησας αὐτὸν, καὶ ἔδωκεν 1 Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “who I am who is saying to you … would have asked me, and I would have given” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person) +JHN 4 10 ua0b figs-quotesinquotes ὁ λέγων σοι, δός μοι πεῖν, 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “who is asking you to give him a drink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) +JHN 4 10 zub5 figs-metaphor ὕδωρ ζῶν 1 living water Jesus uses the metaphor **living water** to refer to the Holy Spirit who works in a person to save and transform them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +JHN 4 11 pf7q λέγει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, John uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said” +JHN 4 11 nwln τὸ ὕδωρ τὸ ζῶν 1 The phrase **living water** usually refers to moving or flowing water, which is what the Samaritan woman means here. She did not understand Jesus’ metaphorical use of **living water** in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “the flowing water” +JHN 4 11 mw2b κύριε 1 The Samaritan woman calls Jesus **Sir** in order to show respect or politeness. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lord]]) +JHN 4 12 di9q figs-rquestion μὴ σὺ μείζων εἶ τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν Ἰακώβ, ὃς ἔδωκεν ἡμῖν τὸ φρέαρ, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐξ αὐτοῦ ἔπιεν, καὶ οἱ υἱοὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὰ θρέμματα αὐτοῦ? 1 You are not greater, are you, than our father Jacob … cattle? The woman is using the question form for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate her words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You are certainly not greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, and his sons and his cattle!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +JHN 4 12 sj7n figs-ellipsis ἐξ αὐτοῦ ἔπιεν 1 drank from it Here, John records the woman leaving out a word that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply this word from the context. Alternate translation: “drank water from it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) +JHN 4 13 leu7 διψήσει πάλιν 1 will be thirsty again Alternate translation: “will need to drink water again” +JHN 4 14 udxp figs-exmetaphor ὃς δ’ ἂν πίῃ ἐκ τοῦ ὕδατος οὗ ἐγὼ δώσω αὐτῷ, οὐ μὴ διψήσει…τὸ ὕδωρ ὃ δώσω αὐτῷ γενήσεται ἐν αὐτῷ πηγὴ ὕδατος, ἁλλομένου εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον 1 Jesus speaks about receiving the Holy Spirit by continuing the metaphor of water. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this metaphor as a simile. Alternate translation: “but whoever is like one who drinks from the water that I will give him will be like one who never thirsts … the water that I will give him will become like a fountain of water in him, resulting in eternal life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor]]) +JHN 4 15 vzoy λέγει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, John uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said” +JHN 4 15 iz1p κύριε 1 Sir The Samaritan woman calls Jesus **Sir** in order to show respect or politeness. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lord]]) +JHN 4 15 hd9f ἀντλεῖν 1 draw water Here, **draw** refers to scooping water out of a well using some kind of container that can hold water. Alternate translation: “get water” or “pull water up from the well” +JHN 4 16 ii7c λέγει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, John uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “He said” +JHN 4 17 h5pt λέγει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, John uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said” +JHN 4 17 bg94 figs-quotesinquotes καλῶς εἶπας, ὅτι ἄνδρα οὐκ ἔχω 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “You have rightly said that you do not have a husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) +JHN 4 18 zpl1 figs-explicit τοῦτο ἀληθὲς εἴρηκας 1 What you have said is true **This you have said** refers to the Samaritan woman’s statement in verse 17 that she did not have a husband. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “You have spoken the truth when you said you do not have a husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +JHN 4 19 tzs3 λέγει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, John uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said” +JHN 4 19 c2qi writing-pronouns αὐτῷ 1 Here, **him** refers to Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/writing-pronouns]]) +JHN 4 19 kfs1 κύριε 1 Sir The Samaritan woman calls Jesus **Sir** in order to show respect or politeness. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lord]]) +JHN 4 19 za2w figs-metaphor θεωρῶ ὅτι προφήτης εἶ σύ 1 I see that you are a prophet Here, **see** is used figuratively to refer to understanding something. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “I perceive that you are a prophet” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor) JHN 4 20 hp3m οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν 1 Our fathers “Our forefathers” or “Our ancestors” JHN 4 21 klz9 πίστευέ μοι 1 Believe me To believe someone is to acknowledge what the person has said is true. JHN 4 21 nu5m προσκυνήσετε τῷ Πατρί 1 you will worship the Father A time will come when everyone will worship only God the Father, who is Yahweh, the God of the Jews.