All four gospels record many of the same things that Jesus did and said. However, John explained more about why Jesus did these things. He wanted people to understand things about God. John also wanted people to know that God came to earth as a man named Jesus.
See: Gospel; Jesus is God
John, the disciple of Jesus, wrote this book. He did not write that he wrote this gospel. The author wrote about being with Jesus and the other disciples when John was there. The author wrote that he was someone who Jesus loved.
See: Luke 9:54; Galatians 2:9
See: Disciple; Gospel
John wrote his gospel for all people. He wrote it especially for Gentiles. John translated Jewish names into Greek. He also explained how the Jews lived, what they believed, and how they worshiped God. This helped the Gentiles to understand the things he wrote about in his gospel.
However, John also wanted the Jews to learn about Jesus and to trust in him. He wrote about the Old Testament so that Jews would understand that Jesus is the messiah. However, when John wrote his gospel, many Jews had already rejected Jesus.
John’s gospel has helped Christians understand that Jesus is God. It has also helped them to know that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one God.
See: Gospel; Gentile; Old Testament (Law and Prophets); Messiah (Christ); Jesus is God; Holy Spirit; Trinity
In John’s gospel, there are seven times when someone asks Jesus who he is, and he answers, “I am.” This is the name of God. God told this to Moses (see: Exodus 3). When Jesus said this, the Jews knew that Jesus said that he is God.
John also wrote more about the Holy Spirit than any other book in the Bible (see: John 14 and 16). He wanted people to know that the Holy Spirit works in new and different ways after Jesus died.
See: Yahweh (I am); Gospel; Jesus is God; Holy Spirit
In John 20:21, John explained that he wrote his gospel in order to help people trust in Jesus. Some scholars think John wanted non-Christians to believe in Jesus and to be at peace with God. Fewer scholars think John wanted Christians to trust in Jesus more.
See: Baptize (Baptism); Disciple; Preach (Preacher); Anoint (Anointing); Crucify (Crucifixion); Resurrect (Resurrection); Gospel
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 This one was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him there was not one thing made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
6 There was a man who was sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 John was not the light, but came that he might testify about the light.
9 The true light, which gives light to all men, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own did not receive him. 12 But to as many as received him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 These were not born of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 The Word became flesh and lived among us. We have seen his glory, glory as of the one and only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified about him and cried out, saying, "This was the one of whom I said, 'He who comes after me is greater than I am, for he was before me.'" 16 For from his fullness we have all received grace after grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made God known.
19 This is the testimony of John when the Jews sent priests and Levites to him from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 He confessed—he did not deny, but confessed—"I am not the Christ." 21 So they asked him, "What are you then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." They said, "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No." 22 Then they said to him, "Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?" 23 He said, "I am a voice, crying in the wilderness: 'Make the way of the Lord straight,' just as Isaiah the prophet said."
24 Now some from the Pharisees were sent, 25 and they asked him and said to him, "Why do you baptize, then, if you are not the Christ nor Elijah nor the prophet?" 26 John answered them, saying, "I baptize with water. But among you stands someone you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." 28 These things were done in Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
29 The next day John saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Look, there is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one of whom I said, 'The one who comes after me is more than me, for he was before me.' 31 I did not know him, but it was so that he could be revealed to Israel that I came baptizing with water." 32 John testified, saying, "I saw the Spirit coming down like a dove from heaven, and it stayed upon him. 33 I did not recognize him, but he who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'The one on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34 I have both seen and testified that this is the Son of God."
35 Again, the next day, as John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 they saw Jesus walking by, and John said, "Look, the Lamb of God!" 37 His two disciples heard him say this and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They replied, "Rabbi" (which is translated "Teacher"), "where are you staying?" 39 He said to them, "Come and see." Then they came and saw where he was staying; they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.
40 One of the two who heard John speak and then followed Jesus was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated "Christ"). 42 He brought him to Jesus, and Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which is translated "Peter").
43 The next day, when Jesus wanted to leave to go to Galilee, he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathaniel and said to him, "He of whom Moses wrote in the law, and the prophets, we have found him: Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth." 46 Nathaniel said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to him and said about him, "See, a true Israelite, in whom is no deceit!" 48 Nathaniel said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." 49 Nathaniel replied, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus replied and said to him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you underneath the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than this." 51 Then he said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 1:23, which is from the Old Testament.
John uses the phrase "the Word" to refer to Jesus (John 1:1, 14). John is saying that God's most important message to all people is actually Jesus, a person with a physical body. (See: wordofgod)
The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous)
When people believe in Jesus, they go from being "children of wrath" to "children of God." They are adopted into the "family of God." This is an important image that is used many times in the New Testament. (See: believe and adoption)
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.
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.
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
[1:1]
John said that Jesus is the “word”(λόγος/g3056). All scholars think these first verses are about Jesus. However, John did not say Jesus’ name. When John wrote these things, people knew that the “word” was the thing that created plants, animals, and human beings. In the same way they understood “word,” John wanted his readers to understand that Jesus is this “word.” That is, Jesus holds everything in the universe together. He makes everything and give it permission to exist.
How is Jesus both with God and God himself?
John said that Jesus is both God and with God. This is because he is God. He is not partly God, but is fully or completely God. However, he is a different person from God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. God is three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), but they are only one God. That is, Jesus is different from God the Father and the Holy Spirit. John says he is “with”(μετά /g3326) God.
These verses show that Jesus is God. Jesus is God the Son, so he is fully God. John says that the “Word”(λόγος/g3056). That is, Jesus, created everything. Only God can do that.
Advice to Translators: In English, scholars talk about Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit as being different “persons” of God. This is because there is not a good way to describe how Jesus, the Son of God, is different than God the Father or God the Holy Spirit. People cannot fully know how this is true. The Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are not people. When scholars say they are different “persons,” they mean they are distinct even though they always want the same things, they are equal to one another, and they cannot be separated. There is only one God. God is one, he is not three different gods.The Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all one. They are all the same God, but not the same “person.” Jesus is completely God. But Jesus is not the Holy Spirit, and Jesus is not the Father. Also, the Father is completely God, but the Father is not Jesus or the Holy Spirit either. Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit are not three smaller parts of one larger God. Also, God does not have three separate faces, that is, three separate sides. God also does not change into the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at different times. God is always Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
See: Trinity; Jesus is God
[1:4, 1:5]
John said Jesus is light to tell his readers three things about Jesus: 1. Jesus is light because he makes all Christians live forever with God. That is, they will be lit by the light of Jesus in their life. 1. Also, Jesus’ light makes it so that people can see things. That is, Jesus causes a Christian to truly know God. Scriptures often use light as a metaphor to talk about knowing true things about God. 1. John wanted his readers to know that Jesus’ light makes people happy.That is, when people do good things, they are in the light and they are happy. So when John says that some people are in light, he means that Jesus makes them happy. 1. Also, John wanted his readers to know Jesus’ light makes people act more like Jesus if they stay in his light.
See: Light and Darkness (Metaphor)
[1:5]
In the same way John used the metaphor of light to talk about Jesus, John used the metaphor of darkness to talk about Satan and the things Satan does. That is, John wanted to say that Satan, people who sin and do evil, and evil things all happen because of sin.
John said darkness cannot stop the light from shining. John wanted people to know that nothing can stop Jesus from making those who believe in him live forever with God. Even Satan cannot stop him. John also wanted to say that Jesus will punish everyone who does not believe in him because they sin. They will be punished forever in hell.
Jesus is stronger than Satan and those who do not stop sinning. This is why John said that the darkness cannot stop the light from shining.
See: Light and Darkness (Metaphor); Satan (The Devil); Sin; Hell
[1:6]
These verses talk about John the Baptist. John the Baptist told people that the Messiah was coming. That is, John got people ready for the Messiah to come (See: 1:23). He got the people ready to believe in the Messiah when the Messiah came. The prophets in the Old Testament told about this Messiah coming (See: Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1).
John the Baptist and the author of this Gospel are not the same person. The apostle John wrote this book. He did not call himself “John” in his book. He called himself “the one whom Jesus loved” (See: 13:23).
See: Messiah (Christ); Faith (Believe in); Prophet; Old Testament (Law and Prophets); Apostle
[1:13]
Those who believe in Jesus are born of God and become part of God’s family. John calls these people children of God. Before this, people were called “children of wrath” (See: Ephesians 2:3) and “children of the devil” (John 8:4; 1 John 3:10). Believing in Jesus makes a person different than they were before. Scripture calls this a new or second birth from God. In English, this is called regeneration.
This section is a group of prophecies about the Messiah. John said that the world was going to reject Jesus. Even most of the Jews rejected him (See: Isaiah 40:3).
See: Born Again (New Life, Regeneration); Faith (Believe in); Children of God; Wrath; Satan (The Devil); Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Messiah (Christ)
[1:14]
John says that the “Word”(λόγος/g3056) became “flesh”(σημαίνω/g4591). That is, Jesus became a human.
When Jesus became a human, he continued to be God. So when people saw Jesus, they saw God. He was not just a man representing God in the same way a photograph represents a person. Also, they saw a real human, not something that only looked like a human.
This is why Christians know that Jesus is both God and a human.
See: Philippians 2:5-11
See: Incarnation; Jesus is God
[1:16]
John said “grace upon grace.” Many scholars think that John wanted to say God sent two gifts of “grace”(χάριν/5484). First, God gave the gift of the Law of Moses. Later, he sent another gift. This second gift of grace was that he forgave the sins of those who believe in Jesus. This second gift of grace is a free gift. It showed humans who God truly is (see: 1: 14). God gave people this second gift through Jesus.
In ancient Israel, the Law of Moses showed the people of Israel their need of God’s mercy. Also, the Law taught the people of God that they needed Jesus. The second gift was still to come. In ancient Israel, the Law of Moses helped people know how to please God and live their lives. After Jesus came, God’s grace and mercy alone helped people to know how to live in a way that pleases God.
While some scholars think the new law replaced the old law, other scholars think that John wanted to say that God sent the second gift to combine it with the first gift, not to replace it. If this is what John meant, then Jesus brings to Christians the second gift in order to finish the work of the first gift. That is, the Law of Moses.
See: Grace; Law of Moses; Forgive (Forgiveness, Pardon); Sin; Israel; Mercy
[1:15]
John said Jesus “lived”(σκηνόω/g4637) with people who did not honor God. John wanted to say that when Jesus came to earth, he was where people did not think he was going to be. That is, he was with the sinners and people who did not honor God in the things that they lived.
The Old Testament says God “lived”(#g4637) with the people of Israel.
See:: Leviticus 26:11-12; Ezekiel 37:27; Zechariah 2:10-11; Revelation 21:3
[1:18]
Many Greek manuscripts call Jesus “the one and only God.” Not every Greek manuscript contains the same words in 1:18. Both are good ways to talk about Jesus. However, scholars think John wrote “the one and only God.” Fewer scholars think John wrote “one and only Son,” but a few English translations use these words.
John thinks that his readers will understand that “one and only” means God the Son. He helps them understand that by adding the words, “who is at the side of Father.”
[1:19]
John called the Jewish religious leaders “the Jews.” For John however, “The Jews” did not mean that John spoke about all Jews. Instead, he called the religious leaders “the Jews” because they represented all of the Jews.
[1:21]
Jesus said that John the Baptist was the prophet Elijah who the Old Testament said was to come before the Messiah. The book of Malachi said that the prophet Elijah will return to earth immediately before the Messiah came (See: Malachi 4:5-6). Jesus told his disciples that this person was not actually be Elijah, but someone with his same prophetic power.
Malachi said that he will make the way for the Messiah to come. It is for this reason that Malachi said that Elijah will come again. The Jews waited for the Messiah to come to them. But, they also thought the prophet Elijah was to come back to them from the dead before the Messiah came.
See: Matthew 11:14
See: Prophet; Messiah (Christ)
[1:31]
John said people are baptized in three ways:. 1. First, John the Baptist “baptized”(βαπτίζω/g0907) Jews. He baptized them to show that they repented for sinning. He did this to get the people ready for the Messiah. That is, ready to believe in him when he came. 1. Second, John baptized Jesus. Jesus needed to be baptized before he began to serve and preach to the people. When John baptized Jesus, the Holy Spirit came down on Jesus. This showed that God chose him to do his work. 1. Third, Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. John said that Jesus will baptize those who believe in him with the Holy Spirit. Jesus does this to help Christians be obedient to God.
See: Baptize (Baptism); Repent (Repentance); Sin; Messiah (Christ); Holy Spirit
[1:34]
John called Jesus the Son of God to show how God adopts all Christians into his family. That is, he makes them his sons and daughters. But, only Jesus is the “one and only or unique”(μονογενής/g3439) Son of God. Jesus is God. At the same time, he is the “one and only” or “unique”(μονογενής/g3439) Son of God (See: 1: 18).
See: Son of God; Adopt (Adoption); Children of God; Jesus is God
[1:36]
See: Lamb of God
[1:46]
In ancient Israel, Nazareth was not a large town. It is not known why Nathaniel did not speak good about the town. Some scholars think Nathaniel did not like anyone who thought that the people of Nazareth did good things. Other scholars think that there was trouble between the people of Nazareth and the people of Cana. Nathaniel was from Cana. Also, it is possible that Nathaniel did not think that any great men came from a town so close to his own home. Later, people called Christians “people of Nazareth” to insult them. (See: Acts 24:5).
See Map: Nazareth
[1:49]
John said the disciples stopped what they did and followed Jesus. They did this even though they did not know very much about him. John showed later in his gospel that these men still misunderstood who Jesus really was. They began to believe in him, but not completely. It took time for them to truly know Jesus. But, they began to follow Jesus even though they did not fully understand what following him meant for them.
[1:51]
John said that Jesus said “‘Truly’(ἀμήν/g0281), truly I say to you” thirty-five times in this book. Jesus used the word “truly” in order to strongly express certainty, belief, or faith. When Jesus said these words, he gave courage to those who heard him. He gave them courage to believe what he was saying.
[1:51]
See: Son of Man
This refers to the very earliest time before God created the heavens and the earth.
This refers to Jesus. Translate as "the Word" if possible. If "Word" is feminine in your language, it could be translated as "the one who is called the Word."
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This can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "God made all things through him"
This can be translated with an active verb. If your language does not permit double negatives, these words should communicate that the opposite of "all things were made through him" is false. Alternate translation: "God did not make anything without him" or "with him there was every thing made that has been made" or "God made with him every thing that God has made"
"In him was life" is a metonym for causing everything to live. And, "light" here is a metaphor for "truth." Alternate translation: "He is the one who caused everything to live. And he revealed to people what is true about God"
Here "him" refers to the one who is called the Word.
Here use a general term for "life." If you must be more specific, translate as "spiritual life."
Here "light" is a metaphor for what is true and good. Here "darkness" is a metaphor what is false and evil. Alternate translation: "The truth is like a light shining into a dark place, and no one in the dark place could put out the light"
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Here "light" is a metaphor for the revelation of God in Jesus. Alternate translation: "show how Jesus is like the true light of God"
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Here light is a metaphor that represents Jesus as the one who both reveals the truth about God and is himself that truth.
"Even though he was in this world, and God created everything through him, people still did not recognize him"
The "world" is a metonym that stands for all the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: "the people did not know who he really was"
"He came to his own fellow countrymen, and his own fellow countrymen did not accept him either"
"accept him." To receive someone is to welcome him and treat him with honor in hopes of building a relationship with him.
The word "name" is a metonym that stands for Jesus's identity and everything about him. Alternate translation: "believed in him"
"he gave them the authority" or "he made it possible for them"
The word "children" is a metaphor that represents our relationship to God, which is like children to a father.
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This refers to Jesus. Translate as "the Word" if possible. If "Word" is feminine in your language, it could be translated as "the one who is called the Word." See how you translated this in John 1:1.
Here "flesh" represents "a person" or "a human being." Alternate translation: "became human" or "became a human being"
The phrase "the one and only" means that he is unique, that no one else is like him. The phrase "who came from the Father" means that he is the Father's child. Alternate translation: "the unique Son of the Father" or "the only Son of the Father"
This is an important title for God.
"full of kind acts towards us, acts we do not deserve"
John is speaking about Jesus. The phrase "comes after me" means that John's ministry has already started and Jesus's ministry will start later.
"is more important than I am" or "has more authority than I have"
Be careful not to translate this in a way that suggests that Jesus is more important because he is older than John in human years. Jesus is greater and more important than John because he is God the Son, who has always been alive.
This word refers to God's grace that has no end.
"blessing after blessing"
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This phrase refers to God the Son. Alternate translation: "the only Son, who is himself God"
The Greek word that is translated here as "only" is translated by some as "only begotten." This means the only one that comes or procedes from God. The phrases "Son" and "procedes from" can be used to express some of the meaning of the word "begotten." Alternate translation: "the only begotten God" or "the only begotten Son, who is himself God" or "the only Son who proceeds from God and is himself God"
This is an important title for God.
The word "Jews" here represents the "Jewish leaders." Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders sent"
The phrase "he did not deny" says in negative terms the same thing that "He confessed" says in positive terms. This emphasizes that John was telling the truth and was strongly stating that he was not the Christ. Your language may have a different way of doing this.
"What then is the case, if you are not the Messiah?" or "What then is going on?" or "What then are you doing?"
John continues to speak with the priests and Levites.
"the priests and Levites said to John"
the priests and Levites, not John
"John said"
John is saying that Isaiah's prophecy is about himself. The word "voice" here refers to the person who is crying out in the wilderness. Alternate translation: "I am the one calling out in the wilderness"
Here the word "way" is used as a metaphor. Alternate translation: "Prepare yourselves for the Lord's arrival the same way that people prepare the road for an important person to use"
This is background information about the people who questioned John.
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Verse 28 tells us background information about the setting of the story.
John is speaking about Jesus. The phrase "comes after me" means that John's ministry has already started and Jesus's ministry will start later.
Untying sandals was the work of a slave or servant. These words are a metaphor for the most unpleasant work of a servant. Alternate translation: "me, whom I am not worthy to serve in even the most unpleasant way" or "me. I am not even worthy to untie the strap of his sandal"
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This is a metaphor that represents God's perfect sacrifice. Jesus is called the "Lamb of God" because he was sacrificed to pay for people's sins.
The word "world" is a metonym and refers to all the people in the world.
See how you translated this in John 1:15.
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Possible meanings: 1) the Spirit descended in the form of a dove or 2) the Spirit descended in the way a dove descends.
The word "heaven" refers to the "sky."
"The one upon whom"
"he is the one who will baptize in the Holy Spirit"
Some copies of this text say "Son of God"; others say "chosen one of God."
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.
This is another day. It is the second day that John sees Jesus.
This is a metaphor that represents God's perfect sacrifice. Jesus is called the "Lamb of God" because he was sacrificed to pay for people's sins. See how you translated this same phrase in [John 1:29]
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"hour 10." This phrase indicates a time in the afternoon, before dark, at which it would be too late to start traveling to another town, possibly around 4 p.m.
These verses give us information about Andrew and how he brought his brother Peter to Jesus. This happened before they went and saw where Jesus was staying in John 1:39.
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This is not John the Baptist. "John" was a very common name.
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This is background information about Philip.
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"Nathaniel said to Philip"
This remark appears in the form of a question in order to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "No good thing can come out of Nazareth!"
This can be stated in a positive way. Alternate translation: "a completely truthful man"
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This is an important title for Jesus.
This remark appears in the form of a question to provide emphasis. Alternate translation: "You believe only because I said, 'I ... tree'!"
Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true.
This refers to the very earliest time before God created the heavens and the earth.
This refers to Jesus. Translate as "the Word" if possible. If "Word" is feminine in your language, it could be translated as "the one who is called the Word."
"God made all things through him"
"God did not make anything without him" or "with him there was every thing made that has been made" or "God made with him every thing that God has made"
"He is the one who caused everything to live. And he revealed to people what is true about God"
Here "him" refers to the one who is called the Word.
Here use a general term for "life." If you must be more specific, translate as "spiritual life."
"The truth is like a light shining into a dark place, and no one in the dark place could put out the light"
"show how Jesus is like the true light of God"
Here light represents Jesus as the one who both reveals the truth about God and is himself that truth.
"the people did not know who he really was"
"He came to his own fellow countrymen, and his own fellow countrymen did not accept him either"
"believed in him"
"he gave them the authority" or "he made it possible for them"
The word "children" is a metaphor that represents our relationship to God, which is like children to a father.
This refers to Jesus. Translate as "the Word" if possible. See how you translated this in John 1:1.
"became human" or "became a human being"
"the unique Son of the Father" or "the only Son of the Father"
This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
John is speaking about Jesus. The phrase "comes after me" means that John's ministry has already started and Jesus's ministry will start later.
"is more important than I am" or "has more authority than I have"
Jesus is greater and more important than John because he is God the Son, who has always been alive.
"blessing after blessing"
"the only Son, who is himself God"
"the only begotten God" or "the only begotten Son, who is himself God" or "the only Son who proceeds from God and is himself God"
This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
"the Jewish leaders sent"
This means that John was telling the truth and was strongly stating that he was not the Christ. Your language may have a different way of doing this.
"What then is the case, if you are not the Messiah?" or "What then is going on?" or "What then are you doing?"
"the priests and Levites said to John"
"John said"
"I am the one calling out in the wilderness"
"Prepare yourselves for the Lord's arrival the same way that people prepare the road for an important person to use"
John is speaking about Jesus. The phrase "comes after me" means that John's ministry has already started and Jesus's ministry will start later.
"me, whom I am not worthy to serve in even the most unpleasant way" or "me. I am not even worthy to untie the strap of his sandal"
Jesus is called the "Lamb of God" because he was sacrificed to pay for people's sins.
The word "world" refers to all the people in the world.
Possible meanings: 1) the Spirit descended in the form of a dove or 2) the Spirit descended in the way a dove descends.
The word "heaven" refers to the "sky."
"The one upon whom"
"he is the one who will baptize in the Holy Spirit"
Some copies of this text say "Son of God"; others say "chosen one of God."
This refers to Jesus, the Son of God. It is best to translate “Son” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human son.
This is another day. It is the second day that John sees Jesus.
"hour 10." This phrase indicates a time in the afternoon, before dark, at which it would be too late to start traveling to another town, possibly around 4 p.m.
This is not John the Baptist. "John" was a very common name.
"Nathaniel said to Philip"
"No good thing can come out of Nazareth!"
"a completely truthful man"
This refers to Jesus, the Son of God. It is best to translate “Son” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human son.
"You believe only because I said, 'I ... tree'!"
Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true.
In the beginning was the word.
The word was with God.
The word was God.
The word was with God.
All things were made through him, and without him there was not one thing made that has been made.
In him was life.
His name was John.
He came as a witness to testify about the light, that all might believe through him.
The world did not know the light John came to testify about and that light's own people did not receive him.
The world did not know the light John came to testify about and that light's own people did not receive him.
To those who believed on his name he gave the right to become children of God.
They could become children of God by being born by God.
No! The word is the only unique person who came from the Father.
From his fullness we have all received free gift after free gift.
Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No man has seen God at any time.
The one who is in the bosom of the Father has made him known to us.
He said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Make the way of the Lord straight,' just as Isaiah the prophet said."
He said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Make the way of the Lord straight,' just as Isaiah the prophet said."
He said, "Look, there is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world".
He came baptizing with water so that Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, could be revealed to Israel.
The sign was that on whoever John saw the Spirit descending and remaining on, that one is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.
The sign was that on whoever John saw the Spirit descending and remaining on, that one is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.
The sign was that on whoever John saw the Spirit descending and remaining on, that one is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.
They followed Jesus.
The name of one of the two is Andrew.
Andrew told Simon, "We have found the Messiah".
Jesus said Simon would be called "Cephas" (which means 'Peter').
The city of Andrew and Peter was Bethsaida.
Nathaniel said, "Rabbi, you are the son of God! You are the King of Israel".
Jesus told Nathaniel he would see the heavens opened, and all the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.
1 Three days later, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." 4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why do you come to me? My time has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever he says to you, do it."
6 Now there were six stone water pots there used for the Jewish ceremonial washing, each containing two to three metretes. 7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the water pots with water." So they filled them up to the brim. 8 Then he told the servants, "Take some out now and take it to the head waiter." So they did.
9 The head waiter tasted the water that had become wine, but he did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew). Then he called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, "Every man serves the good wine first and then the cheaper wine when they are drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." 11 This first sign Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. 12 After this Jesus, his mother, his brothers, and his disciples went down to Capernaum and they stayed there for a few days.
13 Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 He found sellers of oxen and sheep and pigeons in the temple, and the money changers were sitting there. 15 So he made a whip of cords and drove all of them out from the temple, including both the sheep and the cattle. He scattered the coins of the money changers and turned their tables over. 16 To the pigeon sellers he said, "Take these things away from here. Stop making the house of my Father a marketplace." 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me."
18 Then the Jewish authorities responded and said to him, "What sign will you show us, since you are doing these things?" 19 Jesus replied, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." 20 Then the Jewish authorities said, "This temple was built in forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?" 21 However, he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the scripture and this statement that Jesus had spoken.
23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover festival, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he did. 24 But Jesus did not trust in them because he knew them all, 25 because he did not need anyone to testify to him about man, for he knew what was in man.
The Jews drank wine at many meals and especially when they were celebrating special events. They did not believe that it was a sin to drink wine.
When Jesus drove the money changers out of the temple, he showed that he had authority over the temple and over all of Israel.
Jesus knew what other people were thinking only because he was and is the Son of Man and the Son of God.
John used this phrase to stop telling the main history and to tell about something that happened much later. It was right after he scolded the pigeon sellers (John 2:16) that the Jewish authorities spoke to him. It was after Jesus became alive again that his disciples remembered what the prophet had written long before and that Jesus had talkid about the temple of his body (John 2:17 and John 2:22).
[2:3]
In ancient Israel, if the food and wine ran out at a wedding, the man’s family was shamed or was embarrassed. In Israel, the man getting married and his family needed to make sure that everyone got plenty of food and drinks. His family gave a feast. These wedding feasts often lasted for several days. Because the man’s family was going to be shamed when the wine ran out, Mary felt bad for the man and his family.
See: Wine (Winepress); Wedding
[2:4]
John wrote the word “time”(ὥρα/g5610)” when he wrote about someone doing something great. Here, Jesus said that he was not ready to show everyone that he was the Messiah.
See: Messiah (Christ)
[2:9]
Some scholars think John wrote about Jesus turning water into wine at Cana because he wanted to talk about the church. The Bible called the church the bride of Christ. That is, Jesus loves the church in the same way a man loves his bride. Also, a wedding feast was a metaphor for the people rejoicing with God forever.
Also, John said that this was Jesus’ first miracle.
See: John 2:4; 7:6, 8, 30; 8:20
See: Wine (Winepress); Church; Bride of Christ; Wedding; Miracle
See Map: Cana
[2:11]
See: Sign
[2:12]
See: Family of Jesus
[2:13]
See: Passover
[2:13]
John said Jesus went “up” to Jerusalem because the city was on Mount Moriah. Mount Moriah is about 800 meters above sea level.
See Map: Jerusalem; Mount Moriah
[2:14]
Most people traveling to Jerusalem were not able to bring animals with them to sacrifice at the temple. Instead, they bought animals for their sacrifice in Jerusalem or at the temple. Merchants made a profit by selling animals at the temple.
God commanded the Jewish priests to sacrifice an animal every morning and every evening at the temple. During some festivals, such as Passover, they sacrificed many more animals. Also, God commanded the Jewish people to sacrifice animals at the temple for many different reasons.
These merchants accepted only coins that the Jews made for their own country. When people brought other coins, they exchanged them for Jewish coins. The merchants made a profit when they changed money into Jewish coins. Therefore, they used the temple, a place to worship God, to make money.
See: Temple; Priest (Priesthood); Sacrifice; Worship
See Map: Jerusalem
[2:15]
Jesus forced the merchants out of the temple because he was angry. He was angry because merchants were making money from people coming to worship God at the temple. Jesus told the people that the temple was for people to pray there. Also, it was for people to come there from all nations (see: Isaiah 56:7; Luke 19:46)
Advice to translators: In English, anger is used when talking about a strong emotion that dishonors God. Here, anger does not mean this. It is a strong emotion, but it does not dishonor God. Instead, it honors God because it is against something that God does not like.
See: Temple; Worship; Pray (Prayer)
[2:18]
The Jewish leaders said that Jesus needed to give them a sign because they wanted to know that God gave him permission to do and say what he did and said. They did not think that God gave this permission to Jesus..
See: Sign
[2:19]
When Jesus said to destroy the temple and he was going to rebuild it in three days, he spoke about his body. Instead of giving the Jewish leaders a sign, Jesus made them a promise. They thought he spoke to them about the temple building. But, John said Jesus spoke about his own body. Jesus knew he was going to be crucified and three days later he was going to be alive again.
See: Temple; Sign; Crucify (Crucifixion)
[2:19, 2:20]
The Jews honored the temple in Jerusalem because the presence of God was in the temple. The presence of God was directly connected to the presence of the temple among his people. After a time of rebellion by the Jewish people, God punished the Jews and allowed the Babylonians to destroy the temple. The Persians later conquered the Babylonians. The Persians later allowed the temple to be rebuilt. The original temple was far bigger and more elaborate than the rebuilt temple. Herod the Great later enlarged the temple and made it more elaborate than the original temple. When Jesus spoke, the temple was very large.
After the Jews rejected Jesus, God punished the Jews by having the the Roman army destroy the temple. No one rebuilt the temple after this.
Advice to Translators: The “presence of God” in the temple means that God was in the temple in a special way. The Old Testament said that God lived in the temple. This is not the only place where God is. He is everywhere. Despite this, he was in the temple in a special way.
See: Presence of God; People of God; King Herod
[2:21, 2:22]
When Jesus spoke about the temple being destroyed and rebuilt in three days, he spoke about his body. He did not speak about the actual temple building. The Jews thought Jesus spoke about the huge temple building in Jerusalem where they were they sold and offered sacrifices. When Jesus said the temple was to be raised in three days after it was destroyed, Jesus was saying that his body was to be brought back to life again. Three days after Jesus died on a Roman cross, he resurrected from the dead.
See: Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Temple
[2:24, 2:25]
Jesus knows everything. Jesus knows everything because he is God. He is not only part God. He is completely God. Jesus does not simply know about people, he knows them completely on the inside. That is, he knows there inner thoughts and knows why and how they do the things they do. He knows them better than they know themselves. He knew if the people around him truly believed in him or if his words and the things he did simply amazed them, and they followed him because they thought he was a great teacher and did miraculous things.
See: Jesus is God
Jesus and his disciples are invited to a wedding. These verse give background information about the setting of the story.
Most interpreters read this as on the third day after Jesus called Philip and Nathaniel to follow him. The first day occurs in John 1:35 and the second in John 1:43.
This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "Someone invited Jesus and his disciples to the wedding"
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This refers to Mary. If it is impolite for a son to call his mother "woman" in your language, use another word that is polite, or leave it out.
This question is asked to provide emphasis. Alternate translation: "this has nothing to do with me." or "you should not tell me what to do."
The word "time" is a metonym that represents the right occasion for Jesus to show that he is the Messiah by working miracles. Alternate translation: "It is not yet the right time for me to perform a mighty act"
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You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "75 to 115 liters"
This means "to the very top" or "completely full."
This refers to the person in charge of the food and drink.
This is background information.
unable to tell the difference between cheap wine and expensive wine because of drinking too much alcohol
This verse is not part of the main story, but rather it gives a comment about the story.
This is a place name.
Here "his glory" refers to the mighty power of Jesus. Alternate translation: "showed his power"
This indicates that they went from a higher place to a lower place. Capernaum is northeast of Cana and is at a lower elevation.
The word "brothers" includes both brothers and sisters. All Jesus's brothers and sisters were younger than he was.
Jesus and his disciples go up to Jerusalem to the temple.
This indicates that he went from a lower place to a higher place. Jerusalem is built on a hill.
The next verse makes it clear that these people are in the temple courtyard. That area was intended for worship and not for commerce.
People are buying animals in the temple courtyard to sacrifice them to God.
Jewish authorities required people who wanted to buy animals for sacrifices to exchange their money for special money from the "money changers."
This word marks an event that happens because of something else that has happened first. In this case, Jesus has seen the money changers sitting in the temple.
"Stop buying and selling things in my Father's house"
This is a phrase Jesus uses to refer to the temple.
This is an important title that Jesus uses for God.
This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "someone had written"
This term refers to the temple, God's house.
The word "consume" points to the metaphor of "fire." Jesus's love for the temple is like a fire that burns within him.
This refers to an event that proves something is true.
This refers to Jesus's actions against the money changers in the temple.
Jesus dared them to destroy the temple so that he could raise it up in three days. That would be the sign that he had authority to drive the sellers and animals out of the temple area. Jesus knew that they would not destroy the temple building. You can translate the words "destroy" and "raise" using the usual words for tearing down and rebuilding a building. If a command form in your language would indicate that Jesus truly intended for them to destroy the temple, it can be translated as a condition with the word "if" instead. Alternate translation: "If you destroy this temple, I will rebuild it in three days"
"cause it to stand"
"46 years ... 3 days"
The Jewish authorities misunderstood Jesus's words and thought that Jesus wanted to tear down the literal temple and build it again in three days. "Raise" is an idiom for "rebuild." Alternate translation: "you will rebuild it in three days?" or "you cannot possibly rebuild it in three days!"
This is the beginning of a comment on the story. It tells about something that happens later.
This is the end of a comment on the story. It tells about something that happens later.
Here "believe" means to accept something or trust that it is true.
This refers back to Jesus's statement in John 2:19.
The word "now" introduces us to a new event in the story.
Here "name" is a metonym that represents the person of Jesus. Alternate translation: "believed in him" or "trusted in him"
Miracles can also be called "signs" because they are used as evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.
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Here the word "man" represents people in general. Alternate translation: "about people, for he knew what was in people"
Most interpreters read this as on the third day after Jesus called Philip and Nathaniel to follow him.
"Someone invited Jesus and his disciples to the wedding"
This refers to Mary. If it is impolite for a son to call his mother "woman" in your language, use another word that is polite, or leave it out.
"this has nothing to do with me." or "you should not tell me what to do."
"It is not yet the right time for me to perform a mighty act"
"75 to 115 liters"
This means "to the very top" or "completely full."
This refers to the person in charge of the food and drink.
unable to tell the difference between cheap wine and expensive wine because of drinking too much alcohol
This is a place name.
"showed his power"
This indicates that they went from a higher place to a lower place. Capernaum is northeast of Cana and is at a lower elevation.
The word "brothers" includes both brothers and sisters. All Jesus's brothers and sisters were younger than he was.
This indicates that he went from a lower place to a higher place. Jerusalem is built on a hill.
The next verse makes it clear that these people are in the temple courtyard. That area was intended for worship and not for commerce.
People are buying animals in the temple courtyard to sacrifice them to God.
Jewish authorities required people who wanted to buy animals for sacrifices to exchange their money for special money from the "money changers."
This word marks an event that happens because of something else that has happened first. In this case, Jesus has seen the money changers sitting in the temple.
"Stop buying and selling things in my Father's house"
This is a phrase Jesus uses to refer to the temple.
This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
This term refers to the temple, God's house.
Jesus's love for the temple is like a fire that burns within him.
This refers to an event that proves something is true.
This refers to Jesus's actions against the money changers in the temple.
"If you destroy this temple, I will rebuild it in three days"
"you will rebuild it in three days?" or "you cannot possibly rebuild it in three days!"
The word "now" introduces us to a new event in the story.
"believed in him" or "trusted in him"
Miracles can also be called "signs" because they are used as evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.
"about people, for he knew what was in people"
Jesus, his mother, and his disciples were at the wedding in Cana of Galilee.
She told this to Jesus because she expected the he would do something about the situation.
He first told them to fill the water pots with water. Then he told the servants to take some of the "water" to the head waiter.
He first told them to fill the water pots with water. Then he told the servants to take some of the "water" to the head waiter.
The head waiter said, "Every man places first the good wine and then the cheaper wine when men are drunk. But you have kept the fine wine until now."
Jesus' disciples believed in Jesus.
He found money changers and those that sold oxen, sheep and pigeons.
He made a whip of cords and drove all of them out from the temple, including both the sheep and the oxen. He also poured out the money changers' money and overthrew their tables.
He said, "Take these things away from here. Stop making my father's house a marketplace."
They asked Jesus, "What sign will you show us because you are doing these things?"
He answered them by saying, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
Jesus was speaking of the temple of his body.
They believed because they saw all the miraculous signs he did.
He wouldn't trust himself to the people because he knew all people, what was in mankind, and because he didn't need anyone to testify concerning mankind.
He wouldn't trust himself to the people because he knew all people, what was in mankind, and because he didn't need anyone to testify concerning mankind.
1 Now there was a Pharisee whose name was Nicodemus, a Jewish leader. 2 This man came to Jesus at night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher that came from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him." 3 Jesus replied to him, "Truly, truly, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" 5 Jesus replied, "Truly, truly, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows wherever it wishes; you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."
9 Nicodemus replied and said to him, "How can these things be?" 10 Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak what we know, and we testify about what we have seen. Yet you do not accept our testimony. 12 If I told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 so that all who believe in him may have eternal life.
16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 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. 18 He who believes in him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is already condemned because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 This is the reason for the judgment: The light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, so that his deeds will not be exposed. 21 However, he who practices the truth comes to the light so that it may be plainly seen that his deeds have been done in God."
22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went into the land of Judea. There he spent some time with them and baptized. 23 Now John was also baptizing in Aenon near to Salim because there was much water there. People were coming to him and were being baptized, 24 for John had not yet been thrown in prison.
25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John's disciples and a Jew about ceremonial washing. 26 They went to John and said to him, "Rabbi, the one who was with you on the other side of the Jordan River, about whom you have testified, look, he is baptizing, and they are all going to him."
27 John replied, "A man cannot receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but instead, 'I have been sent before him.' 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. Now the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the voice of the bridegroom. This, then, is my joy made complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
31 "He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth is from the earth and speaks about the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 He who has received his testimony has confirmed that God is true. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God. For he does not give the Spirit by measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. 36 He who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God stays on him."
The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous)
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
[3:2]
Scholars do not know if Nicodemus thought Jesus to be God’s son. However, the miraculous things Jesus did amazed Nicodemus. These things showed him Jesus came from God. Jesus’ words greatly affected Nicodemus. Nicodemus spoke well of Jesus to the other Jewish leaders at the Festival of Shelters (see: John 7:40-52). He also helped Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus’ body after Jesus died (see: John 19:38-40). Some scholars think Nicodemus was a priest who became Christian (see: Acts 6:7). Other scholars do not think he really believed in Jesus.
If Nicodemus later believed in Jesus, it was not easy for him. That is, if he believed in Jesus, the Jews would have rejected him as a teacher. These scholars think that Nicodemus stopped thinking he entered heaven because of the good things he did. Nicodemus now understood that he needed to humble himself. He needed Jesus to forgive him for sinning. Perhaps this is why John wrote that Jesus’ words amazed Nicodemus.
See: Priest (Priesthood); Festival of Shelters
[3:3]
Jesus told Nicodemus that he needed to be “born again”(ἄνωθεν/g0509). That is, he needed to be born a second time from God. This is a metaphor for what happens to the life of a person when they believe in Jesus. God makes a Christian a new person in some way. This confused Nicodemus. He thought that Jesus was saying that his mother needed to give birth to him again. Nicodemus knew a woman was unable to do this. However, Jesus meant that people needed to be born a second time to be able to live with God forever. It is the Holy Spirit who does this. That is, without the Holy Spirit gives some a second birth, the person cannot live together with God forever in heaven. A sinner must be made into a new person to be with God.
See: Born Again (New Life, Regeneration); Metaphor
[3:5]
To be born “ from the Spirit” means to be born from above. That is, born from God through the Holy Spirit (see: 3:5). When he does this, the Holy Spirit makes the sinner into a new person in some way.
There are different ways to understand what it means when someone is born from water.
See: Born Again (New Life, Regeneration); Baptize (Baptism); Clean and Unclean; Sin; Indwelling of the Holy Spirit; Metaphor
[3:10]
Jesus said Nicodemus did not understand “earthly(ἐπίγειος/g1919)” things because he did not understand Jesus’ metaphors of childbirth and the wind. If Nicodemus was unable to understand when Jesus used earthly metaphors, he was unable to understand if Jesus spoke to him about God. Jesus tried to help Nicodemus understand. He did this by comparing the new life Christians have with babies having life on earth because of their mothers. He also compared the Holy Spirit to the blowing wind. However, Nicodemus was still unable to understand.
See: Born Again (New Life, Regeneration); Metaphor; Holy Spirit
[3:16]
Here, when John spoke about the “world(κόσμος/g2889)”, he was talking about all of the people living in the world. John talked about all of these people because it is all people whom God calls to believe in his Son Jesus. However, often when John wrote “the world,” he sometimes was talking about something different. In 1 John 2:15, he wrote “world” as a metaphor for how Satan does evil and how people sin. This is because Satan was given permission over everyone who sins. This is why God commands Christians not to love the evil things in this world. This is also why John says that God loved them by giving his only Son to die for them. He loves all people very, very much.
See: World; Faith (Believe in); Satan (The Devil); Sin
[3:16]
Some scholars think that Jesus died for all people. That is, those who believe in him and those who do not believe in him. Here John calls all people “the world.” God caused Jesus to die. In this way, he caused Jesus to suffer for everyone who sins (see: 1 John 2:2). But, this does not save the people who reject Jesus.
Other scholars think that Jesus died only for the sins of the people who believe in him. That is, Jesus died for people all over the world. People who believe in him can come from any tribe of people and can speak any language.
[3:17]
According to John 5:22, God gave gave permission to Jesus to judge everything and everyone. In John 3:17-18, John wrote that God did not send Jesus into the world to judge people. When God sent Jesus to earth, it was not to condemn or judge people. Jesus came as the promised Messiah. That is, he came to save people from their sins. However, Jesus is coming again to judge the world. He will judge those who are not Christians. People who believe in Jesus is the Son of God are not judged. Their sins are forgiven. They are one of God’s children.
See: Judge (Judgment); Condemn (Condemnation); Messiah (Christ); Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins); Children of God
[2:19]
Jesus is the light. Light is often a metaphor in Scripture.
See: John 8:12
See: Light and Darkness (Metaphor)
[2:19]
Sin, evil, and everything that is against Jesus is spoke about as if it were darkness. This is a common metaphor in Scripture. When people sin, they stay in the dark. They stay away from the light. That is they stay far from Jesus. They even hide from him. But those who live in a way that honors God are not afraid of God. They do not need to hide from him.
See: Light and Darkness (Metaphor)
[3:22]
John baptized people as a sign that they repented of their sins (see: Acts 19:4). Some Jews who wanted to honor God came to him to be baptized. They wanted to be clean from their sins. John did this to help make them ready for the coming of the Messiah.
See: Baptize (Baptism); Sign; Repent (Repentance); Sin; Clean and Unclean; Messiah (Christ)
[3:27, 3:28]
God sent John to tell the people about the Messiah. John showed the people who was the Messiah. That it, he showed them Jesus (see: John 1:29).
John used a metaphor to say how he was a friend to Jesus. In the same way the man getting married is greater than his friends at his wedding, so Jesus was greater than John. His friends help him and rejoice for him. In the same way, John helped Jesus and rejoiced because Jesus came. Also, John knew that he must soon stop working when Jesus began his own work.
See: Messiah (Christ); Metaphor
[3:36]
John talked about “disobeying”(ἀπειθέω/g0544) the son. John was talking about refusing to believe in Jesus. This is how they disobeyed the Jesus, the Son of God. They reject Jesus because they do not think he is who he says he is. Or they refuse to believe because they do not want to believe in him.
See: Son of God; Faith (Believe in)
There are parts of John 3 where it is not clear who is speaking. These places are 3:16 and 3:31. In many languages, writers use quotation marks to show who is speaking. However, John did not originally do this.
Some scholars think that Jesus continued speaking in 3:16-21. But, other scholars think that it is John who spoke in these verses.
Some scholars think John the Baptist continued speaking in 3:31-36. But other scholars think that it is the Apostle John who spoke in this passage.
See: Apostle
Nicodemus comes to see Jesus.
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story and to introduce Nicodemus.
Here "we" is exclusive, referring only to Nicodemus and the other members of the Jewish council.
Jesus and Nicodemus continue talking.
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
"born from above" or "born of God"
Possible meanings of seeing the kingdom of God are 1) seeing the place God rules over or 2) knowing what God's kingdom is like or 3) belonging to the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus uses this question to emphasize that this cannot happen. Alternate translation: "A man certainly cannot be born again when he is old!"
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!
"again" or "twice"
the part of a woman's body where a baby grows
You can translate this in the same way you did in John 3:3.
There are two possible meanings: 1) "baptized in water and in the Spirit" or 2) "born physically and spiritually"
Entering God’s kingdom means that the people belong to God, God rules over them, and they will live with him forever. AT: "he cannot belong to the kingdom of God"
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Jesus continues speaking to Nicodemus.
"You must be born from above"
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"
This question adds emphasis to the statement. Alternate translation: "This cannot be!" or "This is not able to happen!"
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!"
The word "you" is singular and refers to Nicodemus.
The word "you" is plural and refers either the Pharisees [John 3:1]
Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated this in John 1:51.
When Jesus said "we," he was not including Nicodemus.
Jesus continues responding to Nicodemus.
In all three places "you" is plural and refers to Jews in general.
This question emphasizes the disbelief of Nicodemus and the Jews. Alternate translation: "you certainly will not believe if I tell you about heavenly things!"
spiritual things
This double negative emphasizes that he who descended from heaven is the only one who has ascended into heaven. Alternate translation: "The only one who has ascended into heaven is he who descended from heaven"
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.
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.
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Here "world" is a metonym that refers to everyone in the world.
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. God himself is love and is the source of true love.
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"
"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.
This is an important title for Jesus.
Jesus finishes responding to Nicodemus.
The word "light" is a metaphor for God's truth that is revealed in Jesus. Jesus speaks of himself in the third person. If your language does not allow people to speak of themselves in the third person, you may need to specify who the light is. 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" or "I, who am like a light, have come into the world"
Here "darkness" is a metaphor for evil.
This can be stated 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"
This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "people may clearly see his deeds" or "everyone may clearly see the things he does"
This refers to after Jesus had spoken with Nicodemus. See how you translated this in John 2:12.
This word means "springs," as of water.
a village or town next to the Jordan River
"because there were many springs in that place"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "John was baptizing them" or "he was baptizing them"
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This can be stated in an active form for clarity. Alternate translation: "Then John's disciples and a Jew began to argue"
a fight using words
In this phrase, "look" 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,'"
"Nobody has any power unless"
Here "heaven" is used as a metonym to refer to God. This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "God has given it to him"
This "You" is plural and refers to all the people John is talking to. Alternate translation: "You all" or "All of you"
This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "God sent me to arrive before him"
John the Baptist continues speaking.
Here the "bride" and "bridegroom" are metaphors. Jesus is like the "bridegroom" and John is like the friend of the "bridegroom."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So then I rejoice greatly" or "So I rejoice much"
The word "my" refers to John the Baptist, the one who is speaking.
"He" refers to the bridegroom, Jesus, who will continue to grow in importance.
"He who comes from heaven is more important than anyone else"
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"
This means the same thing as the first sentence. John repeats this for emphasis.
John is speaking about Jesus. Alternate translation: "The one from heaven tells about what he has seen and heard in heaven"
Here John exaggerates to emphasize that only a few people believe Jesus. Alternate translation: "very few people believe him"
"Anyone who believes what Jesus says"
"proves" or "agrees"
John the Baptist finishes speaking.
"This Jesus, whom God has sent to represent him, speaks"
"For he is the one to whom God gave all the power of his Spirit"
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
This means to be put in his power or control.
"A person who believes" or "Anyone who believes"
The abstract noun "wrath" can be translated with the verb "punish." Alternate translation: "God will continue to punish him"
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story and to introduce Nicodemus.
Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated this in John 1:51
"born from above" or "born of God"
Possible meanings of seeing the kingdom of God are 1) seeing the place God rules over or 2) knowing what God's kingdom is like or 3) belonging to the kingdom of God.
"A man certainly cannot be born again when he is old!"
"Certainly, he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb!
the part of a woman's body where a baby grows
There are two possible meanings: 1) "baptized in water and in the Spirit" or 2) "born physically and spiritually"
"he cannot belong to the kingdom of God"
"The Holy Spirit is like a wind that blows wherever it wants"
"This cannot be!" or "This is not able to happen!"
"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!"
The word "you" is plural and refers either the Pharisees or to the Jewish leaders or to the Jews in general.
When Jesus said "we," he was not including Nicodemus.
In all three places "you" is plural and refers to Jews in general.
"you certainly will not believe if I tell you about spiritual things!"
"The only one who has ascended into heaven is he who descended from heaven"
Some people will "lift up" Jesus just as Moses "lifted up" the bronze serpent in the place where Moses and the Israelites walked around for forty years.
Here "world" refers to everyone in the world.
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. God himself is love and is the source of true love.
God""'s real reason for sending his Son into the world was to save it"
"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.
This refers to Jesus, the Son of God. It is best to translate “Son” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human son.
"The one who is like a light has revealed God's truth to all people" or "I, who am like a light, have come into the world"
Here "darkness" means evil.
"so that the light will not show the things he does" or "so that the light does not make clear his deeds"
"people may clearly see his deeds" or "everyone may clearly see the things he does"
This refers to after Jesus had spoken with Nicodemus.
This word means "springs," as of water.
a village or town next to the Jordan River
"John was baptizing them" or "he was baptizing them"
"Then John's disciples and a Jew began to fight with each other using words"
"you have testified, 'Look! He is baptizing,'" or "you have testified. 'Look at that! He is baptizing,'"
"Nobody has any power unless"
"God has given it to him"
"You all" or "All of you"
"God sent me to arrive before him"
Jesus is like the "bridegroom" and John is like the friend of the "bridegroom."
"So then I rejoice greatly" or "So I rejoice much"
The word "my" refers to John the Baptist, the one who is speaking.
"He" refers to the bridegroom, Jesus, who will continue to grow in importance.
"He who comes from heaven is more important than anyone else"
"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"
"The one from heaven tells about what he has seen and heard in heaven"
"very few people believe him"
"Anyone who believes what Jesus says"
"proves" or "agrees"
"This Jesus, whom God has sent to represent him, speaks"
"For he is the one to whom God gave all the power of his Spirit"
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. It is best to translate “Father” and “Son” with the same words that your language uses to refer to a human father and a human son.
This means to be put in his power or control.
"A person who believes" or "Anyone who believes"
"God will continue to punish him"
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a member of the Jewish Council.
Nicodemus told Jesus, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him."
Jesus told Nicodemus that one had to be born again in order to enter the kingdom of God.
Jesus told Nicodemus that one had to be born again in order to enter the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus said, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?"
He rebuked Nicodemus by saying, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?"
No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.
He must be lifted up so that all who believe in him may have everlasting life.
He must be lifted up so that all who believe in him may have everlasting life.
He showed his love by giving his only unique son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.
No. God sent his son so that the world should be saved through his son.
Men fall under judgment because light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.
Those who do evil hate the light and won't come into it because they don't want their deeds exposed.
They come into the light so that their deeds may be clearly seen and to make known that their deeds have been brought about in obedience to God.
John said, "He must increase, but I must decrease".
They confirmed that God is true.
He has given all things into the Son's hand.
They have everlasting life.
They will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on them.
1 Now when Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that he was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples were), 3 he left Judea and went back again to Galilee. 4 But it was necessary for him to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria, called Sychar, near the piece of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 The well of Jacob was there. Jesus was tired from his journey and sat by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7 A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Give me some water to drink." 8 For his disciples had gone away into the town to buy food.
9 Then the Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, being a Jew, are asking me, being a Samaritan woman, for something to drink?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.
10 Jesus answered and said to her, "If you had known the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."
11 The woman said to him, "Sir, you do not have a bucket and the well is deep. Where then do you have the living water? 12 You are not greater, are you, than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock?"
13 Jesus replied and said to her, "Everyone who drinks from this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will not ever be thirsty again. Instead, the water that I will give him will become a fountain of water in him, springing up to eternal life."
15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I may not become thirsty and not have to come here to draw water."
16 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come back here."
17 The woman answered and said to him, "I do not have a husband."
Jesus replied, "You have said correctly, 'I have no husband,' 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true."
19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I see that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that Jerusalem is the place where people have to worship."
21 Jesus said to her, "Believe me, woman, that an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You worship what you do not know. We worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 However, the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to be his worshipers. 24 God is Spirit, and the people who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
25 The woman said to him, "I know that the Messiah is coming (the one called Christ). When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
26 Jesus said to her, "I am he, the one speaking to you."
27 At that moment his disciples returned. Now they were wondering why he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, "What are you looking for?" or "Why are you speaking with her?"
28 So the woman left her water pot, went back to the town, and said to the people, 29 "Come, see a man who told me everything that I have ever done. This could not be the Christ, could it?" 30 They left the town and came to him.
31 In the meantime, the disciples were urging him, saying, "Rabbi, eat." 32 But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about." 33 So the disciples said to each other, "No one has brought him anything to eat, have they?"
34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. 35 Do you not say, 'There are four more months and then the harvest comes'? I am saying to you, look up and see the fields, for they are already ripe for harvest! 36 He who is harvesting receives wages and gathers fruit for everlasting life, so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying, 'One sows, and another reaps,' is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor."
39 Many of the Samaritans in that city believed in him because of the report of the woman who was testifying, "He told me everything that I have done." 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 Many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, "We no longer believe because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard, and we know that this one is indeed the Savior of the world."
43 After those two days, he departed from there for Galilee. 44 For Jesus himself declared that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45 When he came into Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all the things that he had done in Jerusalem at the festival, for they had also gone to the festival.
46 Now he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. There was a certain royal official whose son in Capernaum was ill. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to Jesus and asked him to come down and heal his son, who was about to die. 48 Jesus then said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe." 49 The royal official said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies." 50 Jesus said to him, "Go. Your son lives." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went away. 51 While he was going down, his servants met him, saying that his son was living. 52 So he asked them the hour when he began to improve. They replied to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." 53 Then the father realized that it was at that hour that Jesus had said to him, "Your son lives." So he himself and his whole household believed. 54 This was the second sign that Jesus did when he came out of Judea to Galilee.
John 4:4-38 forms one story centered on the teaching of Jesus as the "living water," the one who gives eternal life to all who believe in him. (See: believe)
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: godly and kingdomofisrael)
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.
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). Jesus explained to the woman that it was no longer important where people worshiped (John 4:21-24).
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: faith)
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: believe)
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.
[4:4]
The Samaritans were the people who lived in the region of Samaria. Long before this time, Israel was one nation and it was divided into two nations, the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. In the Old Testament, the northern kingdom, Israel, did not honor God. God punished them and they were conquered by Assyria. After this happened, the people of this Israel married gentiles. They were no longer true Israelites. The Jews who honored God hated the Samaritans. They knew that the Samaritans often married Gentile women, something that the Law of Moses did not allow them to do. They said they obeyed God, but they did not. They worshipped him in the wrong ways and they also worshipped idols and other gods. Therefore, God rejected the Samaritans and he did not consider them to be his people.
See: John 4:22
See: Samaria; Israel (Northern Kingdom) ; Judah (Southerm Kingdom); Old Testament (Law and Prophets);Punish (Punishment); Gentile; Law of Moses; Worship; Idolatry (Idol); False gods; People of God
Map: Samaria
[4:4]
The land of Samaria was between Judea and Galilee. When Jews wanted to travel from Jerusalem to Galilee, the shortest way was to go through Samaria.
However, the Jews hated the Samaritans. Many Jews who wanted to honor God often went around Samaria, even though this took much longer because of their hate for these people. Perhaps they thought the people would make them unclean. But, most Jews traveled through it because that way took less time.
See: Samaria; Clean and Unclean
See Map: Samaria, Judea, Galilee
[4:5]
Some scholars think that the city of Sychar and Shechem in the Old Testament are the same city. Other scholars think these are two different cities. They think that Sychar is the town of Askar that exists today. Both of these places were near a well that Jacob dug and the place where the Joseph from the Old Testament was buried.
See: Old Testament (Law and Prophets)
See Map: Sychar, Shechem, Askar
[4:10]
Jesus says he was able to give the Samaritan woman “the gift of God.” He wanted to say that God was able to allow her to live with God forever in heaven (see: Romans 6:23). The Jews were amazed when Jesus told her this. They thought the Samaritans rejected God and did not want to honor God.
The Samaritan woman married six times. Many Jews thought she was very sinful. This is because it was uncommon for the Jews to get married more than once. However, Jesus offered to forgive her.
John also speaks about “living”(ζάω/g2198) water as a metaphor. “Living water” can mean running water or fresh water. It can also mean water that makes plants and people live. Jesus wanted to say that people were able to live forever with God if they believe in him.
See: Heaven; Samaria; Sin; Forgive (Forgiveness, Pardon); Metaphor
[4:20]
The Jews worshiped God in the temple in Jerusalem, but the Samaritans worshiped God in a temple in Samaria on Mount Gerizim. Because God commanded the Jews to worship him in Jerusalem, the Samaritans sinned in their worship.
Also, the Samaritans only thought in part of the Old Testament was from God and rejected the rest of the Old Testament. They also possessed their own priests. These priests were not part of the tribe of Levi. The Law of Moses said that the priests must be from the tribe of Levi.
However, both the Samaritans and the Jews waited for God to send the Messiah to them.
See: Samaria; Worship; Temple; Sin; Old Testament (Law and Prophets); Priest (Priesthood); Tribes of Israel; Law of Moses
See Map: Jerusalem, Samaria, and Mount Gerizim
[4:21]
When Jesus spoke with the woman, he thought about what was going to happen in the future. The Romans were going to destroy the Temple in Jerusalem. The Christians were going to worship God anywhere. They did not need to go to Jerusalem to worship anymore.
See: Rome (Roman Empire, Caesar); Temple; Worship
[4:22]
Jesus said that “salvation”(σωτηρία/g4991) is from the Jews. Jesus taught the woman that God worked to save mankind, and that he did this through the Jews, not through the Samaritans. While Jesus did not agree with what the Samaritans thought about God, Jesus was kind to the woman. Jesus was the Messiah and he was a Jew and not a Samaritan.
See: Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins); Samaria; Messiah (Christ)
[4:24]
People worship God in “Spirit”(πνεῦμα/g4151) when they worship him anywhere, not only in the temple or other building (see: acts 17:24-26). That is, because they now worship him by the Holy Spirit’s power.
God gave Christians a new way to worship him. This new way is in “truth”(ἀλήθεια/g0225). That is, because they now know who God truly is, they can worship him in the right way. This also means that they know that Jesus is God. When they worship Jesus, they know that they are worshiping God (see: John 14:6). People who worship God in this way praise and honor him because they know the truth about him.
See: Worship; Temple; Holy Spirit
[4:27]
Some Jewish men never spoke with a woman unless she was his wife. They thought that it was wrong to speak to other woman. Also, many Jews did not speak with Samaritans. Jews thought Samaritans were unclean.
But, Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman. He asked her for a drink of water. Usually, the Jews refused to drink or eat with Samaritans because they thought they were unclean.
See: Samaria; Clean and Unclean
[4:27]
The disciples never thought Jesus was going to speak to a Samaritan woman. They thought, in the same way most Jews did, that the Samaritans were unclean, and they were people whom God did not accept. They thought that Jesus, their teacher, did wrong by talking with the woman. They were too ashamed to ask him why he was talking with her.
See: Samaria; Clean and Unclean
[4:29, 4:30]
Many of the people of Sychar began to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. They did this even though Jesus had told the woman that her people did not know God, whom they said they worshiped.
No one thought the Samaritans were going to believe in Jesus. But many did believe in Jesus. Also, the disciples thought that the Jews were going to accept their Messiah, but most of the Jews rejected him.
See: Messiah (Christ); Worship; Samaria; Disciple
See Map: Sychar
[4:29]
The Jews did not think the people of Sychar were going to call Jesus the “Savior of the world.” This means that they were still learning about Jesus, yet they believed in him. Later, Jesus commanded his disciples to be witnesses for him in Samaria (see: Acts 1:8).
The Samaritans did not worship God in the right way, and they only thought the first five books of the Old Testament were from God. They did not believe that God did anything for Israel after Moses died.
The title “the Savior of the world” is in the New Testament only here and in 1 John 4:14.
See: Savior; Disciple; Witness (Martyr); Samaria; Worship; Old Testament (Law and Prophets)
See Map: Sychar, Samaria
[4:35]
See: Harvest; Metaphor
[4:44]
John said that Jesus left Sychar after only two days, because the people reject a prophet in the prophet’s hometown never. But, the people of Sychar believed in Jesus. Sychar was not Jesus’ hometown. Therefore, scholars do not agree about what John meant.
Some scholars think John meant that Galilee was Jesus’ home region. The people of Galilee did not believe Jesus when he arrived there (see: 4:45). Later, they rejected him (see: Mark 6:1-6).
Other scholars think that John meant that all Israel was Jesus’ home region, and that most of the Jews were going to reject him.
Still other scholars think that John was talking about Sychar. Many of the people of that town believed in Jesus, yet he left after only two days. John gives the proverb to explain why he left (see: 4:44). Jesus went to teach the Jews and the Samaritans. He never stayed for very long in one place. Perhaps John wanted to say that if Jesus stayed anywhere, this place became his hometown. If the people did not welcome him, Jesus kept on traveling.
See: Proverb; Prophet; Samaria
See Map: Sychar, Galilee
[4:53]
The official’s whole family believed in Jesus. In many places, all of the people in a family or household usually think in the way in which the leader of that family thinks. The family of the official probably trusted him to think in the right ways. When he began to believe in Jesus, all his family also believed in Jesus..
In other places, people in families are more free to think in the way each person wishes to think. These people may not understand why the official’s family believed in Jesus at the same time.
[4:54]
John called the miracle he did a “sign”(σημεῖον/g4592).” He also did this with the first miraculous thing he did, which was changing water into wine. He means that both of these things showed the people that God truly sent Jesus to them to be the Messiah he promised to send.
See: Sign; Miracle; Wine (Winepress)
John 4:1-6 gives the background to the next event, Jesus's conversation with a Samaritan woman.
A long sentence begins here.
"Now Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John. When he knew that the Pharisees had heard that he was doing this"
The word "now" is used here to mark a break in the main events. Here John starts to tell a new part of the narrative.
The reflexive pronoun "himself" adds emphasis that it was not Jesus who was baptizing, but his disciples.
You may need to rearrange 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"
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This is a polite request, not a command.
He did not ask his disciples to draw water for him because they had gone.
The word "him" refers to Jesus.
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 me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink!"
"do not associate with"
Jesus uses the metaphor "living water" to refer to the Holy Spirit, who works in a person to transform and bring new life.
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This remark occurs in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "You are not greater than our father Jacob ... livestock!"
"our ancestor Jacob"
"drank water that came from it"
"will need to drink water again"
Here the word "fountain" is a metaphor for life-giving spring of water. Alternate translation: "the water that I will give him will become like a spring of water in him"
Here "life" refers to the "spiritual life" that only God can give.
In this context, the Samaritan woman is addressing Jesus as "Sir," which is a term of respect or politeness.
"get water" or "pull water up from the well" using a container and rope
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"You spoke well when you said" or "You chose your words skillfully when you said." Jesus is acknowledging that what she had said was strictly true but was hiding a fact about her that she expected Jesus to disapprove of. He was saying neither that it was a good thing that she had no husband nor that her answer showed that she was morally good.
Jesus said this to emphasize the words "You are right in saying, 'I have no husband'" in verse 17. He wanted the woman to know that he knew she was telling the truth.
In this context the Samaritan woman is addressesing Jesus as "sir," which is a term of respect or politeness.
"I can understand that you are a prophet"
"Our forefathers" or "Our ancestors"
To believe someone is to acknowledge what the person has said is true.
Eternal salvation from sin comes from God the Father, who is Yahweh, the God of the Jews.
This is an important title for God.
Jesus means that God revealed himself and his commands to the Jewish people, not to the Samaritans. Through the Scriptures the Jewish people know who God is better than the Samaritans.
This means that God has chosen the Jews as his special people who will tell all other people about his salvation. It also means that the Christ, the one who will save the world, will be a Jew. It does not mean the Jewish people will save others from their sins. Alternate translation: "for all people will know about God's salvation because of the Jews"
Eternal salvation from sin comes from God the Father, who is Yahweh, the God of the Jews.
Jesus continues speaking to the Samaritan woman.
"However, it is now the right time for true worshipers to"
This is an important title for God.
Possible meanings are the "spirit" here is 1) the inner person, the mind and heart, what a person thinks and what he loves, different from where he goes to worship and what ceremonies he performs, or 2) the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: "in the Spirit and in truth" or "with the Spirit's help and in truth"
thinking correctly of what is true about God
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Both of these words mean "God's promised king."
This statement implies that he will tell them everything they need to know. Alternate translation: "he will tell us everything we need to know"
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"Just as Jesus was saying this, his disciples returned from town"
It was very unusual for a Jew to speak with a woman he did not know, especially if that woman was a Samaritan.
Possible meanings are 1) "no one asked Jesus, 'What ... looking for?' or 'Why ... her?'" or 2) "no one asked the woman, 'What ... looking for?' or asked Jesus, 'Why ... her?'"
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The Samaritan woman exaggerates to show that she is impressed by how much Jesus knows about her. Alternate translation: "Come see a man who knows very much about me, even though I have never met him before"
The woman is not sure that Jesus is the Christ, so she asks a question that expects "no" for an answer, but she also asks a question instead of making a statement because she wants the people to decide for themselves.
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"While the woman was going into town"
"the disciples were telling Jesus" or "the disciples were encouraging Jesus"
Here Jesus is not talking about literal "food," but is preparing his disciples for a spiritual lesson in John 4:34.
The disciples think Jesus is talking about literal "food." They begin asking each other this question, expecting a "no" response. Alternate translation: "Surely no one brought him any food while we were in town!"
Here "food" is a metaphor that represents "obeying God's will." Alternate translation: "Just as food satisfies a hungry person, obeying God's will is what satisfies me"
"Is this not one of your popular sayings"
The words "fields" and "ripe for harvest" are metaphors. The "fields" represent people. The words "ripe for harvest" mean that people are ready to receive the message of Jesus, like fields that are ready to be harvested. Alternate translation: "look up and see the the people! They are ready to believe my message, like crops in the fields that are ready for people to harvest them"
Here "fruit for everlasting life" is a metaphor that represents people who believe Christ's message and receive eternal life. Alternate translation: "and the people who believe the message and receive eternal life are like the fruit that a harvester gathers"
Jesus continues speaking to his disciples.
The words "sows" and "reaps" are metaphors. The one who "sows" shares the message of Jesus. The one who "reaps" helps the people to receive the message of Jesus. Alternate translation: "One person plants the seeds, and another person reaps the crops"
"you are now joining in their work"
To "believe in" someone means to "trust in" that person. Here this also means that they believed he was the Son of God.
This is an exaggeration. The woman was impressed by how much Jesus knew about her. Alternate translation: "He told me many things about my life"
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Here "word" is a metonym that stands for the message that Jesus proclaimed. Alternate translation: "his message"
The "world" is a metonym for all the believers throughout the world. Alternate translation: "all the believers in the world"
Jesus goes down to Galilee and heals a boy. Verse 44 gives us background information about something Jesus had said previously.
from Judea
The reflexive pronoun "himself" is added to emphasize that Jesus had "declared" or said this.. You can translate this in your language in a way that will give emphasis to a person.
"people do not show respect or honor to a prophet of their own country" or "a prophet is not respected by the people in his own community"
Here the festival is the Passover.
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author starts a new part of the story. If you have a way of doing this in your language, you may consider using it.
someone who is in the service of the king
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"Unless ... not believe" here is a double negative. In some languages it is more natural to translate this statement in a positive form. Alternate translation: "You will believe only if you see a signs and wonders"
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Here "word" is a metonym that refers to the message that Jesus spoke. Alternate translation: "believed the message"
This word is used to mark two events that are happening at the same time. As the official was going home, his servants were coming to meet him on the road.
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The reflexive pronoun "himself" is used here to emphasize the word "he." If you have a way of doing this in your language, you may consider using it.
Miracles can also be called "signs" because they are used as indicators or evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.
"Now Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John. When he knew that the Pharisees had heard that he was doing this"
It was not Jesus who was baptizing, but his disciples.
When Jesus knew that the Pharisees learned what he was doing, he left Judea and went back again to Galilee"
He did not ask his disciples to draw water for him because they had gone.
The word "him" refers to Jesus.
"I cannot believe that you, being a Jew, are asking me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink!"
"do not associate with"
“Living water” to refer to the Holy Spirit, who works in a person to transform and bring new life.
You are not greater than our father Jacob ... livestock!"
"our ancestor Jacob"
"drank water that came from it"
"will need to drink water again"
"the water that I will give him will become like a spring of water in him"
Here "life" refers to the "spiritual life" that only God can give.
In this context, the Samaritan woman is addressing Jesus as "Sir," which is a term of respect or politeness.
"get water" or "pull water up from the well" using a container and rope
Jesus is acknowledging that what she had said was strictly true but was hiding a fact about her that she expected Jesus to disapprove of. He was saying neither that it was a good thing that she had no husband nor that her answer showed that she was morally good.
Jesus said this to emphasize the words "You are right in saying, 'I have no husband'" in verse 17. He wanted the woman to know that he knew she was telling the truth.
"I can understand that you are a prophet"
"Our forefathers" or "Our ancestors"
To believe someone is to acknowledge what the person has said is true.
Eternal salvation from sin comes from God the Father, who is Yahweh, the God of the Jews.
This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
Jesus means that God revealed himself and his commands to the Jewish people, not to the Samaritans. Through the Scriptures the Jewish people know who God is better than the Samaritans.
Eternal salvation from sin comes from God the Father, who is Yahweh, the God of the Jews.
"However, it is now the right time for true worshipers to"
This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
"with the Spirit's help in thinking correctly of what is true about God"
Both of these words mean "God's promised king."
"he will tell us everything we need to know"
It was very unusual for a Jew to speak with a woman he did not know, especially if that woman was a Samaritan.
Possible meanings are 1) "no one asked Jesus, 'What ... looking for?' or 'Why ... her?'" or 2) "no one asked the woman, 'What ... looking for?' or asked Jesus, 'Why ... her?'"
"Come see a man who knows very much about me, even though I have never met him before"
The woman is not sure that Jesus is the Christ, so she asks a question that expects "no" for an answer, but she also asks a question instead of making a statement because she wants the people to decide for themselves.
"While the woman was going into town"
Here Jesus is not talking about literal "food," but is preparing his disciples for a spiritual lesson in John 4:34.
"Surely no one brought him any food while we were in town!"
"Just as food satisfies a hungry person, obeying God's will is what satisfies me"
"Is this not one of your popular sayings"
"look up and see the the people! They are ready to believe my message, like crops in the fields that are ready for people to harvest them"
"and the people who believe the message and receive eternal life are like the fruit that a harvester gathers"
"One person plants the seeds, and another person reaps the crops"
"you are now joining in their work"
To "believe in" someone means to "trust in" that person. Here this also means that they believed he was the Son of God.
"He told me many things about my life"
"his message"
"all the believers in the world"
"people do not show respect or honor to a prophet of their own country" or "a prophet is not respected by the people in his own community"
Here the festival is the Passover.
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author starts a new part of the story. If you have a way of doing this in your language, you may consider using it.
someone who is in the service of the king
"You will believe only if you see a signs and wonders"
"believed the message"
This word is used to mark two events that are happening at the same time. As the official was going home, his servants were coming to meet him on the road.
Miracles can also be called "signs" because they are used as indicators or evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.
Jesus left Judea and departed for Galilee after he knew the Pharisees had heard that he was making and baptizing more disciples than John .
Jesus left Judea and departed for Galilee after he knew the Pharisees had heard that he was making and baptizing more disciples than John .
Jesus left Judea and departed for Galilee after he knew the Pharisees had heard that he was making and baptizing more disciples than John .
He came to a Samaritan town called Sychar.
A Samaritan woman came there to draw water.
He said to her, "Give me some water to drink."
They had gone away into town to buy food.
She was surprised because Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans.
Jesus tells her that if she had known the gift of God and who was talking to her, she would have asked and he would have given her living water.
The woman replied, "Sir, you do not have a bucket, and the well is deep. Where would you get that living water?"
Jesus tells the woman those who drink the water he gives will never thirst again and that water will become a fountain of water springing up into eternal life.
She wants the water so she won't get thirsty and not have to come to the well to draw water.
Jesus tells her, "Go, call your husband, and come back here."
The woman tells Jesus she has no husband.
He tells her she has had five husbands and the man she now has is not her husband.
She brings up a controversy about where is the proper place to worship.
Jesus tells her God is a Spirit and true worshipers must worship God in spirit and in truth.
Jesus tells her God is a Spirit and true worshipers must worship God in spirit and in truth.
Jesus tells her that he is the Messiah (Christ).
Jesus tells her that he is the Messiah (Christ).
The woman left her water pot, went back to town, and said to the people, "Come see a man who told me all things that I ever did. This could not be the Christ, could it?'
The woman left her water pot, went back to town, and said to the people, "Come see a man who told me all things that I ever did. This could not be the Christ, could it?'
They left the town and came to Jesus.
Jesus said his food was to do the will of the one who sent him and to complete his work.
The harvesters receive wages and gathers fruit for everlasting life, so that he who sows and he who harvests may rejoice together.
The woman's report caused many Samaritans in that city to believe in Jesus.
They said that they now knew that Jesus was indeed the savior of the world.
They welcomed him because they had seen all the things that he had done in Jerusalem at the festival.
A certain royal official whose son was sick came to Jesus, imploring him to come down and heal his son.
A certain royal official whose son was sick came to Jesus, imploring him to come down and heal his son.
Jesus told him people would not believe unless they saw signs and wonders
The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.
The result was the royal official and his whole household believed.
1 After this there was a Jewish festival, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now in Jerusalem by the sheep gate there is a pool, which in the Aramaic language is called Bethesda, and it has five roofed porches. 3 A large number of people who were sick, blind, lame, or paralyzed were lying there. [1]4[2]5 A certain man was there who had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and after he realized that he had been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healthy?" 7 The sick man replied, "Sir, I do not have anyone to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up. When I come, another steps down before me." 8 Jesus said to him, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." 9 Immediately the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.
Now that day was a Sabbath. 10 So the Jews said to him who was healed, "It is the Sabbath and you are not permitted to carry your mat." 11 He replied, "He who made me healthy said to me, 'Pick up your mat and walk.'" 12 They asked him, "Who is the man that said to you, 'Pick it up and walk'?" 13 However, the one who was healed did not know who it was because Jesus had gone away secretly, for there was a crowd in the place.
14 Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, "See, you have become healthy! Do not sin anymore, so that something worse will not happen to you." 15 The man went away and reported to the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him healthy.
16 Now because of these things the Jews persecuted Jesus, because he did these things on the Sabbath. 17 Jesus replied to them, "My Father is working even now, and I, too, am working." 18 Because of this, the Jews sought even more to kill him because he not only broke the Sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal to God.
19 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, the Son can do nothing of himself, except only what he sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father is doing, the Son does in the same way. 20 For the Father loves the Son and he shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these so that you will be amazed. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to anyone he wishes. 22 For the Father judges no one, but he has given all judgment to the Son 23 so that everyone will honor the Son just as they honor the Father. The one who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned, but he has passed from death to life.
25 "Truly, truly, I tell you the time is coming, and is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has also given to the Son so that he has life in himself, 27 and the Father has given the Son authority to carry out judgment because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not be amazed at this, for there is a time coming in which everyone who is in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and will come out: those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
30 "I can do nothing from myself. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous because I am not seeking my own will but the will of him who sent me. 31 If I should testify about myself, my testimony would not be true. 32 There is another who testifies about me, and I know that the testimony that he gives about me is true. 33 You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. 34 But the testimony that I receive is not from man. I say these things that you might be saved. 35 John was a lamp that was burning and shining, and you were willing to rejoice in his light for a while. 36 Yet the testimony that I have is greater than that of John, for the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I do, testify about me that the Father has sent me. 37 The Father who sent me has himself testified about me. You have neither heard his voice nor seen his form at any time. 38 You do not have his word remaining in you, for you are not believing in the one whom he has sent. 39 You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and these same scriptures testify about me, 40 and you are not willing to come to me so that you may have life. 41 I do not receive glory from men, 42 but I know that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. 43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another should come in his own name, you would receive him. 44 How can you believe, you who accept glory from one another but are not seeking the glory that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I myself will accuse you before the Father. The one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have hoped. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me. 47 If you do not believe his writings, how are you going to believe my words?"
Many of the Jews believed that God would heal people who got into some of the pools in Jerusalem when the waters were "stirred up."
Testimony is what one person says about another person. What a person says about himself is not as important as what other people say about that person. Jesus told the Jews that God had told them who Jesus was, so he did not need to tell them who he was. This was because God had told the writers of the Old Testament what his Messiah would do, and Jesus had done everything they had written that he would do.
God will make some people alive again and because he gives them his grace, they will live with him forever. But he will make some people alive again and because he will treat them justly, they will live apart from him forever.
Jesus refers to himself in this chapter as the "Son"
[5:1]
John did not say which feast was happening at this time. However, there were several Jewish feast in Jerusalem every year..
See: Passover; Festival of Shelters
[5:2]
The people thought the pool in Bethsaida healed people when the waters “stirred”(ταράσσω/g5015). Because of this, sick people and those with physical problems laid down by the pool and waited for the water to move. When the water moved, they tried to be the first person to get into the pool to be healed.
Some scholars think it is possible that an underground spring flowed into the pool of Bethsaida and sometimes caused the water in the pool to move. Other scholars think that the pool’s water contained minerals that healed the body.
See Map: Bethsaida
[5:4]
The oldest and best copies of the Greek New Testament do not include verse 4. However, some translation may include verse 4. Although John probably did not write this verse,it describes what people thought about how the pool of Bethsaida healed people. Some people believed that an angel stirred the waters and then healed the first person who got into the pool. Perhaps, this verse was added by someone in order to explain this to people reading this chapter.
See: Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible
[5:7]
The sick man was probably paralyzed. He told Jesus that he needed another person to help him get into the pool because the man could not stand or walk. Jesus’ question about whether he wanted to be healed surprised the man. He laid by the pool for such a long time and no one ever helped him into the pool. He probably did not think that he was ever going to be healed. John does not say if the man believed in Jesus before Jesus healed him. Also, John does not say if the man ever believed in Jesus at any time.
Advice to Translators: Someone who is paralyzed cannot move their legs or cannot move their arms and legs.
[5:10]
Some Jews asked the man Jesus healed certain questions. The Jews were Jewish leaders known as scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees.
See: Scribe; Pharisees; Sadducees
[5:10]
The Jewish leaders became angry when Jesus healed the man on a Sabbath day because their Law of Moses did not allow a person to do any work on the Sabbath day (see: Exodus 20:10; Jeremiah 17:21-22). These leaders thought that when someone healed another person, they were working. Also, the Jewish leaders thought that carrying a bed was work. When the man picked up his bed and walked, they thought that he broke the Law of Moses and disobeyed God. However, they thought the wrong thing about the Law of Moses. Neither Jesus nor the man disobeyed the Law of Moses. The Jewish leaders cared more about obeying the things they believed about the Law of Moses than about doing good things on the Sabbath. They thought that Jesus did something evil by healing this man. Because of this, the Jewish leaders thought Jesus was a false teacher and began to persecute him (see: 5:16,18).
See: Sabbath; Law of Moses; Persecute (Persecution)
[5:14]
Scholars give three reasons why Jesus told the healed man to stop sinning:
Jesus knew the healed man needed to believe in him. It is a sin to not believe in Jesus. John never says this healed man believed in Jesus, even though Jesus healed him. The man told the Jews that it was Jesus who healed him on the Sabbath. Those who did not believe in Jesus often told the Pharisees what Jesus did. (see: John 11:44-46) Some scholars think that this man was paralyzed because he sinned. However, John does not say what was that sin. Sometimes sin may cause someone to be sick or have physical problems. Perhaps Jesus chose this man from the people waiting at the pool because of a specific sin in his life.
Advice to Translators: Someone who is paralyzed cannot move their legs or cannot move their arms and legs.
See: Sin; Sabbath; Pharisees
[5:17, 5:18]
The Jewish leaders became very angry with Jesus when he said that God is his father and that both he and his father continued working. The Jewish leaders opposed Jesus for working on the Sabbath day. Jesus said that his father is still working. That is, God rested on the seventh day from working to create the world, but he never stopped working to care for the world. When Jesus says that he is working with his father, the Jewish leaders knew he said that he was doing what only God did. So Jesus said he was God. According to the Law of Moses, if someone said they were God, they were to be punished. They needed to die. That is, they would be punished if they were not God.
See: God the Father; Sabbath; Jesus is God; Law of Moses
[5:17]
The Jewish teachers knew that God the Father not only created the world, he also sustains the world (see: Jeremiah 10:12-13). In the Book of Colossians, Paul spoke also about Jesus sustaining the world (see: Colossians 1:16-17). The writer of the Book of Hebrews spoke about Jesus sustaining all things by his word (see: Hebrews 1:3).
See: God the Father
[5:19, 5:20]
See: God the Father; Son of God; Jesus is God; Trinity
[5:21, 5:22, 5:23]
Jesus needed to be able to do the things only God can do because Jesus is God. Everything God the Father can do, Jesus, God the son can do also. God the Father raises the dead. Soon, the Father will raise the Son from the dead (see: John 20). Then the Son will also give life to whomever he wants to give life (see: 1 Corinthians 5). God the Father gave Jesus permission to judge everything. Jesus, God the Son, also receives the same honor that God the Father receives. If someone rejects Jesus, they also reject God the Father. Everyone who believes in Jesus will live together will God in heaven forever.
See; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Jesus is God; Trinity; God the Father; Son of God; Born Again (New Life, Regeneration); Eternal Life; Heaven
[5:23]
Jesus said God the Father “raises the dead” and Jesus also raised the dead (see: Luke 7:11-15; John 11:43-44). Although God the Father is the only one who can perfectly judge people, he gives Jesus permission to judge people because Jesus can also perfectly judge people (see: 5:22; Psalm 50:6). Jesus said that whatever he sees the Father doing, this is what he does also. This shows that Jesus and God the Father both want the same things to happen.
See: Resurrect (Resurrection) ; God the Father; Judge (Judgment)
[5:26]
John said that God The Father and God the Son have life in themselves. That is, the live because they have always live and because they want to live. They do not need anyone or anything to live. The Father and the Son have always and will always live. Those who believe in Jesus are also given eternal life (see: 5:24; 1 John 1:1-3). That is, they will live together with God in heaven forever.
See: God the Father; Son of God; Eternal Life; Heaven
[5:27]
Scholars think God gave Jesus permission to judge people in future when Jesus returns to earth to begin his kingdom (see: Daniel 7:13-14). However, these scholars also think that Jesus began judging the world when he came to the earth before. Jesus judged men because they rejected Jesus. When John spoke about this he chose to speak using the metaphor of light and dark.
See: Day of Judgment; Jesus' Return to Earth; Kingdom of God; Light and Darkness (Metaphor)
[5:29]
Jesus resurrects all people. Those who loved the light, that is they believed in Jesus, will live together with God in heaven forever. Also, they will be given new bodies (see: 1 Corinthians 15:42-45).
See: Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Light and Darkness (Metaphor); Day of Judgment; Heaven
[5:29]
Again, Jesus resurrects all people. But, those who loved the darkness, that is they rejected Jesus, will be punished forever (see: Revelation 14:9-11).
See: Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Light and Darkness (Metaphor); Day of Judgment; Hell
[5:30]
Jesus judges people perfectly because he listens to God. He judges in the same way God the Father judges.
See: Judge (Judgment); God the Father
[5:32] Jesus spoke about God the Father when he said, “there is another who bears witness of me.” Another time, Jesus said that he did not speak his own words. However, he only spoke what God the Father told him to speak (see: 12:49-50).
See: Witness (Martyr); God the Father
[5:33]
John boldly spoke to the crowds that Jesus was the light that came into the world (see: 1:6-7). John said the Jewish leaders that there was one coming who was greater than himself (see: 1:19-28). Also, John told people that Jesus was the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (see: 1:29-34).
See: Witness (Martyr); Light and Darkness (Metaphor); Lamb of God; Sin
[5:36]
Jesus said that the things he did were a greater witness than what John said about him. That is, they proved that he was God and the Messiah more than the things John said. This is because God the Father gave him these things to do (see: 5:19-21). Perhaps Jesus did the same things that God the Father did and this caused people to know that God sent Jesus.
See: Testify (Testimony); Witness (Martyr); Jesus is God; Messiah (Christ); God the Father
[5:39, 5:40]
The Jewish leaders studied the Old Testament because they believed that they had found about how to have peace with God. However, they did not believe the right things. They did not understand that the Old Testament talked about Jesus, the Messiah. Only by believing in Jesus can someone be at peace with God.
See: Old Testament (Law and Prophets); Messiah (Christ)
[5:41]
Jesus did many things and taught the disciples how to live as Christians in order to glorify God the Father. Jesus did none of these things so that people would honor him. There were people who honored Jesus for the things he did, but Jesus honored God.
See: Glory (Glorify); God the Father
[5:42]
The Jewish leaders showed they did not truly love God because they rejected Jesus. Although God sent Jesus, they did not believe in him. John said Jesus is the light that came into the world. However, the Jewish leaders rejected Jesus as the light and chose to love darkness. That is, they chose to love the things they believed instead of the things God taught. Jesus told the Jews they were going to listen to false teachers, and they were going to welcome those false teachers. Perhaps Jesus spoke these words to warn the Jewish leaders (see: Matthew 24:4-5).
See: Light and Darkness (Metaphor); False Teacher
[5:46]
Moses wrote in the Law about a prophet who was going to come in the future. This prophet was going to be greater than even Moses. The Jews put all their trust in Moses and the Law of Moses. Even though Moses wrote about a prophet to come, the Jews did not see Jesus as this promised prophet (see: Deuteronomy 18:15-19).
Jesus said the Jews did not believe the writings of Moses because they did not understand what Moses wrote (see: Luke 16:31).
See: Matthew 5:17-18
See: Law of Moses; Prophet
This is the next event in the story, in which Jesus goes up to Jerusalem and heals a man. These verses give background information about the setting of the story.
This refers to after Jesus healed the official's son. See how you translated this in John 3:22.
"the Jews were celebrating a festival"
Jerusalem is located on the top of a hill. Roads to Jerusalem went up and down smaller hills. If your language has a different word for going up a hill than for walking on level ground, you may use it here.
This was a hole in the ground that people filled with water. Sometimes they lined the pools with tiles or other stonework.
a place name
roofed structures with at least one wall missing and attached to buildings
"Many people"
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Verse 5 introduces the man lying beside the pool to the story.
"was at the Bethesda pool" (John 5:1)
"38 years"
"he understood" or "he found out"
"Jesus said to the paralyzed man"
Here the word "sir" is a polite form of address.
This can be translated in an active form. Alternate translation: "when the angel moves the water"
This was a hole in the ground that people filled with water. Sometimes they lined the pools with tiles or other stonework. See how you translated "pool" in John 5:2.
"someone else always goes down the steps into the water before me"
"Stand up"
"pick up your sleeping mat, and walk"
"the man became healthy again"
The writer uses the word "now" to show that the words that follow are background information.
The Jews (especially the leaders of the Jews) became angry when they saw the man carrying his mat on the Sabbath.
"It is God's Day of Rest"
"The man who made me well"
"The Jewish leaders asked the man who was healed"
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"Jesus found the man he had healed"
The word "See" is used here to draw attention to the words that follow.
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The writer uses the word "now" to show that the words that follow are background information.
Here "the Jews" is a synecdoche which represent the "Jewish leaders." Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders"
This refers to doing labor, including anything that is done to serve other people.
This is an important title for God.
"saying that he was like God" or "saying that he had as much authority as God"
Jesus continues speaking to the Jewish leaders.
Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Jesus, as the Son of God, followed and obeyed his Father's leadership on earth, because Jesus knew the Father loved him.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between Jesus and God.
"you will be surprised" or "you will be shocked"
Jesus, as the Son of God, followed and obeyed his Father's leadership on earth, because Jesus knew the Father loved him.
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. God himself is love and is the source of true love.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
This refers to "spiritual life."
The word "for" marks a comparison. The Son of God carries out judgment for God the Father.
God the Son must be honored and worshiped just like God the Father. If we fail to honor God the Son, then we also fail to honor God the Father.
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Here "word" is a metonym that represents the message of Jesus. Alternate translation: "anyone who hears my message"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he will not receive condemnation" or "God will not condemn him"
Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated this in John 1:51.
The voice of Jesus, the Son of God, will raise dead people from the grave.
This is an important title for Jesus.
The word "For" marks a comparison. The Son of God has the power to give life, just as the Father does.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
This means spiritual life.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
The Son of God has the authority of God the Father to judge.
"This" refers to the fact that Jesus, as the Son of Man, has the power to give eternal life and to carry out judgment.
"hear my voice"
This tells what will happen to those who have done good. Alternate translation: "will rise to live" or "will rise and live"
This tells what will happen to those who have done evil. Alternate translation: "will rise to be judged" or "will rise and be judged"
The word "him" refers to God the Father.
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"There is someone else who tells people about me"
This refers to God.
"what he tells people about me is true"
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"I do not need people's testimony"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "so God can save you"
Here "lamp" and "light" are metaphors. John taught the people about God and this was like a lamp shining its light into the dark. Alternate translation: "John taught you about God and this was like a lamp shining its light. And for a while what John said made you happy"
God the Father has sent God the Son, Jesus, to earth. Jesus completes what the Father gives him to do.
This is an important title for God.
Here Jesus says that the miracles "testify" or "tell the people" about him. Alternate translation: "what I do, shows the people that God has sent me"
The reflexive pronoun "himself" emphasizes that it is the Father, not someone less important, who has testified.
"You do not believe in the one he has sent. That is how I know that you do not have his word remaining in you"
Jesus speaks of people living according to God's word as if they were houses and God's word were a person that lived in houses. Alternate translation: "You do not live according to his word" or "You do not obey his word"
"the message he spoke to you"
"you will find eternal life if you read them" or "the scriptures will tell you how you can have eternal life"
"you refuse to believe my message"
The word "glory" here is a metonym for the praise that people give to a person who has glory or is glorious. Alternate translation: "receive praise"
accept
This can mean 1) "you really do not love God" or 2) "you have really not received God's love."
Here the word "name" is a metonym that represents God's power and authority. Alternate translation: "with my Father's authority"
This is an important title for God.
welcome as a friend
The word "name" is a metonym that represents authority. Alternate translation: "If another should come in his own authority"
This remark appears in the form of a question in order to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "There is no way you can believe because you accept glory ... God!"
This means to trust in Jesus.
The word "glory" here is a metonym for the praise that people give to a person who has glory or is glorious. Alternate translation: "accept praise ... seeking the praise"
Here the word "hope" means "expect" or "trust," and the person who hopes in this way believes that he will receive what he hopes for. It can be stated clearly what they hoped for in Moses. Alternate translation: "whom you expect to help you" or "whom you trust to defend you before the Father you"
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This remark appears in the form of a question to provide emphasis. Alternate translation: "You do not believe his writings, so you will never believe my words!"
"what I say"
"the Jews were celebrating a festival"
Jerusalem is located on the top of a hill. Roads to Jerusalem went up and down smaller hills. If your language has a different word for going up a hill than for walking on level ground, you may use it here.
This was a hole in the ground that people filled with water. Sometimes they lined the pools with tiles or other stonework.
a place name
roofed structures with at least one wall missing and attached to buildings
"he understood" or "he found out"
"Jesus said to the paralyzed man"
Here the word "sir" is a polite form of address.
"when the angel moves the water"
"someone else always goes down the steps into the water before me"
"Stand up"
"pick up your sleeping mat, and walk"
"the man became healthy again"
The Jews (especially the leaders of the Jews) became angry when they saw the man carrying his mat on the Sabbath because it is God's day of rest.
"The man who made me well"
"The Jewish leaders asked the man who was healed"
"Jesus found the man he had healed"
"the Jewish leaders"
This refers to doing labor, including anything that is done to serve other people.
This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
"saying that he was like God" or "saying that he had as much authority as God"
Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true. See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Jesus, as the Son of God, followed and obeyed his Father's leadership on earth, because Jesus knew the Father loved him.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. It is best to translate “Father” and “Son” with the same words that your language uses to refer to a human father and a human son.
"you will be surprised" or "you will be shocked"
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. God himself is love and is the source of true love.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
This refers to "spiritual life."
The word "for" marks a comparison. The Son of God carries out judgment for God the Father.
God the Son must be honored and worshiped just like God the Father. If we fail to honor God the Son, then we also fail to honor God the Father.
"anyone who hears my message"
"he will not receive condemnation" or "God will not condemn him"
The voice of Jesus, the Son of God, will raise dead people from the grave.
This refers to Jesus, the Son of God. It is best to translate “Son” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human son.
The word "For" marks a comparison. The Son of God has the power to give life, just as the Father does.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. It is best to translate “Father” and “Son” with the same words that your language uses to refer to a human father and a human son.
This means spiritual life.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. It is best to translate “Father” and “Son” with the same words that your language uses to refer to a human father and a human son.
The Son of God has the authority of God the Father to judge.
"This" refers to the fact that Jesus, as the Son of Man, has the power to give eternal life and to carry out judgment.
"hear my voice"
"will rise to live" or "will rise and live"
"will rise to be judged" or "will rise and be judged"
The word "him" refers to God the Father.
"There is someone else who tells people about me"
"what he tells people about me is true"
"I do not need people's testimony"
"so God can save you"
"John taught you about God and this was like a lamp shining its light. And for a while what John said made you happy"
God the Father has sent God the Son, Jesus, to earth. Jesus completes what the Father gives him to do.
"what I do, shows the people that God has sent me"
This emphasizes that it is the Father, not someone less important, who has testified.
"You do not live according to his word" or "You do not obey his word"
"you will find eternal life if you read them" or "the scriptures will tell you how you can have eternal life"
"you refuse to believe my message"
"accept praise"
This can mean 1) "you really do not love God" or 2) "you have really not received God's love."
"with my Father's authority"
welcome as a friend
"If another should come in his own authority"
"There is no way you can believe because you accept glory ... God!"
This means to trust in Jesus.
"accept praise ... seeking the praise"
"whom you expect to help you" or "whom you trust to defend you before the Father you"
"You do not believe his writings, so you will never believe what I say"
That pool was called Bethesda.
A great number of people who were sick, blind, lame, or paralyzed were lying in the porticos of Bethesda
A great number of people who were sick, blind, lame, or paralyzed were lying in the porticos of Bethesda
Jesus asked a certain man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years and who had been lying there a long time
Jesus asked a certain man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years and who had been lying there a long time
The sick man replied, "Sir, I do not have anyone, when the water is stirred up, to put me into the pool. When I am trying, another steps down before me."
Immediately the man was healed, took up his bed, and walked
It upset them because it was a Sabbath and they said the man was not permitted to carry his mat on the Sabbath.
Jesus told him, " See, you have become well! Do not sin any more, lest something worse happens to you."
The man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jeus who had made him well.
Jesus told them, "My Father is working even now, and I, too, work."
This happened because Jesus not only broke the Sabbath (in their minds), but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
He did what he saw the Father doing.
The Father would show the Son greater things than these so the Jewish leaders would be amazed.
The Father gave all judgment to the Son so that all may honor the Son even as they honor the Father.
The Father gave all judgment to the Son so that all may honor the Son even as they honor the Father.
If you don't honor the Son you don't honor the Father who sent him.
If so, you have eternal life and will not be condemned but have passed out of death into life.
The Father has given to the Son to have life in himself.
They will come forth. Those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
They will come forth. Those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
His judgment is righteous because he is not seeking his own will but the will of the Father who sent him.
The works that Jesus did testified that he was sent from the Father.
The Jewish leaders had neither heard his voice nor seen his form at any time.
They searched them because they thought that in them they had eternal life.
The scriptures testify concerning Jesus.
They were not seeking the praise that comes from the only God.
Moses was going to accuse the Jewish leaders before the Father.
He says the Jewish leaders would believe in Jesus if they believed Moses because Moses wrote concerning Jesus.
He says the Jewish leaders would believe in Jesus if they believed Moses because Moses wrote concerning Jesus.
1 After these things, Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A great crowd was following him because they saw the signs that he was doing on those who were sick. 3 Jesus went up the mountain and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 (Now the Passover, the Jewish festival, was near.) 5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming to him, he said to Philip, "Where are we going to buy bread so that these may eat?" 6 (But Jesus said this to test Philip, for he himself knew what he was going to do.) 7 Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be sufficient for each one to have even a little." 8 One of the disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to Jesus, 9 "There is a boy here who has five loaves of barley bread and two fish, but what are these among so many?" 10 Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves and after giving thanks, he gave it to those who were sitting. He did the same with the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 When the people were filled, he said to his disciples, "Gather up the broken pieces which remain, so that nothing will be lost." 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. 14 Then, when the people saw this sign that he did, they said, "This truly is the prophet who is to come into the world." 15 When Jesus realized that they were about to come and seize him by force to make him king, he withdrew again up the mountain by himself.
16 When it became evening, his disciples went down to the sea. 17 They got into a boat, and were going over the sea to Capernaum. It was dark by this time, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 A strong wind was blowing, and the sea was getting rough. 19 When they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were afraid. 20 But he said to them, "It is I! Do not be afraid." 21 Then they were willing to receive him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land where they were going.
22 The next day, the crowd that had been standing on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there except the one, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 However, there were some boats that came from Tiberias close to the place where they had eaten the bread loaves after the Lord had given thanks. 24 When the crowd discovered that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum seeking Jesus. 25 After they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?" 26 Jesus replied to them, saying, "Truly, truly, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate some of the bread loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the food that perishes, but labor for the food that endures to eternal life which the Son of Man will give you, for God the Father has set his seal on him." 28 Then they said to him, "What must we do, so that we may do the works of God?" 29 Jesus replied and said to them, "This is the work of God: That you believe in the one whom he has sent." 30 So they said to him, "What sign then will you do, so that we may see and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" 32 Then Jesus replied to them, "Truly, truly, it was not Moses who gave you the bread out of heaven, but it is my Father who is giving you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." 34 So they said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always." 35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me will not be hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I told you that indeed you have seen me, and you do not believe. 37 Everyone whom the Father gives me will come to me, and he who comes to me I will certainly not throw out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. 39 This is the will of him who sent me, that I would lose not one of all those whom he has given me, but will raise them up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him will have eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day."
41 Then the Jews grumbled about him because he had said, "I am the bread that has come down from heaven." 42 They said, "Is not this Jesus son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then does he now say, 'I have come down from heaven'?" 43 Jesus replied and said to them, "Stop grumbling among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, 'Everyone will be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except he who is from God—he has seen the Father. 47 Truly, truly, he who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread which comes down from heaven, so that a person may eat some of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats some of this bread, he will live forever. The bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."
52 The Jews became angry among themselves and began to argue, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" 53 Then Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in yourselves. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and as I live because of the Father, so he who eats me, he will also live because of me. 58 This is the bread that has come down from heaven, not as the fathers ate and died. He who eats this bread will live forever." 59 But Jesus said these things in the synagogue while he was teaching in Capernaum.
60 Then many of his disciples who heard this said, "This is a difficult saying; who can hear it?" 61 Jesus, because he knew in himself that his disciples were grumbling at this, said to them, "Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you should see the Son of Man going up to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who makes alive; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit, and they are life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who were the ones that would not believe and who it was who would betray him. 65 He said, "It is because of this that I said to you that no one can come to me unless it is granted to him by the Father."
66 Because of this, many of his disciples went away and no longer walked with him. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?" 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed and come to know that you are the Holy One of God." [1]70 Jesus said to them, "Did not I choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?" 71 Now he spoke of Judas son of Simon Iscariot, for it was he, one of the twelve, who would betray Jesus.
The king of any nation was the richest and most powerful person in that nation. The people wanted Jesus to be their king because he gave them food and so they thought he would make the Jews into the richest and most powerful nation in the world. They did not understand that Jesus came to die so God could forgive his people's sins and that the world would persecute his people.
Bread was the most common and important food in Jesus's day, and so the word "bread" was their general word for "food." It is often difficult to translate the word "bread" into the languages of people who do not eat bread because the general word for food in some languages refers to food that did not exist in Jesus's culture. Jesus used the word "bread" to refer to himself. He wanted them to understand that they need him so they can have eternal life.
When Jesus said, "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in yourselves," he knew that before he died he would tell his followers to do this by eating bread and drinking wine. In the event this chapter describes, he expected that his hearers would understand that he was using a metaphor but would not understand what the metaphor referred to. (See: flesh and blood)
Several times in this passage, John explains something or gives the reader some context to better understand the story. These explanation are intended to give the reader some additional knowledge without interrupting the flow of the narrative. The information is placed inside parentheses.
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
[6:4]
Passover is a feast that Jews celebrated. They held this feast in Jerusalem. John said that the feast of the Passover “neared”(ἐγγύς/g1451). He did not say when this would happen (see: 2:13).
See: Passover
[6:5]
Some scholars think Jesus “tested”(πειράζω/g3985) Philip to teach him something. Jesus taught this way often. Other scholars think Jesus showed Philip that he was truly the Messiah.
See: Test; Messiah (Christ)
[6:7]
Philip said 200 denarii was not enough money to buy bread for all the people. This was a very large crowd because this was a large amount of money. Usually, it would take someone about 200 days to make 200 denarii. Andrew said he found a boy with five loaves of bread and two fish. However, this was not enough to feed this large crowd.
See: Denarius
[6:10]
John said 5000 men sat in the crowd of people. Perhaps, this was only the number of men. There were also women and children in the crowd (see: Matthew 14:21). Therefore, there were more than 5000 people in the crowd.
[6:11]
John said that Jesus “gave thanks”(εὐχαριστέω/g2168). Some scholars think that Jesus “gave thanks” for the food. They think his giving thanks caused the miracle to happen. Other scholars think Jesus “gave thanks” to God, because God gave them the food. Jesus gave the food to the disciples for them to give to the people (see: Matthew 14:19).
See: Thanksgiving; Miracle
[6:14]
Because people saw the “sign”(σημεῖον/g4592) Jesus did for them, they said he was a prophet. The people thought a prophet was coming into the world (see: Deuteronomy 18:15-19). Jesus knew the crowds wanted to make him their king. Some scholars think Jesus knew this even though no one said this because he was God and knew what people thought. John said that Jesus went away from the crowds and went up the mountain (see: Matthew 14:22-23).
See: Miracle; Sign; Prophet; Jesus is God
[6:17]
The book of Matthew said that Jesus told his disciples to get into the boat and go to Capernaum without him (see: Matthew 14:22). The disciples did what Jesus told them to do.
See: Disciple
See Map: Capernaum
[6:19]
After the disciples went about five kilometers in the boat, Jesus came to the boat. Jesus walked on the water. Jesus told them not to be afraid because “it is I” because he frightened the disciples. Some scholars think Jesus simply told the disciples that it was just him who was walking on the water. Other scholars think Jesus declared that he is God. This is because “it is I” can also be translated as “I am.” This is the same thing God said when he told Moses his name (see: Exodus 3:14).
See: Disciple; Yahweh (I am)
[6:21]
When Jesus stepped into the disciple’s boat, John said they made it to where they were going immediately. Some scholars think this was another miracle. Other scholars think John meant that nothing stopped them from getting to the other side of the lake.
See: Disciple; Miracle
See Map: Capernaum
[6:25]
The crowd called Jesus “rabbi”(ῥαββί/g4461). People called a teacher who was qualified to speak about the Law of Moses and how to live by the Law of Moses a “Rabbi.”
See: Law of Moses
[6:27]
John said that certain food endures to living forever. Scholars disagree about what John was thinking about when he said this.
See: Heaven
[6:27]
Some scholars think that the “seal of God” and the image of God are the same (see: Colossians 1:15). More scholars think that the “seal of God” is a metaphor for God saying that Jesus is the only one who has the power to give food that endures to living forever.
See: Seal; Image; Metaphor
[6:29]
Jesus said that the “work of God” is the same as to “believing (πιστεύω/g4100) in the person God sent to the world. That is, it is the same as believing in Jesus. This means that people need to trust Jesus as the one who gives people the ability to live together with God in heaven forever (see: 6:27; Acts 4:10-12).
See: Faith (Believe in); Heaven
[6:30]
Because the people spoke about the miracle of “manna”(μάννα/g3131) in the wilderness, scholars think they looked for a “sign”(σημεῖον/g4592) far greater than the one given during the time of Moses.
See: Sign; Miracle; Manna
[6:32]
Jesus said the Father gives the “true(ἀληθινός/g0228) bread” that comes from heaven. This bread gives life, but it is a certain type of life. It is living together with God in heaven forever. Also, Jesus told the people that God the Father gave the bread from heaven during the days of Moses. That bread was food that fed the people physically in the wilderness. Jesus used the phrase “true bread” to speak about himself. That is, he makes it so that people can live together with God in heaven forever. Jesus clearly said, “I Am the bread of life.” Jesus told the people that to have the bread of life, they needed to come to him and believe in him.
See: Heaven; God the Father; Wilderness
[6:40]
See: Will of God
[6:44]
Some scholars think that all people are born rejecting God and not wanting to believe in Jesus. They think that someone cannot believe in Jesus without God first doing something. That is, they cannot believe in Jesus unless God uses the Holy Spirit to convince them or make them believe in Jesus. Other scholars think God “draws”(ἑλκύω/g1670) people by showing himself in the world he has made. They think the world shows God’s power and also his great love and concern for mankind. These scholars think God also showed people his love by dying for their sins. This draws people to believe in Jesus.
See: Elect (Election); Holy Spirit; Sin
[6:51]
Jesus said he was the “bread of life.” He wanted to say that he would die so that people would live together with God in heaven forever. Some scholars think Jesus is saying that he not only makes it so that people can live together with God in heaven, he also makes things last forever. This is the opposite of the manna given in the wilderness. That is, this bread only gave life for a short time.
See: Heaven; Manna; Wilderness
[6:53]
Jesus used the metaphor of eating his flesh and drinking his blood to show what a person must do to live together with God in heaven forever. When someone believes in Jesus, they do so “inside” of them, they make Jesus part of them in some way. When a person eats bread or drinks water, the food and drink becomes part of that person. It gives him energy for living. Jesus gave his actual flesh when he died on the cross. His blood was actually spilled out on the cross. When a person believes in Jesus, he is believing in the flesh and blood of Jesus being given as a sacrifice on the cross.
See: Metaphor; Heaven; Cross; Sacrifice; Blood
[6:60]
Many disciples thought that the words of Jesus were difficult to understand. Perhaps they did not really understand what he was saying to them.
See: Disciple
[6:63]
Both the Jewish leaders and the disciples of Jesus did not understand the words Jesus spoke. Jesus explained that the things he said came from the Spirit of God, therefore they could only be understood by the Spirit. The Jewish leaders and the disciples were trying to understand the words of Jesus through their own wisdom.
See: Disciple; Holy Spirit; Wise (Wisdom, Fool)
[6:68]
Peter spoke for the twelve disciples and said to Jesus, “you have the words of eternal life”(see: 6:67). They also knew that Jesus was the “Holy One”(ἅγιος/g0040) of God. This means they believed that Jesus was the Messiah that God promised from long ago.
See: Disciple; Eternal Life; Holy (Holiness, Set Apart); Messiah (Christ)
Jesus has traveled from Jerusalem to Galilee. A crowd has followed him up a mountainside. These verses tell the setting of this part of the story.
The phrase "these things" refers to the events in John 5:1-46 and introduces the event that follows.
It is implied in the text that Jesus traveled by boat and took his disciples with him. Alternate translation: "Jesus traveled by boat with his disciples"
"A large number of people"
This refers to the miracles that are used as evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over everything.
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John briefly stops telling about the events in the story in order to give background information about when the events happened.
The action in the story begins in verse 5.
John briefly stops telling about the events in the story in order to explain why Jesus asked Philip where to buy bread.
The reflexive pronoun "himself" makes it clear that the word "he" refers to Jesus. Jesus knew what he would do.
The word "denarii" is the plural of "denarius." Alternate translation: "The amount of bread that costs two hundred days' wages"
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Loaves of bread are lumps of dough that are shaped and baked. These were probably small dense, round loaves.
This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that they do not have enough food to feed everyone. Alternate translation: "these few loaves and fishes are not enough to feed so many people!"
"lie down"
John briefly stops telling about the events in the story in order to give background information about the place where this event happens.
While the crowd probably included women and children (John 6:4-5), here John is counting only the men.
Jesus prayed to God the Father and thanked him for the fish and the loaves.
"he" here represents "Jesus and his disciples." Alternate translation: "Jesus and his disciples gave it"
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Jesus withdraws from the crowd. This is the end of the part of the story about Jesus feeding the crowd on the mountain.
"the disciples gathered"
the food that no one had eaten
Jesus feeding the 5,000 people with five barley loaves and two fish
the special prophet who Moses said would come into the world
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This is the next event in the story. Jesus's disciples go out onto the lake in a boat.
Use your language's way of showing that this is background information.
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Boats usually had two, four, or six people rowing with rowers on each side working together. Your culture may have different ways of making a boat go across a large body of water.
A "stadium" is 185 meters. Alternate translation: "about five or six kilometers"
"Stop being afraid!"
It is implied that Jesus gets into the boat. Alternate translation: "they gladly received him into the boat"
"the Sea of Galilee"
This double negative emphasizes that the one boat is the only one that was there. Alternate translation: "there was only that one boat there"
Use your language's way of showing that this is background information.
Here, John provides more background information. The next day, after Jesus fed the people, some boats with people from Tiberius came to see Jesus. However, Jesus and his disciples had left the night before.
The people go to Capernaum to find Jesus. When they see him, they start asking him questions.
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See how you translated this in John 1:51.
God the Father has given his approval to Jesus, the Son of Man, to give eternal life to those who believe in him.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between Jesus and God.
To "set a seal" on something means to place a mark on it to show to whom it belongs. This means that the Son belongs to the Father and that the Father approves of him in every way.
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"Our forefathers" or "Our ancestors"
This refers to the place where God lives.
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
The "true bread" is a metaphor for Jesus. Alternate translation: "the Father gives to you the Son as the true bread from heaven"
This is an important title for God.
"gives spiritual life to the world"
Here the "world" is a metonym for all of the people in the world who trust in Jesus.
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Through metaphor, Jesus compares himself with bread. Just as bread is necessary for our physical life, Jesus is necessary for our spiritual life. Alternate translation: "Just as food keeps you alive physically, I can give you spiritual life"
This means to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, to trust him as Savior, and to live in a way that honors him.
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God the Father and God the Son will save forever those who believe in Jesus.
This is an important title for God.
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I will keep everyone who comes to me"
Jesus continues speaking to the crowd.
"my Father, who sent me"
Here litotes is used to emphasize that Jesus will keep everyone that God gives to him. Alternate translation: "I should keep all of them"
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "will cause them to live again"
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The Jewish leaders interrupt Jesus as he is speaking to the crowd.
talked unhappily
Just as bread is necessary for our physical life, Jesus is necessary for our spiritual life. See how you translated this in [John 6:35]
This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that the Jewish leaders believe that Jesus is no one special. Alternate translation: "This is just Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know!
This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that the Jewish leaders do not believe that Jesus came from heaven. Alternate translation: "He is lying when he says that he came from heaven!"
Jesus continues speaking to the crowd and now also to the Jewish leaders.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "cause him to live again"
This can mean 1) "pulls" or 2) "attracts."
This is an important title for God.
This is a passive statement that can be translated in an active form. Alternate translation: "The prophets wrote"
The Jews thought Jesus was the "son of Joseph" (John 6:42), but he is the Son of God because his Father is God, not Joseph. Those who truly learn from God the Father believe in Jesus, who is God the Son.
Jesus now continues speaking to the crowd and the Jewish leaders.
"I am not saying that anyone has seen the Father. Only he who is from God-he has seen the Father"
This is an important title for God.
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
God gives "eternal life" to those who trust in Jesus, the Son of God.
Just as bread is necessary for our physical life, Jesus is necessary for our spiritual life. See how you translated this in [John 6:35]
"Your forefathers" or "Your ancestors"
This refers to physical death.
Here "bread" is a metaphor that points to Jesus who is the one who gives spiritual life just as bread sustains physical life. Alternate translation: "I am like the true bread"
"live forever." Here the word "die" refers to spiritual death.
This means "the bread that causes people to live" (John 6:35).
Here "the world" is a metonym that represents the lives of all the people in the world. Alternate translation: "that will give life to all the people in the world"
Some Jews who are present begin to argue among themselves and Jesus responds to their question.
This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that the Jewish leaders are reacting negatively to what Jesus has said about "his flesh." Alternate translation: "There is no way that this man can give us his flesh to eat!"
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Here the phrases "eat the flesh" and "drink his blood" are a metaphor that shows how trusting in Jesus, the Son of Man, is like receiving spiritual food and drink. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor clearer than Jesus did.
"you will not receive eternal life"
Jesus continues speaking to all those listening to him.
The phrases "eats my flesh" and "drinks my blood" are a metaphor for trusting Jesus. Just as people need food and drink in order to live, people need to trust Jesus in order to have eternal life. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor more clear than Jesus did.
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "cause him to live again"
"on the day when God judges everyone"
The phrases "true food" and "true drink" are a metaphor that means Jesus gives life to those who trust in him. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor clearer than Jesus did.
"has a close relationship with me"
The phrase "eats me" is a metaphor for trusting Jesus. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor clearer than Jesus did.
Possible meanings are 1) "the Father who gives life" or 2) "the Father who is alive."
This is an important title for God.
Jesus was speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "I am the bread that has come down from heaven"
The bread is a metaphor for what gives life. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor clearer than Jesus did.
Jesus spoke about himself as "this bread." Alternate translation: "He who eats me, the bread, will live forever"
Here "eats this bread" is a metaphor for trusting Jesus. However, the Jews did not understand this. Do not make the meaning of this metaphor clearer than Jesus did.
"the forefathers" or "the ancestors"
Here John gives background information about when this event happened.
Some of the disciples ask a question and Jesus responds, as he continues speaking to the crowd.
The disciples use this question to emphasize that they cannot do this. Alternate translation: "no one can hear it!" or "it is too hard to hear!"
Possible meanings are 1) "hear it" is a synecdoche for "understand it" or 2) "hear it" is a synecdoche for "agree with it"
"Does this shock you?" or "Does this upset you?"
Jesus offers this remark in the form of a question to emphasize that his disciples will see other things that are also hard to understand. Alternate translation: "Then you will not know what to think when you see me, the Son of Man, going up into heaven!"
The word "profit" means to cause good things to happen.
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus's words in [John 6:32-58]
"What I have told you"
Possible meanings are 1) "are about the Spirit and eternal life" or 2) "are from the Spirit and give eternal life" or 3) "are about spiritual things and life."
Jesus finishes speaking to the crowd.
Here John gives background information about what Jesus knew would happen.
Whoever wants to believe must come to God through the Son. Only God the Father allows people to come to Jesus.
This is an important title for God.
"follow me and receive eternal life"
Jesus went from one place to another by walking, so it is literally true that they did not walk where and when he walked, but the reader should also be able to understand that this metaphor indicates that they no longer wanted to hear what he had to say.
Here "his disciples" refers to the general group of people who followed Jesus.
This is an ellipsis for "the twelve disciples," a specific group of twelve men who followed Jesus for his entire ministry. Alternate translation: "the twelve disciples"
Simon Peter gives this remark in the form of a question to emphasize that he desires to follow only Jesus. Alternate translation: "Lord, we could never follow anyone but you!"
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Jesus gives this remark in the form of a question to draw attention to the fact that one of the disciples will betray him. Alternate translation: "I chose you all myself, yet one of you is a servant of Satan!"
Verse 71 is not part of the main story. Here John comments on what Jesus said.
The phrase "these things" refers to the events in John 5:1-46 and introduces the event that follows.
"Jesus traveled by boat with his disciples"
This refers to the miracles that are used as evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over everything.
John briefly stops telling about the events in the story in order to give background information about when the events happened.
John briefly stops telling about the events in the story in order to explain why Jesus asked Philip where to buy bread.
Jesus knew what he would do.
"The amount of bread that costs two hundred days' wages"
"these few loaves and fishes are not enough to feed so many people!"
While the crowd probably included women and children in John 6:4-5, here John is counting only the men.
Jesus prayed to God the Father and thanked him for the fish and the loaves.
"Jesus and his disciples gave it"
"the disciples gathered"
Jesus feeding the 5,000 people with five barley loaves and two fish
the special prophet who Moses said would come into the world
Boats usually had two, four, or six people rowing with rowers on each side working together. Your culture may have different ways of making a boat go across a large body of water.
"about five or six kilometers"
"they gladly received him into the boat"
"the Sea of Galilee"
"there was only that one boat there"
The next day, after Jesus fed the people, some boats with people from Tiberius came to see Jesus.
Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true.
God the Father has given his approval to Jesus, the Son of Man, to give eternal life to those who believe in him.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. It is best to translate “Father” and “Son” with the same words that your language uses to refer to a human father and a human son.
"Our forefathers" or "Our ancestors"
This refers to the place where God lives.
"the Father gives to you the Son as the true bread from heaven"
"gives spiritual life to the world"
Here, the "world" refers to all of the people in the world who trust in Jesus.
"Just as food keeps you alive physically, I can give you spiritual life"
This means to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, to trust him as Savior, and to live in a way that honors him.
God the Father and God the Son will save forever those who believe in Jesus.
This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
"I will keep everyone who comes to me"
"my Father, who sent me"
"I should keep all of them"
"will cause them to live again"
talked unhappily
"I am the one who is like true bread"
"This is just Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know!
"He is lying when he says that he came from heaven!"
"cause him to live again"
This can mean 1) "pulls" or 2) "attracts."
This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
"The prophets wrote"
Those who truly learn from God the Father believe in Jesus, who is God the Son.
"I am not saying that anyone has seen the Father. Only he who is from God-he has seen the Father"
This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
God gives "eternal life" to those who trust in Jesus, the Son of God.
"Just like food that keeps you alive physically, I can give you spiritual life that lasts forever"
"Your forefathers" or "Your ancestors"
This refers to physical death.
"I am like the true bread"
"live forever." Here the word "die" refers to spiritual death.
This means "the bread that causes people to live"
"that will give life to all the people in the world"
"There is no way that this man can give us his flesh to eat!"
Here, the phrases "eat the flesh" and "drink his blood" shows how trusting in Jesus, the Son of Man, is like receiving spiritual food and drink. However, the Jews did not understand this.
"you will not receive eternal life"
"cause him to live again"
"on the day when God judges everyone"
The phrases "true food" and "true drink" means Jesus gives life to those who trust in him. However, the Jews did not understand this.
"has a close relationship with me"
The phrase "eats me" means to trust Jesus. However, the Jews did not understand this.
Possible meanings are 1) "the Father who gives life" or 2) "the Father who is alive."
This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
"I am the bread that has come down from heaven"
"He who eats me, the bread, will live forever"
Here "eats this bread" means to trust Jesus. However, the Jews did not understand this.
"the forefathers" or "the ancestors"
Here John gives background information about when this event happened.
"no one can understand it!" or "it is too hard to understand!"
"Does this shock you?" or "Does this upset you?"
"Then you will not know what to think when you see me, the Son of Man, going up into heaven!"
The word "profit" means to cause good things to happen.
"What I have told you"
Possible meanings are 1) "are about the Spirit and eternal life" or 2) "are from the Spirit and give eternal life" or 3) "are about spiritual things and life."
Here John gives background information about what Jesus knew would happen.
Whoever wants to believe must come to God through the Son. Only God the Father allows people to come to Jesus.
This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
"follow me and receive eternal life"
They no longer wanted to hear what he had to say.
Here "his disciples" refers to the general group of people who followed Jesus.
"the twelve disciples"
"Lord, we could never follow anyone but you!"
"I chose you all myself, yet one of you is a servant of Satan!"
The Sea of Galilee was also called the Sea of Tiberias.
They followed him because they were seeing the signs that Jesus was doing on those who were sick.
He saw a great crowd coming to him.
He saw a great crowd coming to him.
Jesus said this to test Philip.
Jesus said this to test Philip.
Philip said, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be sufficient for each one to have even a little."
Andrew said, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these among so many?"
Andrew said, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these among so many?"
There were about five thousand men there.
Jesus took the loaves and after giving thanks, he distributed to those who were sitting. He distributed the fish in the same way.
They got as much as they wanted to eat.
The disciples filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves—the pieces left over from those who had eaten.
Jesus withdrew because he realized the people, after seeing the sign he did (feeding of the five thousand), were about to come and seize him by force and make him king.
Jesus withdrew because he realized the people, after seeing the sign he did (feeding of the five thousand), were about to come and seize him by force and make him king.
A strong wind began to blow and the sea started getting rough.
They were afraid because they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat.
Jesus said to them, "It is I! Do not be afraid."
Jesus said they were seeking him not because they saw signs, but because they ate some of the loaves and were filled.
Jesus told them to stop working for the food that perishes, but work for the food that endures to everlasting life.
Jesus told the crowd, "This is the work of God: that you believe in the one whom he has sent.
Jesus says that he is the bread of life.
All whom the Father gives to Jesus will come to him.
The Father's will is that Jesus should lose none that the Father has given him and that everyone who sees the son and believes in him should have eternal life; and Jesus will raise him up on the last day.
The Father's will is that Jesus should lose none that the Father has given him and that everyone who sees the son and believes in him should have eternal life; and Jesus will raise him up on the last day.
A man can only come to Jesus if his Father draws him.
Only he who is from God has seen the Father.
The bread that Jesus will give is his flesh for the life of the world.
In order to have life within yourself you must eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood.
If we eat his flesh and drink his blood we will remain in Jesus and him in us.
Jesus lives because of the Father.
When the disciples heard this teaching many of them said, "This is a difficult teaching; who can accept it?" After this many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him.
Jesus knew from the beginning who the ones were who would not believe and who it was who would betray him.
Simon Peter answered him and said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of everlasting life, and we have believed and come to know that you are the Holy One of God."
Simon Peter answered him and said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of everlasting life, and we have believed and come to know that you are the Holy One of God."
Simon Peter answered him and said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of everlasting life, and we have believed and come to know that you are the Holy One of God."
Jesus spoke of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, for it was he, being one of the twelve, who would betray Jesus.
Jesus spoke of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, for it was he, being one of the twelve, who would betray Jesus.
1 After these things Jesus traveled about in Galilee, for he did not want to go into Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill him. 2 Now the Jewish Festival of Shelters was near. 3 His brothers therefore said to him, "Leave this place and go to Judea, so that your disciples also may see the works that you do. 4 No one does anything in secret if he himself seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world." 5 For even his brothers did not believe in him. 6 Jesus therefore said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. 8 You go up to the festival; I am not going to this festival because my time has not yet been fulfilled." 9 After he said these things to them, he stayed in Galilee.
10 But when his brothers had gone up to the festival, then he also went up, not publicly but in secret. 11 The Jews were looking for him at the festival and said, "Where is he?" 12 There was much discussion among the crowds about him. Some said, "He is a good man." Others said, "No, he leads the crowds astray." 13 Yet no one spoke openly about him for fear of the Jews.
14 When the festival was already half over, Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. 15 Then the Jews marveled, saying, "How does this man know so much? He has never been educated." 16 Jesus answered them and said, "My teaching is not mine, but is of him who sent me. 17 If anyone wishes to do his will, he will know about this teaching, whether it comes from God, or whether I speak from myself. 18 Whoever speaks from himself seeks his own glory, but whoever seeks the glory of him who sent him, that person is true, and there is no unrighteousness in him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?" 20 The crowd answered, "You have a demon. Who seeks to kill you?" 21 Jesus answered and said to them, "I did one work, and you all marvel because of it. 22 Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the ancestors), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a man. 23 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses is not broken, why are you angry with me because I made a man completely healthy on the Sabbath? 24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge righteously."
25 Some of them from Jerusalem said, "Is not this the one they seek to kill? 26 See, he speaks openly, and they say nothing to him. It cannot be that the rulers indeed know that this is the Christ, can it? 27 Yet we know where this one is from. But when the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from." 28 Then Jesus cried out in the temple, teaching and saying, "You both know me and know where I come from. I have not come of myself, but he who sent me is true, and you do not know him. 29 I know him because I come from him and he sent me." 30 They were trying to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him because his hour had not yet come. 31 But many in the crowd believed in him, and they said, "When the Christ comes, will he do more signs than what this one has done?" 32 The Pharisees heard the crowds whispering these things about Jesus, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to arrest him. 33 Jesus then said, "I am still with you for a short amount of time, and then I go to him who sent me. 34 You will seek me but you will not find me; where I go, you will not be able to come." 35 The Jews therefore said among themselves, "Where will this man go that we will not be able to find him? Will he go to the dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What is this word that he said, 'You will seek me but will not find me; where I go, you will not be able to come'?"
37 Now on the last, great day of the festival, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38 He who believes in me, just as the scripture says, rivers of living water will flow from his belly." 39 But he said this about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him would receive; the Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus was not yet glorified. 40 Some of the crowd, when they heard these words, said, "This is indeed the prophet." 41 Others said, "This is the Christ." But some said, "Does the Christ come from Galilee? 42 Have the scriptures not said that the Christ will come from the descendants of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?" 43 So there arose a division in the crowds because of him. 44 Some of them would have arrested him, but no one laid hands on him.
45 Then the officers came back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why did you not bring him?" 46 The officers answered, "Never has anyone spoken like this." 47 So the Pharisees answered them, "Have you also been deceived? 48 Have any of the rulers believed in him, or any of the Pharisees? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law, they are cursed." 50 Nicodemus (one of the Pharisees, who came to him earlier) said to them, 51 "Does our law judge a man before hearing from him and knowing what he does?" 52 They answered and said to him, "Are you also from Galilee? Search and see that no prophet comes from Galilee."
53[1] [Then everyone went to his own house.
This whole chapter concerns the concept of believing Jesus to be the Messiah. Some people believed this to be true while others rejected it. Some were willing to recognize his power and even the possibility that he was a prophet, but most were unwilling to believe that he was the Messiah. (See: christ and prophet)
Translators may wish to include a note at verse 53 to explain to the reader why they have chosen or chosen not to translate verses 7:53-8:11.
This phrase and "his hour had not yet come" are used in this chapter to indicate that Jesus is in control of the events unfolding in his life.
This is an important image used in the New Testament. It is a metaphor. Because this metaphor is given in a desert environment, it probably emphasizes that Jesus is able to give life sustaining nourishment.
Jesus gives a prophecy about his life without an explicit statement in John 7:33-34.
Nicodemus explains to the other Pharisees that the Law requires him to hear directly from a person before making a judgment about them. The Pharisees in turn made a judgment about Jesus without speaking to Jesus.
Jesus's brothers did not believe Jesus was the Messiah. (See: believe)
This term is used in two different ways in this passage. It is used specifically in reference to the Jewish leaders who were trying to kill him (John 7:1). It is also used in reference to the people of Judea in general who had a positive opinion of Jesus (John 7:13). The translator may wish to use the terms "Jewish leaders" and "Jewish people" or "Jews (leaders)" and "Jews (in general)."
[7:1]
John spoke about certain Jews who wanted to kill Jesus. When John said this, he was speaking about some of the Jewish leaders who wanted to kill Jesus at previous times (see: 5:18).
[7:2]
The Festival of “Shelters”(σκηνοπηγία/g4634) was one of three great feasts for the people of Israel. Jews celebrated every year because of God’s command (see: Leviticus 23:33-43). The people built shelters from palm branches. This is what gave the festival its name. They lived in these shelters during the feast. This festival celebrated God’s faithfulness during Israel’s wandering in the wilderness (see: Exodus 12-40). During this time, Israel lived in temporary shelters. The festival celebrated the fall harvest and had seven days of sacrifices. On the eighth day, they rested and gave more offerings and all the people came together.
See: Festival of Shelters
7:6-9
[7:6]
Some scholars think Jesus’ used the word “time”(καιρός/2540) to speak about the moment which Jesus revealed himself to be the messiah. Some scholars think Jesus was thinking that it was not yet time for him to die. Other scholars think Jesus was simply waiting for the best time to go to the festival. The best time was after the crowds gathered for the feast.
See: Messiah (Christ); Reveal (Revelation)
[7"7]
When Jesus spoke about the “world”(κόσμος/2889), he spoke about all the things that opposed God in every way. That is, the world is opposed to God because God gave the Devil permission to rule the world. And the Devil hates that Jesus speaks the truth about God. The Jewish religious leaders also hated Jesus because he spoke the truth about God.
See: World; Satan (The Devil)
[7:8]
Some ancient copies of the Bible said “I am not going up to this feast.” This means that Jesus was not going to the feast at any time. Other ancient copies of the Bible said “I am not yet going up to the feast.” This means that Jesus was going to the feast, but he was not going to the feast yet. They both mean that it was not the right time for Jesus to go up to the feast.
See: Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible
[7:13]
Though many of the people at the feast knew Jesus to be a good man and that he did many miracles, they feared speaking about Jesus because the Jewish leaders punished those who spoke well of Jesus. Perhaps the Jewish leaders believed Jesus did not speak the truth about God.
See: Miracle
[7:15]
Jesus taught the scriptures in a way the Jewish leaders did not know. People living in that time period only studied the scriptures when they were taught by a rabbi. When someone taught, the Jewish leaders knew which rabbi was their teacher. The Jewish leaders did not know who taught Jesus. Therefore, they said that Jesus never studied the scriptures.
See: Rabbi
[7:17]
When a person is “willing”(θέλω/g2309) to do what God wants, it means he makes a choice to learn what God wants him to do and wants to do the things God wants him to do. He can do this by going through and learning the scriptures to see what they say about God and the things God wants.
[7:17. 7:18]
A person who is willing to do what God wants, will be able to know if someone is teaching the truth about God. That is, because a person learns about what God wants by reading and studying the scriptures, he will know what is the truth about God.
[7:22]
The Law of Moses told the Jews to circumcise their male children. God commanded Abraham to use circumcision. This was before the birth of Moses (see: Genesis 17:9-14). The Jews circumcised each male child eight days after birth. If the eighth day was a Sabbath, they circumcised the baby on the Sabbath.
See: Law of Moses; Circumcise (Circumcision); Sabbath
[7:23]
The sabbath laws did not forbid people from doing good on the sabbath day. However, the Jewish leaders avoided doing any kind of work. This made it seem that they obeyed the sabbath laws in the Law of Moses. Jesus challenged the thinking of the Jewish leaders with doing good things on the sabbath (see: Matthew 12:11-12; Luke 13:14-17). Once again, Jesus told the Jewish leaders to judge by what is “right”(δίκαιος/g1342) and good.
See: Sabbath; Circumcise (Circumcision); Law of Moses
[7:26, 7:27]
Some people thought that Jesus cannot be the Messiah. They knew Jesus grew up in Nazareth. They thought the Messiah came through a miracle and when no one thought he would come. Malachi said that the Lord will suddenly come to His temple (see: Malachi 3:1). Therefore, some people thought no one would know from where the Messiah comes.
See: Messiah (Christ); Miracle, Temple
[7:31]
These Jews believed Jesus was the messiah because they knew when the true messiah came to Israel, he was not going to do more miraculous signs than Jesus already did.
See: Messiah (Christ); Miracle; Sign
[7:30]
The Jewish leaders wanted to arrest Jesus, but it was not his “hour.” That is, it was not the time he knew that he would be killed and wanted to die so that people could have peace with God (see: 8:20; 12:23-27; 13:1; 17:1). Jesus was not able to be arrested until God allowed it to happen.
[7:34]
Many scholars think Jesus spoke about going to the cross to die for sin, rising from the dead, and then going to the Father in heaven. The Jewish leaders did not know that Jesus spoke about returning to heaven. That is, from where he came. They thought Jesus spoke about going to one of the Gentile nations.
See: Cross; Sin; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; God the Father; Heaven; Gentile
[7:37]
Many scholars think that in the same was God gave water from a rock in the wilderness to provide the physical needs of the people of Israel, “drinking” from Jesus provided their spiritual needs (see: Numbers 20:1-13). This was a metaphor. People come to Jesus and drink by believing in him. The Bible speaks of this. Jesus said that for those people who believe in him, there will be living water flowing from them. The living water is a metaphor for the Spirit of God who comes to live in those who believe in Jesus Christ (see: Ephesians 1:13-14).
See: Wilderness; Spirit (Spiritual); Metaphor; Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
[7:43]
John wrote five different ways the things Jesus said divided the people. 1. Some people thought Jesus was the Messiah. They even said this. 1. Other people did not think he was the Messiah. They thought the Messiah to came from Bethlehem. They did not know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. He moved to Galilee and grew up in that area. 1. Some people wanted Jesus arrested because he made them angry. 1. He confused many officials because they never heard anyone speak in the way he spoke. 1. The Jewish leaders began to question whether any of the officials believed in Jesus. They set out to prove that no prophet came from Galilee.
See: Messiah (Christ); Prophet
See Map: Bethlehem, Galilee
Jesus is in Galilee speaking to his brothers. These verses tell about when this event occurred.
These words tell the reader that the writer will begin talking about a new event. "After he finished speaking with the disciples" (John 6:66-71) or "Some time later"
The reader should understand that Jesus is probably walking rather than riding on an animal or in a vehicle.
Here "the Jews" is a synecdoche for "the Jewish leaders." Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders were making plans to kill him"
"Now the time for the festival of the Jews was near" or "Now it was almost time for the Jewish festival of Shelters"
This refers to the actual younger brothers of Jesus, the sons of Mary and Joseph.
The word "works" refers to the miracles that Jesus had performed.
The word "himself" is a reflexive pronoun that emphasizes the word "he."
Here "the world" is a metonym for all of the people in the world. Alternate translation: "all people" or "everyone"
This sentence is a stop from the main story. Here John gives background information about the brothers of Jesus.
All of Jesus's brothers were younger than he was. This can be made explicit in the translation as long as it does not suggest that Jesus also had older brothers. Alternate translation: "his younger brothers"
The word "time" is a metonym. Jesus is implying that it is not the right time for him to bring his ministry to a close. Alternate translation: "It is not the right time for me to end my work"
"any time is good for you"
Here the "world" is a metonym for the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: "The people in the world cannot hate you"
"I tell them that what they are doing is evil"
Jesus continues speaking to his brothers.
Here Jesus is implying that if he goes to Jerusalem, he will bring his work to an end. Alternate translation: "It is not the right time for me to go to Jerusalem"
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The setting of the story has changed. Jesus and his brothers are now at the festival.
All of Jesus's brothers were younger than he was. This can be made explicit in the translation as long as it does not suggest that Jesus also had older brothers. Alternate translation: "when his younger brothers"
Jerusalem is at a higher elevation than Galilee where Jesus and his brothers were previously.
These two phrases mean the same thing. The idea is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: "very secretly"
Here the word "Jews"is a synecdoche for "the Jewish leaders." The word "him" refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "The Jewish leaders were looking for Jesus"
Here "leads ... astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: "he deceives the people"
This refers to the unpleasant feeling a person has when there is a threat of harm to himself or others.
The word "Jews" is a synecdoche for the leaders of the Jews who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "the Jewish leaders"
Jesus is now teaching the Jews in the temple.
The remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize the Jewish leaders' surprise that Jesus has so much knowledge. Alternate translation: "It is amazing how much he knows about the scriptures!"
"but comes from God, the one who sent me"
Jesus continues speaking to the Jews.
"when a person only seeks to honor the one who sent him, that person is speaking the truth. He does not lie"
Jesus continues speaking to the Jews.
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "It was Moses who gave you the law"
"obeys the law"
Jesus questions the motives of the Jewish leaders who want to kill him for breaking the law of Moses. He implies that the leaders themselves do not keep that same Law. Alternate translation: "You break the Law yourselves and yet you want to kill me!"
"This shows that you are crazy, or maybe a demon is controlling you!"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "No one is trying to kill you!"
"one miracle" or "one sign"
"you all are shocked"
Here John provides additional information about circumcision.
Jesus implies that the act of circumcision also involves work. Alternate translation: "you circumcise a male baby on the Sabbath. That is working too"
"on the Jewish Day of Rest"
"If you circumcise a male baby on the Sabbath so that you do not break the law of Moses"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "you should not be angry with me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath!"
"on the Jewish Day of Rest"
Jesus implies that the people should not decide what is right, based only on what they can see. Behind the action is a motive that cannot be seen. Alternate translation: "Stop judging people according to what you see! Be more concerned with what is right according to God"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "This is Jesus whom they are seeking to kill!"
This implies that the Jewish leaders are not opposing Jesus. Alternate translation: "they say nothing to oppose him"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "Maybe they have decided that he is truly the Messiah!"
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"spoke in a loud voice"
Jesus and the people were actually in the courtyard of the temple. Alternate translation: "in the temple courtyard"
John uses irony in this statement. The people believe that Jesus is from Nazareth. They do not know that God sent him from heaven and that he was born in Bethlehem. Alternate translation: "You all know me and you think you know where I come from"
"on my own authority." See how you translated "of himself" in John 5:19.
"God is the one who sent me and he is true"
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The word "hour" is a metonym that represents the right time for Jesus to be arrested, according to God's plan. Alternate translation: "it was not the right time to arrest him"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "When the Christ comes, surely he will not be able to do more signs than this man has done!"
This refers to the miracles that prove that Jesus is the Christ.
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"I will remain with you for only a short period of time"
Here Jesus refers to God the Father, who sent him.
"you will not be able to come to the place where I am"
The "Jews" is a synecdoche that represents the leaders of the Jews who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "The Jewish leaders said among themselves"
This refers to the Jews that were spread all across the Greek world, outside of Palestine.
This "word" is a metonym which stands for the meaning of the message that Jesus had shared, which the Jewish leaders had failed to understand. Alternate translation: "What is he talking about when he said"
Some time has passed. It is now the last day of the festival and Jesus speaks to the crowd.
It is "great" because it is the last, or most important, day of the festival.
Here the word "thirsty" is a metaphor that means one's great desire for the things of God, just as one "thirsts" for water. Alternate translation: "Anyone who desires the things of God like a thirsty man desires water"
The word "drink" is a metaphor that means to receive the spiritual life that Jesus provides. Alternate translation: "let him come to me and quench his spiritual thirst"
"As the scripture says about anyone who believes in me"
The "rivers of living water" is a metaphor that represents the life that Jesus provides for those who are spiritually "thirsty." Alternate translation: "spiritual life will flow like rivers of water"
Possible meanings are 1) "water that gives life" or 2) "water that causes people to live."
Here the belly represents the inside of a person, specifically the non-physical part of a person. Alternate translation: "from inside of him" or "from his heart"
In this verse the author gives information to clarify what Jesus is talking about.
Here "he" refers to Jesus.
John implies that the Spirit would later come to live in those who trusted Jesus. Alternate translation: "the Spirit had not yet come to live in the believers"
Here the word "glorified" refers to the time when God would honor the Son after his death and resurrection.
By saying this, the people are indicating that they believe Jesus is the prophet like Moses that God had promised to send. Alternate translation: "This is indeed the prophet who is like Moses that we have been waiting for"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "The Christ cannot come from Galilee!"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "The scriptures teach that Christ will come from the line of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David was!"
The scriptures are referred to as if they were actually speaking as a person speaks. Alternate translation: "Did the prophets not write in the scriptures ... was?" or "The prophets wrote in the scriptures ... was."
"where David lived"
The crowds could not agree about who or what Jesus was.
To lay hands on someone is an idiom which means to grab him or to hold onto him. Alternate translation: "but no one grabbed him to arrest him"
"the temple guards"
The officers exaggerate to show how impressed they are by what Jesus said. You may need to make explicit that the officers were not claiming to know everything that every person in all times and places had ever said. Alternate translation: "We have never heard anyone say such amazing things as this man!"
"Because they said that, the Pharisees"
"answered the officers"
The remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. The Pharisees are shocked at the response of the officers. Alternate translation: "You have been deceived too!"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "None of the rulers or Pharisees have believed in him!"
This is a reference to the law of the Pharisees and not the law of Moses.
"As for this crowd that does not know the law, God will cause them to perish!"
John provides this information to remind us of who Nicodemus is. Your language may have a special way to mark background information.
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Our Jewish law does not allow us to judge a man ... what he does!"
Here Nicodemus speaks of the law as if it were a person. If this is not natural in your language, you may translate it with a personal subject. Alternate translation: "Do we judge a man ... does?" or "We do not judge a man ... does."
The Jewish leaders know that Nicodemus is not from Galilee. They ask this question as a way of scoffing at him. Alternate translation: "You must also be one of those inferior persons from Galilee!"
This is an ellipsis. You may wish to include the information that does not appear. Alternate translation: "Search carefully and read what is written in the Scriptures"
This probably refers to the belief that Jesus was born in Galilee.
The best early texts do not have 7:53-8:11. The ULB has set them apart in square brackets
These words tell the reader that the writer will begin talking about a new event. "After he finished speaking with the disciples"
"the Jewish leaders were making plans to kill him"
"Now the time for the festival of the Jews was near" or "Now it was almost time for the Jewish festival of Shelters"
This refers to the actual younger brothers of Jesus, the sons of Mary and Joseph.
The word "works" refers to the miracles that Jesus had performed.
"all people" or "everyone"
"his younger brothers"
"It is not the right time for me to end my work"
"any time is good for you"
"The people in the world cannot hate you"
"I tell them that what they are doing is evil"
"It is not the right time for me to go to Jerusalem"
Jerusalem is at a higher elevation than Galilee where Jesus and his brothers were previously.
"The Jewish leaders were looking for Jesus"
"he deceives the people"
"the Jewish leaders"
"It is amazing how much he knows about the scriptures!"
"but comes from God, the one who sent me"
"when a person only seeks to honor the one who sent him, that person is speaking the truth. He does not lie"
"It was Moses who gave you the law"
"obeys the law"
"You break the Law yourselves and yet you want to kill me!"
"This shows that you are crazy, or maybe a demon is controlling you!"
"No one is trying to kill you!"
"one miracle" or "one sign"
"you all are shocked"
"you circumcise a male baby on the on the Jewish Day of Rest. That is working too"
"If you circumcise a male baby on the Sabbath so that you do not break the law of Moses"
"you should not be angry with me because I made a man completely well on the Jewish Day of Rest"
"Stop judging people according to what you see! Be more concerned with what is right according to God"
"This is Jesus whom they are seeking to kill!"
"they say nothing to oppose him"
"Maybe they have decided that he is truly the Messiah!"
"spoke in a loud voice"
"in the temple courtyard"
"You all know me and you think you know where I come from"
"on my own authority."
"God is the one who sent me and he is true"
"it was not the right time to arrest him"
"When the Christ comes, surely he will not be able to do more signs than this man has done!"
This refers to the miracles that prove that Jesus is the Christ.
"I will remain with you for only a short period of time"
Here Jesus refers to God the Father, who sent him.
"you will not be able to come to the place where I am"
"The Jewish leaders said among themselves"
This refers to the Jews that were spread all across the Greek world, outside of Palestine.
"What is he talking about when he said"
It is "great" because it is the last, or most important, day of the festival.
"Anyone who desires the things of God like a thirsty man desires water"
"let him come to me and quench his spiritual thirst"
"As the scripture says about anyone who believes in me"
"spiritual life will flow like rivers of water"
Possible meanings are 1) "water that gives life" or 2) "water that causes people to live."
"from inside of him" or "from his heart"
Here "he" refers to Jesus.
"the Spirit had not yet come to live in the believers"
Here the word "glorified" refers to the time when God would honor the Son after his death and resurrection.
"This is indeed the prophet who is like Moses that we have been waiting for"
"The Christ cannot come from Galilee!"
"The scriptures teach that Christ will come from the line of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David lived!"
"Did the prophets not write in the scriptures ... was?" or "The prophets wrote in the scriptures ... was."
The crowds could not agree about who or what Jesus was.
"but no one grabbed him to arrest him"
"the temple guards"
"We have never heard anyone say such amazing things as this man!"
"Because they said that, the Pharisees answered the officers"
"You have been deceived too!"
"None of the rulers or Pharisees have believed in him!"
This is a reference to the law of the Pharisees and not the law of Moses.
"As for this crowd that does not know the law, God will cause them to perish!"
"Do we judge a man ... does?" or "We do not judge a man ... does."
"You must also be one of those inferior persons from Galilee!"
"Search carefully and read what is written in the Scriptures"
This probably refers to the belief that Jesus was born in Galilee.
He wasn't willing to go there because the Jews wanted to kill him.
They urged him to go so that Jesus' disciples could see the deeds he was doing and so that the world would know.
They urged him to go so that Jesus' disciples could see the deeds he was doing and so that the world would know.
Jesus told his brothers his time had not yet come, and his time had not yet been fulfilled.
Jesus said the world hated him because he testifies about the world that its deeds are evil.
Jesus went up after his brothers had gone up to the festival but he went in private not publicly.
Some said, "He is a good man." Others said, "No, he leads the crowds astray."
It was for fear of the Jews that no one spoke openly about Jesus.
When the festival was half over, Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching
Jesus said if anyone wished to do the will on the person who sent Jesus, he would know about this teaching, whether it came from God or not.
Jesus said that person is true, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
Jesus said none of you does the law.
Jesus' argument was: You will circumcise a man on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses is not broken. Then why are you angry with me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath.
Jesus told them not to judge according to appearance, but to judge righteously.
The people said they knew where Jesus came from, but when Christ comes they said no one will know where he comes from.
The chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to arrest Jesus.
By their conversation among themselves they indicated that they did not understand Jesus' statement.
By their conversation among themselves they indicated that they did not understand Jesus' statement.
Jesus said this about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him would receive.
The officers answered, "No man has ever spoken like this before."
Nicodemus said to the Pharisees, "Does our law judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he does?"
Nicodemus said to the Pharisees, "Does our law judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he does?"
1[1] Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came to the temple again, and all the people came; he sat down and taught them. 3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in the act of adultery. They placed her in the middle. 4 Then they said to him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5 Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such people; what do you say about her?" 6 They said this in order to trap him so that they might have something to accuse him about, but Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground with his finger. 7 When they continued asking him questions, he stood up and said to them, "The one among you who has no sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8 Again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground with his finger. 9 When they heard it, they left one by one, beginning with the oldest. Finally Jesus was left alone, with the woman who had been in the middle. 10 Jesus stood up and said to her, "Woman, where are your accusers? Did no one condemn you?" 11 She said, "No one, Lord." Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."] [2]
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in the darkness but will have the light of life." 13 The Pharisees said to him, "You testify about yourself; your testimony is not true." 14 Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I testify about myself, my testimony is true. I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I came from or where I am going. 15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16 Yet if I judge, my judgment is true because I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent me. 17 Yes, and in your law it is written that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am he who testifies about myself, and the Father who sent me testifies about me." 19 They said to him, "Where is your father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither me nor my Father; if you had known me, you would have known my Father also." 20 He said these words in the treasury as he taught in the temple, and no one arrested him because his hour had not yet come.
21 So again he said to them, "I am going away; you will seek me and will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come." 22 The Jews said, "Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, 'Where I am going you cannot come'?" 23 Jesus said to them, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 Therefore, I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I AM, you will die in your sins." 25 They said therefore to him, "Who are you?" Jesus said to them, "What I have said to you from the beginning. 26 I have many things to speak and to judge about you. However, he who sent me is true; and the things that I heard from him, these things I say to the world." 27 They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father. 28 Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I AM, and that I do nothing of myself. As the Father taught me, I speak these things. 29 He who sent me is with me, and he has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him." 30 As Jesus was saying these things, many believed in him.
31 Jesus said to those Jews who had believed him, "If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 33 They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves of anyone; how can you say, 'You will be set free'?" 34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you will be truly free. 37 I know that you are Abraham's descendants; you seek to kill me because my word has no place in you. 38 I say what I have seen with my Father, and you also do what you heard from your father." 39 They answered and said to him, "Our father is Abraham." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham. 40 Yet, now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. 41 You do the works of your father." They said to him, "We were not born in sexual immorality; we have one Father: God." 42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; for neither have I come of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand my words? It is because you cannot hear my words. 44 You are of your father, the devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature because he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet, because I speak the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I speak the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 He who is of God hears the words of God; you do not hear them because you are not of God." 48 The Jews answered and said to him, "Do we not truly say that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?" 49 Jesus answered, "I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. 50 I do not seek my glory; there is one seeking and judging. 51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." 52 The Jews said to him, "Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham and the prophets died; but you say, 'If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.' 53 You are not greater than our father Abraham who died, are you? The prophets also died. Who do you make yourself out to be?" 54 Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing; it is my Father who glorifies me—about whom you say that he is your God. 55 You have not known him, but I know him. If I would say, 'I do not know him,' I would be like you, a liar. However, I know him and keep his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced at seeing my day; he saw it and was glad." 57 The Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and you have seen Abraham?" 58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." 59 Then they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.
Translators may wish to include a note at verse 1 to explain to the reader why they have chosen to translate or to not translate verses 8:1-11.
The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: light and darkness and righteous)
John records Jesus as saying these words four times in this book, three times in this chapter. They stand alone as a complete sentence, and they literally translate the Hebrew word for "I AM," by which Yahweh identified himself to Moses. For these reasons, many people believe that when Jesus said these words he was claiming to be Yahweh. (See: yahweh).
The Scribes and Pharisees wanted to trick Jesus. They wanted him to say either that they should keep the law of Moses by killing a woman whom they had found committing adultery or that they should disobey the law of Moses and forgive her sin. Jesus knew that they were trying to trick him and that they did not really want to keep the law of Moses. He knew this because the law said that both the woman and the man should die, but they did not bring the man to Jesus. (See: adultery)
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
[8:1]
Many ancient copies of the Greek New Testament do not have John 7:53-8:11. Many Bible translations do not have these verses because some scholars do not think John wrote these verses when he wrote this book. However, some Bible translations have the verses because other scholars think John wrote these words even though some old copies of the Greek New Testament are missing these verses.Some English bibles place these verses in brackets: [ ]. The brackets tell the translators that scholars do not know whether John wrote these verses. Overall, the oldest copies of the Greek New Testament do not have these verses, but many old copies of the Greek New Testament have these verses.
See: Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible
[8:1]
See: Mount of Olives
See Map: Mount of Olives
[8:2]
See: Temple
See Map: Jerusalem
[8:4]
The Pharisees brought the adulterous woman to Jesus because they wanted to trap him with questions about the Law of Moses. They asked Jesus whether he thought the woman needed to be killed. The Law of Moses said that adulterers were to be stoned to death (see: Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22). If Jesus told the Pharisees to kill the woman, this was against the law of the Roman Empire. That is, the law of the Roman Empire said that only the Roman government was able to put people to death for their crimes (see: 18:31). If Jesus told the Pharisees to let the woman go free, then he broke the Law of Moses.
See: Adultery; Scribe; Pharisees; Law of MosesScribe, Pharisees, Law of Moses; Rome (Roman Empire, Caesar)
[8:6]
Scholar's do not know why Jesus wrote on the ground with his finger. Some scholars think that Jesus’ bending down and writing on the ground meant that he ignored the Pharisees and that they accused the women. Other scholars think he did this to show that Jesus was not going to judge the woman. Still other scholars think Jesus drew a picture to show the message spoken by the prophet Jeremiah. That is, what happens to those who forsake God (see: Jeremiah 17:13).
See: Prophet
[8:7]
Jesus challenged the scribes and pharisees when he got the crowd to focus on the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees instead of the woman’s sins. Some Pharisees thought they obeyed the Law of Moses. While they did obey some of the Law of Moses, they did not obey the whole Law of Moses. This is because they did not understand the Law of Moses. The Pharisees knew they sinned. They knew they could not judge the woman because they were sinners also.
See: Scribe; Pharisees; Hypocrisy (Hypocirte); Sin; Law of Moses
[8:12]
Jesus said “I am the light of the world” so that people would know that he is God (see: 1 John 1:5; Isaiah 42:5-6). This is the second time Jesus said “I am” statement made by Jesus about which John has written (see: 6:35). Many scholars think Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” toward the end of the Festival of Shelters. Part of this celebration included the lighting of many oil lamps and candles within the temple. This feast is still celebrated by the Jewish people today around the world. However, they are no longer able to celebrate in the temple because it was destroyed. The lighting of the oil lamps reminded the people of how God appeared as a column of fire when he led the people of Israel through the wilderness (see: Exodus 13:18-22).
See: Light and Darkness (Metaphor); Yahweh (I am); Festival of Shelters; Temple; Wilderness
[8:14]
Jesus said the Pharisees were wrong to accuse the woman. The Law of Moses said they needed two witnesses to prove an accusation true (see: Deuteronomy 19:15). Jesus said he two witnesses, God the Father and himself. Jesus explained why his witness was true. That is, he knew everything. The Pharisees did not know this because they only saw things and heard things. They did not know things about heaven (see: 7:27-28; 9:29). John the Baptist also said that Jesus was the light of the world (see:1:8-9).
See: Pharisees; Law of Moses; Witness (Martyr);God the Father; Heaven; Light and Darkness (Metaphor)
[8:19]
Some scholars think the Pharisees knew Jesus spoke about God being his father. However, they did not allow a witness who could not be seen. Therefore, they asked where was his father.
See: Pharisees; God the Father
[8:21]
Jesus said, “I am going away.” Perhaps Jesus spoke of going to God the Father. That is, he went to the cross to die, he resurrected, and then he went to God the Father is heaven (see: 7:33-36).
See: God the Father; Cross; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Heaven
[8:21]
Jesus told the Jews they were going to die in their sin because they did not believe God the Father sent Jesus to the earth. The Jews believed obeying the Law of Moses and doing good things gave them peace with God. However, scripture teaches that no one can be at peace with God because they do good things (see: Galatians 2:16). They needed to believe in God and that God the Father sent Jesus to the earth.
See: Sin; God the Father; Law of Moses
[8:25]
Because Jesus said “I am” the Jews began to question Jesus. These were the words God used when he told Moses his name (see: Exodus 3:14). Therefore, the Jews knew when Jesus said “I am,” he was saying that he is God. Jews did not even say the name “I am” when talking about God. They feared they might not say it correctly. They thought saying God’s name wrong dishonored God. Therefore, the Jews did not want to listen to Jesus about who he said he was. They thought he dishonored God both by saying God’s name.
See: Yahweh (I am)
[8:28]
John said that the Son of Man will be lifted up. Some scholars think Jesus spoke about the time when he would be nailed to and lifted up on the cross to die. Other scholars think Jesus spoke about his being lifted up on the cross and being lifted up into heaven. That is, he went to heaven after he was resurrected.
See: Cross; Heaven; Resurrect (Resurrection)
[8:28]
Jesus said that “you will know.” Some scholars think Jesus spoke about the time that came after his resurrection when he showed proved to people that he is God. Other scholars think Jesus spoke about a time in the future when the temple was going to be destroyed in the same way Jesus prophesied. The Pharisees were going to know because of the words Jesus spoke, not because the Holy Spirit helped them to believe Jesus.
See: Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Temple; Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Pharisees; Holy Spirit
[8:31]
Some scholars think that to “remain”(μένω/g3306) in Jesus’ words is to continue following his teaching. That is, to obey the words he taught. Other scholars think Jesus was talking about Jesus’ words helping to change someone.
Jesus said that those who remain in his word will “know”(γινώσκω/g1097) the truth. That is, they will know that the things said in Scripture are true and that they will live in the right way. The truth rules the Christian’s life. Jesus said this truth set a person “free”(ἐλευθερόω/g1659). That is, Christians will know that sin no longer rules their lives.
See: Free (Freedom)
[8:32]
John wrote that the people responded “against him”(πρός/g4314; αὐτός/g0846) when he said the truth will set them free. Some scholars think these people were those that did believe the words of Jesus (see: 8:31) at one time. Other scholars think these people were the Jews that never believed Jesus’ words. The people against Jesus thought they were free because they were descendants of Abraham.
See: Free (Freedom); Ancestor and Descendant (Fathers, Forefathers, Patriarchs)
[8:41]
Jesus agreed the Jews were physical descendants of Abraham. However, Jesus told the Jews they followed a different father. That is, because they did not do the things that Abraham did, they were not his true descendants. Jesus told the Jews they did not receive his “word” (λόγος/g3056) because they followed a different father. But, the Jews then told Jesus that God was their father. Perhaps Jesus was saying that they were acting like another father, Satan (see: 1 John 3:10).
See: Ancestor and Descendant (Fathers, Forefathers, Patriarchs); Satan (The Devil); Children of God
[8:42]
Jesus told the Jews if God was their father, then they needed to love Jesus. That is, Jesus is from God (see: 5:19-24; 1 John 5:1). And those who loved God their Father also loved God’s Son, Jesus. Jesus tells the Jews they belong to the devil. He said the devil was their father, not God. This is because the Jews did not understand the truth of Jesus’ words.
See: 1 John 3:10
See: God the Father; Son of God; Children of God; Satan (The Devil)
[8:45, 8:46]
Jesus said “because”(ὅτι/g3754) he speaks the truth, the Jews did not believe him. What proved that a person was a child of God was that he loved the truth. Because Jesus is the truth, they were going to believe in him if they were really God’s children. The children of the devil did not accept the truth. The devil is the father of lies. That is, he was the first liar. Jesus told the Jews they did not “hear”(ἀκούω/g0191) the words of God because they did not truly belong to God.
See: Children of God; Satan (The Devil)
[8:48]
Some scholars think because Jesus accused the Jews of following a different father than that of Abraham or even God, the Jews said Jesus was possessed by a demon. These scholars think the Jews thought Jesus’ claim to come from God was an insult to God. The Jews said said that this proved that a demon possessed Jesus. They also called Jesus a Samaritan. The Jews hated Samaritans and thought they did not believe in the true God.
See: Demon](..articles/demon.md); [Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons); Samaria
[8:49]
The Jews dishonored Jesus by accusing him of many things that were not true. Not only did they accuse Jesus of having a demon, but they accused him of being a Samaritan. They also accused him of disobeying what they Law of Moses said about the sabbath (see: 5:18). They also dishonored Jesus because they did not believe in him when he said he was equal with God. Jesus said earlier in the Book of John that whoever did not honor the Son also did not honor the Father (see: 5:22-23). Jesus also honored the Father by stating he does not want the people to honor him.
See: Demon](..articles/demon.md); [Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons); Samaria; Law of Moses; Sabbath; Son of God; God the Father; Jesus is God
[8:51]
When a person “keeps”(τηρέω/g5083) the word of Jesus, they obey the things Jesus told them to do. Then people know that Jesus has given him a new type of life and that he will live together with God in heaven. That is, he heard the thin things Jesus said to do and did the things Jesus said to do. Because this person believes in Jesus and does what honors him, John wanted to say that he will never be “die,” that is he will never be separated from God. This is what the scriptures call the “second death.” The Jews were only thinking about the first death by saying that Abraham died. They did not know who Jesus is. They did not understand the things that he said.
See: Born Again (New Life, Regeneration); Eternal Life; Heaven; Die (Death)
[8:54]
By saying “my glory is nothing” Jesus said that he completely obeyed God the Father. It is the Father who honors Jesus. Perhaps Jesus spoke about the glory that was going to follow his death his resurrection, and his return to God Father (see: 17:5).
See: Glory (Glorify); God the Father; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; God the Father
[8:55]
Jesus told the Jews they did not “know”(γινώσκω/g1097) God because those who know God also do what he told them to do. Jesus said he knows God and does what God the Father tells him to do. The Jews did not know God because they did not honor God the Son whom God sent (see: 5:37-47).
See: God the Father; Son of God
[8:56]
Some scholars think Abraham saw Jesus’ day when his son Isaac was born. God promised Abraham a son, and he said he was going to bless the whole world through this son. Other scholars think Abraham saw Jesus’ day when Abraham walked up the mountain to sacrifice his son Isaac. There Abraham saw God give the “lamb” for the sacrifice. In place of Isaac, God sent a ram to be sacrificed to him. This ram was a symbol of Jesus coming to be sacrificed for people’s sins (See: Genesis 22; Exodus 12; John 1:29). He is the “lamb of God.” These scholars think when God gave the ram for the sacrifice, He showed Abraham about the Messiah’s coming.
See: Bless (Blessing); Lamb of God; Sacrifice; Symbol](../articleas/symbol.md); [Messiah (Christ)
[8:58]
Jesus told the Jews he is the “I Am.” Jesus was saying that he is God. This is how he knew Abraham. The Jews thought Jesus insulted God by saying this. They began to pick up stones to throw at Jesus. The Law of Moses said to stone someone who insulted God (see: Leviticus 24:16).
See: Yahweh (I am); Law of Moses
While some texts have 7:53-8:11, the best and earliest texts do not include them.
Verse 1 tells us where Jesus went at the end of the previous chapter.
This is a general way of speaking. It means "many people."
Here the phrase "the scribes and the Pharisees" is a synecdoche that represents some of the members of these two groups. Alternate translation: "Some scribes and Pharisees brought" or "Some men who taught the Jewish laws and some who were Pharisees brought"
This is a passive statement. You may translate it in an active form. Alternate translation: "a woman whom they had found committing adultery"
While some texts have 7:53-8:11, the best and earliest texts do not include them.
"people like that" or "people who do that"
"so you tell us. What should we do about her?"
This means to use a trick question.
What they would accuse him of can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "so that they could accuse him of saying something wrong" or "so that they could accuse him of not obeying the law of Moses or the Roman law"
While some texts have 7:53-8:11, the best and earliest texts do not include them.
The word "they" refers to the scribes and Pharisees.
The abstract noun "sin" can be expressed with the verb sin. Alternate translation: "The one among you is has never sinned" or "If any one of you has never sinned"
"let that person"
"he bent down"
While some texts have 7:53-8:11, the best and earliest texts do not include them.
"one after another"
When Jesus called her "woman," he was not trying to make her feel insignificant. If people in your language group would think that he was doing that, this can be translated without the word "Woman."
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Jesus is speaking to a crowd near the treasury in the temple after either the events of [John 7:1-52]
Here the "light" is a metaphor for the revelation that comes from God. Alternate translation: "I am the one who gives light to the world"
This is a metonym for the people. Alternate translation: "the people of the world"
This is an idiom that means "everyone who does what I teach" or "everyone who obeys me"
To "walk in darkness" is a metaphor for living a sinful life. Alternate translation: "will not live as if he were in the darkness of sin"
The "light of life" is a metaphor for the truth from God that gives spiritual life. Alternate translation: "truth that brings eternal life"
"You are just saying these things about yourself"
The Pharisees are implying that the witness of only one person is not true because it cannot be verified. Alternate translation: "you cannot be your own witness" or "what you say about yourself may not be true"
"Even if I say these things about myself"
"human standards and the laws of men"
Possible meanings are 1) "I do not judge anyone yet" or 2) "I am not judging anyone now."
Possible meanings are 1) "if I judge people" or 2) "whenever I judge people"
Possible meanings are 1) "my judgment will be right" or 2) "my judgment is right."
Jesus, the Son of God, has authority because of his special relationship with his Father.
The implied information is that Jesus is not alone in his judgment. Alternate translation: "I am not alone in how I judge" or "I do not judge alone"
The Father and the Son judge together. Alternate translation: "the Father who sent me also judges with me" or "the Father who sent me judges as I do"
This is an important title for God. If your language must state whose Father this is, you could say "my Father" since Jesus switches to that in the following verses.
Jesus continues speaking to the Pharisees and other people about himself.
The word "Yes" shows that Jesus is adding to what he was saying before.
This is a passive phrase. You may translate it in an active form with a personal subject. Alternate translation: "Moses wrote"
The logic implied here is that one person can verify the words of another. Alternate translation: "if two men say the same thing, then people know it is true"
Jesus testifies about himself. Alternate translation: "I give evidence to you about myself"
The Father also testifies about Jesus. You could make it explicit that this means Jesus's testimony is true. Alternate translation: "my Father who sent me also brings evidence about me. So you should believe that what we tell you is true"
This is an important title for God. If your language must state whose Father this is, you could say "my Father" since Jesus switches to that in the following verses.
Jesus indicates that to know him is to also know the Father. Both Father and Son are God. "Father" is an important title for God.
This is an important title for God.
Here there is a break in Jesus's speaking where the author give us background information regarding where Jesus had been teaching. Some languages may require the information about the setting to be placed at the beginning of this part of the story in [John 8:12]
The word "hour" is a metonym for the time for Jesus to die. Alternate translation: "it was not yet the right time for Jesus to die"
Jesus continues speaking to the crowd.
Here the word "die" refers to spiritual death. Alternate translation: "die while you are still sinful" or "you will die while you are sinning"
"you are not able to come"
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche for "the Jewish leaders." Alternate translation: "The Jewish leaders said" or "The Jewish authorities said"
"You were born in this world"
"I came from heaven"
"You belong to this world"
"I do not belong to this world"
"you will die without God's forgiving your sins"
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is identifying himself as Yahweh, who identified himself to Moses as "I AM," or 2) Jesus expects the people to understand that he is referring to what he already has already said about himself: "I am from above."
The word "They" refers to the Jewish leaders (John 8:22).
Here the "world" is a metonym for the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: "these things I say to all the people"
This is a special title for God. Some languages may require the use of a possessive before the noun. Alternate translation: "his Father"
This refers to placing Jesus on the cross to kill him.
Jesus used the title "Son of Man" to refer to himself. Alternate translation: "lifted me, the Son of Man, up"
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is identifying himself as Yahweh, who identified himself to Moses as "I AM," or 2) Jesus is saying, "I am the one I claim to be."
"I am only saying what my Father taught me to say." The word "Father" is an important title for God.
The word "He" refers to God.
"As Jesus spoke these words"
"many people trusted him"
This is an idiom that means "to obey Jesus." Alternate translation: "obey what I have said"
"my followers"
This is personification. Jesus speaks of "the truth" as if it were a person. Alternate translation: "if you obey the truth, God will set you free"
This refers to what Jesus reveals about God. Alternate translation: "what is true about God"
This remark appears in the form of a question to express the Jewish leaders' shock at what Jesus has said. Alternate translation: "We do not need to be set free!"
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Here the word "slave" is a metaphor. This implies that "sin" is like a master for the one who sins. Alternate translation: "is like a slave to sin"
Here "house" is a metonym for "family." Alternate translation: "as a permanent member of a family"
This is an ellipsis. You may translate it by including the implied words. Alternate translation: "the son is a member of the family forever"
It is implied that Jesus is talking about freedom from sin, which is a metaphor for being able not to sin. Alternate translation: "if the Son sets you free, you will truly be able to refrain from sin"
"Son" is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus was speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "If I, the Son, set you free"
Jesus continues speaking to the Jews.
Here "word" is a metonym for the "teachings" or "message" of Jesus, which the Jewish leaders do not accept. Alternate translation: "you do not accept my teachings" or "you do not allow my message to change your life"
"I am telling you about the things I saw when I was with my Father"
The Jewish leaders do not understand that by "your father" Jesus is referring to the devil. Alternate translation: "you also continue doing what your father has told you to do"
forefather
"Abraham never tried to kill anyone who told him the true revelation from God"
Jesus implies that their father is the devil. Alternate translation: "No! You are doing the things that your real father did"
Here the Jewish leaders imply that Jesus does not know who his real father is. Alternate translation: "We do not know about you, but we are not illegitimate children" or "We were all born from proper marriages"
Here the Jewish leaders claim God as their spiritual Father. This is an important title for God.
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves.
Jesus is using this question mainly to rebuke the Jewish leaders for not listening to him. Alternate translation: "I will tell you why you do not understand what I say!"
Here "words" is a metonym for the "teachings" of Jesus. Alternate translation: "It is because you will not accept my teachings.
"You belong to your father, Satan"
Here "father" is a metaphor for the one who originates all lies. Alternate translation: "he is the one who created all lies in the beginning"
Jesus continues speaking to the Jews.
"because I tell you true things about God"
Jesus uses this question to emphasize that he has never sinned. Alternate translation: "None of you can show that I have ever sinned!"
"If I say things that are true"
Jesus uses this question to scold the Jewish leaders for their unbelief. Alternate translation: "you have no reason for not believing in me!"
Here "words" is a metonym for the "message" of God. Alternate translation: "the message of God" or "the truth that comes from God"
The "Jews" is a synecdoche that represents the "Jewish leaders" who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "The Jewish leaders"
The Jewish leaders use this question to accuse Jesus and to dishonor him. Alternate translation: "We are certainly right in saying that you are a Samaritan and that a demon lives in you!"
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Jesus continues answering the Jews.
This refers to God.
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Here "word" is a metonym for the "teachings" of Jesus. Alternate translation: "obeys my teachings" or "does what I say"
This is an idiom that means to experience death. Here Jesus is referring to spiritual death. Alternate translation: "die spiritually"
Here "Jews" is a metonym for the "Jewish leaders" who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "Jewish leaders"
"If anyone obeys my teaching"
This is an idiom that means to experience death. The Jewish leaders mistakenly assume that Jesus is speaking only about physical death. Alternate translation: "die"
The Jewish leaders use this question to emphasize that Jesus is not greater than Abraham. Alternate translation: "You are certainly not greater than our father Abraham who indeed died!"
forefather
The Jews use this question to rebuke Jesus for thinking that he is more important than Abraham. Alternate translation: "You should not think that you are so important!"
The word "Father" is an important title for God. No one knows God the Father like Jesus, the Son of God. Alternate translation: "it is my Father who honors me, and you say that he is your God"
Here "word" is a metonym for what God says. Alternate translation: "I obey what he says to do"
This is a metonym for what Jesus would accomplish during his life. Alternate translation: "what I would do during my life"
"he foresaw my coming through God's revelation and he rejoiced"
This is the end of the part of the story about Jesus speaking with the Jews in the temple, which began in John 8:12.
Here the "Jews" is a synecdoche for the "Jewish leaders" who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "The Jewish leaders said to him"
The Jewish leaders use this question to express their shock that Jesus claims to have seen Abraham. Alternate translation: "You are less than fifty years old. You could not have seen Abraham!"
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is identifying himself as Yahweh, who identified himself to Moses as "I AM," or 2) Jesus is saying, "before Abraham existed, I existed."
The Jewish leaders are outraged at what Jesus has said. Here it is implied that they wanted to kill him because he had made himself equal to God. Alternate translation: "Then they picked up stones to kill him because he claimed to be equal with God"
This is a general way of speaking. It means "many people."
While some texts have 7:53-8:11, the best and earliest texts do not include them.
"Some scribes and Pharisees brought" or "Some men who taught the Jewish laws and some who were Pharisees brought"
"a woman whom they had found committing adultery"
"people like that" or "people who do that"
"so you tell us. What should we do about her?"
This means to use a trick question.
"so that they could accuse him of saying something wrong" or "so that they could accuse him of not obeying the law of Moses or the Roman law"
The word "they" refers to the scribes and Pharisees.
"The one among you is has never sinned" or "If any one of you has never sinned"
"let that person"
When Jesus called her "woman," he was not trying to make her feel insignificant. If people in your language group would think that he was doing that, this can be translated without the word "Woman."
"I am the one who gives light to the world"
"the people of the world"
"everyone who does what I teach" or "everyone who obeys me"
"will not live as if he were in the darkness of sin"
"truth that brings eternal life"
"You are just saying these things about yourself"
"you cannot be your own witness" or "what you say about yourself may not be true"
"Even if I say these things about myself"
"human standards and the laws of men"
Possible meanings are 1) "I do not judge anyone yet" or 2) "I am not judging anyone now."
Possible meanings are 1) "if I judge people" or 2) "whenever I judge people"
Possible meanings are 1) "my judgment will be right" or 2) "my judgment is right."
Jesus, the Son of God, has authority because of his special relationship with his Father.
"the Father who sent me also judges with me" or "the Father who sent me judges as I do"
This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
The word "Yes" shows that Jesus is adding to what he was saying before.
"Moses wrote"
"if two men say the same thing, then people know it is true"
"I give evidence to you about myself"
"my Father who sent me also brings evidence about me. So you should believe that what we tell you is true"
This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
Jesus indicates that to know him is to also know the Father. Both Father and Son are God. "Father" and "Son" are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. It is best to translate “Father” and “Son” with the same words that your language uses to refer to a human father and a human son.
"it was not yet the right time for Jesus to die"
"die while you are still sinful" or "you will die while you are sinning"
"you are not able to come"
"The Jewish leaders said" or "The Jewish authorities said"
"You were born in this world"
"I came from heaven"
"You belong to this world"
"I do not belong to this world"
"you will die without God's forgiving your sins"
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is identifying himself as Yahweh, who identified himself to Moses as "I AM," or 2) Jesus expects the people to understand that he is referring to what he already has already said about himself: "I am from above."
"these things I say to all the people"
This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
This refers to placing Jesus on the cross to kill him.
Jesus used the title "Son of Man" to refer to himself. Alternate translation: "lifted me, the Son of Man, up"
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is identifying himself as Yahweh, who identified himself to Moses as "I AM," or 2) Jesus is saying, "I am the one I claim to be."
"I am only saying what my Father taught me to say."
The word "He" refers to God.
"many people trusted him"
"obey what I have said"
"my followers"
"if you obey what is true about God, God will set you free"
"We do not need to be set free!"
Translate this the way your language emphasizes that what follows is important and true.
"is like a slave to sin"
"as a permanent member of a family"
"the son is a member of the family forever"
"if the Son sets you free, you will truly be able to refrain from sin"
"you do not accept my teachings" or "you do not allow my message to change your life"
"I am telling you about the things I saw when I was with my Father"
"you also continue doing what your father has told you to do"
forefather
"Abraham never tried to kill anyone who told him the true revelation from God"
"No! You are doing the things that your real father did"
"We do not know about you, but we are not illegitimate children" or "We were all born from proper marriages"
Here the Jewish leaders claim God as their spiritual Father. This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves.
"I will tell you why you do not understand what I say!"
"It is because you will not accept my teachings.
"You belong to your father, Satan"
"he is the one who created all lies in the beginning"
"None of you can show that I have ever sinned!"
"If I say things that are true"
"you have no reason for not believing in me!"
"the message of God" or "the truth that comes from God"
"The Jewish leaders"
"We are certainly right in saying that you are a Samaritan and that a demon lives in you!"
"obeys my teachings" or "does what I say"
"die spiritually"
"Jewish leaders"
"If anyone obeys my teaching"
"die"
"You are certainly not greater than our father Abraham who indeed died!"
forefather
"You should not think that you are so important!"
"it is my Father who honors me, and you say that he is your God"
"I obey what he says to do"
"what I would do during my life"
"he foresaw my coming through God's revelation and he rejoiced"
"The Jewish leaders said to him"
"You are less than fifty years old. You could not have seen Abraham!"
Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is identifying himself as Yahweh, who identified himself to Moses as "I AM," or 2) Jesus is saying, "before Abraham existed, I existed."
"Then they picked up stones to kill him because he claimed to be equal with God"
They brought in a woman caught in the act of adultery and placed her in their midst and asked Jesus what he had to say about her (to judge her).
They brought in a woman caught in the act of adultery and placed her in their midst and asked Jesus what he had to say about her (to judge her).
They really brought this woman to Jesus in order to trap Jesus so that they might have something to accuse him about."
Jesus said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."
After Jesus spoke they went out one by one, beginning from the eldest and ending with the last.
Jesus told her to go her way and from then on to sin no more.
The Pharisees complained that Jesus was bearing witness about himself and that his witness was not true.
Jesus said that in their law it is written that the testimony of two men is true. He then states that he and the Father who sent him both bear witness about Jesus
Jesus said that in their law it is written that the testimony of two men is true. He then states that he and the Father who sent him both bear witness about Jesus
Jesus based that statement on his knowledge of them, that they were from below, he was from above. They were of this world and he was not of this world.
Jesus based that statement on his knowledge of them; that they were from below, that they were of this world.
They would have to believe Jesus when he said "I AM."
Jesus said to the world the things he heard from the Father.
Jesus said to the world the things he heard from the Father.
The Father was with Jesus and didn't leave him alone because Jesus always did the things that were pleasing to the Father.
They could know they were truly Jesus' disciples by remaining in his word.
Those Jews thought Jesus was speaking of being slave of, or in bondage to, men.
Jesus was refering to being set free from being slaves of sin.
They sought to kill Jesus because his word had no place in them.
Jesus said they were not Abraham's children because they did not do the works of Abraham. Instead they sought to kill Jesus.
Jesus said they were not Abraham's children because they did not do the works of Abraham. Instead they sought to kill Jesus.
Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came forth and have come from God; for neither have I come of myself, but he sent me."
Jesus says their father is the devil.
Jesus said the devil was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When the devil speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature because he is a liar and the father of lies.
He who is of God hears the words of God.
If anyone keeps Jesus' word, he will never see death.
They said this because Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.
They thought this because they were thinking of the physical death of the body. Even Abraham and the prophets died (their physical bodies).
They thought this because they were thinking of the physical death of the body. Even Abraham and the prophets died (their physical bodies).
Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I AM."
1 Now as Jesus passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, so that he was born blind?" 3 Jesus answered, "Neither did this man sin, nor his parents, but so that the works of God would be revealed in him. 4 We must do the works of him who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one will be able to work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6 After Jesus said these things, he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and smeared the mud on his eyes. 7 He said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated "Sent"). So the man went away, washed, and came back seeing. 8 Then the man's neighbors and those who had seen him previously as a beggar were saying, "Is not this the man that used to sit and beg?" 9 Some said, "It is he." Others said, "No, but he is like him." But he said, "I am the one." 10 They said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" 11 He answered, "The man who is called Jesus made mud and smeared it on my eyes and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.' So I went and washed, and I received my sight." 12 They said to him, "Where is he?" He replied, "I do not know."
13 They brought the man who used to be blind to the Pharisees. 14 Now it was the Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 Then again the Pharisees asked him how he had received his sight. He said to them, "He put mud on my eyes, I washed, and I now can see." 16 Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God because he does not keep the Sabbath." Others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" So there was a division among them. 17 So they asked the blind man again, "What do you say about him, since he opened your eyes?" The blind man said, "He is a prophet." 18 Now the Jews still did not believe about him that he was blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. 19 They asked the parents, "Is this your son whom you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" 20 So his parents answered them, "We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. 21 How he now sees, we do not know, and who opened his eyes, we do not know. Ask him, he is an adult. He can speak for himself." 22 His parents said these things, because they were afraid of the Jews. For the Jews had already agreed that if anyone would confess him to be the Christ, he would be thrown out of the synagogue. 23 Because of this, his parents said, "He is an adult, ask him." 24 So for a second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, "Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner." 25 Then that man replied, "I do not know if he is a sinner. One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I see." 26 Then they said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" 27 He answered, "I have told you already, and you did not listen! Why do you want to hear it again? You do not want to become his disciples too, do you?" 28 They insulted him and said, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but we do not know where this one is from." 30 The man answered and said to them, "This is remarkable, that you do not know where he is from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if someone worships God and does his will, he listens to him. 32 Since the world began it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." 34 They answered and said to him, "You were completely born in sins, and you are teaching us?" Then they threw him out.
35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out of the synagogue. He found him and said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" 36 He replied and said, "Who is he, Lord, that I may believe in him?" 37 Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and it is the one who is speaking with you." 38 The man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world so that those who do not see may see and so that those who see may become blind." 40 Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things and asked him, "Are we also blind?" 41 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin, but now you say, 'We see,' so your sin remains."
Many of the Jews of Jesus's time believed that if a person was blind or deaf or crippled, it was because he or his parents or someone in his family had sinned. This was not the teaching of the law of Moses. (See: sin and lawofmoses)
The Pharisees thought that Jesus was working, and so breaking the Sabbath, by making mud. (See: sabbath)
The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous)
Jesus calls the Pharisees blind because they see that Jesus is able to heal blind people but they still do not believe that God sent him
Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter
[9:2]
Some Jews thought a parent’s sin caused their children to suffer or be ill. Here, Jesus said sin did not cause this man’s blindness. This man was born blind to serve God in some way. Because he was blind, this allowed God to work in a special way in the man’s life. That is, God used this man’s problem to tell people about God.
See: Sin; Serve
[9:4]
Some scholars think Jesus said he needed to work while it was day to say he needed to do the work of God while he was on the earth with his disciples. Other scholars think when Jesus said work must be done while it is day, he spoke about the amount of time God allowed for the gospel to be preached.
See: Disciple; Gospel; Preach (Preacher)
[9:4]
Jesus said, “Night is coming.” Some scholars think Jesus was speaking about the disciples who were going to suffer after he died. Other scholars think Jesus spoke about when God will judge people. This is because night is dark. John also said that God is light. Perhaps John wanted to warn people that there will be a time when those who reject God will not be separated from God forever.
See: Disciple; Day of Judgment; Light and Darkness (Metaphor)
[9:5]
Jesus said, “as long as I am in the world.” Some scholars think Jesus spoke about his time on earth before he died. He did not live for very long, therefore he needed to work quickly. Other scholars think Jesus said he will always be in the world, even after he died. Jesus continues to live on the earth in some way through the Holy Spirit even after Jesus died.
See: Holy Spirit
[9:5]
John said that Jesus is the “light of the world.” This is a type of metaphor. One reason Jesus is the light of the world is because he is life. That is, he creates all people and makes them new and different after they believe in Jesus. John said Jesus is life, and the life was the “light of men” (see: 1:4-5). Jesus said that people who follow him will be given this light, that is, they will live forever with God in heaven (see: 8:12).
People can also see things because of light. Another reason Jesus is the light of the world is because he made the world in a way that everyone can see that there is a God who created the world (see: 1:9; Romans 1:19-20). Because God gave light for all people to know, it means all people are able to know and believe in God. But, many people did not believe (see: 1:10-11; Romans 1:18-23).
Jesus showed another reason he is the light of the world. He opened the eyes of a man born blind. Before Jesus, all the man could not see any light. Therefore, Jesus made it so that people could see light.
See: Light and Darkness (Metaphor); Heaven
[9:6]
Some scholars think Jesus rubbed mud over the man’s eyes to show that he could do certain things that only God could do. In the same way God created man from the dust on the ground, Jesus used dust to create eyes that were able to see (see: Genesis 2:7). Some scholars think the man did not possess eyes at all. Others scholars think he possessed eyes, but that he was blind. Whether he had eyes or not, Jesus healed the man.
[9:7]
Jesus sent the blind man to the pool of “Siloam” because people thought its waters were sacred. The Siloam pool is still inside the wall of ancient Jerusalem. A spring flows into it through a long tunnel cut through rock during the lifetime of King Hezekiah (see: 2 Kings 20:20). Some scholars think Jesus sent the man to the pool of Siloam to tell them that in the same way the Jews rejected the waters of “Shiloah” in the Old Testament, so they rejected Jesus in the New Testament (see: Isaiah 8:6).
See: Holy (Holiness, Set Apart); Old Testament (Law and Prophets); New Testament
Map: Siloam
[9:8]
Some of the man’s neighbors talked about how he was the man who used to sit and beg. Others said it must be a different man, someone who looked like the beggar. Scholars think the miracle performed on the man was so amazing, some of the people were unable to think it was the same beggar who was healed.
See: Miracle
[9:13]
The man was brought to the Pharisees after he was healed. This is because no one ever saw a miracle of someone being given back their sight. The people brought the man to the Pharisees after he was healed so that they could hear how this kind of miracle happened.
See: Pharisees; Miracle
[9:16]
Because Jesus healed the blind man on the Sabbath, some of the Pharisees thought God did not send Jesus. They thought it was wrong to heal someone on the sabbath. This is because they thought that it was work, which was against the Law of Moses. It was not against the Law of Moses. Other Pharisees thought Jesus was a sinner because of this, and they thought that no sinner ever healed a blind man before. This miracle caused a division between the members of the Pharisees.
See: Sabbath; Pharisees; Law of Moses; Miracle
[9:17]
The healed man told the Pharisees that he thought that Jesus was a prophet. When the man’s neighbors asked him about who healed him, he said, “the man called Jesus.” Some scholars think when the man told the Pharisees that Jesus is a prophet, and he thought people should respect Jesus. However, some of the Pharisees refused to believe Jesus came from God. They thought Jesus was someone who sinned because he did not obey the Sabbath and the Law of Moses in the way they thought it needed to be obeyed.
See: Pharisees; Prophet; Sin; Sabbath; Law of Moses
[9:18]
After Jesus healed the man, the Jews wanted to speak to the man’s parents because they did not believe he was born blind. Some scholars think the Jews did not believe the words of the man’s neighbors. That is, that they did not think that the man was truly born blind. They also did not believe the witness of the healed man himself.
[9:21]
The parents said that their son was “of age.” Some scholars think the parents simply said their son was no longer a child. That is, he was a man and he was able to answer the Jews’ questions for himself. Other scholars think the parents said their son was of the certain age, according to the jewish law, to give his own answers. According to jewish laws, a person to give a testimony needed to be thirteen years old. In either case, the parents did not give a direct answer to the Jews who asked them questions.
Advice to Translators: Here, “jewish law” does not refer to the Law of Moses. Instead, it refers to the laws the jewish leaders made.
See: Testify (Testimony)
[9:22]
The parents feared the Jews because they said that anyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah was no longer able to go to the synagogue. By this time in the life of Jesus, the leaders of the Jews opposed him and the things he taught. These Jews scared the people in a way that the people did not say anything about Jesus, and they gave no answers to direct questions about Jesus (see: 7:13). This caused the parents to have the Jews question their son. The parents did not want to have the Jewish leadership against them.
See: Messiah (Christ); Synagogue
[9:24]
The Pharisees told the man Jesus healed to “give glory to God” to tell the man that he needed to agree with them that Jesus was a sinner (see: Joshua 7:19). The Pharisees wanted to hear that Jesus was a sinner. They already decided that he was a sinner because he was against the false things they taught.
The man told the Pharisees he did not know if Jesus was a sinner. However, he did know that Jesus healed him, and he knew Jesus healed him.
See: Pharisees; Glory (Glorify); Sin
[9:26]
Some scholars think the Pharisees continued asking the healed man about his healing because they wanted to find out that the man was lying. In this way, they wanted to say the healing and the fact that Jesus did the healing was not true. Some scholars think the man mocked the Pharisees with his answer because he asked them if they wanted to follow Jesus too.
See: Pharisees
[9:28]
Scholars think an argument began between the Pharisees and the man Jesus healed. They argued about which prophet they followed. The Pharisees did not think that God spoke to Jesus. They chose only to believe in Moses. They did think God spoke to Moses. They said they did not know from where Jesus came.
See: Pharisees; Prophet
[9:30]
The man Jesus healed thought the question of the Pharisees was amazing because never before has anyone given sight to someone who was blind from birth. The man thought that being healed was enough proof that Jesus came from God. He also knew that God did not listen to sinners. But the Pharisees thought they were right about Jesus, because they that he was a sinner. They did not accept the truth about the man’s healing. The Pharisees mocked him. Then they sent him out from the synagogue. That is, the man was unable to be a part of the synagogue meetings and activities anymore. The Pharisees already decided they were going to remove anyone from the synagogue who said Jesus was the messiah.
See: Pharisees; Synagogue; Messiah (Christ)
[9:35, 9:37]
Jesus told the healed man that the “Son of Man” spoke to him at that time. The Gospel of John uses the phrase “Son of Man” many times when speaking about Jesus (see: 1:49-51; 3:13-14;5:27; 8:28).
See: Daniel 7:13
See: Son of Man
[9:39]
Jesus spoke earlier about how judgment came into the world (see: 3:17-21). Those who do not believe in Jesus are judged already. Jesus brought good news from God to all people who believe in him. Some Jews believed that they could be at peace with God by following the Law of Moses, they rejected Jesus. The Law of Moses “judged already” those who did not believe in Jesus because the Law of Moses spoke about the coming of another prophet, the Messiah. By rejecting Jesus, they disobeyed the Law of Moses.(see: 5:46-47). Jesus told the Pharisees they were guilty because they following the Law of Moses and were sinners would be judged.
See: Judge (Judgment); Law of Moses; Prophet; Messiah (Christ); Pharisees; Guilty .
As Jesus and his disciples are walking along, they come across a blind man.
This word shows that the author is about to describe a new event.
Here "Jesus" is a synecdoche for Jesus and the disciples. Alternate translation: "as Jesus and his disciples passed by"
This question reflects the ancient Jewish belief that sin caused all illnesses and other deformities. The rabbis also taught that it was possible for a baby to sin while still in the womb. Alternate translation: "Teacher, we know that sin causes a person to be blind. Whose sin caused this man to be born blind? Did this man himself sin, or was it his parents who sinned?"
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This "We" includes both Jesus and the disciples he is talking to.
Here "day" and "night" are metaphors. Jesus is comparing the time when people can do God's work to daytime, the time when people normally work, and nighttime to when they cannot do God's work.
Here the "world" is a metonym for the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: "living among the people of this world"
Here "light" is a metaphor for the true revelation of God. Alternate translation: "the one who shows what is true, just as light allows people to see what is in the darkness"
Jesus used his fingers to mix the dirt and saliva. Alternate translation: "and used his fingers to mix the dirt and saliva to make mud"
"smeared the mud on the man's eyes"
You may need to make explicit that Jesus wanted him to wash the mud off of his eyes in the pool and that that is what the man did.
A brief stop occurs here in the story. Here John explains to his readers what "Siloam" means. Alternate translation: "which means 'Sent'"
This remark appears in the form of a question to express the surprise of the people. Alternate translation: "This man is the one who used to sit and beg!"
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The neighbors of the man who had been blind continue to speak to him.
"Then what caused you to be able to see?" or "How is it that you can see now?"
"used his fingers to cover my eyes with mud." See how you translated a similar phrase in John 9:6.
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The people insisted that the man go with them to the Pharisees. They did not physically force him to go.
This verse tells background information about when Jesus healed the man.
"Jewish Day of Rest"
"So the Pharisees also asked him"
This means Jesus does not obey the law about doing no work on the Jewish Day of Rest.
This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize that Jesus's signs prove he is not a sinner. Alternate translation: "A sinner can not do such signs!"
This is another word for miracles. "Signs" give evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.
"I think he is a prophet"
Here John stops the main story. Here here provides background information about the Jews' disbelief.
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche for the "Jewish leaders" who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "Now the Jewish leaders still did not believe"
"They" refers to the Jewish leaders.
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"he is a man" or "he is no longer a child"
In this verse there is a stop from the main story. Here John provides background information about the man's parents being afraid of the Jews.
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche for the "Jewish leaders" who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "they were afraid of what the Jewish leaders might do to them"
This refers to the unpleasant feeling a person has when there is a threat of harm to oneself or others.
"would say that Jesus is the Christ"
Here "be thrown out of the synagogue" is a metaphor for no longer being allowed to go into the synagogue and no longer belonging to the group of people who attend services at the synagogue. Alternate translation: "he would not be allowed to go into the synagogue" or "he would no longer belong to the synagogue"
"he is a man" or "he is no longer a child." See how you translated this in John 9:21.
Here, "they" refers to the Jews. (John 9:18)
This is an idiom that people used when taking an oath. Alternate translation: "In the presence of God, tell the truth" or "Speak the truth before God"
This refers to Jesus.
This refers to the man who had been blind.
The Jews continue to speak to the man who had been blind.
This remark appears in the form of a question to express the man's amazement that the Jewish leaders have asked him to tell them again what happened. Alternate translation: "I am surprised that you want to hear again what happened to me!"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add irony to the man's statement. He knows that the Jewish leaders do not want to follow Jesus. Here he ridicules them. Alternate translation: "It sounds like you also want to become his disciples!"
"You are following Jesus!"
The pronoun "we" is exclusive. The Jewish leaders are speaking only of themselves. Alternate translation: "but we are following Moses"
"We are sure that God has spoken to Moses"
Here the Jewish leaders are referring to Jesus. They imply that he has no authority to call disciples. Alternate translation: "we do not know where he comes from or where he gets his authority"
The man is surprised that the Jewish leaders question Jesus's authority when they know he has the power to heal. Alternate translation: "that you do not know where he gets his authority"
"does not answer the prayers of sinners ... God answers his prayers"
The man who had been blind continues speaking to the Jews.
"Since the beginning of time" or "As far back as anyone can remember"
This is a passive statement. You can translate it in an active form. Alternate translation: "no one has ever heard of anyone who healed a man who was blind from birth"
This sentence uses a double negative pattern. Alternate translation: "Only a man from God could do something like that"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. It also implies that the man was born blind because of the sins of his parents. Alternate translation: "You were born as a result of your parents' sins. You are not qualified to teach us!"
"they threw him out of the synagogue"
Jesus finds the man whom he healed (John 9:1-7) and begins to speak to him and the crowd.
This means to "believe in Jesus," to believe that he is the Son of God, to trust him as Savior, and live in a way that honors him.
Here the reader needs to understand that Jesus was speaking as if "the Son of Man" were another person. The man who had been born blind did not realize that Jesus was speaking of himself when he spoke of "the Son of Man." You should translate so that the man does not learn that Jesus is the Son of Man until verse 37.
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The "world" is a metonym for "the people who live in the world." Alternate translation: "came to live among the people of this world"
Here "seeing" is a metaphor for being able to understand spiritual things. Alternate translation: "so that those who do not see spiritually may see spiritually"
When Jesus speaks here of those that see, he is speaking of those who think that they understand spiritual things. Alternate translation: "so that those who think that they see spiritually"
Here "blind" is a metaphor for not being able to understand spiritual things. Alternate translation: "may never see spiritually"
Here "blind" is a metaphor for not understanding spiritual things. The Pharisees do not believe that they are spiritually blind, but they realize that Jesus might saying that they are spiritually blind, so they use this question to challenge him. Alternate translation: "and said to him, 'Are you saying that we are blind?'" or "and said to him, 'You seem to be saying that we, too, are blind.'"
Blindness is a metaphor for not understanding spiritual things, and having sin is a metonym for being guilty of sin. Alternate translation: "If you truly were spiritually blind, you would not be guilty of your sin"
Here "seeing" is a metaphor for understanding spiritual things, and "sin remaining" is a metonym for continuing to be guilty of one's sin. Alternate translation: "but since you think that you understand spiritual truth, you remain guilty of your sin"
"as Jesus and his disciples passed by"
"Teacher, we know that sin causes a person to be blind. Whose sin caused this man to be born blind? Did this man himself sin, or was it his parents who sinned?"
"living among the people of this world"
"the one who shows what is true, just as light allows people to see what is in the darkness"
"and used his fingers to mix the dirt and saliva to make mud"
"which means 'Sent'"
"This man is the one who used to sit and beg!"
"Jewish Day of Rest"
This means Jesus does not obey the law about doing no work on the Jewish Day of Rest.
"A sinner can not do such signs!"
This is another word for miracles. "Signs" give evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.
"Now the Jewish leaders still did not believe"
"they were afraid of what the Jewish leaders might do to them"
"would say that Jesus is the Christ"
"he would not be allowed to go into the synagogue" or "he would no longer belong to the synagogue"
"In the presence of God, tell the truth" or "Speak the truth before God"
This refers to Jesus.
This refers to the man who had been blind.
"I am surprised that you want to hear again what happened to me!"
"It sounds like you also want to become his disciples!"
"You are following Jesus!"
"but we are following Moses"
"We are sure that God has spoken to Moses"
"we do not know where he comes from or where he gets his authority"
"that you do not know where he gets his authority"
"does not answer the prayers of sinners ... God answers his prayers"
"Since the beginning of time" or "As far back as anyone can remember"
"no one has ever heard of anyone who healed a man who was blind from birth"
"Only a man from God could do something like that"
"You were born as a result of your parents' sins. You are not qualified to teach us!"
"they threw him out of the synagogue"
This means to "believe in Jesus," to believe that he is the Son of God, to trust him as Savior, and live in a way that honors him.
Here the reader needs to understand that Jesus was speaking as if "the Son of Man" were another person. The man who had been born blind did not realize that Jesus was speaking of himself when he spoke of "the Son of Man." You should translate so that the man does not learn that Jesus is the Son of Man until verse 37.
"came to live among the people of this world"
"so that those who do not see spiritually may see spiritually"
"so that those who think that they see spiritually"
"may never see spiritually"
"and said to him, 'Are you saying that we are blind?'" or "and said to him, 'You seem to be saying that we, too, are blind.'"
"If you truly were spiritually blind, you would not be guilty of your sin"
"but since you think that you understand spiritual truth, you remain guilty of your sin"
The disciples are assuming that the reason the man was born blind is because either the man or his parents sinned.
Jesus says the man was born blind so that the works of God should be revealed in him.
Jesus spit on the ground, made some mud and annointed the man's eyes with the mud. Jesus then told the man to go wash in the pool of Siloam.
Jesus spit on the ground, made some mud and annointed the man's eyes with the mud. Jesus then told the man to go wash in the pool of Siloam.
He came back seeing.
The man testified that he was the blind beggar.
They took the man to the Pharisees..
The healing of the blind man took place on the Sabbath.
They asked him how he had received his sight.
Some Pharisees said Jesus wasn't from God because he didn't keep the Sabbath (he healed on the Sabbath) and some of the Pharisees said how could a man that is a sinner show such signs.
The formerly blind man said, "He is a prophet."
They called in the man's parents because they still did not believe the man was the one that had been blind.
The parents testified that the man was indeed their son and that he had been born blind.
They said they didn't know how he could now see or who opened his eyes.
They said this because they were afraid of the Jews. For the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be the Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
They said, "Give glory to God. We know this man (Jesus) is a sinner."
He replied, "Whether he is a sinner, I do not know. One thing I do know: Once I was blind, and now I see.
The formerly blind man said, "Why do you want to hear it again? You do not want to become his disciples too, do you?"
The formerly blind man said that everyone knew God does not listen to sinners
They told the man he was born in sin and you dare to teach us. Then they cast the man out of the synagogue.
Jesus went looking for the man and found him.
Jesus asked the man if he believed in the Son of Man and then told the formerly blind man that he (Jesus) was the Son of Man.
Jesus asked the man if he believed in the Son of Man and then told the formerly blind man that he (Jesus) was the Son of Man.
The formerly blind man told Jesus he believed and he worshiped Jesus.
Jesus told them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin. However, now you say, 'We see.' So your sin remains."
1 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter through the gate into the sheep pen, but climbs up some other way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 He who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens for him. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger but instead they will avoid him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." 6 Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they did not understand what these things were that he was saying to them.
7 Then Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the gate of the sheep. 8 Everyone who came before me is a thief and a robber, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. If anyone enters in through me, he will be saved; he will go in and out and will find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they will have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired servant is not a shepherd and does not own the sheep. He sees the wolf coming and abandons the sheep and escapes, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He runs away because he is a hired servant and does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know my own, and my own know me. 15 The Father knows me, and I know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice so that there will be one flock and one shepherd. 17 This is why the Father loves me: I lay down my life so that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father."
19 A division again occurred among the Jews because of these words. 20 Many of them said, "He has a demon and is insane. Why do you listen to him?" 21 Others said, "These are not the words of a demon-possessed man. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"
22 Then it was time for the Festival of the Dedication in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple in the porch of Solomon. 24 Then the Jews surrounded him and said to him, "How long will you hold us doubting? If you are the Christ, tell us openly." 25 Jesus replied to them, "I told you, but you do not believe. The works that I do in the name of my Father, these testify concerning me. 26 Yet you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life; they will never die, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all others, and no one is able to snatch them out of the hand of the Father. 30 I and the Father are one." 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of those works are you stoning me?" 33 The Jews answered him, "We are not stoning you for any good work, but for blasphemy, because you, a man, are making yourself God." 34 Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, "You are gods"'? 35 If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the scripture cannot be broken), 36 do you say to him whom the Father set apart and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'? 37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, do not believe me. 38 But if I am doing them, even if you do not believe me, believe in the works so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and that I am in the Father." 39 They tried to seize him again, but he went away out of their hand.
40 He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John had first been baptizing, and he stayed there. 41 Many people came to him and they said, "John indeed did no signs, but all the things that John has said about this man are true." 42 Many people believed in him there.
When a person claims that he is God or that God has told him to speak when God has not told him to speak, this is called blasphemy. The law of Moses commanded the Israelites to kill blasphemers by stoning them to death. When Jesus said, "I and the Father are one," the Jews thought he was blaspheming, so they took up stones to kill him. (See: blasphemy and lawofmoses)
Jesus spoke of people as sheep because sheep do not see well, they do not think well, they often walk away from those who care for them, and they cannot defend themselves when other animals attack them. God's people also rebel against him and do not know when they are doing wrong.
A sheep pen was a space with a stone wall around it in which shepherds would keep their sheep. Once they were inside the sheep pen, the sheep could not run away, and animals and thieves could not easily get inside to kill or steal them.
Jesus speaks of his life as if it were a physical object that he could lay down on the ground, a metaphor for dying, or pick up again, a metaphor for becoming alive again.
[10:1]
Jesus spoke about sheep and a sheep pen. Some scholars think Jesus was speaking about the leaders of the Jews, because they were supposed to be the shepherds of Israel (see: Ezekiel 34:1-10). They think Jesus was speaking about how the Jewish leaders treated the blind man who had been healed. They rejected the work of God through Jesus, and they rejected the things the man said and expelled him from the synagogue. Jesus spoke about the Jewish leaders being the thieves and robbers when he taught. In the same way sheep follow the shepherd when he spoke, so Christians follow the things Jesus said. When they did this, they obeyed God. In the same way the thief and robber avoided the door when they tried to get into the sheep pen, the Jewish leaders tried to get to God in some other way than by Jesus. John said Jesus is the door in this passage.
In scripture, when someone does not understand, it is said that they cannot see. This is a type of metaphor. They pharisees did not understand the things Jesus taught, therefore John said they could not see (see: 9:40-41).
See: Shepherd; Synagogue; Metaphor; Pharisees
Advice to Translators: A pen is a place where animals live. In this passage, a door can also be translated as gate.
[10:7]
As the shepherd (see: 10:1-5), Jesus led his sheep out to pasture. As the gate of the sheep, scholars think Jesus spoke that he protected the sheep. John wanted to say that those who believe in Jesus will live together with God in heaven forever. This is the only way for someone to be at peace with God (see: 14:6).
Advice to Translators: In this passage, a gate is often translated door. A pasture is a field where animals eat.
See: Shepherd; Door (Metaphor); Heaven
[10:8]
Scholars think Jesus was speaking about false prophets and teachers who said that someone could be at peace with God by obeying the Law of Moses. The false teachers only served themselves, and they did not serve God (see: Luke 11:39-46). They rejected the things Jesus taught.
See: False Prophet; False Teacher; Law of Moses; Serve
[10:9]
Jesus was stating very clearly that he is the only was for his sheep to enter into a place of safety, and the only way they could go out to feed in the pastures. This was a metaphor. John wanted to say that Jesus was the only way that someone could be at peace with God and live with Jesus in heaven forever.
Advice to Translators: In this passage, a gate is often translated door. A pasture is a field where animals eat.
See: Door (Metaphor); Heaven
[10:10]
Jesus said that those who believe in Jesus have life abundantly. He wanted to say that those who believe in Jesus more than just that people will have safety and enough to eat and drink. They will also live together with God in heaven forever.
[10:11]
Some scholars think Jesus contrasted himself with people who were hired to care for the sheep. They think Jesus was saying the “good shepherd” loved the sheep in a different way than people hired to care for sheep. Those who were hired would run from danger, but the “good shepherd” stayed to defend and care for the sheep (see: 1 Samuel 17:34-36). Those who owned the sheep loved them, while those who worked for other people did not love the sheep.
Other scholars think Jesus was the “good shepherd” because he was the shepherd who had come from God. Jesus, the good shepherd died for his sheep. This was a metaphor about people who believe in Jesus getting to live together with God in heaven (see: 1 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 13:20).
See: Shepherd; Atone (Atonement); Metaphor
[10:14]
When Jesus spoke of himself as the “good shepherd” the second time, he spoke about how close he was to his sheep. That is, Jesus was close to all those who believe in him and they know him (see: 17:9-10).
See: Shepherd
[10:16]
Scholars think Jesus was telling the Jews that there were also sheep to be gathered from the Gentile nations (see: 11:51-52; Romans 1:16; Galatians 3;28; Ephesians 2:11-22). People from all nations were to be gathered under one shepherd, Jesus.
See: Gentile; Shepherd
[10:17]
When Jesus said, “I lay down my life so that I may take it again” he was telling people that he would die. He also said that he would be resurrected. This was what he planned. He also said that the Holy Spirit would begin to do things in a new way (see: 7:37-39; 17:5; Acts 2:1-4).
Jesus also told people that God gave him permission to lay down his life and to take it up again. Everything that happened to Jesus was part of God’s plan. Even though Jesus was beaten and nailed to the cross by men, none of it happened outside of God’s plan (see: Acts 2:22-24)
See: Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Holy Spirit; Cross; Will of God
[10:19]
Some of the Jewish leaders decided to reject everything about Jesus and who he said he was. Other leaders were not so quick to reject him, because no one had ever done the miracles Jesus did. Those leaders could not accept that a man doing the kind of miracles Jesus performed could be possessed by a demon.
See: Miracle; Demon
[10:22]
See: Festival of Dedication
[10:24]
The Jews wanted Jesus to speak openly about who he is. Scholars think the Jewish leaders were attempting to trap Jesus into saying something for which they could accuse him, and therefore further reject him. Perhaps the Jewish leaders were afraid of losing their positions as religious leaders (see: 11:48).
[10:26]
When Jesus told the Pharisees they were not his sheep, he was saying that God had not chosen them to be Jesus’ sheep, that is to be Christians (see: 6:44; 12:37). The sheep that belonged to Jesus showed that they belonged by obeying him. Most of the Jewish leaders only rejected Jesus, the things he taught, and that he was God.
See: Pharisees; Shepherd
[10:28]
Jesus promised something to those who were his sheep, that those who believe in Jesus. He promised that they would live together with God in heaven forever (see: 3:16; 17:3). He also told those who believed in him that no one could ever “snatch”(ἁρπάζω/g0726) them out of the Father’s hand. This was a metaphor.
When Jesus said this, everyone knew that Jesus taught people that he is God.
See: Shepherd; Heaven; Metaphor; Eternal Security
[10:30]
God the Father and God the Son are the same. Some scholars think the they are the are perfectly “one” in the sense that they do the same types of things. The things God the Father did, Jesus did too (see: 5:19). This did not mean that God the Father and God the Son were one person. Other scholars think John wanted to say that God the Father and Jesus wanted the same things to happen or that they were both perfectly good (see: 1:1-2).
See: God the Father; Son of God; Trinity; Jesus is God
[10:33]
The Pharisees knew that Jesus was claiming to be God. Because they rejected Jesus, they accused him of blasphemy. According to the Law of Moses, when someone blasphemed, that person was to be punished and killed.
See: Pharisees; Blaspheme (Blasphemy); Law of Moses
[10:34]
Jesus used the words from scripture which say, “you are gods” to show that human leaders, such as kings and judges, could be called gods (see: Psalm 82:1-8). They were not God, but perhaps John wanted to say that they did something that only God could do, judge people. Or perhaps they did things for God.
See: Judge (Judgment)
[10:35]
John said that “scripture cannot be broken.” This was a type of metaphor. Some scholars think Jesus was saying the scriptures are always right because God wrote. Because of this, the scripture cannot be wrong or change. Jesus did not reject the Law of Moses (see: Matthew 5:17-18).
See: Metaphor; Law of Moses
[10:38]
Jesus did not expect the Jewish leaders to believe when he told them who he is. For this reason, Jesus told the leaders of the Jews to “believe the works.” That is, they should believe him because of the things he did. He did things that only God could do and he did things that honored God.
[10:40]
Jesus left and went back across the Jordan River. Perhaps he did this because people were trying to attack Jesus. Therefore, he went back across the Jordan River where John baptized people (see: 5:18; 8:37; 10:31).
See Map: Jordan River
See: Baptize (Baptism)
Jesus begins to speak in parables.
Jesus continues to speak to the Pharisees. This is the same part of the story which began in John 9:35.
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
This is a fenced area where a shepherd keeps his sheep.
This is the use of two words with similar meanings to add emphasis.
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"The gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd"
This is a hired man who watches the gate of the sheep pen at night while the shepherd is away.
"The sheep hear the shepherd's voice"
"he walks in front of them"
"because they recognize his voice"
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Possible meanings: 1) "the disciples did not understand" or 2) "the crowd did not understand."
This is an illustration from the work of shepherds, using metaphors. The "shepherd" is a metaphor for Jesus. The "sheep" represent those who follow Jesus, and the "strangers" are the Jewish leaders, including the Pharisees, who try to deceive the people.
Jesus begins to explain the meaning of the parables he had spoken.
See how you translated this in John 1:51.
Here "gate" is a metaphor that means Jesus provides access into the sheepfold where God's people dwell in his presence. Alternate translation: "I am like the gate that the sheep use to enter into the sheepfold"
This refers to other teachers who have taught the people, including the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: "All of the teachers who came without my authority"
These words are metaphors. Jesus calls those teachers "a thief and a robber" because their teachings were false, and they were trying to lead God's people while not understanding the truth. As a result, they deceived the people.
Here "gate" is a metaphor. By referring to himself as "the gate," Jesus is showing that he offers a true way to enter the kingdom of God. Alternate translation: "I myself am like that gate"
The word "pasture" means a grassy area where sheep eat.
In some languages it is more natural to use a positive statement. Alternate translation: "comes only to steal, kill, and destroy"
Here the implied metaphor is "sheep," which represents God's people. Alternate translation: "steal and kill and destroy the sheep"
The word "they" refers to the sheep. "Life" refers to eternal life. Alternate translation: "so that they will really live, lacking nothing"
Jesus continues his parable about the good shepherd.
Here "good shepherd" is a metaphor that represents Jesus. Alternate translation: "I am like a good shepherd"
To lay down something means to give up control of it. To lay down one's life is a mild way to refer to dying. Alternate translation: "dies"
The "hired servant" is a metaphor that represents the Jewish leaders and teachers. Alternate translation: "The one who is like a hired servant"
Here the word "sheep" is a metaphor that represents God's people. Like a hired servant who abandons the sheep, Jesus says that the Jewish leaders and teachers do not care for God's people.
Here the word "sheep" is a metaphor that represents God's people. Jesus says that the Jewish leaders and teachers are like a hired servant who abandons the sheep, and they do not care for God's people.
Here the "good shepherd" is a metaphor for Jesus. Alternate translation: "I am like a good shepherd"
God the Father and God the Son know each other unlike anyone else knows them. "Father" is an important title for God.
This is a mild way for Jesus to say that he will die to protect his sheep. Alternate translation: "I die for the sheep"
Here "other sheep" is a metaphor for followers of Jesus who are not Jews.
Here "flock" and "shepherd" are metaphors. All of Jesus's followers, Jews and non-Jews, will be like one flock of sheep. He will be like a shepherd who cares for all of them.
Jesus finishes speaking to the crowd.
God's eternal plan was for God the Son to give his life to pay for the sins of humanity. Jesus's death on the cross reveals the intense love of the Son for the Father and of the Father for the Son.
This is an important title for God.
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.
This is a mild way for Jesus to say he will die and then will become alive again. Alternate translation: "I allow myself to die in order that I may bring myself back to life"
The reflexive pronoun "myself" is used here to emphasize that Jesus lays down his own life. No one takes it from him. Alternate translation: "I myself lay it down"
"This is what my Father has commanded me to do." The word "Father" is an important title for God.
These verses tell how the Jews responded to what Jesus had said.
This remark appears in the form of a question to emphasize the point that the people should not listen to Jesus. Alternate translation: "Do not listen to him!"
This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: "Certainly a demon cannot cause a blind man to see!" or "Certainly a demon cannot give sight to blind people!"
During the Festival of Dedication, some Jews begin to question Jesus. Verses 22 and 23 give background information about the setting of the story.
Winter is the coldest time of the year. You may use your language's term for the coldest season if your reader understands that in Israel this was in December, not in June.
This is an eight-day winter holiday Jews use to remember a miracle where God made a small amount of oil remain lit in a lampstand for eight days. They lit the lampstand to dedicate the Jewish temple to God. To dedicate something is to promise to use it for a special purpose.
The area where Jesus was walking was actually a courtyard that was outside the temple building. Alternate translation: "Jesus was walking in the temple courtyard"
This is a structure attached to the entrance of a building; it has a roof and it may or may not have walls.
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "Then the Jewish leaders surrounded him"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "keep us wondering" or "keep us from knowing for sure"
Jesus begins to respond to the Jews.
Here "name" is a metonym for the power of God. Here "Father" is an important title for God. Jesus performed miracles through his Father's power and authority. Alternate translation: "through my Father's power" or "with my Father's power"
His miracles offer proof about him like a person who testifies would offer proof in a court of law. Alternate translation: "these offer proof concerning me"
The word "sheep" is a metaphor for the followers of Jesus. Alternate translation: "not my followers" or "not my disciples"
The word "sheep" is a metaphor for the followers of Jesus. The metaphor of Jesus as the "shepherd" is also implied. Alternate translation: "Just as sheep obey the voice of their true shepherd, my followers heed my voice"
Here the word "hand" is a metonym that represents the protective care of Jesus. Alternate translation: "no one will steal them away from me" or "they will remain secure forever in my care"
The word "Father" is an important title for God.
The word "hand" is a metonym that represents God's possession and protective care. Alternate translation: "steal them from my Father"
Here "are one" means they are completely united and alike. It does not mean they are the same person. Alternate translation: "I and the Father are completely united" or "I and the Father are exactly alike"
The word "Father" is an important title for God.
The word "Jews" is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "Then the Jewish leaders started picking up stones again"
Jesus performed the miracles by the power of God. The word "Father" is an important title for God.
This question uses irony. Jesus knows the Jewish leaders do not want to stone him because he has done good works.
The word "Jews" is a synecdoche that represents the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. Alternate translation: "The Jewish opponents replied" or "The Jewish leaders answered him"
"claiming to be God"
Jesus uses a question to emphasize that the Jewish leaders should know that this is written in scripture. Alternate translation: "You should already know that it is written in your law, 'I said, "You are gods."'"
Here Jesus quotes a scripture where God calls his followers "gods," perhaps because he has chosen them to represent him on earth.
Jesus speaks of God's message as though it were a person who moved toward those who heard it. Alternate translation: "God spoke his message"
Possible meanings are 1) "no one can change the scripture" or 2) "the scripture will always be true."
Jesus used this question to rebuke his opponents for saying that he was blaspheming when he called himself "the Son of God." Alternate translation: "you should not say to the very one whom the Father set apart to send into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' when I say that I am the Son of God!"
"You are insulting God." Jesus's opponents understood that when said that he is the Son of God, he was implying that he is equal with God.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus.
Jesus finishes responding to the Jews.
This is an important title for God.
Here the word "believe" means to accept or trust what Jesus said is true.
Here "believe in" is to acknowledge that the works Jesus does are from the Father.
These are idioms that express the close personal relationship between God and Jesus. Alternate translation: "my Father and I are completely joined together as one"
The word "hand" is a metonym that represents the custody or possession of the Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: "got away from them again"
Jesus had been on the west side of the Jordan River. Alternate translation: "to the east side of the Jordan River"
Jesus remained on the east side of Jordan for a short period of time. Alternate translation: "Jesus stayed there for several days"
"It is true that John did no signs, but he certainly did speak the truth about this man, who does signs."
These are miracles that prove that something is true or that give someone credibility.
Here "believed in" means accepted or trusted what Jesus said was true.
This is a fenced area where a shepherd keeps his sheep.
"The gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd"
This is a hired man who watches the gate of the sheep pen at night while the shepherd is away.
"The sheep hear the shepherd's voice"
"he walks in front of them"
"because they recognize his voice"
Possible meanings: 1) "the disciples did not understand" or 2) "the crowd did not understand."
The "sheep" represent those who follow Jesus, and the "strangers" are the Jewish leaders, including the Pharisees, who try to deceive the people.
"I am like the gate that the sheep use to enter into the sheepfold"
"All of the teachers who came without my authority"
Jesus calls those teachers "a thief and a robber" because their teachings were false, and they were trying to lead God's people while not understanding the truth. As a result, they deceived the people.
"I myself am like that gate"
The word "pasture" means a grassy area where sheep eat.
"comes only to steal, kill, and destroy the sheep"
"so that they will really live, lacking nothing"
"I am like a good shepherd"
"dies"
"The one who is like a hired servant"
Like a hired servant who abandons the sheep, Jesus says that the Jewish leaders and teachers do not care for God's people.
Jesus says that the Jewish leaders and teachers are like a hired servant who abandons the sheep, and they do not care for God's people.
"I am like a good shepherd"
God the Father and God the Son know each other unlike anyone else knows them. This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
"I die for the sheep"
Here "other sheep" refers to followers of Jesus who are not Jews.
All of Jesus's followers, Jews and non-Jews, will be like one flock of sheep. He will be like a shepherd who cares for all of them.
God's eternal plan was for God the Son to give his life to pay for the sins of humanity. Jesus's death on the cross reveals the intense love of the Son for the Father and of the Father for the Son.
This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do.
"I allow myself to die in order that I may bring myself back to life"
"I myself lay it down"
"This is what my Father has commanded me to do." The word "Father" is an important title for God.
"Do not listen to him!"
"Certainly a demon cannot cause a blind man to see!" or "Certainly a demon cannot give sight to blind people!"
Winter is the coldest time of the year. You may use your language's term for the coldest season if your reader understands that in Israel this was in December, not in June.
This is an eight-day winter holiday Jews use to remember a miracle where God made a small amount of oil remain lit in a lampstand for eight days. They lit the lampstand to dedicate the Jewish temple to God. To dedicate something is to promise to use it for a special purpose.
"Jesus was walking in the temple courtyard"
This is a structure attached to the entrance of a building; it has a roof and it may or may not have walls.
"Then the Jewish leaders surrounded him"
"keep us wondering" or "keep us from knowing for sure"
"through my Father's power" or "with my Father's power"
"these offer proof concerning me"
"not my followers" or "not my disciples"
"Just as sheep obey the voice of their true shepherd, my followers heed my voice"
"no one will steal them away from me" or "they will remain secure forever in my care"
The word "Father" is an important title for God.
"steal them from my Father"
"I and the Father are completely united" or "I and the Father are exactly alike"
This refers to God the Father. It is best to translate “Father” with the same word that your language uses to refer to a human father.
"Then the Jewish leaders started picking up stones again"
Jesus performed the miracles by the power of God. The word "Father" is an important title for God.
This question uses irony. Jesus knows the Jewish leaders do not want to stone him because he has done good works.
"The Jewish opponents replied" or "The Jewish leaders answered him"
"claiming to be God"
"You should already know that it is written in your law, 'I said, "You are gods."'"
Here Jesus quotes a scripture where God calls his followers "gods," perhaps because he has chosen them to represent him on earth.
"God spoke his message"
Possible meanings are 1) "no one can change the scripture" or 2) "the scripture will always be true."
"you should not say to the very one whom the Father set apart to send into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' when I say that I am the Son of God!"
"You are insulting God." Jesus's opponents understood that when said that he is the Son of God, he was implying that he is equal with God.
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. It is best to translate “Father” and “Son” with the same words that your language uses to refer to a human father and a human son.
Here the word "believe" means to accept or trust what Jesus said is true.
Here "believe in" is to acknowledge that the works Jesus does are from the Father.
"my Father and I are completely joined together as one"
"got away from them again"
"to the east side of the Jordan River"
"Jesus stayed there for several days"
"It is true that John did no signs, but he certainly did speak the truth about this man, who does signs."
These are miracles that prove that something is true or that give someone credibility.
Here "believed in" means accepted or trusted what Jesus said was true.
He who does not enter by the gate into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, that man is a thief and a robber.
He who enters the sheepfold by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
They follow the shepherd because they know his voice.
They follow the shepherd because they know his voice.
No. The sheep will not follow a stranger.
All those who came before Jesus were thieves and robbers, and the sheep did not listen to them.
Those who enter through Jesus, the gate, will be saved; they will go in and out and will find pasture.
Jesus, the good shepherd, lays down his life for the sheep.
Jesus said he had other sheep that were not of that fold. He said he must bring them and they would hear his voice so that there would be one flock and one shepherd.
The Father loves Jesus because Jesus lays down his life that he may take it up again.
No. He lays if down of himself.
Jesus received this command from his Father.
Many said, "He has a demon and is insane. Why do you listen to him?" Others said, "These are not the statements of one possessed with a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"
Many said, "He has a demon and is insane. Why do you listen to him?" Others said, "These are not the statements of one possessed with a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"
Many said, "He has a demon and is insane. Why do you listen to him?" Others said, "These are not the statements of one possessed with a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"
They said, "How long will you hold us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."
Jesus said he had already told them (that he was the Christ) and they did not believe him because they weren't his sheep.
Jesus said he had already told them (that he was the Christ) and they did not believe him because they weren't his sheep.
Jesus said he gives his sheep eternal life, they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of his hand.
The Father gave the sheep to Jesus.
The Father is greater than all others.
Because they believed Jesus was blaspheming and making himself God even though he was a man.
Jesus defends himself by saying, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, "You are gods'"? If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the scripture cannot be broken), do you say about him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'?.
Jesus defends himself by saying, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, "You are gods'"? If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the scripture cannot be broken), do you say about him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'?.
Jesus defends himself by saying, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, "You are gods'"? If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the scripture cannot be broken), do you say about him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'?.
Jesus tell the Jews to look at his works. If Jesus isn't doing the works of his Father, don't believe him. If he is doing the works of his Father, believe him.
Jesus tell the Jews to look at his works. If Jesus isn't doing the works of his Father, don't believe him. If he is doing the works of his Father, believe him.
Jesus said they could know and understand that the Father is in Jesus and that Jesus is in the Father.
The Jews tried again to seize Jesus.
Jesus went away again beyond the Jordon to the place where John had been baptizing at first.
They kept saying, "John indeed did no signs, but all the things that John has said about this man are true." Many people believed in Jesus there.
They kept saying, "John indeed did no signs, but all the things that John has said about this man are true." Many people believed in Jesus there.
1 Now a certain man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with myrrh and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 The sisters then sent for Jesus, saying, "Lord, see, he whom you love is sick." 4 When Jesus heard it, he said, "This sickness is not to death, but instead it is for the glory of God so that the Son of God may be glorified by it." 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, Jesus stayed two more days in the place where he was. 7 Then after this, he said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." 8 The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, right now the Jews are trying to stone you, and you are going back there again?" 9 Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of light in a day? If someone walks in the daytime, he will not stumble, because he sees by the light of this world. 10 However, if he walks at night, he will stumble because the light is not in him." 11 He said these things, and after these things, he said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going so that I may wake him out of sleep." 12 The disciples therefore said to him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he was speaking about the sleep of resting. 14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. 15 I am glad, for your sakes, that I was not there so that you may believe. Let us go to him." 16 Thomas, who was called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go so that we may die with Jesus."
17 When Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen stadia away. 19 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to comfort them about their brother. 20 Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Martha then said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 Even now, I know that whatever you ask from God, he will give to you." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, even if he dies, will live; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world." 28 When she had said this, she went away and called her sister Mary privately. She said, "The Teacher is here and is calling for you." 29 When she heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village but was still in the place where Martha had met him. 31 So when the Jews, who were with her in the house and who were comforting her, saw Mary getting up quickly and going out, they followed her, thinking that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 When Mary came to the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell down at his feet and said to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and was troubled; 34 he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, "See how much he loved Lazarus!" 37 But some of them said, "Could not this man, who opened the eyes of a blind man, also have made this man not die?" 38 Then Jesus again, being deeply moved in himself, went to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of Lazarus, the one who had died, said to Jesus, "Lord, by this time the body will be decaying, for he has been dead for four days." 40 Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that, if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" 41 So they took away the stone. Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you that you listened to me. 42 I knew that you always listen to me, but it is because of the crowd that is standing around me that I said this, so that they may believe that you have sent me." 43 After he had said this, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 The dead man came out; his feet and hands were bound with cloths, and his face was bound about with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Untie him and let him go."
45 Then many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what Jesus did, believed in him. 46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things that Jesus had done.
47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council together and said, "What will we do? This man does many signs. 48 If we leave him alone like this, all will believe in him; the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." 49 However, a certain man among them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing. 50 You do not consider that it is better for you that one man dies for the people than that the whole nation perishes." 51 Now this he said not from himself. Instead, being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation; 52 and not only for the nation, but so that the children of God who are scattered would be gathered together into one. 53 So from that day onward they planned how to put Jesus to death.
54 No longer did Jesus walk openly among the Jews, but he departed from there into the country near to the wilderness into a town called Ephraim. There he stayed with the disciples. 55 Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up to Jerusalem from the country before the Passover in order to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for Jesus and speaking one with another as they stood in the temple: "What do you think? That he will not come to the festival?" 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given an order that if anyone knew where Jesus was, he should report it so that they might seize him.
[11:1]
Lazarus, Mary, and Martha were Jesus’ close friends. Both John and Luke wrote about their friendship (See: 11:1-12:11; Luke 10:38-42).
See Map: Bethany
[11:4]
Jesus said, “This illness does not lead to death.” Jesus was not saying that Lazarus will not die from his sickness. In fact, he did die. He was dead for four days. He meant that Lazerus would not remain dead. How did the death of Lazarus glorify God?
Scholars think Lazarus died so that God could show his glory to people. God made his power known to people by bringing Lazarus back to life after he died. God made his love and compassion known to people by doing this. God glorified Jesus through this miracle.
See: Glory (Glorify); Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Love; Miracle
[11:6]
Jesus waited for two days before traveling to visit Mary and Martha for two reasons. Jesus wanted to give time for people to know Lazarus was dead. Perhaps Jesus wanted to make it known that he had the power to bring Lazarus back to life. He controlled what happens after people die. He wanted everyone to know that the miracle did not have any other possible reasons for occurring. Jesus wanted Mary and Martha to know he loved them very much. He wanted to help them to trust him.
See: Miracle
[11:9, 11:10]
Many scholars think Jesus used the metaphor of the day to speak of his ministry on the earth. These scholars think Jesus told his disciples he was safe because he did the things his Father wanted him to do. John spoke about Jesus being the “light of the world” (see: 9:5). These scholars think Jesus used the metaphor of the night to speak of when Jesus returned to heaven.
See: Metaphor; Disciple; God the Father; Light and Darkness (Metaphor); Heaven
[11:11]
The New Testament uses the metaphor of sleep to mean someone died (see: Matthew 9:24; Acts 7:60; 1 Thessalonians 4:13). This was a common metaphor during the time of the New Testament but not during the time of the Old Testament and for the Jewish people. This is why the disciples did not know Jesus said that Lazarus was dead when the disciple said he was sleeping.
See: New Testament; Metaphor; Old Testament (Law and Prophets); Disciple
[11:16]
When Thomas said“let us also go that we may die with him,” people knew that he was being courageous and devoted to Jesus. He knew the Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus. Perhaps Thomas thought the disciples would be killed with Jesus.
See: Disciple
[11:17]
John said that Lazarus was in the tomb for four days so that people would know that Lazarus was dead and not just sick. At this time, the Jews thought the soul of a dead person remained near a grave for three days. It did this hoping to return to the body. The body began to decay after four days, and the soul no longer remained with the body. Some scholars think Jesus did not go immediately to Bethany because he wanted to bring more honor to God. They think Jesus wanted people to know that he could make the dead live and that he could stop decay and remove uncleanness.
See: Soul; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Clean and Unclean
[11:21]
Martha said, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” She knew that Jesus could have saved her brother and she was very sad because he died. Martha’s also knew God would do whatever Jesus asked him to do. Perhaps she thought good things would happen because Lazarus died. Martha knew Lazarus would live again at the last day.
See: Day of Judgment; Resurrect (Resurrection)
[11:25]
Jesus said “I am.” Jesus wanted people to know that they could not come back to life after they died without him. Only by believing in Jesus can someone be at peace with God and live together with God in heaven forever. Some scholars think Jesus spoke these words to Martha because he wanted her to trust him completely. They think Jesus spoke these things so that Martha would know that he had the ability to do these things.
See: Yahweh (I am); Resurrect (Resurrection)
[11:27]
Martha said, “Yes, Lord” so that people would know that she knew Jesus was the messiah.
See: John 20:30-31; Matthew 16;16
See: Lord; Messiah (Christ)
[11:33]
When Jesus was “deeply moved”(ἐμβριμάομαι/g1690), he was angered. Some scholars think Jesus was angered because of the problems sin caused in the world. That is, it caused sickness, disease, and death which causes great sorrow. Other scholars think the people grieving caused Jesus to be angry because they did not have hope. They did not believe in Jesus because if they did, they would know that they would live together with God in heaven forever. They would have hope.
See: Sin; Hope; Heaven
[11:35]
John said that Jesus wept. Scholars think Jesus wept silently, but he was very sad. His tears made known his genuine sympathy. This was unlike certain people in ancient Israel who were paid to cry after people died. They think Jesus felt sympathy for both Mary and Martha for their great loss. The Jews at the tomb thought Jesus wept because of his great love for Lazarus.
Advice to Translators: Sympathy means that someone feels sorrow for someone else because something bad has happened to them.
[11:40]
Martha saw the power of God when Jesus made Lazarus alive again. Scholars think whenever Jesus made known the power of God, it was to glorify God. Scholars also think that all those seeing Lazarus made alive again saw a miracle. Also, those who believed in Jesus saw the miracle in the same way as the glory of God was made known to them.
See: Glory (Glorify); Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Miracle
[11:41, 11:42]
Scholars think that Jesus’ prayer made the crowd know that he was sent by God the Father and that he all the things that God the Father told him to do. They think Jesus’ wanted some of the crowd to see him pray and believe that God truly sent Jesus into the world.
See: Pray (Prayer); God the Father
[11:43]
Jesus made Lazarus alive again by calling his name. He commanded Lazarus to come out of the tomb. Some scholars think the command of Jesus to Lazarus will be the same command given for all those who die believing in Jesus. Jesus will call their name and command them to come out of their graves on the last day (see: 1 Thessalonians 4:16).
See: Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Tomb; Day of Judgment; Jesus' Return to Earth
[11:44]
In ancient Israel, a dead body was wrapped it in a large sheet of cloth before being buried. They tied the feet together at the ankles with another cloth. And they tied the arms to the body with linen strips. These wrappings made it difficult for Lazarus to move and walk.
[11:49]
When John said that Caiaphas was the high priest for “that year,” he meant that Caiaphas was high priest during this specific year. That is, the year of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It did not mean Caiaphas was high priest for only one year (see: 18:12-14).
See: High Priest; Resurrect (Resurrection)
[11:50]
John wrote that Caiaphas said that one man should die for the nation was a prophecy. John meant that God gave Caiaphas those words to speak. Caiaphas did not know he prophesied about Jesus dying. They think Caiaphas was only worried that Jesus or his followers might threaten the Sadducees in some way. Caiaphas did not want this because he thought this would cause the nation to “perish”(ἀπόλλυμι/g0622). The Romans allowed the Jews to have the temple and worship God. However, the Jews could not cause any problems for the Romans. Caiaphas thought that Jesus or his followers might cause fighting among the Jews. This would cause problems for the Romans, and they would destroy the Jewish temple and nation for this.
See: Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Sadducees; Rome (Roman Empire, Caesar); Temple; Worship
[11:52]
At that time John wrote, there were many Jews who believed that Jesus was the messiah. The persecution of Christians caused them to go to other countries. God promised that he will bring them back together (see: Isaiah 43:5-7; Ezekiel 34:11-12). Some scholars think John also spoke about the Gentiles as well as the Jews (see: 12:32; Ephesians 2:11-18).
See: Children of God; Messiah (Christ); Persecute (Persecution) ; Gentile
[11:54]
See map: Ephraim
[11:55]
See: Passover
[[11:55]
The Law of Moses has instructions for Jews who were unclean. It took seven days for someone to become clean. At the end of the seven days, the one who was unclean was pronounced clean. So, many Jews went up to Jerusalem early so they might be made clean before the Passover began (see: Numbers 9:6-12; 19:11-12).
See: Law of Moses; Clean and Unclean; Passover
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they made him a dinner there, and Martha was serving, but Lazarus was one of those who were lying down at the table with Jesus. 3 Then Mary took a litra of perfume made of very precious pure nard, anointed the feet of Jesus with it, and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, the one who would betray him, said, 5 "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" 6 Now he said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. He had the moneybag and would steal from what was put in it. 7 Jesus said, "Allow her to keep what she has for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor with you. But you will not always have me."
9 Now a large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, and they came, not only for Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 10 The chief priests conspired together so that they might also put Lazarus to death; 11 for it was because of him that many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.
12 On the next day a great crowd came to the festival. When they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 they took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet him and cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel."
14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it was written,
15 "Do not fear, daughter of Zion;
see, your King is coming,
sitting on the colt of a donkey."
16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, they remembered that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. 17 Now the crowd testified that they had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him up from the dead. 18 It was also for this reason that the crowd went out to meet him, because they heard that he had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "Look, you can do nothing good; see, the world has gone after him."
20 Now certain Greeks were among those who were going up to worship at the festival. 21 These went to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we want to see Jesus." 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew went with Philip, and they told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them and said, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it will bear much fruit. 25 He who loves his life will lose it; but he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, let him follow me; and where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. 27 Now my soul is troubled and what should I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But for this reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven and said, "I have glorified it and I will glorify it again." 29 Then the crowd that stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." 30 Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come for me, but for you. 31 Now is the judgment of this world: Now will the ruler of this world be thrown out. 32 When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself." 33 He said this to indicate what kind of death he would die. 34 The crowd answered him, "We have heard from the law that the Christ will stay forever. How can you say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this Son of Man?" 35 Jesus then said to them, "The light will still be with you for a short amount of time. Walk while you have the light, so that darkness does not overtake you. He who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may be sons of light."
Jesus said these things and then departed and hid from them. 37 Although Jesus had done so many signs before them, yet they did not believe in him 38 so that the word of Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled, in which he said:
"Lord, who has believed our report,
and to whom has the arm
of the Lord been revealed?"
39 For this reason they could not believe, for Isaiah had also said,
40 "He has blinded their eyes,
and he has hardened their heart,
otherwise they would see with their eyes
and understand with their hearts,
and turn, and I would heal them."
41 Isaiah said these things because he saw the glory of Jesus and spoke of him. 42 But despite that, many of the rulers believed in Jesus; but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess it so that they would not be banned from the synagogue. 43 They loved the glory that comes from people more than the glory that comes from God.
44 Jesus cried out and said, "The one who believes in me believes not only in me but also in him who sent me, 45 and the one who sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and who does not receive my words has one who judges him. The word I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I did not speak for myself, but it is the Father who sent me, who has given me the command about what to say and what to speak. 50 I know that his command is eternal life, so that is what I say—just as the Father has spoken to me, so I speak."
[12:2]
Lazarus, Martha, and Mary gave Jesus dinner at their home. Jesus made Lazarus alive again, so they wanted to honor him. Perhaps they also did this because Passover began in six days. This was Jesus’ final Passover while on earth.
Scholars think this was the dinner Matthew, Mark and Luke about (See: Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, and Luke 7:36-38).
See: Passover
See Map: Bethany (showing how close it is to Jerusalem)
[12:3]
Mary poured nard on Jesus. This was very expensive. It was a sweet smelling oil. It was made from the roots of a plant. Mary used a "litra"of the perfume. That is, she used about half a litre. What did Jesus want his disciples to think about his being anointed (12:7-8)? Jesus wanted his disciples to think of how he was going to die soon. He knew he was going to die. But he also knew that his disciples did not know this.
Jesus told them not to sell the perfume. Jesus did not say this because he did not want his disciples to help the poor people. Instead, he wanted them to listen to him while he was still on earth. They could worship God in person while he was on the earth. This was not something everyone could do. They could help the poor after he was gone.
See: Disciple; Worship
[12:10, 12:11]
Many Jewish leaders wanted to kill Lazarus because of Jesus. Jesus made Lazarus alive again. This caused many people to follow Jesus. They believed he was the Messiah. But the Jewish leaders did not believe Jesus was the Messiah, and they did not want other people to believe in him. So they thought that if they killed Lazarus, people will stop believing in Jesus.
See: Messiah (Christ)
[12:12, 12:13]
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all speak of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion. He entered into the city in the same way a king would enter into a city after a great victory. Because all four of these men wrote about this happening, scholars think they really wanted people to know about it.
See: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, and Luke 19:29-38
See: Crucify (Crucifixion)
[12:18]
Many people came to see Jesus because they wanted to see his miracles. The people who saw Jesus make Lazarus alive again (See: 12:17) told other people that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem from Bethany. So, many people went to see him. They wanted to see the man who made Lazarus alive again. They wanted to hear what he said. They wanted to see if the Pharisees would arrest him.
Jesus was honored in Jerusalem in the same way a powerful man was honor. In ancient times, after a general or king defeated their enemies, they rode into their capital city. Their soldiers and the men they captured followed them to give them honor. Many people came to welcome them.
See: Miracle; Pharisees
[12:13]
The people waved palm branches to honor Jesus. They did this while he entered the city. They cut these branches from date palm trees. These were on the side of the road leading to Jerusalem.
[12:13]
The people who came to greet Jesus shouted words that honored him. “Hosanna” is an Aramaic word. People used this to honor someone. They wanted to say "We praise you!" They also shouted words from Scripture to honor Jesus (See: Psalm 118:25-26). They called him a man coming to speak for God. They called him a king.
[12:14]
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey to fulfill a prophecy (See: Zechariah 9:9). In ancient Israel, leaders rode on horses when they fought against each other. However, they rode on donkeys when there was peace. Jesus rode on a donkey. He wanted the people to think of a gentle king.
See: Fulfill (Fulfillment); Prophecy (Prophesy)
[12:19]
The Pharisees said, "the world has gone after him" because all the people welcomed Jesus. This worried them. They worried that people might stop listening to them. Instead, they would listen to Jesus. This caused them to begin planning to kill Jesus.
See: Pharisees
[12:20]
John wrote about "Greeks." These people were not Jewish. John was a Jew. When John was alive, Jewish people said "Greek" to speak of a non-Jewish person. That is, John wrote of Gentiles coming to the Passover festival.
See: Gentile; Passover
[12:21]
John wrote that Philip was from Bethsaida in Galilee. Many “Greeks” or Gentiles lived in this town. Therefore, Philip knew how to talk to them. Perhaps he knew some of the people who came to talk to him. He also knew Jesus. So, he was the person to tell these people about Jesus.
See: Gentile
See Map: Bethsaida and Galilee
[12:22]
Philip talked to Andrew because Andrew was good at telling people about Jesus. Andrew was Peter's brother. He brought Peter to meet Jesus (See: 1:41). He also took Jesus to heal their mother (See: Mark 1:29-30). So, Philip wanted Andrew to help get Jesus to speak with these Gentiles.
See: Gentile
[12:23]
Jesus said "the hour has come." He wanted to make known that something was happening that they needed to pay attention to. He did not mean a specific time. Instead, he meant that people were ready for this thing to happen.
[12:23]
Jesus called himself "Son of Man." He wanted people to think about him in a special way. The Old Testament used the words “Son of Man” to speak of the messiah. Therefore, Jesus wanted people to know he was the messiah spoken of in the Old Testament.
See: Son of Man; Old Testament (Law and Prophets); Messiah (Christ)
[12:24]
Jesus told a parable about wheat. This was a metaphor. He used it to talk about when he would die. He wanted people to know that he would be made alive again after he died. He wanted people to think about how one grain of wheat becomes a living plant after it is placed in the ground.
Also, he spoke of how one grain of wheat grows a plant that has many more grains of wheat on it. So, Jesus wanted to say that many people would believe in him after he died.
See: Parable; Metaphor; Resurrect (Resurrection)
[12:27]
Jesus talked about the "hour." Thas is, he would soon suffer and die on the cross. He was not speaking about a certain time of the day. Instead, he wanted to say that something would soon happen. This was his crucifixion.
See: Crucify (Crucifixion); Cross
[12:28]
Jesus said "Father, glorify your name." Jesus wanted to honor God when he died. Jesus died so that people could be at peace with God. This honored God.
See: God the Father; Glory (Glorify); Name
12:28]
God the Father was the voice that "came from heaven." The Father answered Jesus’ prayer.
God said "I have glorified it and will glorify it again." He said that Jesus’ death fulfilled the Father’s plan for the world. He made it so that people could be at peace with God. By doing this, he honored God. God also said that Jesus’ dying and being made alive again honored the Father in the present time and in a future time.
See: God the Father; Heaven; Pray (Prayer); Glory (Glorify); Resurrect (Resurrection)
[12:31]
Jesus wanted people to think of God and the wrong things they did when he said "judgment of this world." God will judge everyone because everyone does wrong things. He wanted people to think about Satan when he said "ruler of this world." God gave some permission to Satan to "rule" the world for a while. However, God will judge Satan. God will "throw him out" of the world forever (See: 1 Peter 5:8, Romans 16:20, Revelation 2:13, 12:9, 20:7-10).
See: Judge (Judgment); World; Satan (The Devil)
[12:32]
Jesus said he would be "lifted up from the earth." That is, he would be crucified. People were tied and nailed to crosses during crucifixion. Then the cross was lifted up with the person on it. This was above the ground so people could see them. So Jesus was physically "lifted up" when he was crucified.
Normally, a crucified person was shamed. However, Jesus was not shamed, he was honored because he died for people.
Jesus also wanted people to believe in him. He said people will believe in him after he died.
See: Crucify (Crucifixion); Shame (Ashamed); Atone (Atonement)
[12:34]
People did not understand Jesus when he spoke about the “Son of Man.” So they asked him what this meant. The Jewish people thought the messiah was going to make Israel a great nation again. They thought he was going to live forever and rule them forever (See: Psalms 72:17, 89:35-37, Isaiah 9:7, and Ezekiel 37:25). "Son of Man" was a title for this messiah (See: Daniel 7:13-14).
Some of the people believed Jesus was the messiah. However, they did not understand him when he said he was going to die. They did not understand how the "Son of Man" could die. So they asked Jesus to make known what he was saying.
Advice to Translators: A title is a specific name someone is given because of a particular position they hold. For example, mother is a title given to a child's female parent. These titles always have special meaning. The title itself gives specific information about the person with the title. We know the title “mother” means that woman has at least one child. In the same way, “Son of Man” gives us specific information about the messiah and how he fulfilled prophecy.
See: Son of Man; Messiah (Christ)
[12:35, 12:36]
Jesus used the metaphor of light to speak of himself. He wanted to say that he was not merely a man. He is God. "Light" meant good and pure. God is the best and purest of all things. So Jesus used this metaphor to say he is God.
However, he also wanted people to know that he was not going to live on earth much longer. So he said they will only have the "light" for "a short amount of time." He also used the metaphor of walking. He wanted people to think about how they should believe in him and do the things that he did. He wanted them to believe and do the things he did while he was still on earth.
See: Light and Darkness (Metaphor); Jesus is God; Walk
[12:37, 12:39]
Many of the Jewish people did not believe in Jesus. The Jewish leaders taught them wrong things about the messiah. Also, many people did not understand the things taught in Scripture. Because of these things, they did not want to believe in Jesus. So, God "hardened their hearts." That is, he allowed them to not believe. He gave them what they wanted. The prophet Isaiah said this will happen (See: Isaiah 53:1, 6:10).
See: Messiah (Christ); Heart (Metaphor); Prophet
[12:41]
Isaiah saw "the glory of Jesus" in a vision from God (See: Isaiah 6: 1-4) Isaiah lived before Jesus was on earth. But Jesus is God. So Jesus was with God the Father in heaven before he was born. Jesus shares God’s glory. Therefore, Isaiah saw Jesus when he saw the glory of God.
See: Glory (Glorify); Vision); Jesus is God; God the Father; Heaven
[12:42]
John wrote "some of the rulers." because not all the Jewish leaders were against Jesus. Some of them believed in him. However, they did not tell others that they believed in him because they were afraid of the Pharisees. If they said they believed in Jesus, the Pharisees would not allow them to worship in the Jewish synagogues.
See: Pharisees; Worship; Synagogue
[12:44]
Jesus cried out to say several things: 1. He wanted to speak of "the one who sent me." That is, God the Father. 1. He wanted to say that people needed to believe in him. He said that when people believe in him, they also believe in God. This is because Jesus and the Father are both God. 1. He wanted to speak about himself in a metaphor of light (See: 12:34-36). He used the metaphor of darkness. He wanted people to think about their sins. He saves people in the same way that light shines and removes darkness. 1. He wanted to say that God will judge people. He will punish people who do not believe in Jesus. 1. He wanted to say that he only spoke the things God told him to speak. 1. He wanted to say everyone who believe in Jesus will live together with God in heaven forever.
Advice to Translators: Crying out means to speak in a very loud voice.
See: God the Father; Jesus is God; Light and Darkness (Metaphor); Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins); Judge (Judgment); Punish (Punishment); Heaven
1 Now it was before the Festival of the Passover. Jesus knew that his hour had come to go out of this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 Now the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot son of Simon to betray Jesus. So during dinner, 3 Jesus—who knew that the Father had given everything over into his hands and that he had come from God and was going back to God— 4 got up from dinner and took off his outer clothing. Then he took a towel and wrapped it around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples and dry them with the towel that he had put around himself. 6 He came to Simon Peter, and Peter said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7 Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will understand this later." 8 Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." 9 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, do not only wash my feet, but also my hands and my head." 10 Jesus said to him, "He who is bathed has no need, except to wash his feet, but he is completely clean; you are clean, but not everyone." 11 (For Jesus knew who would betray him; that is why he said, "Not all of you are clean.")
12 So when Jesus had washed their feet and taken his garments and sat down again, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done for you? 13 You call me 'teacher' and 'Lord,' and you are speaking correctly, because so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you should also wash the feet of one another. 15 For I have given you an example so that you should also do just as I did for you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is a messenger greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. 18 I am not speaking about all of you; I know those whom I have chosen—but this is so that the scripture will be fulfilled: 'He who eats my bread lifted up his heel against me.' 19 I tell you this now before it happens so that when it happens, you may believe that I AM. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me."
21 When Jesus said this, he was troubled in spirit. He testified and said, "Truly, truly, I say to you that one of you will betray me." 22 The disciples looked at each other, wondering of whom he was speaking. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was lying down at the table against Jesus' side. 24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, "Ask him who he is speaking about." 25 So he leaned back against the side of Jesus and said to him, "Lord, who is it?" 26 Then Jesus answered, "It is the one for whom I will dip the piece of bread and give it him." So when he had dipped the bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after the bread, Satan entered into him, so Jesus said to him, "What you are doing, do it quickly." 28 Now no one who was lying down at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, since Judas had the moneybag, Jesus said to him, "Buy what we need to have for the festival," or that he should give something to the poor. 30 After Judas received the bread, he went out immediately. It was night.
31 When Judas was gone, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify the Son in himself, and he will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you for still a short amount of time. You will seek me, and as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' Now I also say this to you. 34 I am giving you a new commandment, that you should love one another; as I have loved you, so also you should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another."
36 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, but you will follow later." 37 Peter said to him, "Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." 38 Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow before you have denied me three times."
[13:1]
John wrote that Jesus "knew his hour had come." That is, Jesus knew he was going to die soon. The metaphor of an "hour" was about a certain time, which was the end of Jesus's life.
See: Metaphor
[13:2]
John wrote that the devil "put it into the heart" of Judas Iscariot. That is, Judas wanted to help the people who wanted to kill Jesus. John wrote that the devil gave Judas these thoughts. He wanted his readers to know this was an evil idea.
See: Satan (The Devil); Heart (Metaphor)
[13:3]
John wrote, "the Father had given everything over into Jesus' hands." He wanted to say that God the Father gave Jesus power over everything that happened. Some scholars think God gave Jesus permission to choose when and how he would die. They think this because John also wrote that Jesus "had come from God and was going back to God" (13:3). Other scholars think God gave Jesus power over the whole world. They think this because many other verses talk about this (see: Mark 5:30, Acts 10:38, Romans 1:4, Colossians 1:15-18, 2 Peter 1:16). Other scholars think that John wanted to say both of these things.
See: God the Father
[13:5]
Jesus washed his disciples' feet for two reasons: 1. He did this to clean their feet. The roads in Palestine were made of dirt. People walked everywhere. So their feet had dirt on them. 1. He did this so that they would know that they needed to serve other people (See: 13:14-16). Only servants or slaves washed people’s feet. When Jesus lived, it was shameful to wash someone else’s feet. But Jesus washed his disciples' feet. He is the Son of God and not a servant or slave. He rules over everything, yet he served others. He wanted people to serve other people.
See: Disciple; Serve](../artcles/serve.md); [Shame (Ashamed); Son of God
[13:6]
Peter told Jesus he did not want Jesus to wash his feet. He thought that washing feet was a shameful thing to do. First, he asked this as a question. Then, he said, "Lord, you will never wash my feet." But Jesus said he must wash him. Then, Peter wanted Jesus to wash his hands and head. He wanted to have Jesus wash all of him. Some scholars think Peter thought this was less shameful than washing only Peter's feet. Other scholars think Peter was saying that he really wanted to follow Jesus.
See: Shame (Ashamed)
[13:7, 13:10]
Jesus wanted to say that it honors God when Christians help other people. This is true even when someone serves others by doing something others think is shameful. Jesus wanted his disciples to honor God. So he wanted them to help other people (See: 13:14-15). He wanted them to do things that help other people, even if they feel shame while they are doing it.
See: Serve](../artcles/serve.md); [Shame (Ashamed); Disciple
[13:18]
Jesus spoke of Judas Iscariot in 13:18. Jesus knew Judas was going to help the Jewish leaders to find Jesus. Jesus wanted his other disciples to know that this was something that must happen.
Jesus also spoke of his other disciples. He wanted them to know that all of them except Judas were loyal disciples. They trusted Jesus and he trusted them. He also wanted them to know that God forgave their sins. So he called them "clean" (see: 13:10) and "chosen" (see: 13:18).
See: Disciple; Forgive (Forgiveness, Pardon); Clean and Unclean; Elect (Election)
[13:19, 13:20]
Jesus talked about himself in 13:19-20. He wanted to say that he is God. God gave himself the name “I am” (see: Exodus 3:14). He did this when he spoke to Moses. Jesus used the same words "I am" (see: John 8:58). He wanted people to know that he is God.
Jesus also talked about "him who sent me." He wanted to say that he spoke for God because God sent him to earth.
See: Yahweh (I am); Jesus is God
[13:23]
John wrote "one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved" in 13:23. Scholars think this was because John wrote about himself. John did not write his name in his gospel. Instead, he wrote "one whom Jesus loved" (see: John 19:26, John 20:2, John 21:7; John 21:20).
See: Disciple; Love; Gospel
[13:23]
John wrote "lying down at the table against Jesus' side." This was how people ate meals. At that time, people ate meals lying down around a table. They laid on their left arm with their feet pointing away from the table. They used their right hand to eat. Each person was near the persons lying next to them. So John was “at Jesus' side.” Because he was near Jesus, he could easily lean against Jesus’s side and ask him a question (see: 13:25).
[13:26]
Jesus dipped bread and gave it to Judas Iscariot. He knew that Judas would betray him. Normally, dipping bread and giving it to someone gave that person great honor. However, Jesus knew Judas was going to give him to the Jewish leaders to be killed. Instead of honoring Judas, Judas was shamed.
See: Shame (Ashamed)
[13:27]
John wrote that Satan went into Judas to make known that Judas was doing what Satan wanted him to do. Some scholars think Satan controlled what Judas did. Judas was one of Jesus' disciples. However, Judas did not agree with what Jesus said and did. Therefore, he planned with Jesus' enemies. Because of this, he allowed Satan to "enter" him and take control of him. He wanted to do the things that Satan wanted him to do.
Other scholars think Satan only tempted Judas. The longer Judas did what Satan wanted him to do, the more he was doing what Satan wanted him to do. So in this way, Satan was doing what he wanted through Judas.
See: Satan (The Devil); Disciple; Tempt (Temptation)
[13:31]
Jesus talked about his being "glorified" in 13:31-32. He wanted his disciples to think about how God sent Jesus to earth. He wanted them to know that he did what God said to do. This would honor God. Also, God would greatly honor Jesus for this.
Jesus spoke about himself when he said "Son of Man."
When Jesus said he would be glorified immediately, he spoke of how would be killed and made alive again very soon (see: 13:32).
See: Glory (Glorify); Disciple; Son of Man
[13:36]
Jesus told Peter "you cannot follow me now, but you will follow later" (13:36). Jesus was speaking about how Peter would die. He used "follow" as a metaphor to talk about being killed in the same way Jesus was killed. The Romans crucified Jesus the next day. Jesus knew Peter would be crucified for believing in Jesus. But this did not happen for many years. So Jesus said it would happen "later."
See: Metaphor; Crucify (Crucifixion)
1 "Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, I would have told you, for I am going to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, so that where I am you will also be. 4 You know the way to where I am going." 5 Thomas said to Jesus, "Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you know him and have seen him." 8 Philip said to Jesus, "Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us." 9 Jesus said to him, "I have been with you for such a long time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak from my own authority, but the Father living in me is doing his work. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me, or else believe because of the works themselves. 12 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will do the works that I do, and he will do greater works than these because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father will be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. 15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments, 16 and I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Comforter so that he will be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive him because it does not see him or know him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come back to you. 19 Yet a short amount of time and the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you will also live. 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and that you are in me, and that I am in you. 21 He who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me, and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and I will show myself to him." 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Jesus, "Lord, why is it that you will show yourself to us and not to the world?" 23 Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and we will make our home with him. 24 He who does not love me does not keep my words. The word that you hear is not from me but from the Father who sent me.
25 I have said these things to you, while I am staying with you. 26 However, the Comforter—the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and he will remind you of everything that I said to you. 27 I leave you peace; I give you my peace. I do not give it as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not be afraid. 28 You heard that I said to you, 'I am going away, and I will come back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I am. 29 Now I have told you before it happens so that, when it happens, you will believe. 30 I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me, 31 but in order that the world will know that I love the Father, I do just as the Father commanded me. Let us get up and go from here."
Jesus and his disciples were still in the upstairs room. They stayed in this room while Jesus taught them.
See: Disciple
[14:2]
Jesus used a metaphor when he talked about his Father’s house. His father’s house is heaven. It is the place where God lives.
See: Metaphor; Heaven; God the Father
[14:2]
Jesus talked about "many rooms" in his "Father's house." This was a metaphor. There are many places in heaven. These are places where people can live with God. God wants to have many people with him. Scholars think Jesus wanted the disciples to think about some buildings the Romans built. These buildings were large and meant for many people to live inside together.
See: Metaphor; Heaven; Disciple; God the Father
[14:3]
Jesus said he would "come again." Some scholars think Jesus was speaking about when he would return to the earth again. This will happen at the time of the end of the world. Other scholars think he also wanted his disciples to know he would come back after he died.
See: Jesus' Return to Earth; Disciple
[14:3]
Jesus said that he will "receive you to myself." He was saying that he will take the people who believe in him to be with God forever.
[14:4]
Jesus used the metaphor of a "way" to talk about how people believe in him and do the things he wants them to do. Some scholars think he was talking about how God saves a person can be at peace with God because they believe in Jesus. Other scholars think Jesus was also talking about how Christians obey God.
See: Metaphor; Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins)
[14:6]
See: John 6:35
See: Yahweh (I am)
[14:6]
Jesus said he is "the way, the truth, and the life." This is used a metaphor. He talked about how he made it possible for people to do the things that honor God. He did this when he died. He wanted to say that God will save people from their sinning only if they believe in Jesus.
See: Metaphor; Atone (Atonement)
[14:7]
Jesus said "if you had known me, you would have known the Father.” He was saying that he is God. So, if someone knows Jesus, that person also knows God. Jesus often said "the Father" when he wanted to talk about God.
See: Trinity; God the Father; Jesus is God
[14:9]
In 14:9-11, Jesus said more about what he said in 14:7. That is, he told Philip and the other disciples again that he is God. When he said "I am in the Father and the Father is in me" (14:10a, 14:11), he wanted his disciples to know that he is God. He was not saying that he was inside of God.
When he said "the Father living in me is doing his work" (14:10b), he wanted his disciples to know that God did the things that Jesus did. So when people saw Jesus do something, that was the same as seeing God do it.
See: Disciple; Jesus is God; Trinity; God the Father
[14:11]
Jesus said people need to believe in him because he is God. However, Jesus knew it is hard for people to know how he and the Father are in each other. So he told his disciples that there is another reason to believe in him.
He told his disciples they need to believe in him because of the miracles he did. He knew he had done many things so that people would know his great power. He did things that only God could do. So Jesus told his disciples that these miracles allowed them to know that he is God.
See: Jesus is God; God the Father; Disciple; Miracle
[14:16]
The "comforter" that Jesus spoke about is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comforts and encourages Christians. Also, the Holy Spirit speaks for Christians when they are unable to speak (See: Romans 8:26). Therefore, the Holy Spirit is called a "comforter.”
Advice to Translators: Use the same word in your language that is used in the Bible in your language for 4:16 to mean comforter or advocate.
See: 14:26
See: Holy Spirit
[14:17]
Jesus said the Holy Spirit "lives with" and "will be in" Christians. The Holy Spirit comes into a person in some way when the person believes in Jesus. While Jesus was on earth, the Holy Spirit was in him. When he returned to heaven, the Holy Spirit went inside of every person who believes in Jesus.
Jesus wanted Christians to know that he does not leave them alone after they believe in him. Instead, in some way the Holy Spirit will live in them. He does not force them to do things. Demons do this when they possess a person. Instead, the Holy Spirit helps people. He guides them. He comforts them. He encourages them. He teaches them. The Holy Spirit is God. So Jesus said this to say that in some way God lives with a person after they believe in Jesus.
See: Indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Heaven; Sin; Demon; Holy Spirit
[14:18]
Jesus did not leave his disciples alone because he went back to them after God made him alive again. The disciples continued to see and speak with Jesus during the 40 days after he died and was resurrected. Jesus came back to them to prove he was no longer dead. So, this fulfilled the promise he made to them here.
Jesus also did not leave his disciples alone because he sent his Spirit to live in them (See: John 14:15-17; Acts 2). Jesus' spirit and the Holy Spirit are the same person.
See: Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Disciple
[14:20]
"That day" (14:20) was the day Jesus was made alive again. He knew that when his disciples saw that he was alive again, they would be able to understand what he told them at the Passover supper. They would understand that he is God.
Scholars think Jesus also spoke about the time when he would return to earth, that is the last days. He will return at the ending of the world. He used words that Jewish people sometimes used when they wanted to speak about the ending of the world.
See: Passover; Jesus is God; Last Days; Jesus' Return to Earth
[14:20]
When Jesus spoke about the "Father," he wanted his disciples to think about God.
See: Trinity; God the Father; Disciple
[14:20]
When Jesus said he is “in” his Father, he said that he is God. He did not say that he was inside of God.
He also said that Christians are in some way joined to him when they believe in him. However, Christians are not God. That is, Jesus is “in” the Father in a different way than Christians are “in” Jesus.
See: Trinity; God the Father; Jesus is God; In Christ
[14:28]
Jesus said the Father is "greater" than Jesus (see: 14:28) because he obeyed the Father. The Father made a plan before he created the world. He planned how people's sins could be forgiven. Jesus obeyed that plan when he died on the cross.
In the same way a son obeys his father because the son is ruled by the father, so Jesus obeys God the Father. However, Jesus is God (See: John 5:18).
See: Trinity; God the Father; Will of God; Sin; Forgive (Forgiveness, Pardon); Cross; Jesus is God
[14:30]
The "ruler of this world" is Satan (See: John 12:31, Ephesians 2:2, and 2 Corinthians 4:4). God is the ruler of Satan and the world. However, God gave Satan permission to rule in some way.
Satan wanted to kill Jesus. Jesus said Satan could not force Jesus to do anything. So Satan was not given permission to kill Jesus. However, Jesus gave people permission to crucify him when Satan tempted them. Jesus did this to obey God the father’s plan. Therefore, Satan did not kill Jesus. Instead, Jesus gave his life for people’s sins.
See: Satan (The Devil); Crucify (Crucifixion); Tempt (Temptation); God the Father; Atone (Atonement)
1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and he prunes every branch that bears fruit so that it will bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the message that I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who remains in me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for without me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up, and they gather the branches and throw them into the fire, and they are burned up. 7 If you remain in me, and if my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified in this, that you bear much fruit and so prove that you are my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, as I have kept the commandments of my Father and remain in his love. 11 I have spoken these things to you so that my joy will be in you and so that your joy will be made full. 12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this—that one lays down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do the things that I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain. This is so that whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you love one another. 18 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world and because I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 They will do all these things to you because of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates me also hates my Father. 24 If I had not done the works that no one else did among them, they would have no sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is in order to fulfill the word that is written in their law, 'They hated me without a cause.' 26 When the Comforter comes—whom I will send to you from the Father, that is, the Spirit of truth, who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. 27 You also must testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.
Some scholars think Jesus and his eleven disciples walked to the Garden of Gethsemane in John 15-17. At the end of John 14 (see: John 14:31) Jesus told the disciples they must leave the upstairs room. These scholars think Jesus continued to teach the disciples while they walked to the Garden of Gethsemane. Fewer scholars think Jesus and his disciples went to the temple on the way to Gethsemane. These scholars think that Jesus and the disciples did not arrive in the garden of Gethsemane until John 18:1.
See: Disciple
See Map: Jerusalem and Surrounding Area (during Jesus' lifetime) (including Temple, Kidron Valley, Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Bethphage, Bethany)
[15:1]
A vine is a kind of plant that grows grapes. In these verses, when Jesus talked about "fruit," he wanted his listeners to think about grapes. Someone needs to carefully care for a vine so it will make as many grapes as possible. Fruit is a metaphor used many times in the Bible.
See:.Vine (Vineyard); Metaphor; Fruit (Metaphor)
[15:1]
Jesus said "I am" in 15:1 to say that he is God. This is because Jesus and God have the same name. In 8:58, Jesus said "before Abraham was, I am." Jesus said this so the people would think about Exodus 3:14. In Exodus 3:14, Moses saw God in a burning bush. In that verse, God told Moses that God's name is "I am." So, in John 15:1, Jesus said "I am" to tell the disciples that he is God.
There are several other places in the gospel of John where Jesus said "I am" to say that he is God (See: 4:26, 6:36, 41, 48, 7:28-29, 8:23-24, 9:5, 10:7-14, 10:36, 11:25, 14:6, 14:10-12).
See: Disciple; Yahweh (I am); Trinity
[15:1]
Jesus called himself the "true vine." This was a metaphor. He said this to speak about how people need to follow God. People need to believe in Jesus if they want God to save them from the punishment for their sinning. Grapevines grow in a vineyard. So Jesus spoke about people growing in God's kingdom. This happens when people believe in Jesus. So Jesus is the "true vine."
Jesus said that Israel was not the "true vine." That is, the people of Israel believed they followed God. So they thought they were God's true vine (see: Psalm 80:7-9). But they stopped doing the things that honor God (see: Isaiah 5:1-2). So they were no longer the "true vine." Jesus is now God's "true vine." People who want to honor God must believe in Jesus.
See: Metaphor; Sin; Kingdom of God; Vine (Vineyard); Messiah (Christ)
[15:1, 15:2]
A "gardener" is a person who grows plants in a garden. In these verses, Jesus talked about a person who grows vines in a vineyard. A vineyard is a kind of garden where people grow vines that produce grapes.
See: Vine (Vineyard)
[15:1, 15:2]
Jesus said "my Father is the gardener." This was a metaphor. Jesus used this metaphor to talk about God. Jesus often "Father" when he wanted to talk about God. In 15:1, he said that God is the "gardener" to say that God cares for people who believe in Jesus.
In a vineyard, the gardener removes vine branches that do not grow. But the gardener carefully trims vine branches that do grow. He trims away things that will harm the branches. This helps the vine to grow more grapes. So Jesus wanted his disciples to think about how God helps people who believe in Jesus. God helps them the way the gardener helps branches that are growing.
See:Metaphor; God the Father; Vine (Vineyard)
[15:2, 15:4, 15:5, 15:8]
When Jesus said "bear fruit,” he continued to use the metaphor of a vine. He wanted his disciples to think about all they could do to honor God. Branches in a vineyard grow grapes. In the same way, Christians that grow will do things that honor God. Jesus called this "fruit."
See: Metaphor; Fruit (Metaphor); Vine (Vineyard)
[15:2]
When Jesus said some people bear "no fruit" (15:2), he wanted his disciples to think about people who do not honor God. Some scholars think he spoke about Christians who do not do the things that Jesus taught. That is, they say they believe in Jesus, but they do not do the things that he taught them to do. Other scholars think Jesus spoke about people who do not believe in him. Because they do not believe in him, they cannot honor God.
See: Fruit (Metaphor)
[15:3]
Jesus said his disciples were "already clean." He said this to say they were already at peace with God. They did not need to do anything new to be at peace with God. In John 13:10, Jesus said his disciples were clean, except for Judas Iscariot. He said that his disciples (except Judas Iscariot) believed in Jesus. So God forgave them from the punishment of sinning because they believed in Jesus. Because God forgave their sins, they were "clean." They did not need to have their sins forgiven again.
See: Metaphor; Forgive (Forgiveness, Pardon); Clean and Unclean; Disciple; Sin
[15:4]
See: Abide
[15:6]
When Jesus spoke about branches being burned (15:6), he wanted his disciples to think about Christians who do not remain in him (see 15:4). He continued to use the metaphor of a vine. In a vineyard, branches that did not make grapes were cut off and burned. This is because they were useless to the owner of the vineyard.
These burned branches were a metaphor for Christians who do not remain in Jesus. They are useless branches. They are not connected to the vine.That is, they are not connected to Jesus. Anyone not connected to Jesus will be thrown away and burned in the same way a dead branch is thrown away and burned.
Sometimes, the word burning is used in the Bible to talk about hell. However, scholars think when Jesus spoke about burning branches in 15:6 he did not want to speak about hell.
See: Disciple; Abide; Metaphor; Vine (Vineyard); Hell
[15:7]
When Jesus said "ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you", he wanted his disciples to know they needed to do the things that God wanted them to do. When a person believes in Jesus, people need to obey Jesus. They should do the things Jesus wants them to do. So when a Christian prays, they should pray for God's will. That is, he will ask God what it is God wants him to do. This kind of prayer honors God. So God will honor the person who prays this way by answering his prayers.
Jesus did not want to say that God will do anything a person wants him to do. Sometimes Christians think about and pray about things that do not honor God. God will not give people the things that do not honor him.
See: Will of God
[15:8]
When Jesus spoke about the "Father," he wanted his disciples to think about God. Jesus often spoke about the "Father" when he wanted to speak about God.
See: Disciple; God the Father
[15:11]
When Jesus said "my joy will be in you" and "your joy will be complete," he wanted his disciples to know that people can have true joy only if they believe in Jesus and obey him.
See: Rejoice (Joy, Joyful)
[15:13]
Jesus said a person that believes in him needs to be ready to "lay down his life" for another person. That is, they need to serve other people and perhaps even be willing to die for other people. He said this because he wanted the people who believe in him to "love one another." This is how they are to love one another.
Jesus did not want to say that all Christians need to be killed. He said this to talk about how some Christians will die so other people will know how much they love Jesus. He wanted to say that they would choose to do this. That is, they will choose to obey Jesus instead of not being killed
[15:14, 15:15]
In 15:14-15, Jesus spoke about how much he loves Christians. He told his disciples they were his "friends." In 15:10-13, he spoke about how his disciples must obey him. They do this in the same way a friend does what their friend tells them to do because they love him. So, Jesus spoke about his disciples as "friends" to say that he wanted them to obey him because they loved him.
See: Disciple
[15:18]
When Jesus spoke about "hate" in 15:18-21, he wanted his disciples to know that if they believed in him, then other people will persecute them. This is because they do not believe in Jesus.
Jesus said that people would persecute him. The Romans persecuted him by killing him. So, he wanted his disciples to know that people will persecute them for believing in him.
See: Persecute (Persecution)
[15:19]
When Jesus spoke about people who are "of the world," he wanted his disciples to think about people who do not believe in him. They do things that do not honor God.
See: World
[15:21]
Jesus said "because of my name" to speak about people who believed in him. That is, people who are "Christians" (see: Acts 11:26).
See: Name
[15:21]
When Jesus spoke about "him who sent me," he wanted his disciples to think about God. God the Father sent God the Son into the world to be the messiah.
See: Disciple; Trinity; God the Father; Son of God; Messiah (Christ)
[15:22]
When Jesus said "now they have no excuse for their sin," he wanted to speak about how people needed to believe in him. God sent Jesus to tell people about God. He did this so they would believe in him and he would forgive them from the punishment of sinning. But when people do not believe in Jesus, they reject God. This is because Jesus is God.
Some scholars think Jesus spoke only about the Jewish people who did not believe in him. These people had the Romans kill Jesus. That was the sin for which they had no excuse. Other scholars think Jesus spoke about anyone who did not believe in Jesus after they have heard the gospel. Still other scholars think Jesus spoke about both these groups of people.
Advice to translators: When someone does something bad, they often make an excuse. They do this so they will not be punished for doing something bad. They defend themselves by saying an excuse. Someone makes an excuse by saying that they had a good reason for doing the bad thing they did. An excuse is them saying to people why they did doing something. Here, the words “they have no excuse” are being used to say that there is nothing they can say to explain why they rejected Jesus.
See: Sin; Jesus is God; Gospel
[15:26]
The "comforter" or "advocate" about which Jesus spoke is the Holy Spirit. One of the things the Holy Spirit does for Christians is to comfort and encourage them. Another thing the Holy Spirit does is to ask God the Father to do good things for them.
Advice to Translators: Use the same word in your language that is used in your Bible for comforter or advocate in 4:16.
See: 14:16,26
See: Holy Spirit; God the Father
1 "I have spoken these things to you so that you will not fall away. 2 They will throw you out of the synagogues. But the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think that he is offering a service to God. 3 They will do these things because they have not known the Father nor me. 4 I have spoken these things to you so that when their hour comes, you will remember that I told you about them. I did not tell you about these things in the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I go to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 But truly I tell you, it is better for you that I go away. For if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, the Comforter will prove the world to be wrong about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment— 9 about sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, and you will no longer see me; 11 and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. 12 I have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak from himself. But he will say whatever he hears, and he will tell you things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and he will tell it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine. Therefore, I said that the Spirit will take from what is mine and he will tell it to you. 16 In a short amount of time you will no longer see me, and after another short amount of time you will see me." 17 Then some of his disciples said to one another, "What is this that he says to us, 'A short amount of time you will no longer see me and after another short amount of time you will see me,' and, 'Because I go to the Father'?" 18 Therefore they said, "What is this that he says, 'A short amount of time'? We do not know what he is talking about." 19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him, and he said to them, "Is this what you are asking each other, what I meant by saying, 'In a short amount of time and you will no longer see me, and again in a short amount of time and you will see me'? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will be glad. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. 21 When a woman gives birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers her tribulation because of her joy that a man has been born into the world. 22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your heart will be glad, and no one will be able to take away your joy from you. 23 On that day you will not ask me anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have not asked anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy will be fulfilled.
25 "I have said these things to you in figures of speech, but the hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but instead I will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 On that day you will ask in my name and I do not say to you that I will pray to the Father for you, 27 for the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and because you have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father, and I have come into the world. Again, I am leaving the world and I am going to the Father." 29 His disciples said, "See, now you are speaking plainly and you are not using figures of speech. 30 Now we know that you know all things, and you do not need anyone to ask you questions. Because of this, we believe that you have come from God." 31 Jesus answered them, "Do you believe now? 32 See, the hour is coming, yes, and has indeed come, when you will be scattered, everyone to his own home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have spoken these things to you so that you will have peace in me. In the world you have tribulation. But have courage! I have conquered the world."
In John 16, Jesus and his eleven disciples continued to walk to Gethsemane. At the end of John 14 (see: John 14:31), Jesus told the disciples they needed to leave the upstairs room. Some scholars think Jesus and his eleven disciples walked to the Garden of Gethsemane in John 15-17. Jesus continued to teach them while they walked to the Garden of Gethsemane. They did not arrive in the Garden of Gethsemane until John 18:1.
Fewer scholars think that in John 16, Jesus and his disciples were at the temple on the way to Gethsemane.
See: Disciple; Temple
See Map: Jerusalem and Surrounding Area (during Jesus' lifetime) (including Temple, Kidron Valley, Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Bethphage, Bethany)
[16:1, 16:2, 16:3, 16:4]
Jesus said things in 16:1-4 to tell his disciples they would be persecuted soon. He wanted them to be ready for this. If they were ready, they would not stop trusting Jesus when other people persecuted them (16:1). Jesus protected his disciples from persecution while he was with them (16:4). However, other people would persecute his followers after he died.
Disciple; Persecute (Persecution)
[16:1]
Jesus was talking to the eleven disciples when he said "you." However, Jesus also wanted all Christians to know what he said. There were only eleven disciples because Judas left them (see: John 13:27-30). Judas went to betray Jesus.
See: Disciple
[16:1]
Jesus wanted the disciples to remember what he told them in chapter 15 when he said "these things.” He wanted them to "remain" in him (15:4). He wanted them to be ready when other people hated and persecuted them (15:20-21).
See: Disciple; Abide; Persecute (Persecution)
[16:1]
Jesus spoke about falling away. This was a metaphor. He wanted to talk about how someone can stop believing or trusting in Jesus in some way. He wanted to warn the disciples so they would not stop trusting him.
Some scholars think Jesus wanted to speak about a Christian rejecting him completely and permanently. If they did this, they would not live together with him in heaven. Other scholars think Jesus spoke about a Christian not following him for only a short period of time. They will still live together with Jesus in heaven forever.
See: Fall (Fall Away, Stand); Metaphor; Disciple; Eternal Security; Heaven
[16:2, 16:4]
Jesus used the metaphor “the hour” because he wanted to talk about some time soon. Soon, Jesus’ enemies would start to persecute his followers. He was not speaking about a certain time of day. Instead, he wanted to speak again about when his enemies would persecute his followers when he said “their hour.”
See: Persecute (Persecution) ; Metaphor
[16:2]
Jesus warned his disciples that Jewish leaders would keep them from worshipping with other Jews when he said "throw you out of the synagogues." Synagogues were buildings where Jewish people worshipped God. “Throw out” is a metaphor for not allowing a person to enter a place anymore. It was very bad for Jews when the Jews threw someone out of the synagogue. That person’s Jewish friends did not talk to him anymore. He could not worship with other Jews.
See: Disciple; Synagogue; Metaphor; Persecute (Persecution) : Worship
[16:3]
The "Father" is God. Jesus often spoke about the "Father" when he wanted to speak about God.
See: God the Father; Trinity
[16:5]
Jesus wanted his followers to think about God the Father when he said "him who sent me."
See: God the Father; Trinity
[16:5]
Jesus wanted to say that none of his disciples asked him where he was going at the time he spoke these words in 16:5. Earlier Peter (see: John 13:36) and Thomas (see: John 14:5) asked Jesus where he was going. However, they did not ask him where he was going later in 16:5.
See: Disciple
[16:7]
Jesus said he would "go away" because he wanted his disciples to know he had to die. He used "go away" as a metaphor for his crucifixion. He was crucified to save people from sin. So, he could not remain with the disciples.
See: Disciple; Metaphor; Crucify (Crucifixion); Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins).
[16:7]
Jesus wanted his disciples to know that there was something better than having him with them when he said it was “better.” He wanted to tell them about the Holy Spirit. Jesus had to be crucified for the Holy Spirit to be able to enter into those who believe in Jesus. He lives in them forever. This was "better" than simply having Jesus on earth to teach a few followers.
See: Disciple; Holy Spirit; Crucify (Crucifixion); Forgive (Forgiveness, Pardon); Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
[16:7, 16:8]
Jesus spoke about the Holy Spirit when he spoke about the "Comforter" (παράκλητος #g3875). The Holy Spirit comforts, protects, and helps people who believe in Jesus.
Advice to translators: Use the word in your language that is in the Bible text. The Greek word παράκλητος can also be translated into English as "Helper" or "Advocate." It is the word for a person who comes alongside someone else to help him.
See: Holy Spirit
[16:8]
Jesus wanted to speak about all people and all the things people do that do not honor God when he said “the world.”
See: World
[16:8]
Jesus wanted people to think about how sinning is wrong when he said the Holy Spirit will "prove the world to be wrong." That is, people who sin do wrong. The Holy Spirit will make them know how they dishonor God when they sin. He will make them know how they need God to forgive their sins.
He will also make them know that they do not know how to be at peace with God. They can only be at peace with God by believing in Jesus.
He will also make them know that God will judge them for sinning, unless they repent. God will judge them for sinning the same way he judges Satan. Jesus wanted his disciples to think about Satan when he spoke about the "ruler of this world" in 16:11.
See: Holy Spirit; World; Sin; Satan (The Devil); Judge (Judgment); Repent (Repentance); Disciple
[16:11]
Jesus wanted his disciples to think about Satan when he spoke about the "ruler of this world.” God gives Satan permission to rule the world in some way, but this will only happen for a short time (see: John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11, Ephesians 2:2, 6:12).
See: Disciple; Satan (The Devil)
[16:13]
Jesus was speaking about the Holy Spirit when he spoke about the "Spirit of Truth." The Holy Spirit speaks to people. He tells them only what is true. Therefore, he is called the "Spirit of Truth."
See: Holy Spirit
[16:13]
Jesus said "he will not speak from himself" and "he will say whatever he hears." He wanted to say that the Holy Spirit will tell people what God the Father wants people to know. The Holy Spirit is God, but he is not God the Father. So Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit speaks to someone, he speaks what the Father wants the person to know.
See: Holy Spirit; God the Father; Trinity
[16:14]
Jesus wanted to speak about the things only God knows when he said "he will take from what is mine."Jesus knows these things because he is God. The Holy Spirit also knows these things because he is also God. The Holy Spirit helps Christians to know God when he tells them these things. He helps them to know what they need to know to do the things that honor God.
See: Trinity; Holy Spirit
[16:16]
Jesus wanted to tell the disciples that he would die when he said "you will no longer see me," He wanted them to know this would happen soon when he said "in a short amount of time." Jesus was crucified the next day.
See: Disciple; Crucify (Crucifixion) Crucify (Crucifixion)
[16:16]
Jesus wanted to speak about when he would come back to life when he said "you will see me." He wanted them to know this would happen soon after he died when he said "after another short amount of time." Jesus was resurrected three days later.
Jesus knew the disciples would not know what he meant. Therefore, he repeated it three times (16:16, 17, 19).
See: Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Disciple
[16:20]
When Jesus said "the world will be glad." He wanted his disciples to know that people who did not believe in him would be happy when he was killed. His disciples would be sad. But people who did not like what he taught would be glad because he was dead. They thought other people would stop believing in him.
See: Disciple
[16:21]
Jesus spoke about a woman giving birth in 16:21-22. This was a metaphor. He used this to tell the disciples about the different way they would think about Jesus dying after he was crucified. They would have pain when he was crucified in the same way a woman giving birth will have pain. Jesus knew that he would be made alive again. So in the same way a woman is happy and forgets her pain after the baby is born, they would be happy and forget their pain when Jesus was made alive again.
See: Metaphor; Crucify (Crucifixion); Resurrect (Resurrection)
[16:22]
Jesus wanted to say he would return to the disciples when he said "I will see you again." This happened after he was resurrected. The disciples and many other people saw Jesus many times for 40 days. Then he returned to heaven.
See: Disciple; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Heaven
[16:22]
See: Rejoice (Joy, Joyful)
Rejoice (Joy, Joyful)
[16:22]
Jesus wanted the disciples to know that things would change after he was resurrected when he said "no one will be able to take away your joy from you." The disciples were happy because they were with him while he was alive. They would have joy even though he would stop being on earth (see: Acts 13:52). Nobody could do anything to make this joy be gone (see: 1 Peter 1:8).
See: Disciple; Rejoice (Joy, Joyful); Resurrect (Resurrection)
[16:23]
Jesus wanted to say that the disciples would not need to ask him for any more information when he said, "you will not ask me anything.” This is because they would understand what he told them. Also he wanted them to know that they could pray directly to God the Father when he said "if you ask anything of the Father in my name.” They could pray in Jesus' name, and God would answer.
Some scholars think Jesus spoke about prayer when he said both things. They think he wanted to say that while he was on earth, the disciples prayed to Jesus. But he wanted them to know that after he was resurrected they could pray directly to God the Father.
See: 16:26-27
See: Disciple; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; God the Father
[16:25]
See: God the Father
[16:25, 16:29]
Here the words “figure of speech” refer to the proverbs and parables Jesus used to teach his disciples. That is, Jesus sometimes said things in a way that made it difficult to understand exactly what he meant. Jesus said he had spoken to the disciples in a way that was hard for them to understand. However, soon he would talk to them in a way that they could understand.
See: Proverb; Parable
[16:25]
Jesus wanted to speak about the time after he was resurrected when he said "the hour is coming" in 16:25. He used the metaphor of "hour" to talk about a time in the future.
See: Metaphor; Resurrect (Resurrection)
[16:32]
Jesus wanted to speak about the time when he was crucified when he said "the hour is coming" in 16:32. He used the metaphor of "hour" to talk about a time in the future. He did not mean a literal time on the clock. This was not the same "hour" as in 16:25.
See: Metaphor; Crucify (Crucifixion)
[16:33]
Jesus wanted his disciples to remember what he told them when he said "you will have peace in me." They would not have to fear what might happen after he was crucified. The things Jesus said to them would give them peace and courage.
See: Disciple; Crucify (Crucifixion)
[16:33]
Jesus said "I have conquered the world." He used two metaphors. He wanted to speak about everyone and everything that does not honor God when he said "the world." (see: 16:8). When he said he "conquered,” this was not a military victory. Instead, he died and was resurrected so that God could forgive people’s sins. He wanted to say he saved people from the power of sin. In this way, he "conquered" the "world."
See: World; Metaphor; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Sin; Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins)
1 After Jesus said these things, he lifted up his eyes to the heavens and said, "Father, the hour has come, glorify your Son so that the Son will glorify you— 2 just as you gave him authority over all flesh so that he would give eternal life to everyone whom you have given him. 3 This is eternal life: That they know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ. 4 I glorified you on the earth. I have finished the work that you have given me to do. 5 Now, Father, glorify me along with yourself with the glory that I had with you before the world was made. 6 I revealed your name to the people whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me comes from you, 8 for I have given them all the words that you gave me. They received them and truly knew that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 Everything that is mine is yours, and yours is mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 I am no longer in the world, but these people are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me so that they will be one, just as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them safe in your name, which you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was destroyed, except for the son of destruction, so that the scriptures would be fulfilled. 13 Now I am coming to you, but I am saying these things in the world so that they will have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask for you to take them away from the world, but for you to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Set them apart by the truth. Your word is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 For their sakes I have set myself apart, so that they themselves may also be set apart in truth. 20 I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word 21 so that they will all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world will believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you gave me, I have given to them, so that they will be one, just as we are one: 23 I in them, and you in me—that they may be brought to complete unity, so that the world will know that you sent me, and that you have loved them just as you loved me. 24 Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you gave me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 Righteous Father, the world did not know you, but I know you; and these know that you sent me. 26 I made your name known to them, and I will make it known so that the love with which you have loved me will be in them, and I will be in them."
Some scholars think Jesus and the disciples were at the Jerusalem temple in John 17. These scholars think they were also at this temple in John 15 and 16. Other scholars think the disciples continued to walk from the temple toward the Garden of Gethsemane. Still other scholars think they were still in the upstairs room where they were in John 14.
See Map: Jerusalem and Surrounding Area (during Jesus' lifetime) (including Temple, Kidron Valley, Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Bethphage, Bethany)
See: Disciple; Temple
Jesus prays to God the Father in John 17.
See: Trinity; God the Father
[17:1]
John wrote that Jesus "lifted up his eyes to the heavens" because he wanted readers to know that Jesus began to pray. He wanted to say that Jesus prayed to God the Father.
When the Jews prayed, they looked up. They looked up to look toward God. They thought God was in heaven. They thought heaven was above the sky. So they looked up at the sky to pray to God.
See: Heaven; God the Father; Trinity
[17:1]
Jesus said "the hour has come." That is, it was about the time for Jesus to die and be resurrected. He knew that he would die soon. Jesus knew that God would make Jesus alive again after Jesus died. He used the metaphor of "hour" to say that it was ready to happen. He did not mean an actual time on the clock. He wanted his disciples to know that he would die soon when he said "the hour."
See: Metaphor; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Disciple
[17:1, 17:4, 17:5]
Jesus wanted his disciples to think about how to honor God when he spoke about “glorifying.” He also wanted to say that God honors people when they honor Jesus. So Jesus asked God to honor him (17:1) because Jesus honored God.
Jesus also spoke about his being "glorified" in 13:31-32. He wanted his disciples to think about how God sent Jesus to earth. Jesus obeyed all God the Father told him to do. He also died to obey the Father.
Jesus wanted to return to God the Father in heaven. However, he knew he needed to die and be resurrected in order to do this. Then Jesus again had God the Father’s honor and power completely.
Jesus made it possible for people to have peace with God the Father by his death and resurrection. God also greatly honored Jesus for this. Jesus spoke about this again in chapter 17.
Jesus said the words glorify and glory nine times in John 17. He really wanted his disciples to honor God.
See: John 13:31-32, 17:10,22,24
See: Disciple; Glory (Glorify); Heaven; God the Father; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Trinity
[17:1]
Jesus said "your Son" and "the Son" to speak about himself. Jesus is the Son of God. That is, he is the person of God called "the Son."
See: Trinity; Son of God
[17:2]
Jesus used a metaphor to speak about all people when he said “all flesh.” He wanted to say that God the Father gave him permission to rule over all people.
See: Metaphor; Flesh; God the Father
[17:3]
Jesus said "eternal life" because he wanted his disciples to think about two things.
Jesus said "eternal life" because he wanted his disciples to think about living forever. He wanted them to think about living with God forever. Jesus said eternal life comes from "knowing" God and Jesus.
See: Eternal Life; Disciple
[17:5]
Jesus had "glory" with God the Father before the world was created because he is God. Because he is God, Jesus had the same power and honor as God the Father before the world was created. Jesus created the world with God the Father (see: John 1:1-3). Later, Jesus became a man. When he did this, he removed some of his power and honor (see: Philippians 2:5-11). Here, Jesus asked God the Father to return him to all of Jesus’ power and honor. This happened when Jesus was resurrected.
See: 17:24
See: Trinity; Glory (Glorify); Incarnation; Resurrect (Resurrection); God the Father; Son of God
[17:6]
Jesus said he "revealed" God's "name" to other people because he wanted them to know that he is God. When Jesus lived, people thought that the name of a person was the person himself. That is, when you spoke about someone’s name, you were speaking about that person. So, God's name in some way made people think about all that God is and the things he does. When Jesus said he "revealed" God's name, he wanted to say that in some way people who saw and heard him saw and heard God. He also wanted his disciples to know that when they believe in Jesus, they are believing in God too.
See: 17:26
See: Reveal (Revelation); Name; Disciple
[17:6]
"The people whom you gave me" were Jesus' disciples. When he said that God the Father "gave" the disciples to him, he used a metaphor. He wanted to say that in some way God guided him when he chose his disciples. So, in some way God chose the disciples before Jesus did.
See: Disciple; God the Father; Metaphor
[17:8]
Jesus said "I have given them all the words that you gave me." That is, he told his disciples everything God wanted him to say. He wanted them to think about everything he taught them while he was alive. So, he said "all the words."
See: Disciple
[17:11, 17:15]
Jesus asked God the Father to protect his disciples when he asked God to “keep” them. Some scholars think he wanted them to keep believing in Jesus. He knew other people would try to get them to stop believing in Jesus. Those people would try to hurt them or kill them. So he asked God to protect them from this. Other scholars think Jesus wanted them to remain united with one another and not fight with one another.
This happened after Jesus was resurrected and returned to heaven (see: Acts 1). Jesus protected his disciples while he was alive (see: 17:12). That is, he stopped other people from hurting them. However, he knew he was going to die. So he could not do this for them anymore. So, he asked the Father to do this.
See: God the Father; Disciple; Heaven
[17:12]
Jesus spoke about the "son of destruction." He was speaking about Judas Iscariot. Jesus called him this because Judas betrayed Jesus. That is, he told the people who wanted to kill him where he Jesus was located.
Jesus said this was "to fulfill Scripture" because he wanted his disciples to think about prophecies in the Old Testament. Scholars think he spoke about Psalm 41:4-9.
See: Fulfill (Fulfillment); Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Old Testament (Law and Prophets)
[17:13, 17:15, 17:16]
Jesus spoke about "the world" in 17:13 and 17:15 because he wanted his disciples to think about everyone on the earth.
Jesus spoke about "the world" in 17:14 and 17:16 because he wanted his disciples to think about people who do not believe in God. They do not worship or obey God. Instead, they do things that "the evil one" (17:15) wants. The "evil one" is Satan.
See: World; Disciple; Worship; Satan (The Devil)
[17:14, 17:16]
Jesus said he and his followers are not "of" the world because he wanted to say that they are "of" God. That is, they belong to God. This is because they believe in God. They follow God. They do things to honor God. So they do not belong to "the world." That is, they do not do the evil things "the world" does.
Advice to translators: The word "of" in these verses means “to belong to” or “to be like or similar in some way.” Jesus did not want to say his followers are God. But they belong to God.
See: World
[17:17, 17:19]
Jesus said "set apart" to ask God to help Jesus’ disciples. Some scholars think he wanted them to continue to believe in Jesus. When people believe in Jesus, this makes them different from other people. They are different because they worship and obey God. Jesus wanted to say that being different in this way is good. He also wanted to ask God to help his followers to keep believing in him. Other scholars think Jesus asked this because he wants them to continue to be different from people who do not believe in Jesus.
See: Holy (Holiness, Set Apart); Disciple
[17:20]
Jesus prayed for everyone who will believe in him in the future. In 17:13-20, Jesus prayed for the disciples who followed him while he was alive.
See: Pray (Prayer); Disciple
[17:21, 17:23, 17:26]
Jesus said "in me" and "in you" because he wanted his followers to know that he is God.
Jesus said "in us"and "in them" because he also wanted his followers to know that he loved them. This is because they believe in him. He used "in" as a metaphor to speak about being loving friends. He did not want to say that his followers are literally "in" his body. He also did not want to say that his followers are God.
Advice to translators: Jesus used the word "in" for two different reasons in this verse.
See: Metaphor
1 After Jesus spoke these words, he went out with his disciples to the other side of the Kidron Brook, where there was a garden into which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who was going to betray him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 Then Judas, leading a company of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, having known all the things that would happen to him, went forward and asked them, "Who are you looking for?" 5 They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am." Judas, who betrayed him, was also standing with the soldiers. 6 So when he said to them, "I am," they went backward and fell to the ground. 7 Then again he asked them, "Who are you looking for?" Again they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." 8 Jesus answered, "I told you that I am. So if you are looking for me, let these go." 9 This was in order to fulfill the word that he said: "Of those whom you have given me, I lost no one." 10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. Now the name of the servant was Malchus. 11 Jesus said to Peter, "Put the sword back into its sheath. Should I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?"
12 So a company of soldiers and the captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and tied him up. 13 They led him first to Annas, for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 Now Caiaphas was the one who had given the advice to the Jews that it would be better that one man die for the people.
15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest; 16 but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and he brought Peter in. 17 Then the female servant, the doorkeeper, said to Peter, "Are you not also one of the disciples of this man?" He said, "I am not." 18 Now the servants and the officers were standing there, and they had made a charcoal fire, for it was cold, and they were warming themselves. Peter was also with them, standing there and warming himself.
19 The high priest then asked Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world. I was always teaching in synagogues and in the temple where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why did you ask me? Ask those who have heard me about what I said. Look, these people know what I said." 22 When Jesus had said this, one of the officers standing there struck Jesus and said, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" 23 Jesus answered him, "If I spoke wrongly, testify about the wrong, but if rightly, why do you hit me?" 24 Then Annas sent him tied up to Caiaphas the high priest.
25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. The people then said to him, "Are you not also one of his disciples?" He denied it and said, "I am not." 26 One of the servants of the high priest, who was a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?" 27 Then Peter denied it again; and immediately the rooster crowed.
28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the government headquarters. It was early in the morning, and they did not enter the government headquarters so that they would not be defiled but would be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went out to them and said, "What accusation are you bringing against this man?" 30 They answered and said to him, "If this man was not an evildoer, we would not have given him over to you." 31 Pilate therefore said to them, "Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law." The Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put any man to death." 32 They said this so that the word of Jesus would be fulfilled which he had spoken to indicate by what kind of death he would die.
33 Then Pilate entered the government headquarters again and called Jesus, and he said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34 Jesus answered, "Do you speak from yourself, or did others speak to you about me?" 35 Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own people and the chief priests gave you over to me. What did you do?" 36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, then my servants would fight so that I would not be given over to the Jews. But now my kingdom is not from here." 37 Pilate then said to him, "Are you a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I have been born, and for this purpose I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." 38 Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" When he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, "I find no guilt in this man. 39 But you have the custom that I release one person to you at the Passover. So do you want me to release the King of the Jews to you?" 40 Then they cried out again and said, "Not this man, but Barabbas." Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.
[18:1]
In John 18, Jesus and his disciples walked to the Garden of Gethsemane (see: Mark 14:32).
See: Disciple
See Map: Jerusalem and Surrounding Area (during Jesus' lifetime) (including Temple, Kidron Valley, Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Bethphage, Bethany)
[18:5, 18:7]
Jesus said he is God. The soldiers said they looked for Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus did not disagree that he was Jesus of Nazareth. However, Jesus said "I am." He did not mean "I am Jesus." Instead, “I am” was the name God spoke to Moses (see: Exodus 3:14).
See: John 8:58
See: Jesus is God; Yahweh (I am)
See Map: Nazareth
[18:6]
The soldiers went backward because of what Jesus said. The soldiers were forced backwards and fell down when Jesus told the soldiers who is he. John does not write why these soldiers fell backwards. Some scholars think the words Jesus said were so powerful that the soldiers were amazed and fell backwards. Other scholars think Jesus said "I am" very loudly, with great power. That is what knocked them down.
[18:10]
Peter cut off the servant's ear because he wanted to protect Jesus. Peter fought to stop the soldiers arresting Jesus. Peter did not understand that God’s plan was for Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of the world. Peter had a short sword with him. He drew his sword and cut off the right ear of Malchus. He was a servant of the high priest.
See: Cross; Crucify (Crucifixion); Sin; High Priest; Atone (Atonement)
[18:11]
The “cup” Jesus said he must drink was his crucifixion. Jesus used a metaphor to say that he must die on the cross for the sins of everyone (see: Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, and Luke 22:39-46). “Cup” is a metaphor here for something that must be done.
See: Metaphor; Crucify (Crucifixion); Cross; Sin; Atone (Atonement)
[18:13]
The soldiers took Jesus to Annas because they needed someone to tell them what to do with Jesus. Jesus was a wise Jewish man. Many people followed him. They might be very angry if they thought Jesus was not being treated in the right way.
So the soldiers needed a powerful Jewish person to tell them what to do with Jesus. Annas was old and experienced. However, Annas was not the actual high priest when Jesus was arrested. He was the father-in-law of the high priest, Caiaphas. Annas was high priest from when Jesus was young. After Annas was the high priest asked, the high priest after him asked him for advice. Therefore, the soldiers took Jesus to Annas so he could help Caiaphas know what to do with Jesus.
See: High Priest
[18:15]
John wrote about "another disciple," but he did not write this man’s name. Scholars think John wrote about himself. In his gospel, John wrote about himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” instead of writing his own name (see: John 13:23, 19:26-27, 20:2, 21:7, and 21:20). So here, John used another name instead of his name. He called himself, “another disciple.”
See: Disciple; Gospel
[18:22]
The officer hit Jesus because he thought Jesus had insulted Annas. The officer called Annas "the high priest" because Annas had been high priest. So the officer expected everyone to honor Annas. He thought Jesus did not do that. So he thought Jesus needed to be punished for that.
See: High Priest
[18:27]
John wrote "immediately the rooster crowed" so people would think about what Jesus told Peter in 13:38. Jesus told Peter that Peter would say he did not know Jesus three times before the rooster crowed. That is to say, Peter would say that he did not know Jesus three times that night. Peter said he did not know Jesus in 18:17, 25, 27. When the rooster crowed, it confirmed that Jesus was right about this. Jesus knew what was going to happen.
[18:28]
The soldiers took Jesus from Caiaphas’ home to the place where the Roman governor Pilate lived. John called this the "government headquarters." This is because this was where most government decisions were made.
See: Palace
[18:28]
The soldiers would not enter Pilate’s home because Pilate was not a Jew. These soldiers were Jews. If a Jew entered the home of a Gentile that Jew became unclean. He could not eat any of the special Passover meals until a month later (see: Numbers 9:6-13).
Pilate knew the Jews believed this. So Pilate came outside to speak to the Jews about Jesus.
See: Clean and Unclean; Gentile; Passover
[18:31]
Pilate did not want to judge Jesus because he did not think Jesus had done anything wrong. The Jews said Jesus did evil things.
Scholars think Pilate really did not want the Jews to be angry with him. He knew large crowds followed Jesus. He was afraid the crowds might become very angry and cause trouble for him if he judged Jesus. So, he told the Jewish people there to judge him according to the Jewish laws. That way Jesus' followers could not say Pilate had done anything wrong.
[18:31]
The Jewish people at Pilate's palace said they could not kill anyone because only the Romans could legally kill a criminal. The Jews who were there wanted to kill Jesus. However, they could not kill anyone without permission from the Roman governor. The Romans often crucified criminals. However, they did give permission to do this to people they ruled.
See: Palace; Crucify (Crucifixion)
[18:33]
Pilate took Jesus into his palace to talk to him about why the Jews wanted to kill him. He wanted to do this without the Jews listening.
Some Jews accused Jesus of saying he was their king (see: Luke 23:2). In the Roman Empire, it was illegal for anyone except the leader of the Roman Empire to say they were a king. So if Jesus said this, he did something wrong and Pilate could judge him.
However, many other Jews wanted Jesus as their king (see: John 1:49, 6:15, 12:13, and 12:19). They might have started a rebellion against Rome. Because of this, Pilate needed to know if Jesus said he was a king.
See: Palace; Rebel (Rebellion)
[18:36]
Jesus said what he said in 18:36 to tell Pilate two things: 1. Jesus is a king. 1. Jesus is not a king in the way the Roman emperor was a king. Jesus said "my kingdom is not of this world" because he wanted Pilate to think about God's kingdom. He wanted to say that his kingdom was not going to stop the Roman kingdom.
See: Kingdom of God
[18:37]
Jesus called his teaching of forgiveness and eternal life "the truth." Jesus said that all those who belong to "the truth" listen to him. Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” (18:38). Pilate said this to say that he did not believe in any certain “truth.”
See: Eternal Life
[18:39]
The "custom" about which Pilate spoke was a special thing the Romans did for the Jews at Passover. The Roman governor would release one man from prison. It would be someone the Jews asked to be released.
Here, Pilate told them Jesus was not guilty of anything. Then Pilate offered to release Jesus. This was because he did not think Jesus needed to be killed.
See: Passover
[18:40]
Barabbas was a criminal who was in prison. John wrote that he was a "robber." Scholars think he was also a violent person who fought against the Roman empire. They think the Jewish people asked for Barabbas to be freed because Barabbas was a hero to some of them. He was a hero because he tried to free Israel from Roman rule.
1 Then Pilate took Jesus and whipped him. 2 The soldiers wove a crown of thorns. They put it on the head of Jesus and dressed him with a purple garment. 3 They came to him and said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and they struck him.
4 Then Pilate went outside again and said to them, "See, I am bringing him outside to you so that you will know that I find no guilt in him." 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. Pilate said to them, "Look, here is the man!"
6 When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw Jesus, they cried out and said, "Crucify him, crucify him!"
Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him." 7 The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and according to that law he has to die because he claimed to be the Son of God." 8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid, 9 and he entered the government headquarters again and said to Jesus, "Where do you come from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Then Pilate said to him, "Are you not speaking to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you, and authority to crucify you?" 11 Jesus answered him, "You do not have any authority over me except for what has been given to you from above. Therefore, he who gave me over to you has a greater sin." 12 At this answer, Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, saying, "If you release this man, you are not a friend of Caesar. Everyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar."
13 When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place called "The Pavement," but in the Aramaic language, "Gabbatha." 14 Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover, at about the sixth hour. Pilate said to the Jews, "See, here is your king!"
15 They cried out, "Away with him, away with him; crucify him!"
Pilate said to them, "Should I crucify your King?"
The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." 16 Then Pilate gave Jesus over to them to be crucified.
17 Then they took Jesus, and he went out, carrying the cross for himself, to the place called "The Place of a Skull," which in the Aramaic language is called "Golgotha." 18 They crucified Jesus there, and with him two other men, one on each side, with Jesus in the middle. 19 Pilate also wrote a sign and put it on the cross. There it was written: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city. The sign was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but rather, 'This one said, "I am King of the Jews."'"
22 Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written."
23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, divided them into four shares, one for each of them; and also the tunic. Now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. 24 Then they said to each other, "Let us not tear it, but instead let us cast lots for it to decide whose it will be." This happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled which said,
"They divided my garments among themselves
and cast lots for my clothing."
This is what the soldiers did.
25 Now standing beside Jesus' cross were his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, see, your son!" 27 Then he said to the disciple, "See, your mother!" From that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
28 After this, knowing that everything was now accomplished and so that the scriptures would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." 29 A container full of sour wine was placed there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop staff and lifted it up to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had taken the sour wine, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
31 Then the Jews, because it was the day of preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross during the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was especially important), asked Pilate to break their legs and to remove them. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the second man who had been crucified with Jesus. 33 When they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they did not break his legs. 34 However, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 The one who saw this has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that what he said is true so that you may also believe. 36 For these things happened in order to fulfill scripture, "Not one of his bones will be broken." 37 Again, another scripture says, "They will look at him whom they pierced."
38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, since he was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate if he could take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission. So Joseph came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also came—he who at first had come to Jesus by night. He brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about one hundred litras. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, as was the custom of the Jews to bury bodies. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden was a new tomb in which no person had yet been buried. 42 Because it was the day of preparation for the Jews and because the tomb was close by, they laid Jesus in it.
[19:1]
John wrote Pilate whipped Jesus because he wanted people to know that Pilate ordered it. Pilate did not do it himself. However, he ordered the Roman soldiers to do it. They had to obey Pilate.
[19:1]
Pilate had Jesus whipped so the people would know that Pilate punished criminals. Pilate was the Roman governor in Judea. He wanted Judea to have peace. Therefore, he did not want people to think that criminals were not punished. Although Jesus was not a criminal, people thought he was a criminal.
When Jesus was whipped, it was not as severe as when the soldiers flogged Jesus just before he was crucified (see: 19:16).
See Map: Roman provinces including Judea
[19:2, 19:5]
The soldiers put a "crown of thorns" and a purple robe on Jesus to hurt him and mock him. This was part of the way the Romans crucified him.
The crown he wore have very long thorns. It had sharp ends stuck out of it. So, these thorns went into Jesus’ head and caused bleeding.
Purple was the color of clothes that kings wore. The soldiers dressed Jesus like this to say that they thought he was not a true king.
The soldiers did this because Pilate called Jesus "King of the Jews." However, they did not believe Jesus was the king of the Jews. They wanted to mock and humiliate Jesus. They wanted people to think that even if Jesus was a king, he was not very powerful.
See: Crucify (Crucifixion); Crown; Rome (Roman Empire, Caesar)
[19:4, 19:6]
Pilate did not agree with what the Jews said Jesus had done. Because of this, he again told the Jewish leaders that Jesus was not guilty. That is, he did not do anything wrong or break the law.
[19:9]
Pilate went back inside the government headquarters to think about what to do. He was afraid (19:8) of what might happen. He was afraid that the Jews might begin to cause trouble for him if he did the wrong thing. The Roman emperor could have Pilot killed if the Jews began to make trouble for Rome.
The Jews said Jesus did something that was not to be done according to the Law of Moses (see: Leviticus 24:16). They said he needed to die because of this. However, Pilate was not a Jew. He did not have to follow the Law of Moses. However, he did have to keep anyone from causing trouble for the Roman empire. So he needed time to think about how to control the Jewish people.
See: Law of Moses; Rome (Roman Empire, Caesar)
[19:11]
Jesus said, "You do not have any power over me except for what has been given to you from above" to make Pilate and other people think about God. Pilate thought he had power over Jesus. Pilate could release Jesus or have him crucified because he was the governor.
Jesus said that Pilate could only do these things because God allowed Pilate to do these things. He said Pilate was given his power "from above." That is, God gave Pilate permission to do these things.
Jesus said the person who sent Jesus to Pilate was more responsible for his death than Pilate. Some scholars think Jesus spoke about the high priest Caiaphas. Caiaphas was responsible for the Jewish religious leaders' efforts to kill Jesus (see: John 11:45-53). Other scholars think Jesus spoke about Judas Iscariot. Judas gave Jesus to Caiaphas by telling the soldiers where they could find Jesus.
See: Crucify (Crucifixion); High Priest
[19:15]
"Caesar" was the Roman emperor. It was the title people used when they wanted to speak about the emperor.
[19:17]
Jesus carried his own cross because the Romans made him do this. They made him do this so the crowds would see it. They wanted the people to be afraid of them. So they forced criminals to carry their crosses through the streets.
Scholars think Jesus only carried part of the cross. The entire cross was too heavy for one person to carry, especially if that person had just been whipped. Because of this, Jesus only carried it a short distance. Then the soldiers forced someone else to carry the cross for Jesus. This person was Simon of Cyrene (see: Luke 23:26).
See: Cross
[19:18]
See: Crucify (Crucifixion)
[19:17, 19:18]
Jesus was crucified at a place called "the Place of a Skull." This was a small hill just outside of Jerusalem. The Romans often crucified criminals there. The Aramaic word for this place was "Golgotha." The English word for this place is "Calvary".
See: Languages in the New Testament
See Map: Golgotha
[19:20]
Pilate put a sign on Jesus' cross in three languages. He wanted everyone who saw it to be able to read it. The Romans put signs on crosses to tell people the criminal's name and the crime they had done. The sign on Jesus’ cross was written in the three languages spoken in Jerusalem. That is, the message was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. Pilate thought that most people could read one of these languages. Some translations use the word “Hebrew” instead of Aramaic. Aramaic was the language spoken by the Hebrew people, that is, the Jews. However, there was another language called Hebrew that only the priests could speak. It was the language the Jewish people spoke before the spoke Aramaic.
Scholars think Pilate wrote "the King of the Jews" on Jesus' sign to mock the Jews. The Jewish religious leaders hated Jesus and wanted him crucified. However, Pilate hated the Jews. He wanted to release Jesus, but the Jews made Pilate crucify Jesus. So, Pilate mocked them because they hated Jesus. He did this by writing Jesus was the King of the Jews.
See: Cross; Crucify (Crucifixion); Languages in the New Testament
[19:21]
The chief priests asked Pilate to change the sign because they did not want the people to read what Pilate wrote. They were afraid the people would think that Jesus really was their king. So they asked Pilate to change it to Jesus said that he was the king of the Jews.
See: Chief Priest
[19:22]
Pilate said, "what I have written, I have written" to tell the Jewish leaders he would not change the sign.
[19:24]
The soldiers "cast lots" for Jesus' tunic to decide which of them would take it.
The Romans stripped criminals before they crucified them. That is, the criminals did not have any clothes on them when they were crucified. The soldiers got the clothes of the criminal. Jesus’ tunic was worth more than the rest of his clothes. They decided to cast lots to determine which soldier would get Jesus' tunic.
Advice to Translators: A tunic was an outer robe that people wore over other clothes.
See: Cast Lots; Crucify (Crucifixion)
[19:25]
John named four women who watched Jesus’ crucifixion.
Some scholars think John wanted to say that Jesus' mother's sister was Mary wife of Clopas. That is, he only named three women.
See: Crucify (Crucifixion))
[19:26, 19:27]
Jesus said "Woman, see your son!" and "See your mother" because he wanted John to care for his mother Mary after he died. That is, he told them to treat each other in the same way they treated their mother and their son.
Some scholars think John was Jesus' cousin. They think he chose John to care for Mary because of this. That is, he said it because John and Mary were already family.
[19:28]
John wrote that Jesus knew "everything was now completed" because he wanted his readers to think about how God the Father gave Jesus a great task to finish. He gave Jesus this task before he sent him to earth. Now, Jesus knew he completed everything this task needed to be done.
See: God the Father
[19:28]
Jesus said "I am thirsty" because he needed something to drink. He had not had anything to drink for many hours. Scholars think Jesus also wanted his followers to think about Psalm 22:15.
[19:30]
Scholars disagree about why Jesus said, "It is finished."
Scholars often think Jesus wanted to say more than one of these things.
See: God the Father; Sin; Atone (Atonement); Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins)
[19:30]
John wrote that Jesus "gave up his spirit" because he wanted his readers to know two things. 1. Jesus died at that time. John used a metaphor about people's bodies and spirits to write about when a person died. 1. Jesus controlled when he died. That is, Jesus died at that moment because he wanted to die at that moment.
See: Metaphor; Spirit (Spiritual)
[19:31]
The "day of preparation" is the day before the Sabbath. According to the Law of Moses, Jews cannot work on the Sabbath. Therefore, they must do certain things the day before the Sabbath.
Also, this day of preparation was the day before Passover. So, the Jews had to do extra things to prepare for the Passover.
See: Law of Moses; Sabbath; Passover
[19:31]
The Jews did not want Jesus' body to remain on the cross during the Sabbath because the Law of Moses required dead bodies to be buried before Sabbath began (see: Deuteronomy 21:23). For the Jews, each day begins at sunset. This meant that the Sabbath began that evening. Therefore, Jesus' body needed to be buried before sunset.
See: Cross; Sabbath; Law of Moses
Advice to translators: Sunset is the time at the end of the day when one can no longer see the sun. This is not because it is behind a cloud.
[19:31]
John wrote "that Sabbath was especially important" because it was the Sabbath of Passover. Passover was a festival for Jewish people, but it was not always celebrated on the Sabbath. So having Passover on the Sabbath was special.
See: Sabbath; Passover
[19:31, 19:32, 19:33]
The soldiers broke the legs of the two criminals to make them die more quickly. They did not break Jesus' legs because he was already dead.
Crucifixion was a form of execution. So, victims had to die. Victims normally died because the weight of their bodies on the cross stopped them from breathing. However, sometimes crucified men survived several days on crosses before they died. They could do this by using their legs to push their bodies up. Then they could keep breathing. So, if the Romans wanted someone to die faster, they would break the person’s legs. This kept the person from pushing up to breathe.
In this case, the Jews did not want dead bodies hanging on crosses on the Sabbath. Each new day for Jews began at sundown. The Jews had to remove the dead bodies off their crosses and bury them before sundown.
However, when the soldiers came to break Jesus’ legs, Jesus was already dead. So the soldiers did not break Jesus’ legs.
See: Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20
See: Crucify (Crucifixion); Cross; Sabbath
[19:34]
The soldier stabbed Jesus' side with a spear so he would know Jesus was dead. Blood and water came out, but Jesus did not react to the spear. So the soldiers knew he was dead. Scholars think the water was from the fluid that is near the heart. Therefore, they stabbed Jesus in the heart.
[19:35]
John himself was "the one who saw this." So he was able to write that "his testimony is true."
See: Testify (Testimony)
[19:38]
Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Sanhedrin (see: Mark 15:43; Luke 23:50). Scholars think he was also a Pharisee. He was wealthy.
He was also a follower of Jesus. However, most people did not know this (see: Matthew 12:23-24). Joseph asked Pilate to let him remove Jesus' body from the cross. This was so he could bury it.
Most rich men had large tombs carved into rocky hillsides. These tombs had places carved out of the rock walls inside the tomb. They could place the bodies of their family members in those places. Jesus’ body was the first body buried in Joseph’s tomb because it was a new tomb.
See: Jewish Council (Sanhedrin); Pharisees; Cross; Tomb
[19:39]
Nicodemus was a Pharisee. He might have been a member of the Sanhedrin (see: John 3:1). Nicodemus respected Jesus. He defended Jesus against other Pharisees (see: John 7:46-52). Now Nicodemus helped Joseph of Arimathea to care for Jesus’ body.
See: Jewish Council (Sanhedrin); Pharisees
[19:39]
Nicodemus brought myrrh and aloes to anoint Jesus’ body. Myrrh and aloes were expensive spices. Ancient people used spices like these to prepare bodies for burial. So Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus wrapped these spices in linen burial cloths. Then they wrapped those around Jesus’ body.
Scholars think Nicodemus paid for these large amounts of expensive burial spices himself. "One hundred litras" was about 35 kilograms.
See: Anoint (Anointing)
[19:42]
John wrote what he wrote in 19:42 to tell his readers that Joseph and Nicodemus had to bury Jesus quickly.
1 Now early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb, and she saw the stone rolled away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and she said to them, "They took away the Lord out from the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him."
3 Then Peter and the other disciple went out, and they were going to the tomb. 4 They both ran together, and the other disciple quickly ran ahead of Peter and arrived at the tomb first. 5 Then stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go inside. 6 Simon Peter then arrived after him and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there 7 and the cloth that had been on his head. It was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, the one who first arrived at the tomb, also went in, and he saw and believed. 9 For until that time they still did not know the scripture that he should rise from the dead. 10 So the disciples went back home again.
11 But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she stooped down into the tomb. 12 She saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the foot of where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?"
She said to them, "Because they took away my Lord, and I do not know where they have put him." 14 When she said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.
15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?"
She thought that he was the gardener, so she said to him, "Sir, if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will take him away."
16 Jesus said to her, "Mary."
She turned and said to him in Aramaic, "Rabboni" (which is to say "Teacher").
17 Jesus said to her, "Do not touch me, for I have not yet gone up to the Father, but go to my brothers and say to them that I will go up to my Father and your Father, and my God and your God."
18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and that he had said these things to her.
19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the middle of them and said to them, "Peace to you." 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus then said to them again, "Peace to you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." 22 When Jesus had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 Whoever's sins you forgive, they are forgiven; whoever's sins you keep back, they are kept back."
24 Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples later said to him, "We have seen the Lord."
He said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
26 After eight days his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came while the doors were closed, and stood among them, and said, "Peace to you." 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger and see my hands. Reach here with your hand and put it into my side. Do not be unbelieving, but believe."
28 Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God."
29 Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and believed."
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, signs that have not been written in this book, 31 but these have been written so that you would believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so that believing, you would have life in his name.
The tomb in which Jesus was buried (John 20:1) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.
If your language uses the same word for "breath" and "spirit," be sure that the reader understands that Jesus was performing a symbolic action by breathing, and that what the disciples received was the Holy Spirit, not Jesus's breath. (See: and holyspirit)
John used Greek letters to describe the sound of the word, and then he explained that it means "Teacher." You should do the same, using the letters of your language.
No one is sure what Jesus's body looked like after he became alive again. His disciples knew it was Jesus because they could see his face and touch the places where the soldiers had put the nails through his hands and feet, But he could also walk through solid walls and doors. It is best not to try to say more than what the ULB says.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about angels in white clothing with the women at Jesus's tomb. Two of the authors called them men, but that is only because the angels were in human form. Two of the authors wrote about two angels, but the other two authors wrote about only one of them. It is best to translate each of these passages as it appears in the ULB without trying to make the passages all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 28:1-2 and Mark 16:5 and Luke 24:4 and John 20:12)
[20:1]
The "first day of the week" was Sunday. The Jews said that the Sabbath was the last day of the week. The Sabbath was on Saturday.
See: Sabbath
[20:1]
Mary Magdalene was a woman named Mary who came from Magdala. Magdala was a town on the Sea of Galilee six kilometers north of Tiberias (see: Matthew 15:39). She followed and served Jesus and his disciples in Galilee. Several other women also did this. She was there when Jesus was crucified and saw him die (see: Mark 15:37-41; Matthew 27:55-61). Mary was one of the first people to see Jesus after he was resurrected (see: 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:1-8, and Luke 24:1-12).
See: Disciple; Crucify (Crucifixion); Resurrect (Resurrection)
See Map: Galilee; Magdala; Tiberias
[20:2]
When Mary spoke about "they," she spoke about someone she thought moved Jesus’ body. She thought Pilate or the Sanhedrin may have sent soldiers to roll away the stone and move Jesus’ body. Mary continued to think this until Jesus spoke to her (see: John 20:16).
See: Jewish Council (Sanhedrin)
[20:3]
When John wrote about the "other disciple," he wanted his readers to think about himself. John often wrote about himself by writing "other disciple" or "disciple whom Jesus loved" (See: John 13:23, John 18:15-16, John 21:7, 20, 23). Scholars think John wrote this because he wanted to be humble.
See: Disciple
[20:5]
John had to bend down to look into the tomb because the tomb's entrance was lower than where he stood. Scholars think Jesus’ tomb had a stairway that went down into the ground. These tombs were often carved out of the rock in the side of a hill. The entrance could go down a few steps into a room. So to see inside the tomb without entering it, John had to bend down to see under the top of the entrance.
See: Tomb
[20:5]
Scholars disagree about why John did not go inside the tomb. Some scholars think he wanted to allow Peter to enter first. Other scholars think John may have been afraid to go in.
See: Tomb
[20:5, 20:6, 20:7]
The two disciples saw Jesus’ linen burial cloths lying inside the tomb. Linen was expensive. In ancient times, people used linen to wrap dead bodies before they buried them. The linen cloths protected the air from the decaying body. The spices Nicodemus brought (see: 19:39-40) were wrapped inside the layers of linen to reduce the odor of the decaying body.
Because the linen cloths lay on the ground, the disciples knew someone had unwrapped the cloths from Jesus’ body. They understood that Jesus had come back to life, unwrapped himself, and left the linen cloths in the tomb.
Advice to translators: When someone died, their body decayed. That is, it broke down and was destroyed.
See: Disciple; Tomb; Resurrect (Resurrection)
[20:8]
After John entered the tomb and did not see Jesus' body, John believed that Jesus was resurrected. He believed that Jesus had come back to life in the cloth he was buried in. However, Jesus unwrapped himself. He left the burial wrappings in the tomb, and he left the tomb. According to the other gospels, an angel rolled the stone away (see: Matthew 28:2).
See: Tomb; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Gospel; Angel
[20:12]
When John wrote that the angels were "in white", he wanted his readers to think that the angels wore white clothes. These clothes were very bright.
See: Angel; White (symbol)
[20:14]
Mary did "not know that it was Jesus" because it was dark (see: 20:1). It was too dark for her to see him clearly. Also, she was surprised. She did not expect to see Jesus again after he died and was buried. So she thought the man she saw was the gardener. Mary did not recognize Jesus until he spoke to her. Then she recognized his voice.
[20:16]
Mary said "Rabboni" because she recognized the man in the garden with her was Jesus. Jesus' followers called him "Rabboni" (the Hebrew word for "teacher"). So now Mary said "Rabboni" to say that she knew it was Jesus.
[20:17]
Jesus said "my brothers" to speak about his disciples. He wanted to say that he felt that they were close friends.
See: Disciple; Family of God
[20:17]
When Jesus said "my Father and your Father, and my God and your God," he wanted to speak about God. That is, "my Father", "your Father", "my God", and "your God" all are ways to speak about the same God. Jesus spoke this way to get Mary to think that in some way God the Father was her "Father" and her "God.”
See: God the Father; Children of God
[20:19]
Jesus’ disciples were hiding because they were afraid the Jews or Romans might arrest and kill them, like they had done to Jesus. Many times the Romans did this with people who followed leaders the Romans executed. Many people knew who followed Jesus. It would be easy for Jewish leaders to tell the Romans about them. So, the disciples hid to keep this from happening.
See: Disciple; Rome (Roman Empire, Caesar)
[20:19]
Scholars do not know exactly how Jesus "came" and "stood in the middle of them" when the doors were locked. In some way, after he was resurrected, he could move differently than when he was alive. He was able to come into the room without opening the door.
See: 20:26
See: Resurrect (Resurrection)
[20:20]
Jesus showed the disciples his hands and side to prove he was alive. They knew he was crucified. They knew that this left holes in his hands where he was nailed to the cross. They knew a soldier stabbed him with a spear in his side. So Jesus showed them the scars to show it was really him and he was really alive again.
See: Disciple; Crucify (Crucifixion); Cross; Resurrect (Resurrection)
[20:21, 20;22]
Jesus gave the disciples three things:
See: Disciple; Persecute (Persecution) ; God the Father; Atone (Atonement); Sin; Holy Spirit; Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
[20:23]
Jesus’ disciples could forgive sins because they served Jesus and Jesus gave them permission to do this. However, they did not have the power to do this. Only Jesus could forgive sins. However, Jesus gave them permission to tell people whether their sins were forgiven.
See: Disciple; Sin; Atone (Atonement)
[20:24]
John wrote about "the twelve" to make his readers think about Jesus' closest disciples. Jesus chose twelve men to follow him closely (see: Luke 6:13). Now, because Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus and killed himself (see: 13:21-30; Acts 1:18), only eleven of them were left. However, John still used the words "the twelve" to write about the ones who were left.
See: Disciple
[20:25]
When the other disciples told Thomas that Jesus appeared to them, Thomas said what he did to tell them that he did not believe what they told him. Thomas was not with the disciples when Jesus appeared and showed them the scars on his body. So it was difficult for him to believe them. So, he said he would have to see the scars himself before he would believe Jesus was resurrected.
See: Disciple; Resurrect (Resurrection)
[20:26]
See: John 20:19
[20:27]
Jesus told Thomas to touch the scars on his hands and side, to help Thomas believe that he was really alive again.
[20:28] Thomas said "my Lord and my God" because now he believed Jesus was resurrected. He also believed that Jesus is God. When Thomas said "my Lord", he used the same word that the Old Testament uses to speak about God.
See: Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Old Testament (Law and Prophets); Jesus is God
[20:29]
When Jesus said "those who have not seen, and believed," he spoke about all Christians. That is to say, he knew the disciples who saw him after he was resurrected believed in him because they saw him again. However, he also knew that many people would believe in him without seeing him. Jesus told Thomas that God blesses people who believe in him, even when they do not see him with their eyes.
See: Disciple; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Bless (Blessing)
[20:30]
"Signs" are special things that Jesus did. He did these signs to show he is God. He did them to get people to believe in him. John wrote that in his gospel, he wrote down some of the signs Jesus did, but not all of them. This is because Jesus did so many signs.
See: Sign; Jesus is God; Gospel
[20:31]
John wrote that he wrote down some of the signs Jesus did so that his readers would believe in Jesus.
Some scholars think John wanted to help people who do not yet believe in Jesus, to believe in him. Fewer scholars think John wanted to help Christians to trust in Jesus more.
See: Sign
This is the third day after Jesus was buried.
"Sunday"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "she saw that someone had rolled away the stone"
This phrase appears to be the way that John refers to himself throughout his book. Here the word "love" refers to brotherly love or love for a friend or family member.
The author uses the word "they" here to show that Mary Magdalene did not know who took the Lord away. She was probably thinking of the Jews or Romans, but it would be best to translate using your language's way of leaving the actor or actors unknown.
These words are metonyms for Jesus's dead body. Alternate translation: "the Lord's dead body ... laid it"
John apparently shows his humility by referring to himself here as "the other disciple," rather than including his name.
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These were the burial cloths that people had used to wrap the body of Jesus.
These were the burial cloths that people had used to wrap the body of Jesus. See how you translated this in John 20:5.
Here "his head" refers to "Jesus's head." You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "cloth that someone had used to cover Jesus's face"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but someone had folded it and put it aside, separate from the linen cloths"
John apparently expresses his humility by referring to himself as "the other disciple," rather than including his name in this book.
Until he saw that the tomb was empty, he did not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead, but when he saw that the tomb was empty, he did believe. Alternate translation: "he saw these things and now believed that Jesus had risen from the dead"
These words refer to the disciples. Possible meanings are 1) they did not know that that scripture exists or 2) they did not understand that that scripture said that Jesus would come alive again.
become alive again
All those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld.
The disciples continued to stay in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "went back to where they were staying in Jerusalem"
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The angels were wearing white clothing. Alternate translation: "She saw two angels dressed in white clothing"
"They asked her"
The words "my Lord" here are a metonym for the Lord's body. Alternate translation: "Because they took away the body of my Lord, and I do not know where they have put it"
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"Jesus asked her"
Here the word "him" is a metonym that refers to Jesus's dead body. Alternate translation: "if you have taken his dead body away, tell me where you have put it, and I will take it away"
The word "Rabboni" means "teacher" in Aramaic.
This was the language that the Jews in Judea spoke among themselves. Some translations say "Hebrew," following the form of the Greek word.
Jesus used the word "brothers" to refer to his disciples.
Jesus rose from the dead and then predicted he would go up into heaven, back to his Father, who is God. Alternate translation: "I am about to return to heaven to be with my Father and your Father, to the one who is my God and your God"
These are important titles that describe the relationship between Jesus and God, and between believers and God.
Mary Magdalene went to where the disciples were staying and told them what she had seen and heard. Alternate translation: "Mary Magdalene went to where the disciples were and told them"
It is now evening and Jesus appears to the disciples.
This refers to Sunday.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "the disciples had locked the doors where they were"
Here "Jews" is a synecdoche for the Jewish leaders who might arrest the disciples. Alternate translation: "because they were afraid that the Jewish leaders might arrest them"
This is a common greeting that means "May God give you peace" .
Jesus showed the disciples his wounds. Alternate translation: "he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side"
This is a common greeting that means "May God give you peace."
This is an important title for God.
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You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God will forgive them"
"If you do not forgive another's sins"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "God will not forgive them"
This is a male name that means "twin." See how this name is translated in [John 11:15]
The word "him" refers to Thomas.
You can translate this double negative in a positive form. Alternate translation: "I will believe only if I see ... his side"
The word "his" refers to Jesus.
The word "his" refers to Jesus.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "when they had locked the doors"
This is a common greeting that means "May God give you peace" .
Jesus uses the double negative "Do not be unbelieving" to emphasize the words that follow, "but believe." If your language does not allow double negatives or the reader would not understand that Jesus is emphasizing the words that follow, you can leave these words untranslated. Alternate translation: "This is what is most important for you to do: you must believe"
Here "believe" means to trust in Jesus. Alternate translation: "put your trust in me"
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Thomas believes that Jesus is alive because he has seen him. Alternate translation: "you have believed that I am alive"
This means "God gives great happiness to those."
This means those who have not seen Jesus. Alternate translation: "who have not seen me alive"
As the story is nearing the end, the author comments about the many things Jesus did.
The word "signs" refers to miracles that show that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "signs that the author did not write about in this book"
You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: "but the author wrote about these signs"
This is an important title for Jesus.
Here "life" is a metonym that means Jesus gives life. Alternate translation: "you may have life because of Jesus"
This refers to spiritual life.
"Sunday"
"she saw that someone had rolled away the stone"
This phrase appears to be the way that John refers to himself throughout his book. Here the word "love" refers to brotherly love or love for a friend or family member.
The author uses the word "they" here to show that Mary Magdalene did not know who took the Lord away. She was probably thinking of the Jews or Romans, but it would be best to translate using your language's way of leaving the actor or actors unknown.
"the Lord's dead body ... laid it"
John is referring to himself here as "the other disciple," rather than including his name.
These were the burial cloths that people had used to wrap the body of Jesus.
"cloth that someone had used to cover Jesus's face"
"but someone had folded it and put it aside, separate from the linen cloths"
"he saw these things and now believed that Jesus had risen from the dead"
These words refer to the disciples. Possible meanings are 1) they did not know that that scripture exists or 2) they did not understand that that scripture said that Jesus would come alive again.
become alive again
All those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld.
"went back to where they were staying in Jerusalem"
"She saw two angels dressed in white clothing"
"Because they took away the body of my Lord, and I do not know where they have put it"
"if you have taken his dead body away, tell me where you have put it, and I will take it away"
The word "Rabboni" means "teacher" in Aramaic.
This was the language that the Jews in Judea spoke among themselves. Some translations say "Hebrew," following the form of the Greek word.
Jesus used the word "brothers" to refer to his disciples.
"I am about to return to heaven to be with my Father and your Father, to the one who is my God and your God"
"Mary Magdalene went to where the disciples were and told them"
This refers to Sunday.
"the disciples had locked the doors where they were"
"because they were afraid that the Jewish leaders might arrest them"
This is a common greeting that means "May God give you peace" .
"God will forgive them"
"If you do not forgive another's sins"
"God will not forgive them"
This is a male name that means "twin."
The word "him" refers to Thomas.
"I will believe only if I see ... his side"
The word "his" refers to Jesus.
The word "his" refers to Jesus.
"when they had locked the doors"
"This is what is most important for you to do: you must believe"
"put your trust in me"
"you have believed that I am alive"
This means "God gives great happiness to those."
"who have not seen me alive"
The word "signs" refers to miracles that show that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.
"signs that the author did not write about in this book"
"but the author wrote about these signs"
This is an important title for Jesus.
"you may have life because of Jesus"
This refers to spiritual life.
She came to the tomb early on the first day of the week.
She saw the stone rolled away from the tomb.
She told them, "They have taken away the Lord out from the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him."
They both ran together to the tomb.
They both ran together to the tomb.
Peter saw the linen cloths lying there. The cloth that had been on his head was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a place by itself.
Peter saw the linen cloths lying there. The cloth that had been on his head was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a place by itself.
He saw and believed.
She saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the foot, where the body of Jesus had lain.
They asked her, "Woman, why are you weeping?"
She saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.
She thought he was the gardener.
She recognized Jesus when he said her name, "Mary".
Jesus told her not to touch him because he hadn't yet ascended to the Father.
Jesus told her to say to his brothers, that I will ascend to my Father and your Father, and my God and your God.
Jesus came and stood in the midst of them.
She ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple Jesus loved.
He showed them his hands and his side.
Jesus said he was sending the disciples just as his Father had sent him.
He said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whoever's sins you forgive, they are forgiven for them; whoever's sins you keep back, they are kept back."
He told them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whoever's sins you forgive, they are forgiven for them; whoever's sins you keep back, they are kept back."
Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with the other disciples when Jesus came.
Thomas said he would have to see the print of the nails in Jesus' hands and put his fingers into the nail prints and put his hand into Jesus' side before he would believe.
Eight days later Thomas was with the other disciples when Jesus came while the doors were shut and stood among them.
Jesus told Thomas to reach with his finger and see Jesus' hands and reach with his hand and put it into Jesus' side. Jesus then told Thomas not to be faithless, but believe.
Thomas said, "My Lord and my God."
Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet have believed."
Yes, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples that were not written in the book of John.
They were written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so that as you believe, you may have life in his name.
1 After these things Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. This is how he revealed himself: 2 Simon Peter was together with Thomas called Didymus, Nathaniel from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples of Jesus. 3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We, too, will come with you." They went and got into a boat, but they caught nothing during the whole night.
4 Now, when it was already early in the morning, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus. 5 So Jesus said to them, "Young men, do you have anything to eat?"
They answered him, "No."
6 He said to them, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they threw their net and were not able to draw it in because of the large number of fish.
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord." When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied up his outer garment (for he was undressed), and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat (for they were not far from the land, about two hundred cubits off), and they were pulling the net full of fish. 9 When they got out upon the land, they saw a charcoal fire there and fish laid on it, with bread.
10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." 11 Simon Peter then went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, 153 of them, but even with so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them, and the fish also. 14 This was the third time that Jesus revealed himself to the disciples after he had risen from the dead.
15 After they ate breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"
Peter said to him, "Yes Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs."
16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter said to him, "Yes Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said to him, "Shepherd my sheep."
17 He said to him a third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was sorrowful because Jesus had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" He said to him, "Lord, you know all things, you know that I love you."
Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you become old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will gird you and carry you where you will not want to go."
19 Now Jesus said this in order to indicate with what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After he had said this, he said to Peter, "Follow me."
20 Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had also leaned back against the side of Jesus at the dinner and who had said, "Lord, who is the one who will betray you?" 21 Peter saw him and then said to Jesus, "Lord, what will this man do?"
22 Jesus said to him, "If I want him to stay until I come, what is that to you? Follow me."
23 So this statement spread among the brothers, that that disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to Peter that the other disciple would not die, but, "If I want him to stay until I come, what is that to you?"
24 This is the disciple who testifies about these things, and who wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 There are also many other things that Jesus did. If each one were written down, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
[21:1]
The Sea of Tiberias is another name for the Sea of Galilee. Some people called it this to honor the Roman Emperor Tiberius.
See Map: Sea of Galilee
See: Rome (Roman Empire, Caesar)
[21:2]
Jesus appeared to seven disciples by the Sea of Galilee: * Simon, who Jesus named Peter (see: Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-18, Luke 5:1-11, and John 1:35-51). * Thomas, who was also called Didymus (see: John 11:16, John 14:5, and John 20:24-21:1). * Nathaniel from Cana in Galilee, who was also named Bartholomew (see: John 1:43-51). * The sons of Zebedee, James and John (see: Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 1:19-20, and Mark 3:17). * Two disciples whose names John did not write.
See: Disciple
[21:3]
Scholars disagree about why Peter and the other disciples went fishing.
Some scholars believe Peter and these disciples returned to their old job of fishing. Jesus had appeared a few times, but most of the time people could not see him. So these scholars think the disciples did not believe Jesus was going to do anything more.
Other scholars think these disciples were fishing because they needed food. They also needed to earn some money by selling fish. They were waiting for Jesus to tell them what he wanted them to do.
See: Disciple
[21:4]
The disciples "did not know it was Jesus" because they were too far away. Also, it was early morning. So they could not see who it was.
[21:7]
When John wrote about the "disciple whom Jesus loved", he wanted his readers to think about himself. John often wrote about himself by writing "other disciple" or "disciple whom Jesus loved" (See: John 13:23, John 18:15-16, John 20:3-8). Scholars think John wrote this way because he wanted to be humble.
[21:7]
The disciple whom Jesus loved called Jesus "the Lord" to honor him. This disciple was John. He first recognized the man was Jesus. He said to Peter the man was “the Lord.” John that understood Jesus is God. So he used a word that many people used to honor God.
The Greek word that is translated as "the Lord" is the same word that the Jews used when speaking about God. Therefore, whenever Jesus is called this, the Jews would have thought about God. They would have thought that people were saying that Jesus is God.
See: Lord; Jesus is God; Disciple
[21:7]
Peter was not naked while he fished. But he wore only a robe as an outer garment. So, Peter tied his robe around him before he jumped into the water.
[21:7]
Peter "threw himself into the sea" to swim to shore to see Jesus. He was excited that Jesus had come. So he wanted to get to shore as fast as he could. He also needed to go to the shore to pull the net full of fish onto the shore (see: 21:11). To throw oneself into the sea is to jump out of the boat and into the water.
[21:8]
Two hundred cubits is about 90 metres.
[21:11]
John does not say how he knew there were 153 fish. Some scholars think God wanted to say something special about the number of fish. But most scholars think John knew they caught exactly 153 fish. Fishermen like to count their fish.
[21:14]
John wrote that this was "the third time Jesus showed himself to the disciples after he had risen from the dead" so his readers would think about the first two times that John wrote about when Jesus appeared to the disciples. The first appearance was when Jesus appeared to all of the disciples except Thomas. This happened on Sunday after the crucifixion (see: John 20:19-23). He appeared again to all the disciples a week later (see: John 20:24-29). This is the third time he appeared to seven disciples that Jesus was writing about.
See: Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Disciple; Crucify (Crucifixion)
[21:15]
When Jesus called Peter "Simon Peter" and "Simon son of John", he used different names for Peter. Simon was the name his parents gave him when he was born. Jesus had named him Peter, so he was often called Simon Peter after that (see: Matthew 16:16, Luke 22:31-34, and John 18:10). Peter was also called the son of John because his father’s name was John (see: Matthew 16:17).
[21:15]
When Jesus said "more than these", he wanted Peter to think about the other disciples. Jesus asked Peter if Peter loved him more than the other disciples loved him.
See: Disciple
[21:15, 21:16, 21:17]
When Jesus spoke about "lambs" and "sheep", he used a metaphor for new Christians. He wanted to say that they had a lot to learn about God and Jesus. Peter had to teach them these things. So Jesus used a metaphor about feeding sheep to speak about this teaching.
See: Metaphor; Shepherd
[21:17]
Peter said that Jesus "knew all things" because he had followed Jesus long enough to know that Jesus was very wise. In fact, he knew that Jesus is God. So, because God knows all things, Jesus must know all things. Jesus knows all things (see: Matthew 12:25, Matthew 22:18, Mark 2:8, Luke 6:8, Luke 11:17, Luke 16:15, and John 2:25).
See: Jesus is God
[21:18]
When Jesus spoke what he spoke in 21:18, he wanted Peter to think about how Peter would die. He wanted to say that Peter would be crucified. In the Roman world, speaking about "stretching out" the hands was a way to speak about crucifixion.
Nobody wanted to die by being crucified. So Jesus said Peter would have to go where he would not want to go.
Scholars think Peter was crucified in Rome during the rule of the Roman Emperor Nero. This was about 30 years after Jesus said these words.
See: Crucify (Crucifixion)
[21:19]
Jesus told Peter to "follow" him because he knew Peter was not certain if Jesus still wanted Peter as a disciple. Peter had denied Jesus three times before Jesus was crucified (see: John 18:17-27). So Peter did not know if Jesus still wanted him. Peter did not know what he should do now. Jesus answered this question Peter thought about but did not ask. Jesus made it very clear to Peter what he should do. Peter should continue to follow Jesus.
See: Disciple
[21:20]
The other disciple Peter asked about was John. Peter wanted to know about John’s life and death. Jesus told Peter to focus on his own life and death, not John’s. Peter needed to obey what God wanted him to do, and John needed to obey what God wanted him to do. Each Christian must follow Jesus by obeying him and doing the things he wants them to do.
See: Disciple
[21:23]
John wrote 21:23 to make clear what Jesus said. Some people thought Jesus told Peter that John would not die until Jesus returns to earth.However, Jesus did not want Peter to think about this. Peter must follow Jesus, and John must follow Jesus. They should not compare themselves to each other. Each disciple must obey Jesus and do the things he wants them to do.
See: Jesus' Return to Earth
[21:24]
John is the disciple who wrote this book. John never called himself by his name in this gospel. He did not want to take any attention away from Jesus. John wanted the readers of this gospel to remember Jesus, not John.
See: Disciple; Gospel; Savior; Messiah (Christ)
[21:25]
John explained in 21:25 that Jesus did many other things. John did not write all these things in his gospel. These other things were amazing things. They were amazing because Jesus did them. But there were so many of them that John could not write all of them down.
See: Gospel
Abram
Abram was a Chaldean man from the city of Ur who was chosen by God to be the forefather of the Israelites. God changed his name to "Abraham."
(See also: Canaan, Chaldeans, Sarah, Isaac)
Abraham, Abraham's, Abram
Andrew was one of twelve men whom Jesus chose to be his closest disciples (later called apostles).
(See also: apostle, disciple, the twelve)
Andrew, Andrew's
Annas was the Jewish high priest in Jerusalem for 10 years, from approximately AD 6 to AD 15. Then he was removed from the high priesthood by the Roman government, although he continued to be an influential leader among the Jews.
(See also: high priest, priest)
Annas, Annas'
Aram of Damascus, Aramaic, Aramean
"Aram" was the name of two men in the Old Testament. It was also the name of a region northeast of Canaan, where modern-day Syria is located.
(See also: Mesopotamia, Paddan Aram, Rebekah, Shem, Syria)
Aram, Aram of Damascus, Aramaic, Aramean, Arameans
Barabbas was a prisoner in Jerusalem at the time when Jesus was arrested.
(See also: Pilate, Rome)
Barabbas, Barabbas'
The town of Bethany was located at the base of the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, about 2 miles east of Jerusalem.
(See also: Jericho, Jerusalem, Lazarus, Martha, Mary (sister of Martha), Mount of Olives)
Bethany
Bethlehem was a small city in the land of Israel, near the city of Jerusalem. It was also known as "Ephrathah," which was probably its original name.
(See also: Caleb, David, Micah)
Bethlehem
the emperor
The term "Caesar" was the name or title used by many of the rulers of the Roman Empire. In the Bible, this name refers to three different Roman rulers.
(See also: king, Paul, Rome)
Caesar, Caesar's, the emperor
Caiaphas was the high priest of Israel during the time of John the Baptist and Jesus.
(See also: Annas, high priest)
Caiaphas, Caiaphas'
Cana was a village or town in the province of Galilee, located about nine miles north of Nazareth.
(See also: Capernaum, Galilee, the twelve)
Cana
Capernaum was a fishing village on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee.
(See also: Galilee, Sea of Galilee)
Capernaum
Christ Jesus, Jesus Christ, Messiah
The terms "Messiah" and "Christ" mean "Anointed One" and refer to Jesus, God's Son.
(See also: Son of God, David, Jesus, anoint)
Christ, Christ Jesus, Jesus Christ, Messiah
David was the second king of Israel and he loved and served God. He was the main writer of the book of Psalms.
(See also: Goliath, Philistines, Saul (OT))
David, David's
Elijah was one of the most important prophets of Yahweh. Elijah prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Israel and Judah, including King Ahab.
(See also: miracle, prophet, Yahweh)
Elijah, Elijah's
Ephraimite
Ephraim was the second son of Joseph. His descendants, the Ephraimites, formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
(See also: kingdom of Israel, twelve tribes of Israel)
Ephraim, Ephraim's, Ephraimite, Ephraimites
This was the name of the first woman. Her name means "life" or "living."
(See also: Adam, life, Satan)
Eve, Eve's
Galilean
Galilee was the most northern region of Israel, just north of Samaria. A "Galilean" was a person who lived in Galilee or who lived in Galilee.
(See also: Nazareth, Samaria, Sea of Galilee)
Galilee, Galilean, Galileans
Gittite
Gath was one of the five major cities of the Philistines. It was located north of Ekron and east of Ashdod and Ashkelon.
(See also: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gaza, Goliath, Philistines)
Gath, Gittite, Gittites
the living God
In the Bible, the term "God" refers to the eternal being who created the universe out of nothing. God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God's personal name is "Yahweh."
(See also: create, god, God the Father, Holy Spirit, god, Son of God, Yahweh)
God, God's, the living God
Father, heavenly Father, my Father
The terms "God the Father" and "heavenly Father" refer to Yahweh, the one true God. Another term with the same meaning is "Father," used most often when Jesus was referring to him.
(See also: father, God, heaven, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Son of God)
Father, God the Father, heavenly Father, my Father
"Golgotha" was the name of the place where Jesus was crucified. Its name comes from an Aramaic word that means "Skull" or "Place of the Skull."
(See also: Aram, Mount of Olives)
Golgotha
Grecian
The term "Greek" refers to the language spoken in the country of Greece. It is also a person from the country of Greece. Greek was also spoken throughout the Roman Empire. The term "Grecian" means "Greek-speaking."
(See also: Aram, Gentile, Greece, Hebrew, Rome)
Greek, Greeks, Grecian
holy one
The term "Holy One" is a title in the Bible that almost always refers to God.
(See also: holy, God)
Holy One, holy ones
Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of the Lord Yahweh
These terms all refer to the Holy Spirit, who is God. The one true God exists eternally as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
(See also: holy, spirit, God, lord, God the Father, Son of God, gift)
Holy Spirit, Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of the Lord Yahweh
Isaiah was a prophet of God who prophesied during the reigns of four kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.
(See also: Ahaz, Assyria, Christ, Hezekiah, Jotham, Judah, prophet, Uzziah)
Isaiah, Isaiah's
Israelite
The term "Israel" is the name that God gave to Jacob. It means "he struggles with God."
(See also: Jacob, kingdom of Israel, Judah, nation, twelve tribes of Israel)
Israel, Israel's, Israelite, Israelite's, Israelites, Israelites'
Jacob was the younger twin son of Isaac and Rebekah.
(See also: Canaan, deceive, Esau, Isaac, Israel, Rebekah, twelve tribes of Israel)
Jacob, Jacob's
Jerusalem was originally an ancient Canaanite city that later became the most important city in Israel. It is located about 34 kilometers west of the Salt Sea and just north of Bethlehem. It is still the capital city of Israel today.
(See also: Babylon, Christ, David, Jebus, Jesus, Solomon, temple, Zion)
Jerusalem, Jerusalem's
the Lord Jesus
Jesus is God's Son. The name "Jesus" means "Yahweh saves."
(See also: Christ, God, God the Father, high priest, kingdom of God, Mary, Savior, Son of God)
Jesus, the Lord Jesus
Jewish, person of Judah
Jews are people who are descendants of Abraham's grandson Jacob. The word "Jew" comes from the word "Judah."
(See also: Abraham, Jacob, Israel, Babylon, Jewish authorities)
Jew, Jewish, Jews, Jews', a person of Judah, the language of Judah, the people of Judah
Jewish leader
The term "Jewish leader" or "Jewish authority" refers to religious leaders such as the priests and teachers of God's laws. They also had the authority to make judgments about non-religious matters as well.
(See also: Jew, chief priests, council, high priest, Pharisee, priest, Sadducee, scribe)
Jewish authorities, Jewish leader
The Jordan River is a river that flows from north to south, and forms the eastern boundary of the land that was called Canaan.
(See also: Canaan, Salt Sea, Sea of Galilee)
Jordan River, Jordan
Judas son of Simon Iscariot
Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus' apostles. He was the one who betrayed Jesus to the Jewish leaders.
(See also: apostle, betray, Jewish authorities, Judas son of James)
Judas ... Iscariot
The term "Judea" refers to an area of land in ancient Israel. It is sometimes used in a narrow sense and other times in a broad sense.
(See also: Galilee, Edom, Judah, Judah, Samaria)
Judea
The term "King of the Jews" is a title that refers to Jesus, the Messiah.
(See also: descendant, Jew, Jesus, king, kingdom, kingdom of God, wise men)
King of the Jews, king of the Jews
Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were special friends of Jesus. Jesus often stayed with them in their home in Bethany.
(See also: beg, Jewish authorities, Martha, Mary, raise)
Lazarus, Lazarus'
Levi was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, or Israel. The term "Levite" refers to a person who is a member of the Israelite tribe whose ancestor was Levi.
(See also: Matthew, priest, sacrifice, temple, twelve tribes of Israel)
Levi, Levite, Levites, Levitical, Levi's, Levite's, Levites'
Martha was a woman from Bethany who followed Jesus.
(See also: Lazarus, Mary (sister of Martha))
Martha, Martha's
Mary was a young woman living in the city of Nazareth who was pledged to be married to a man named Joseph. God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.
(See also: Cana, Egypt, Herod the Great, Jesus, Joseph (NT), Son of God, virgin)
Mary, the mother of Jesus
Mary Magdalene was one of several women who believed in Jesus and followed him in his ministry. She was known as the one whom Jesus had healed from seven demons who had controlled her.
(See also: demon, demon-possessed)
Mary ... Magdalene
Moses was a prophet and leader of the Israelite people for over 40 years.
(See also: Miriam, Promised Land, Ten Commandments)
Moses, Moses'
The Mount of Olives is a mountain or large hill located near the east side of the city of Jerusalem. It is about 787 meters high.
(See also: Gethsemane, olive)
Mount of Olives, mountain that is called Olives
Nathan was a faithful prophet of God who lived while David was king over Israel.
(See also: David, faithful, prophet, Uriah)
Nathan, Nathan's
Nazareth is a town in the region of Galilee in northern Israel. It is about 100 kilometers north of Jerusalem, and it took about three to five days to travel on foot.
(See also: Christ, Galilee, Joseph (NT), Mary)
Nazareth, Nazarene
The "Passover" is the name of a religious festival that the Jews celebrate every year, to remember how God rescued their ancestors, the Israelites, from slavery in Egypt.
Passover
Cephas, Simon
Peter was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. He was an important leader of the early Church.
(See also: disciple, apostle)
Peter, Simon Peter, Cephas, Simon son of Jonah, Simon, Simon's
The Pharisees were an important, powerful group of Jewish religious leaders in Jesus' time.
(See also: council, Jewish authorities, law of Moses, Sadducee)
Pharisee, Pharisees
In the early Christian church in Jerusalem, Philip was one of seven leaders chosen to care for the poor and needy Christians, especially the widows.
(See also: Philip)
Philip, Philip the evangelist
Philip the apostle was one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus. He was from the town of Bethsaida.
(See also: Philip)
Philip, Philip the apostle, the apostle Philip
Pilate was the governor of the Roman province of Judea who sentenced Jesus to death.
(See also: crucify, governor, guilt, Judea, Rome)
Pilate, Pontius Pilate
Rabboni
The term "Rabbi" literally means "my master" or "my teacher."
See:
(See also: teacher)
Rabbi, Rabboni
The term "Sabbath" refers to the seventh day of the week, which God commanded the Israelites to set apart as a day of rest and doing no work.
(See also: rest)
Sabbath, Sabbaths
Samaria was the name of a city and its surrounding region in the northern part of Israel. The Plain of Sharon is west of this region, and the Jordan River is east of this region. The people of Samaria were called Samaritans.
(See also: Assyria, Galilee, Judea, Sharon, kingdom of Israel)
Samaria, Samaria's, Samaritan, Samaritans
devil, evil one
Although the devil is a spirit being that God created, he rebelled against God and became God's enemy. The devil is also called "Satan" and "the evil one."
(See also: demon, evil, kingdom of God, tempt)
Satan, devil, devil's, evil one
The term "savior" refers to a person who saves or rescues others from danger. It can also refer to someone who gives strength to others or provides for them.
(See also: deliver, Jesus, save, save)
Savior, savior
The "Sea of Galilee" is a lake in eastern Israel. It was also referred to as the "Sea of Tiberias" and the "lake of Gennesaret." In the Old Testament it was called the "Sea of Kinnereth."
(See also: Capernaum, Galilee, Jordan River, Salt Sea)
Sea of Galilee, Sea of Kinnereth, lake of Gennesaret, Sea of Tiberias, Kinnereth
Solomon was one of King David's sons. His mother was Bathsheba.
(See also: Bathsheba, David, Israel, Judah, kingdom of Israel, temple)
Solomon, Solomon's, King Solomon, King Solomon's
the Son
The term "Son of God" refers to Jesus, the Word of God, who came into the world as a human being. He is also often referred to as "the Son."
Because Jesus is God's Son, he loves and obeys his Father, and his Father loves him.
(See also: Christ, father, God, God the Father, Holy Spirit, Jesus, son, sons of God)
Son of God, the Son
mankind, son of man
The title "Son of Man" was used by Jesus to refer to himself. He often used this term instead of saying "I" or "me."
(See also: heaven, son, Son of God, Yahweh)
Son of Man, mankind, son of man
Thomas was one of twelve men whom Jesus chose to be his disciples and later, apostles. He was also known as "Didymus," which means "twin."
(See also: apostle, disciple, God the Father, the twelve)
Thomas, Thomas'
Zebedee was a fisherman from Galilee who is known because of his sons, James and John, who were Jesus' disciples. They are often identified in the New Testament as the "sons of Zebedee."
(See also: disciple, fishermen, James (son of Zebedee), John (the apostle))
Zebedee, Zebedee's
Mount Zion
Originally, the term "Zion" or "Mount Zion" referred to a stronghold or fortress that King David captured from the Jebusites. Both these terms became other ways of referring to Jerusalem.
(See also: Abraham, David, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jebus)
Mount Zion, Zion
accusation, accuser
The terms "accuse" and "accusation" refer to blaming someone for doing something wrong. A person who accuses others is an "accuser."
accusation, accusations, accuse, accused, accuser, accusers, accuses, accusing
adulterer, adulteress, adulterous, immoral woman
The term "adultery" refers to a sin that occurs when a married person has sexual relations with someone who is not that person's spouse. Both of them are guilty of adultery. The term "adulterous" describes this kind of behavior or any person who commits this sin.
(See also: commit, covenant, sexual immorality, faithful)
adulterer, adulterers, adulteress, adulteresses, adulteries, adulterous, adultery, immoral woman
aged, from ancient times, old age
The term "age" refers to the length of time a person has lived. The term "aged" describes a person who is very old. The term "age" is also used to refer generally to a time period.
age, aged, ages, from ancient times, old age
amazement, appalled, astonished, astounded, incomprehensible, marvel, marvelous, perplexed, remarkable, surprised, wonder, wonderful
Some of these terms mean to be very surprised because of something very unusual that happened. Many of these terms are positive and express that the people were happy about what had happened. Usually the event that caused the wonder and amazement was a miracle, something only God could do.
Some of these terms describe things that are very unusual and surprise people. * The words "amazing", "astonishing," "marvelous," "remarkable," and "wonderful" describe things that are very unusual and surprise people. * The word "appalling" describes something that is very bad and causes people to be amazed or horrified. * The word "incomprehensible" describes something that is so great that people cannot ever understand it. * A "wonder" is an extraordinary and surprising thing that happens.
(See also: miracle, sign)
amazed, amazement, amazing events, amazing things, appalled, appalling, astonish, astonished, astonishing, astounded, incomprehensible, marvel, marveled, marveling, marvelous, marvelous things, perplexed, remarkable, surprised, wonder, wonderful, wondering, wonders
let it be so
The term "amen" is a word used to emphasize or call attention to what a person has said. It is often used at the end of a prayer. Sometimes it is translated as "truly."
(See also: fulfill, true)
amen, let it be so
archangel
An angel is a powerful spirit being whom God created. Angels exist to serve God by doing whatever he tells them to do. The term "archangel" refers to the angel who rules or leads all the other angels.
(See also: chief, head, messenger, Michael, ruler, servant)
angel, angels, archangel
angry, indignant, indignation, quick-tempered
To "be angry" or to "have anger" means to be very displeased, irritated, and upset about something or against someone.
(See also: wrath)
anger, anger burned, angered, angry, burning anger, indignant, indignation, quick-tempered
perfume, sons of fresh olive oil
The term "anoint" means to rub or pour oil on a person or object. Sometimes the oil was mixed with spices, giving it a sweet, perfumed smell. The term is also used figuratively to refer to the Holy Spirit choosing and empowering someone.
(See also: Christ, consecrate, high priest, King of the Jews, priest, prophet )
anoint, anointed, anointing, perfume, sons of fresh olive oil
appointment, direct, predetermine, put in place, reserve, select, set in place, set over, set up, set under
The terms "appoint" and "appointed" refer to choosing someone to fulfill a specific task or role.
appoint, appointed, appointed by lot, appointment, appoints, area ... reserved, directed, predetermined, put ... in place, reserved, selected, selects, set ... in place, set ... over, set ... up, set under
chest
The term "ark" literally refers to a rectangular wooden box that is made to hold or protect something. An ark can be large or small, depending on what it is being used for.
(See also: ark of the covenant, basket)
ark, chest
powder
The term "ash" or "ashes" refers to the grey powdery substance that is left behind after wood is burned. It is sometimes used figuratively to refer to something that is worthless or useless.
(See also: fire, sackcloth)
ash, ashes, powder
sleep, sleeper
These terms can have figurative meanings relating to death.
The phrases "lie with" and "sleep with," when referring to what a man and a woman do together, is a euphemism for them having sexual relations.
asleep, fallen asleep, fell asleep, sleep, lay down, lies down, sleeper, sleeping, sleeps, slept
draw away, make a mistake, mislead, mistaken, wander
The terms "stray" and "go astray" mean to disobey God's will. People who are "led astray" have allowed other people or circumstances to influence them to disobey God.
(See also: disobey, shepherd)
astray, drawn away, go astray, goes astray, gone astray, lead ... astray, leads ... astray, led ... astray, made ... mistake, mislead, misleading, misleads, misled, mistaken, stray, strayed, straying, strays, wander, went astray
authority to judge, place in charge, put in charge, right
The term "authority" refers to the power of influence and control that someone has over someone else.
(See also: citizen, command, obey, power, ruler)
authorities, authority, authority to judge, places ... in charge, put ... in charge, puts ... in charge, right, was ... in charge, were ... in charge
baptism
In the New Testament, the terms "baptize" and "baptism" usually refer to ritually bathing a Christian with water to show that he has been cleansed from sin and has been united with Christ.
(See also: John (the Baptist), repent, Holy Spirit)
baptism, baptize, baptized, baptizing
The term "barley" refers to a kind of grain that is used to make bread.
(See also: grain, thresh, wheat)
barley
basketful, cage
The term "basket" refers to a container made of woven material.
(See also: ark, Moses, Nile River, Noah)
basket, basketfuls, baskets, cage
bearer, bear with, birth, carry, childbirth, support, sustain, tolerate
The term "bear" literally means "carry" something. There are also many figurative uses of this term.
(See also: burden, Elisha, endure, fruit, iniquity, report, sheep, strength, testimony, testimony)
bear, bearer, bearing, bearing with, bears, birth, bore, born, borne, carried, carry, carrying, childbirth, gave birth, give birth, given birth, gives birth, has ... borne, have ... borne, support, supported, supports, sustain, sustains, tolerate
A bear is a large, four-legged furry animal with dark brown or black hair, with sharp teeth and claws. Bears were common in Israel during Bible times.
(See also: David, Elisha)
bear, bears
ask, beggar, needy
The term "beg" means to urgently ask someone for something. It often refers to asking for money, but it is also commonly used to refer to pleading for something.
(See also: plead)
ask, asking, asks, beg, beggar, begged, begging, needy
be persuaded, belief, believer, have faith, persuade, persuasive
The terms "believe" and "believe in" are closely related, but have slightly different meanings:
In the Bible, the term "believer" refers to someone who believes in and relies on Jesus Christ as Savior.
The term "unbelief" refers to not believing something or someone.
Translating "believe" and "believe in":
* To "believe" could be translated as to "know to be true" or "know to be right."
* To "believe in" could be translated as "trust completely" or "trust and obey" or "completely rely on and follow."
Translating "believer":
* Some translations may prefer to say "believer in Jesus" or "believer in Christ."
* This term could also be translated by a word or phrase that means "person who trusts in Jesus" or "someone who knows Jesus and lives for him."
* Other ways to translate "believer" could be "follower of Jesus" or "person who knows and obeys Jesus."
* The term "believer" is a general term for any believer in Christ, while "disciple" and "apostle" were used more specifically for people who knew Jesus while he was alive. It is best to translate these terms in different ways, in order to keep them distinct.
Translating "unbelief" and "unbeliever": * Other ways to translate "unbelief" could include "lack of faith" or "not believing." * The term "unbeliever" could be translated as "person who does not believe in Jesus" or "someone who does not trust in Jesus as Savior."
(See also: believe, apostle, Christian, disciple, faith, trust)
am persuaded, belief, believe, believed, believer, believers, believes, believing, has faith, persuade, persuaded, persuading, persuasiveness, were persuaded
betrayal, betrayer, give over, hand over, traitor, treacherous, treacherously, treachery, turn over
The term "betray" means to act in a way that deceives a person and allows other people to harm that person. A "betrayer" is a person who betrays a friend who was trusting him.
(See also: Judas Iscariot, Jewish authorities, apostle)
betray, betrayal, betrayed, betrayer, betrayers, betraying, betrays, give ... over, given ... over, hand ... over, handed ... over, traitor, traitors, treacherous, treacherously, treachery, turn ... over
blaspheme, blasphemer, blasphemous, insult, revile, taunt
In the Bible, the term "blasphemy" refers to speaking in a way that shows a deep disrespect for God or people. To "blaspheme" or "insult" or "revile" someone is to speak against that person so that others think something false or bad about him.
(See also: dishonor, slander)
blaspheme, blasphemed, blasphemer, blasphemers, blasphemes, blasphemies, blaspheming, blasphemous, blasphemy, insult, insulted, insulting, insults, revile, reviled, reviling
happier, happy
To "bless" someone or something means to cause good and beneficial things to happen to the person or thing that is being blessed.
(See also: praise)
bless, blessed, blesses, blessing, blessings, happier, happy
bleeding
The term "blood" refers to the red liquid that comes out of a person's skin when there is an injury or wound. Blood brings life-giving nutrients to a person's entire body.
(See also: flesh)
bleeding, blood
bodily, body of Christ, carcass, corpse
The term "body" literally refers to the physical body of a person or animal. This term is also used figuratively to refer to an object or whole group that has individual members.
(See also: head, spirit)
bodies, bodily, body, carcass, carcasses, corpse, corpses
born from God, born from him, new birth
The term "born again" was first used by Jesus to describe what it means for God to change a person from being dead spiritually to being alive spiritually. The terms "born of God" and "born of the Spirit" also refer to a person being given new spiritual life.
(See also: Holy Spirit, save)
born again, born from God, born from him, born of God, new birth
bend, bend the knee, bow down, fall down before, kneel
For the weapon called a bow, click here.
To bow means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone. To "bow down" means to bend over or kneel down very low, often with face and hands toward the ground.
(See also: humble, worship)
are bent, bend, bend the knee, bow, bow down, bowed, bowed ... down, bowed ... down ... before, bowing, bowing down, bows, bows down, fall down, fell, fell down, has ... bent, have ... bent, kneel, kneeling, knelt, will bend
food, loaf of bread
Bread is a food made from flour mixed with water and oil to form a dough. The dough is then shaped into a loaf and baked.
(See also: Passover, tabernacle, temple, unleavened bread, yeast)
bread, food, loaf of ... bread, loaves, loaves of ... bread
breathe
In the Bible, the terms "breathe" and "breath" are often used figuratively to refer to giving life or having life.
(See also: Adam, Paul, word of God, life)
breath, breathe, breathed, breathes, breathing
bridal
A bride is the woman in a wedding ceremony who is getting married to her husband, the bridegroom.
(See also: bridegroom, church)
bridal, bride, brides
In a marriage ceremony, the bridegroom is the man who will marry the bride.
(See also: bride)
bridegroom, bridegrooms
brotherhood
The term "brother" usually refers to a male person who shares at least one biological parent with another person.
(See also: apostle, God the Father, sister, spirit)
brother, brother's, brotherhood, brothers, brothers'
burial
The term "bury" usually refers to putting a dead body into a hole or other burial place. The term "burial" is the act of burying something or can be used to describe a place used to bury something.
(See also:Jericho, tomb)
burial, buried, buries, bury, burying
appeal to, invite, summon
The terms "call to" and "call out" mean to say something loudly to someone who is not nearby. To "call" someone means to summon that person. There are also some other meanings.
(See also: pray)
appeal to, appealed to, appealing to, call, called, called on, called out, calling, calling out, calls, calls out, invite, invited, summon, summoned, summoning
finest, first of all, important, prominent
The term "chief" refers to the most powerful or most important leader of a particular group.
(See also: chief priests, priest, tax)
chief, chiefs, finest, first of all, important, most important, prominent
The chief priests were important Jewish religious leaders during the time that Jesus lived on earth.
(See also: chief, high priest, Jewish authorities, priest)
chief priests
child, childhood, childless
In the Bible, the term "child" is often used to generally refer to someone who is young in age, including an infant. * The word "childhood" refers to the time that a person is a child. * The word "childless" describes a person who has no children. * The word "children" is the plural form of "child."
The words "child" and "children" also have several figurative uses.
(See also: descendant, promise, son, spirit, believe, beloved)
child, childhood, childless, children
circumcision, uncircumcision
The term "circumcise" means to cut off the foreskin of a man or male child. A circumcision ceremony may be performed in connection with this.
The terms "uncircumcised" and "uncircumcision" refer to a male who has not been physically circumcised. These terms are also used figuratively.
The Bible refers to people who have an "uncircumcised heart" or who are "uncircumcised in heart." This a figurative way of saying that these people are not God's people, and are stubbornly disobedient to him.
If a word for circumcision is used or known in the language, "uncircumcised" could be translated as "not circumcised."
(See also: Abraham, covenant)
circumcise, circumcised, circumcision, uncircumcised, uncircumcision
cleanness, cleanse, unclean, uncleanness, wash
The term "clean" literally means to not have any dirt or stain. In the Bible, words like "clean" and "washed" are often used figuratively to mean, "pure," "holy," "free from sin," or "innocent".
In the Bible, the term "unclean" is used figuratively to refer to things that God declared to be unfit for his people to touch, eat, or sacrifice.
Translating "clean": * This term could be translated with the common word for "clean" or "pure" (in the sense of being not dirty). * Other ways to translate this could include, "ritually clean" or "acceptable to God." * "Cleanse" could be translated by "wash" or "purify." * Make sure that the words used for "clean" and "cleanse" can also be understood in a figurative sense.
Translating "unclean"" * The term "unclean" could also be translated as "not clean" or "unfit in God's eyes" or "physically unclean" or "defiled." * When referring to a demon as an unclean spirit, "unclean" could be translated as "evil" or "defiled." * The translation of this term should allow for spiritual uncleanness. It should be able to refer to anything that God declared as unfit for touching, eating, or sacrifice.
(See also: defile, demon, holy, sacrifice)
clean, cleaned, cleanness, cleans, cleanse, cleansed, cleanses, cleansing, purge, unclean, uncleanness, wash, washed, washes, washing
comforter, console, consolation
The terms "comfort" and "comforter" refer to helping someone who is suffering physical or emotional pain.
(See also: courage, Holy Spirit)
comfort, comforted, comforter, comforters, comforting, comforts, consolation, consolations, consoling, uncomforted
commandment, forbid, order, requirement, solemn command
The term to "command" means to order someone to do something. A "command" or "commandment" is what the person was ordered to do.
(See decree, statute, law, Ten Commandments)
command, commanded, commanding, commandment, commandments, commands, forbid, forbidden, forbidding, give ... solemn command, given ... solemn commands, given an order, given orders, order, ordered, orders, requirement, solemn commands
commitment
The terms "commit" and "commitment" refer to making a decision or promising to do something.
(See also: adultery, faithful, promise, sin)
commit, commitment, commits, committed, committing
condemnation, denounce, sentence, sentence of condemnation, sentenced to death
The terms "condemn" and "condemnation" refer to judging someone for doing something wrong.
(See also: judge, punish)
condemn, condemnation, condemned, condemning, condemns, denounce, sentence, sentence of condemnation, sentenced to death
confession, profess
To confess means to admit or assert that something is true. A "confession" is a statement or admission that something is true.
(See also: faith, testimony)
confess, confessed, confesses, confessing, confession, profess
carry out, cause someone to believe firmly, confirmation, guarantee
The terms "confirm" and "confirmation" refer to stating or assuring that something is true or sure or trustworthy.
(See also: covenant, oath, trust)
carry out, cause ... to believe firmly, confirm, confirmation, confirmed, confirms, guaranteed
swallow
The term "consume" literally means to use up something. It has several figurative meanings.
(See also: devour, wrath)
consume, consumed, consumes, consuming, swallow, swallowed, swallows
A council is a group of people who meet to discuss, give advice, and make decisions about important matters.
(See also: assembly, counsel, Pharisee, law of Moses, priest, Sadducee, scribe)
council, councils
brave, courageous, discourage, discouragement, encourage, encouragement
The term "courage" refers to boldly facing or doing something that is difficult, frightening, or dangerous.
The terms "encourage" and encouragement" refer to saying and doing things to cause someone to have comfort, hope, confidence, and courage.
The term "discourage" refers to saying and doing things that cause people to lose hope, confidence, and courage and so to have less desire to keep working hard to do what they know they should do.
(See also: confidence, exhort, fear, strength)
brave, bravest, courage, courageous, dare, dared, discourage, discouraged, discouragement, discouraging, encourage, encouraged, encouragement, encouraging, take courage
courtyard
The terms "courtyard" and "court" refer to an enclosed area that is open to the sky and surrounded by walls. The term "court" also refers to a place where judges decide legal and criminal matters.
(See also: Gentile, judge, king, tabernacle, temple)
court, courts, courtyard, courtyards
In Bible times, a cross was an upright wooden post stuck into the ground, with a horizontal wooden beam attached to it near the top.
(See also: crucify, Rome)
cross
crest, garland, wreath
A crown is a decorative, circular headpiece worn on the head of rulers such as kings and queens. The term to "crown" means to put a crown on someone's head; figuratively it means to "honor."
Sometimes "crown" is used figuratively. * The figurative use of to "crown" means to honor someone. We honor God by obeying him and praising him to others. This is like putting a crown on him and acknowledging that he is King. * Pauls calls fellow believers his "joy and crown." In this expression, "crown" is used figuratively to mean that Paul has been greatly blessed and honored by how these believers have remained faithful in serving God.
(See also: glory, king, olive)
crest, crown, crowned, crowns, garland, wreath
nail him to a cross
The term "crucify" means to execute someone by attaching him to a cross and leaving him there to suffer and die in great pain.
(See also: cross, Rome)
crucified, crucify, nailing ... to a cross
outcry, raised his voice, scream, shout, speak out, speak loudly
The terms "cry" or "cry out" often mean to say something loudly and urgently. Someone can "cry out" in pain or in distress or in anger.
(See also: call, plead)
cried, cried for help, cried out, cries, cries of distress, cries out, cry, cry ... for help, cry aloud, cry of distress, cry out, crying, crying out, outcries, outcry, raised ... voice, scream, screams, shout, shout out loud, shouted, shouting, shouting out, shouts, speak out, spoke loudly
accursed, speak evil
The term "curse" means to cause negative things to happen to the person or thing that is being cursed.
(See also: bless)
accursed, curse, cursed, curses, cursing, speaks evil
chop down, cut down, cut in two, pluck out, shear, tear off
The expression "cut off" literally means to use a sharp instrument to remove a part of something. This can refer to, for example, removing a limb from a tree or an arm or leg from a person, or to chopping a tree completely down.
The expression "cut off" is also used to refer to God causing a river to stop flowing.
The metaphor "cut off" refers to people or God separating a person from his nation or community either by driving him away or by killing him.
To "shear" is to cut the hair off of an animal.
To "pluck" is to separate a part of something from the rest by pulling it off or out.
chop ... down, chopped ... down, cut ... down, cut ... off, cut ... out of, cut in two, cut off, cuts ... off, cutting ... off, eliminate, pluck ... out, shear, sheared, tear ... off
dark, darken, gloom
The terms "darkness" and "gloom" literally means an absence of light. There are also several figurative meanings of these terms:
(See also: corrupt, dominion, kingdom, light, redeem, righteous)
dark, darken, darkened, darker, darkness, gloom, thick darkness, turned dark
"Daughter of Zion" is a figurative way of referring to the people of Israel. It is usually used in prophecies.
(See also: Jerusalem, prophet, Zion)
daughter of Zion
daily, daytime, morning, today
The term "day" literally refers to a period of time lasting 24 hours beginning at sundown. It is also used figuratively.
(See also: judgment day, last day)
daily, day, day's, days, days', daytime, morning, today
breathed their last, dead, deadly, deadness, deathly, die, lethal, mortal, stop breathing
This term is used to refer to both physical and spiritual death. Physically, it refers to when the physical body of a person stops living. Spiritually, it refers to sinners being separated from a holy God because of their sin.
(See also: believe, faith, life, spirit)
about to die, breathed ... last, causes ... death, dead, deadly, deadness, death, deathly, deaths, die, die with, died, dies, dying, fatal, lethal, mortal, stop breathing, stops breathing
lie, deal falsely, deceit, deception, deceptive, delusion, entice, error, false, falsehood, flatter, illusion, trick
The word "deceive" means to cause someone to believe something that is not true.
(See also: true)
a lie, deal falsely, deceit, deceitful, deceitfully, deceitfulness, deceive, deceived, deceiver, deceivers, deceives, deceiving, deception, deceptive, defraud, defrauded, delusion, entice, error, false, falsehood, falsely, flatter, flattering, flatters, flattery, illusions, liar, liars, lies, trick
announce, declaration, proclaim, proclamation, pronounce
The terms "declare" and "declaration" refer to making a formal or public statement, often to emphasize something. To "proclaim" means to announce or declare something publicly and boldly.
(See also: preach)
announce, announced, announces, declaration, declarations, declare, declared, declares, declaring, proclaim, proclaimed, proclaiming, proclaims, proclamation, proclamations, pronounces
pollute, pollution, stain
The terms "defile" and "be defiled" refer to becoming polluted or dirty. Something can be defiled in a physical, moral, or ritual sense.
(See also: clean, clean)
are defiled, be defiled, defile, defiled, defiles, defiling, polluted, pollutes, pollution, stain, stained, was defiled, were defiled
demonic
All these terms refer to demons, which are spirit beings that oppose God's will.
(See also: demon-possessed, Satan, god, god, angel, evil, clean)
demon, demonic, demons
possessed by a demon
A person who is demon-possessed has a demon or evil spirit that controls what he does and thinks.
(See also: demon)
demon-possessed, possessed by a demon, possessed by demons
descend, posterity
A "descendant" is someone who is a direct blood relative of someone else further back in history.
(See also: Abraham, father, Jacob, Noah, twelve tribes of Israel)
clans descended, descend, descendant, descendants, descended, posterity
break down, bring ... to nothing, destruction, remove, cut to pieces, demolish, destroyer, destructive, downfall, overthrow, pass away, put an end to, shatter, spoil, throw down, waste away
To destroy something is to completely make an end to it, so that it no longer exists.
(See also: angel, Egypt, firstborn, Passover)
an end is put to, be destroyed, break ... down, breaking ... down, breaks ... down, bring ... to nothing, broke to pieces, broken, broken to pieces, brought ... down, brought ... to nothing, complete destruction, completely destroy, completely destroyed, crashing sound, cut ... to pieces, cut into pieces, cuts ... into pieces, demolish, destroy, destroy ... completely, destroyed, destroyer, destroyers, destroying, destroys, destruction, destructive, downfall, overthrew, overthrown, pass away, put an end to, shatter, shattered, shattering, spoil, throw down, throws ... down, thrown down, wasting away
The term "disciple" refers to a person who spends much time with a teacher, learning from that teacher's character and teaching.
(See also: apostle, believe, Jesus, John (the Baptist), the twelve)
disciple, disciples
dishonorable, lightly esteemed
The term "dishonor" means to do something that is disrespectful to someone. This can also cause that person shame or disgrace.
(See also: disgrace, honor)
dishonor, dishonorable, dishonored, dishonors, lightly esteemed
disobedient
The term "disobey" means to not obey what someone in authority has commanded or instructed. A person who does this is being "disobedient."
(See also: authority, evil, sin, obey)
disobedience, disobedient, disobey, disobeyed, disobeying, disobeys
mule
A donkey is a four-legged work animal, similar to a horse, but smaller and with longer ears.
donkey, donkey's, donkeys, mule, mules, wild donkey
pigeon
Doves and pigeons are two kinds of small, gray-brown birds that look similar. A dove is often thought of as being lighter in color, almost white.
(See also: olive, innocent, pure)
dove, dove's, doves, pigeon, pigeons
intoxicated, drink much, drunkard, drunkenness
The term "drunk" means to be intoxicated from drinking too much of an alcoholic beverage.
(See also: wine)
be ... intoxicated, became drunk, become drunk, drank freely, drink much, drunk, drunkard, drunkards, drunkenness, get drunk
clay, dust, earthen, earthly, ground, land, soil
The term "earth" refers to the world that human beings live on, along with all other forms of life.
(See also: spirit, world)
clay, dust, earth, earth's, earthen, earthly, ground, land, lands, soil
endurance, patient endurance, put up with, resist, stand
The term "endure" means to last a long time or to bear something difficult with patience.
(See also: persevere)
endurance, endure, endured, endures, enduring, patient endurance, put up with, resist, stand
deal violently, displeasing, evil actions, evil deeds, evil plans, fraudulent, harm, harmful, violate, violence, violent, wicked, wicked deeds, wickedly, wickedness, wretched, wretchedly
The terms "evil" and "wicked" both refer to anything that is opposed to God's holy character and will.
(See also: disobey, sin, good, righteous, demon)
deal violently, deal worse, displeasing, do ... evil, do ... violence, done ... violence, evil, evil actions, evil deeds, evil plans, evils, fraudulent, harm, harmful, violate, violated, violates, violence, violent, wicked, wicked deeds, wickedly, wickedness, wretched, wretchedly, wretches
do harm, do evil, harmed, work out evil
The term "evildoer" is a general reference to people who do sinful and wicked things.
(See also: evil)
did ... harm, do ... harm, doing evil, doing harm, evildoer, evildoers, harmed, work out evil
before, facedown, facial, presence, surface
The word "face" literally refers to the front part of a person's head. This term also has several figurative meanings.
before, face, faced, facedown, faces, facial, facing, presence, surface
The term to "fast" means to stop eating food for a period of time, such as for a day or more. Sometimes it also includes not drinking.
(See also: Jewish authorities)
fast, fasted, fasting, fastings, fasts
ancestor, ancestral, beget, fatherless, forefather, grandfather, orphan
When used literally, the term "father" refers to a person's male parent. * A "grandfather" is someone's father's father or someone's mother's father. * A "forefather" is one of a person's male ancestors, such as his grandfather's grandfather. * An "ancestral household" is a social unit of those people who are descended from one ancestor. * A person who is "fatherless" does not have a father. * An "orphan" is a person who has no parents. In Bible times widows were often not able to care for their children, so a child with a mother but no father could also be thought of as an orphan. * To "beget" someone is to become that person's father.
There are also several figurative uses of the term "father."
(See also: God the Father, son, Son of God)
ancestor, ancestor's, ancestors, ancestors', ancestral, beget, begot, father, father's, fathered, fathering, fatherless, fathers, fathers', forefather, forefathers, grandfather, orphan, orphans
afraid, alarmed, anxiety, coward, dismay, dread, fainthearted, fearful, fearlessly, fearsome, frighten, timid, unafraid
The terms "fear" and "afraid" refer to the unpleasant feeling a person has when there is a threat of harm to himself or others.
(See also: amazed, awe, lord, power, Yahweh)
afraid, alarmed, anxiety, cowards, dismay, dismayed, dread, dreaded, fainthearted, fear, feared, fearful, fearful thing, fearlessly, fears, fearsome, frighten, frightened, timid, unafraid
In general, a festival is a celebration held by a community of people.
There were several main festivals that the Israelites celebrated every year:
Passover
Festival of Shelters
The purpose of these festivals was to thank God and to remember the amazing things he had done to rescue, protect, and provide for his people.
(See also: feast)
festival, festivals
A fig is a small, soft, sweet fruit that grows on trees. When ripe, this fruit can be a variety of colors, including brown, yellow, or purple.
fig, figs
A fir tree is a kind of tree that stays green all year and has cones that contain seeds.
(See also: cedar, cypress)
fir, firs
blazing, fiery, firebrands, inflame, kindle
Fire is the heat, light, and flames that are produced when something is burned.
The word "fire" and ideas related to fire are also used figuratively. * The term "fire" can refer to judgment or purification. * The phrase "baptize with fire" could also be translated as "cause to experience suffering in order to be purified." * Fire is used to refine gold and other metals. In the Bible, this process is used to explain how God refines people through difficult things that happen in their lives.
(See also: pure)
blazing, fiery, fire, firebrands, fires, flaming, kindle, kindled, kindles, set fire to, set ... on fire, sets ... on fire
fleshly, human, living creatures, meat, physical
In the Bible, the term "flesh" literally refers to the soft tissue of the physical body of a human being or animal.
flesh, fleshly, human, humans, living creatures, meat, physical
herd
In the Bible, "flock" refers to a group of sheep or goats and "herd" refers to a group of cattle, oxen, or pigs.
(See also: goat, cow, pig, sheep, )
flock, flocking, flocks, herd, herds
forgiven, forgiveness, pardon
To forgive someone means to not hold a grudge against that person even though they did something hurtful. "Forgiveness" is the act of forgiving someone.
The term "pardon" means to forgive and not punish someone for his sin.
(See also: guilt)
forgave, forgive, forgiven, forgiveness, forgives, pardon, pardoned
establish, foundation, founder
The verb "found" means build, create, or lay a base for. The phrase "founded on" means supported by or based on. A "foundation" is the base of support on which something is built or created.
(See also: cornerstone, create)
established, establishes, found, foundation, foundations, founded, founder, founds, lay ... foundation, lay ... foundations
spring
The terms "fountain" and "spring" usually refer to a large amount of water that flows out naturally from the ground.
fountain, fountains, spring, springing, springs
freedom, freeman, liberty, volunteer, without cost, without paying for it
The terms "free" or "freedom" refer to not being in slavery, or any other kind of bondage. Another word for "freedom" is "liberty."
(See also: bind, enslave, servant)
free, freed, freedom, freeing, freely, freely gave, freeman, frees, liberty, set ... free, volunteer, volunteered, without cost, without paying for it
bear fruit, crop, fruitful, produce, productive land, unfruitful
The term "fruit" literally refers to the part of a plant that can be eaten. * A "fruitful" plant is one that has a lot of good fruit. * The expression "fruit of the land" refers generally to everything that the land produces for people to eat. This includes not only fruits such as grapes or dates, but also vegetables, nuts, and grains. * The term "crop" can refer to what people have planted for for food. * The term "crop" can refer to the food that is harvested at one time.
Sometimes the term "fruit" and ideas related to it are used figuratively. * In general, the expression "fruit of" refers to anything that comes from or that is produced by something else. For example, the "fruit of wisdom" refers to the good things that come from being wise. * The expression "fruit of the womb" refers to "what the womb produces"—that is, children. * The Bible often uses "fruit" to refer to a person's actions. Just as fruit on a tree shows what kind of tree it is, in the same way a person's words and actions reveal what his character is like. * The expression "fruit of the Spirit" refers to godly qualities that the Holy Spirit produces in the lives of people who obey him. * The term "fruitful" can be used figuratively to mean "prosperous." This often refers to having many children and descendants, as well as having plenty of food and other wealth.
(See also: descendant, grain, grape, Holy Spirit, vine, womb)
bear fruit, crop, crops, fruit, fruitful, fruits, produce, productive land, unfruitful
carry out, fill to the limit, finish, fulfillment, in full, make something full
The term "fulfill" means to complete or accomplish something that was expected.
(See also: prophet, Christ, minister, call)
carried out, fill up ... to the limit, finishing, fulfill, fulfilled, fulfillment, fulfills, in full, make ... full
doorkeeper, entrance, gate bars, gatekeeper, gateposts, gateway
A "gate" is a hinged barrier at an access point in a fence or wall that surrounds a house or city.
entrance, gate, gate bars, gateposts, gates, gateway, gateways
give, gracious gift
The term "gift" refers to anything that is given or offered to someone. A gift is given without the expectation of getting anything in return
(See also: spirit, Holy Spirit)
gift, gifts, give, gracious gift
The term "gird" means to fasten something around something else. It often refers to wrapping a belt or sash around the waist to keep a robe or tunic in place.
(See also: loins)
gird, girded, girding, girds
beautiful, beauty, glorify, glorious, take pride
In general, the term "glory" means honor, splendor, and extreme greatness. Anything that has glory is said to be "glorious."
The term "glorify" means to show or tell how great and important something or someone is. It literally means to "give glory to."
The expression "glory in" could also be translated as "praise" or "take pride in" or "boast about" or "take pleasure in."
"Glorify" could also be translated as "give glory to" or "bring glory to" or "cause to appear great."
(See also: exalt, obey, praise)
beautiful, beauty, glories, glorified, glorifies, glorify, glorifying, glorious, glory, take pride
disgusting figure, false god, goat idols, goddess, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry
A false god is something that people worship instead of the one true God. The term "goddess" refers specifically to a female false god.
An idol is an object that people make so they can worship it. Something is described as "idolatrous" if it involves giving honor to something other than the one true God.
(See also: God, Asherah, Baal, Molech, demon, image, kingdom, worship)
disgusting figure, disgusting figures, false god, goat idols, god, goddess, gods, idol, idol's, idolater, idolaters, idolatrous, idolatry, idols, idols'
best, better, fair, good things, goodness, improved, prefer, proper, well
The word "good" has different meanings depending on the context. Many languages will use different words to translate these different meanings.
(See also: evil, holy, profit, righteous)
best, better, do ... good, fair, good, good things, goodness, goods, improved, made ... better, prefer, proper, seemed good, well
generous, gracious, graciously
The word "grace" refers to help or blessing that is given to someone who has not earned it. The term "gracious" describes someone who shows grace to others.
act of grace, generous, grace, gracious, graciously, graciously given
grainfields, standing grain
The term "grain" usually refers to the seed of a food plant such as wheat, barley, corn, millet, or rice. It can also refer to the whole plant.
(See also: head, wheat)
grain, grainfields, grains, standing grain
guilty, accountable, reason for a penalty
The term "guilt" refers to the fact of having sinned or committed a crime.
(See also: innocent, iniquity, punish, sin)
cause ... to become guilty, find guilty, guilt, guilty, held accountable, reason for ... penalty
handbreadth, handful, lay a hand on
There are several figurative ways that "hand" is used in the Bible:
Some other figurative uses of "hand" include:
To "lay a hand on" means to "harm."
The expression "by the hand of" someone means "by" or "through" the action of that person. For example, "by the hand of the Lord" means that the Lord is the one who caused something to happen.
Placing hands on someone is often done while speaking a blessing over that person.
(See also: adversary, bless, captive, honor, power)
by the hand of, fist, from the hand of, hand, handbreadth, handed, handful, handfuls, handing, hands, lay a hand on, lays his hand on
The term "hang" means to suspend something or someone above the ground.
hang, hanged, hanging, hangings, hangs, hung
hardly, hardness, hardship
The term "hard" has several different meanings, depending on the context. It usually describes something that is difficult, persistent, or unyielding.
The term "hard" can be used figuratively * A person who has a "hard heart" is stubborn. He continues to disobey God and will not repent. * A person whose heart is hardened has become stubbornly disobedient.
(See also: disobey, evil, heart, labor pains, stiff-necked)
hard, harden, hardened, hardening, hardens, harder, hardest, hardly, hardness, hardship, hardships
harvester
The term "harvest" refers to the gathering in of ripe fruits or vegetables from the plants on which they were growing.
(See also: firstfruit, festival)
harvest, harvested, harvester, harvesters, harvesting, harvests
In the Bible, the word "head" is used with several figurative meanings.
(See also: grain)
head, heads
cure, healer, health, healthy, make fresh, make well, recover, unhealthy
The terms "heal" and "cure" both mean to cause a sick, wounded, or disabled person to be healthy again.
(See also: miracle)
cure, cured, heal, healed, healer, healers, healing, healings, heals, health, healthy, made ... fresh, made ... well, make ... fresh, recovered, unhealthy
kidneys
In the Bible, the term "heart" is often used figuratively to refer to a person's thoughts, emotions, desires, or will.
(See also: hard)
heart, hearts, kidneys
heavenly, in midair, overhead, sky
The term that is translated as "heaven" usually refers to where God lives. The same word can also mean "sky," depending on the context.
(See also: kingdom of God)
heaven, heavenly, heavens, in midair, overhead, skies, sky
An "heir" is a person who legally receives property or money that belonged to a person who has died.
(See also: firstborn, inherit)
heir, heirs
high priesthood
The term "high priest" refers to a special priest who was appointed to serve for one year as the leader of all the other Israelite priests.
(See also: Annas, Caiaphas, chief priests, priest, temple)
high priest, high priesthood, high priests
dignified, esteem, held in honor, highly regarded, honorable, of high standing, places of honor, recognition
The terms "honor" and to "honor" refer to giving someone respect, esteem, or reverence.
(See also: dishonor, glory, glory, praise)
dignified, esteem, held in honor, highly regarded, honor, honorable, honored, honoring, honors, of high standing, places of honor, recognition
Hope is strongly desiring something to happen. Hope can imply either certainty or uncertainty regarding a future event.
(See also: bless, confidence, good, obey, trust, word of God)
hope, hoped, hopes, look to ... in hope, uselessly hope
ram's horn
Horns are permanent, hard, pointed growths on the heads of many types of animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and deer.
(See also: authority, cow, deer, goat, power royal, sheep, trumpet)
horn, horned, horns, ram's horn, rams' horns
In addition to being used to refer to when or how long something took place, the term "hour" is also used in several figurative ways:
(See also: hour (biblical time))
appointed time, hour, hours, moment, time, while
home, residence
The term "house" is often used figuratively in the Bible.
(See also: David, descendant, house of God, household, kingdom of Israel, tabernacle, temple, Yahweh)
home, homes, house, house's, houses, residence
household members
The term "household" refers to all the people who live together in a house, including family members and all their servants.
(See also: house)
household, household members, households, members of household
The phrase "as it is written" or "what is written" occurs frequently in the New Testament and usually refers to commands or prophecies that were written in the Hebrew scriptures.
(See also: command, law of Moses, prophet, word of God)
are ... written, had ... been written, has ... been written, have ... been written, is ... written, is it ... written, it is written, it was written, Moses ... wrote, was written, were ... written
enjoy, enjoyment, glad, gladness, greet, joyful, joyfulness, jubilant, merry-hearted, rejoice, source of gladness
Joy is a feeling of delight or deep satisfaction that comes from God. The related term "joyful" describes a person who feels very glad and is full of deep happiness.
The term "rejoice" means to be full of joy and gladness.
be glad, be merry, enjoy, enjoyed, enjoying, enjoyment, enjoys, glad, gladness, greet, greeted, greeting, greetings, greets, joy, joyful, joyful shouting, joyfully, joyfulness, jubilant, make ... glad, makes ... glad, merry-hearted, rejoice, rejoiced, rejoiced greatly, rejoices, rejoices greatly, rejoicing, shout for joy, shout joyfully, shout of joy, shouts of joy, source of gladness, was merry
act of judging, consider, decide, decision, give justice, give judgment, judgment, judgment seat
The terms "judge" and "judgment" often refer to making a decision about whether something is morally right or wrong.
(See also: decree, judge, judgment day, justice, law, law of Moses)
acts of judgment, consider, considered, considering, decide, decided, decided on, decision, give justice, giving judgment, have decided, insightful decisions, judge, judged, judges, judging, judgment, judgment seat, judgments, renders judgment, will judge
A judge is a person who decides what is right or wrong when there are disputes between people, usually in matters that pertain to the law.
(See also: governor, judge, law of Moses)
judge, judges, the judge, the judges, their judges, you judges
kindred, kinfolk, kinsman, relative
The term "kin" refers to a person's blood relatives, considered as a group. The word "kinsman" refers specifically to a male relative.
kin, kindred, kinfolk, kinsfolk, kinsman, kinsmen, relative, relatives
The terms "kind" and "kinds" refer to groups or classifications of things that are connected by shared characteristics.
kind, kinds
kingly, kingship
The term "king" refers to a man who is the supreme ruler of a city, state, or country.
(See also: authority, Herod Antipas, kingdom, kingdom of God)
king, king's, kingly, kings, kingship, made ... king, set up ... king, set up kings
power to rule
A kingdom is a group of people ruled by a king. It also refers to the realm or political regions over which a king or other ruler has control and authority.
(See also: authority, king, kingdom of God, kingdom of Israel, Judah, Judah, priest)
kingdom, kingdoms, power to rule, kingship
kingdom of Christ and God, kingdom of heaven
The terms "kingdom of God" and "kingdom of heaven" both refer to God's rule and authority over his people and over all creation.
(See also: God, heaven, king, kingdom, King of the Jews, reign)
kingdom of Christ and God, kingdom of God, kingdom of heaven
knowledge, make known, unknowingly, unknown
To "know" means to understand something or to be aware of a fact. The expression "make known" is an expression that means to tell information.
(See also: law of Moses, reveal, understand, wise)
knew, know, know ... beforehand, knowing, knowledge, known, knows, made ... known, made known, make ... known, makes known, unknowingly, unknown
fellow laborers, forced labor, hard labor, hard-working, laborer, occupation, strive, struggle, toil
The term "labor" refers to doing physical work of any kind.
(See also: hard, labor pains)
fellow laborers, forced labor, hard labor, hard-working, labor, labored, laborer, laborer's, laborers, laboring, labors, occupation, product of ... labor, products of ... labor, strive, strives, striving together, struggle, toil, toiled, toiling, toils
Lamb of God
The term "lamb" refers to a young sheep. Sheep are four-legged animals with thick, woolly hair, used for sacrifices to God. Jesus is called the "Lamb of God" because he was sacrificed to pay for people's sins.
(See also: sheep, shepherd)
Lamb, Lamb of God, lamb, lambs
dirge, lamentation
The terms "lament" and "lamentation" refer to a strong expression of mourning, sorrow, or grief.
dirge, lament, lamentation, lamentations, lamented, lamenting, laments, sing dirges
torch
The term "lamp" generally refers to something that produces light. The lamps used in Bible times were usually oil lamps.
(See also: lampstand, life, light)
lamp, lamps, torch, torches
last times, latter days
The term "last days" or "latter days" refers generally to the time period at the end of the current age.
(See also: day of the Lord, judge, turn, world)
last day, last days, last times, latter days
lawbreaker, lawgiver, lawyer, principle
A "law" is a legal rule that is usually written down and enforced by someone in authority. A "principle" is a guideline for decision-making and behavior.
(See also: law of Moses)
law, lawbreaker, lawbreakers, lawgiver, laws, lawyer, principle, principled, principles
God's law, book of Moses, book of the law, expert in the law, law of God, law of Yahweh, law of the Lord, the law
All these terms refer to the commandments and instructions that God gave Moses for the Israelites to obey. The terms "law" and "God's law" are also used more generally to refer to everything God wants his people to obey.
Depending on the context, the "law" can refer to:
the Ten Commandments that God wrote on stone tablets for the Israelites
all of God's instructions and will
The phrase "the law and the prophets" is used in the New Testament to refer to the Hebrew scriptures (or "Old Testament")
(See also: instruct, Moses, Ten Commandments, lawful, Yahweh)
God's law, book of Moses, book of the law, expert in the law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of the Lord, the law, the law of God, your law
lawfully, lawless, lawlessness, permitted, unlawful
The term "lawful" refers to something that is permitted to be done according to a law or other requirement. The opposite of this is "unlawful," which simply means "not lawful."
The terms "unlawful" and "not lawful" are used to describe actions that break a law.
The term "lawless" describes a person who does not obey laws or rules. When a country or group of people are in a state of "lawlessness," there is widespread disobedience, rebellion, or immorality.
(See also: law, law of Moses, Moses, Sabbath)
lawful, lawfully, lawless, lawlessness, not lawful, permitted, unlawful
alive, come to life, conduct, exist, fresh, life-giving, lifetime, live, revive, survive, survivor
All these terms refer to being physically alive, not dead. They are also used figuratively to refer to being alive spiritually. The following discusses what is meant by "physical life" and "spiritual life."
(See also: death, eternity)
alive, come to life, conduct, conducted, existed, fresh, keep ... alive, life, life-giving, lifeless, lifetime, live, lived, lives, living, revive, revived, survive, survived, survivor, survivors
bright, brightness, enlighten, shine
There are several figurative uses of the term "light" in the Bible. It is often used as a metaphor for righteousness, holiness, and truth.
(See also: darkness, holy, righteous, true)
bright, brightness, enlighten, enlightened, light, lighting, lights, shining
according to, alike, as, as if, compare, in the same way, just as, liken, likeness, likewise, resemble, similar, similarly, unlike
The terms "like" and "likeness" refer to something being the same as, or similar to, something else.
(See also: beast, flesh, image of God, image, perish)
according to, alike, as, as if, be ... like, become ... like, compare, in the same way, is ... like, just as, like, liken, likeness, likenesses, likewise, resemble, resembled, similar to, similarly, the same, the same way, unlike
The term "livestock" refers to animals which are raised to provide food and other useful products. Some types of livestock are also trained as work animals.
(See also: cow, donkey, goat, horse, sheep)
livestock
allotted, allotted portion, cast lots, chosen by lot, divide up by lot
A "lot" is a marked object that is chosen from among other similar objects as a way of deciding something. "Casting lots" referred to tossing marked objects onto the ground or other surface.
allotted, allotted portion, cast lots, chosen by lot, divide up ... by lot, lot, lots
brotherly love
To love another person is to care for that person and do things that will benefit him. There are different meanings for "love" some languages may express using different words:
The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do. God himself is love and is the source of true love.
Jesus showed this kind of love by sacrificing his life in order to rescue us from sin and death. He also taught his followers to love others sacrificially.
In the ULB, the word "love" refers to this kind of sacrificial love, unless a Translation Note indicates a different meaning.
Another word in the New Testament refers to brotherly love, or love for a friend or family member.
This term refers to natural human love between friends or relatives.
The term can also be used in such contexts as, "They love to sit in the most important seats at a banquet." This means that they "like very much" or "greatly desire" to do that.
The word "love" can also refer to romantic love between a man and a woman.
In the figurative expression "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated," the term "loved" refers to God's choosing of Jacob to be in a covenant relationship with him. This could also be translated as "chosen." Although Esau was also blessed by God, he wasn't given the privilege of being in the covenant. The term "hated" is used figuratively here to mean "rejected" or "not chosen."
(See also: covenant, death, sacrifice, save, sin)
brotherly love, love, loved, loves, loving
Manna was a white, grain-like food that God provided for the Israelites to eat during the 40 years of living in the wilderness after they left Egypt.
(See also: bread, desert, grain, heaven, Sabbath)
manna
The term "member" refers to one part of a complex body or group.
(See also: body, Pharisee, council)
member, members
courier, herald
The term "messenger" refers to someone who is given a message to tell others.
(See also: angel, apostle, John (the Baptist))
couriers, herald, messenger, messengers
expect, intention, likeminded, mindful, sober, think
The term "mind" refers to the part of a person that thinks and makes decisions.
(See also: believe, heart, soul)
expect, expected, intention, likeminded, mind, minded, mindful, minds, sober, think, think carefully about, thinks, thought, thoughts
monthly
The term "month" refers to a period of time lasting about four weeks. The number of days in each month varies depending on whether a lunar or solar calendar is used.
month, monthly, months
Myrrh is an oil or spice that is made from the resin of a myrrh tree that grows in Africa and Asia. It is related to frankincense.
(See also: frankincense, learned men)
myrrh
fame, nameless, notorious, reputation
In the Bible, the word "name" was used in several figurative ways.
(See also: call)
fame, name, name's, named, nameless, names, notorious, reputation
A nation is a large group of people ruled by some form of government. The people of a nation often have the same ancestors and share a common ethnicity.
(See also: Assyria, Babylon, Canaan, Gentile, Greek, people group, Philistines, Rome)
nation, nations
neighborhood, neighboring
The term "neighbor" usually refers to a person who lives nearby. It can also refer more generally to someone who lives in the same community or people group.
(See also: adversary, parable, people group, Samaria)
neighbor, neighborhood, neighboring, neighbors
follow, give ear, hear, hold securely, hold to, keep, listen, obedience, obedient
The term "obey" means to do what is required or commanded. The term "obedient" describes someone who obeys. "Obedience" is the characteristic that an obedient person has.
(See also: citizen, command, disobey, kingdom, law)
following, give ... ear, hear, heard, hold ... securely, hold to, keep, keeps, kept, listen, listened, listened to, obedience, obedient, obediently, obey, obeyed, obeying, obeys
officer
The terms "official" and "officer" refer to people who hold positions within a government or organization. Leaders within the government or organization give the official or officer certain authority and duties to perform as long as he remains in the position.
officer, officers, official, officials
The terms "overtake" and "overtook" refer to gaining control over someone or something. It usually includes the idea of catching up to something after pursuing it.
(See also: bless, curse, prey, punish)
overtake, overtaken, overtakes, overtook
palm branch
The term "palm" refers to a type of tall tree with long, flexible, leafy branches extending from the top in a fan-like pattern.
(See also: donkey, Jerusalem, peace)
palm, palm branch, palms
hard question, lesson, riddle
The term "parable" usually refers to a short story or object lesson that is used to explain or teach a moral truth. It can also refer to a saying that is difficult to understand and about which the hearer will have to think carefully before he can understand what the speaker is teaching.
(See also: Samaria)
hard questions, lesson, parable, parables, riddle, riddles
peaceable, peaceful, peacemaker, quiet
The term "peace" refers to a state of being or a feeling of having no conflict, anxiety, or fearfulness. A person who is "peaceful" feels calm and assured of being safe and secure.
peace, peaceable, peaceably, peaceful, peacefully, peacemakers, quiet, quiets
imperishable, perishable
The term "perish" means to die or be destroyed, usually as the result of violence or other disaster.
(See also: death, eternity)
imperishable, perish, perishable, perished, perishes, perishing
persecution, persecutor
The terms "persecute" and "persecution" refer to continually treating a person or a certain group of people in a harsh way that causes harm to them.
(See also: Christian, church, oppress, Rome)
persecute, persecuted, persecuting, persecution, persecutions, persecutor, persecutors
gore, thrust through
The term "pierce" means to stab something or to make a hole with a sharp, pointed object. It is also used figuratively to refer to causing someone deep emotional pain.
(See also: cross, Jesus, servant, Simeon)
gore, gored, holes, pierce, pierced, pierces, piercing, thrust ... through
boar, pork, swine
A pig is a type of four-legged, hoofed animal that is raised for meat. Its meat is called "pork." The general term for pigs and related animals is "swine."
(See also: clean)
boar, boars, pig, pigs, pork, swine, swine's
pitfall, quarry
A "pit" is a deep hole that has been dug in the ground. A "pitfall" is a trap made of a pit that is hidden with a cover. A "quarry" is a pit from which people take valuable stones.
(See also: abyss, hell, prison)
pit, pitfall, pits, quarry
belongings, dispossess, possession, property
The terms "possess" and "possession" usually refer to owning something. They can also mean to gain control over something or occupy an area of land.
(See also: Canaan, worship)
belongings, dispossess, possess, possessed, possesses, possessing, possession, possessions, property, took possession, valuable possessions
ability, able, mastered, can, capable, could, impossible, incapable, powerful, won, unable
The term "power" refers to the ability to do things or make things happen, often using great strength. "Powers" refers to people or spirits who have great ability to cause things to happen.
(See also: Holy Spirit, Jesus, miracle)
ability, able, am ... able, are ... able, are ... possible, be ... unable, be able, be mastered, can, cannot, capable, could, could not, impossible, incapable, is ... able, may ... be able, miraculous powers, possible, power, powerful, powerfully, powers, was ... able, were ... able, will ... be able, won
prayer
The terms "pray" and "prayer" refer to talking with God. These terms are used to refer to people trying to talk to a false god.
(See also: god, forgive, praise)
heard ... prayer, pray, prayed, prayer, prayers, praying, prays, urgently pray
costly, expensive, valuable
The term "precious" describes people or things that are considered to be very valuable.
(See also: gold, silver)
costly, expensive, precious, precious things, precious treasures, valuable, valuables
priesthood, priestly office
In the Bible, a priest was someone who was chosen to offer sacrifices to God on behalf of God's people. The "priesthood" was the name for the office or condition of being a priest.
(See also: Aaron, chief priests, high priest, mediator, sacrifice)
priest, priest's, priesthood, priestly, priestly office, priests, priests', served as a priest
custody, dungeon, imprison, imprisonment, prisoner
The term "prison" refers to a place where criminals are kept as a punishment for their crimes. A "prisoner" is someone who has been put in the prison.
(See also: captive)
custody, dungeon, held ... in custody, hold ... in custody, holding ... in custody, imprison, imprisoned, imprisonment, imprisonments, imprisons, prison, prisoner, prisoners, prisons
profitable, unprofitable
In general, the terms "profit" and "profitable" refer to gaining something good through doing certain actions or behaviors.
Something is "profitable" to someone if it brings them good things or if it helps them bring about good things for other people.
The term "unprofitable" means to not be useful.
To "take advantage of" someone is to make extra profit from him because he is weak and unable to demand greater return.
(See also: worthy)
profit, profitable, profits, treated ... violently for profit, unprofitable
prophecy, prophesy, prophetic, seer
A "prophet" is a man who speaks God's messages to people. A woman who does this is called a "prophetess."
(See also: Baal, divination, god, false prophet, fulfill, law of Moses, vision)
give ... prophecies, prophecies, prophecy, prophesied, prophesies, prophesy, prophesying, prophet, prophet's, prophetess, prophetic, prophets, seer, seer's, seers, seers'
impure, purge, purification, purify, purity, refine
To be "pure" means to have no flaw or to have nothing mixed in that is not supposed to be there. To purify something is to cleanse it and remove anything that contaminates or pollutes it.
(See also: atonement, clean, spirit)
impure, impure thing, impurities, impurity, pure, purer, purge, purification, purified, purifies, purify, purity, refine, refined, refiner, refiner's, refining
The term "purple" is the name of a color that is a mixture of blue and red.
(See also: ephod, Philippi, royal, tabernacle, temple)
purple
enrage
Rage is excessive anger what is out of control. When someone rages, it means that person is expressing anger in a destructive way.
"Rage" can also be used figuratively. * The term to "rage" can also mean to move powerfully, in descriptions such as a "raging" storm or ocean waves that "rage."
(See also: anger, self-control)
enrage, enraged, rage, raged, rages, raging, senseless rage
arise, rise, risen
raise, raise up
In general, the word "raise" means to "lift up" or "make higher."
rise, arise
To "rise" or "arise" means to "go up" or "get up." The terms "risen," "rose," and "arose" express past action.
(See also: resurrection, appoint, exalt)
arise, arisen, arises, raise, raise up, raised, raises, raising, raising up, rise, rise up, risen, rises, rising, rose
reaper
The term "reap" means to harvest crops such as grain. A "reaper" is someone who harvests the crop.
(See also: good news, harvest)
reap, reaped, reaper, reapers, reaping, reaps
abstain, receiver
The term "receive" generally means to get or accept something that is given, offered, or presented.
(See also: Holy Spirit, Jesus, lord, save)
abstain, receive, receive back, received, received ... in full, receiver, receives, receiving
The term "reed" refers to a plant with a long stalk that grows in the water, usually along the edge of a river or stream.
(See also: Egypt, Moses, Nile River)
reed, reeds
deny, despise, refuse, rejection, scorn, set aside, stay away from, throw away
To "reject" someone or something means to refuse to accept that person or thing. The term "reject" can also mean to "refuse to believe in" something. To reject God or his laws means to refuse to obey him.
(See also: command, disobey, obey, stiff-necked)
denied, denies, deny, despise, despised, despises, refuse, refused, reject, rejected, rejecting, rejection, rejects, scorn, scorns, set ... aside, sets ... aside, stay away from, throw away, tossed aside
account, bring news, give an account, news, rumor
The term to "report" means to tell people about something that happened, often giving details about that event. A "report" is what is told, and can be spoken or written.
account, accounts, bring ... report, brought ... news, brought ... report, gave ... a full account, give ... a full account, news, report, reported, reports, rumor, rumors, spread ... about
at ease, pause, refresh, relief, restless
The term to "rest" literally means to stop working. Usually it means to stop working in order to relax or regain strength. A "rest" is what someone has when he stops working. To "rest secure" is to feel safe. To "rest" an object on something means to "place" or "put" it there. An object that is "resting" somewhere is simply in that place. A boat that "comes to rest" somewhere has "stopped" or "landed" there. The phrase "the rest of" refers to the remainder of something.
(See also: remnant, Sabbath)
at ease, be at rest, give ... rest, pause, refresh, refreshed, relief, rest, rest secure, rested, rested secure, resting, resting place, resting places, restless, rests
The term "resurrection" refers to the act of becoming alive again after having died.
(See also: life, death, raise)
resurrection
The term "return" means to go back or to give something back.
(See also: turn)
return, return back, returned, returning, returns
revelation
The term "reveal" means to cause something to be known. A "revelation" is something that has been made known.
(See also: dream, vision)
reveal, revealed, revealing, reveals, revelation, revelations
right, rightly, righteousness, rightful, upright
The term "righteousness" refers to God's absolute goodness, justice, faithfulness, and love. Having these qualities makes God "righteous." Because God is righteous, he must condemn sin.
The term "unrighteous" means to be sinful and morally corrupt. "Unrighteousness" can refer to sin or the condition of being sinful.
The terms "upright" and "uprightness" refer to acting in a way that follows God's laws.
Sometimes "the righteous" was used figuratively and referred to "people who think they are good" or "people who seem to be righteous."
The term "unrighteous" could simply be translated as "not righteous."
If possible, it is best to translate this in a way that shows its relationship to "righteous, righteousness."
Ways to translate "upright" could include "acting rightly" or "one who acts rightly" or "following God's laws" or "obedient to God" or "behaving in a way that is right."
(See also: evil, faithful, good, holy, integrity, justice, law, law of Moses, obey, pure, sin, lawful)
acts rightly, do right, does what is right, in the right, made ... appear ... righteous, right treatment, righteous, righteously, righteousness, rightful, that are right, that is right, unrighteous, unrighteously, unrighteousness, upright, uprightly, uprightness, what is ... right, what was right
kings', royalty
The term "royal" describes people and things associated with a king or queen.
(See also: king. palace, priest, purple, queen, robe)
kings', royal, royal official, royalty
overrule, rule
The term "ruler" is a general reference to a person who has authority over other people, such as a leader of a country, kingdom, or religious group. A ruler is one who "rules," and his authority is his "rule."
(See also: authority, governor, king, synagogue)
overruled, overrules, rule, ruled, ruler, rulers, rules, ruling, rulings
flee, flow, move swiftly, runner
Literally the term "run" means "move very quickly on foot," usually at a greater speed than can be accomplished by walking. To "run after" or "pursue" someone or something is to move as quickly as possible to try to catch that person or thing. To run away from someone or something is to "flee."
This main meaning of "run" is also used in figurative expressions such as the following:
The following figurative uses are about non-living things that are said to run.
(See also: god, persevere, refuge, turn)
caused ... to flee, fled, flee, fleeing, flees, flow, flows, moving swiftly, ran, run, runner, runners, running, runs
A sandal is a simple flat-soled shoe held onto the foot by straps that go around the foot or ankle. Sandals are worn by both men and women.
sandal, sandals
make well, preserve, safe, salvation
The term "save" refers to keeping someone from experiencing something bad or harmful. To "be safe" means to be protected from harm or danger.
The term "salvation" refers to being saved or rescued from evil and danger.
The term "safe" could be translated as "protected from danger" or "in a place where nothing can harm."
The term "salvation" could also be translated using words related to "save" or "rescue," as in "God’s saving people (from being punished for their sins)" or "God’s rescuing his people (from their enemies)."
(See also: cross, deliver, punish, sin, Savior)
be made well, brought safely, brought safely through, place of safety, preserve, safe, safely, safety, salvation, save, saved, saves, saving
clerk, scholar
Scribes were officials who were responsible for writing or copying important government or religious documents by hand. Another name for a Jewish scribe was "expert in Jewish law."
(See also: law of Moses, Pharisee)
clerk, scholar, scribe, scribes
signet, signet ring, unsealed
To seal an object means to keep it closed with something that makes it impossible to open without breaking the seal.
(See also: Holy Spirit, tomb)
seal, sealed, sealing, seals, signet, signet ring, unsealed
go to find, look out for, search, try
The term "seek" means to look for something or someone. The past tense is "sought." It can also mean "try hard" or "make an effort" to do something.
(See also: justice, true)
diligently seek, go to find, look out for, looked for, looking for, looks for, search, search carefully, search for, searched, searched for, searched out, searches ... out, searches for, searching, searching for, seek, seek ... out, seeking, seeks, sought, tried, try, trying
seizure
The term "seize" means to take or capture someone or something by force. It can also mean to overpower and control someone.
seize, seized, seizes, seizing, seizure
To "send" is to cause someone or something to go somewhere. To "send out" someone is to tell that person to go on an errand or a mission.
(See also: appoint, redeem)
send, send ... away, send ... on ... way, send out, sending, sending out, sends, sends out, sent, sent ... away, sent out
adder, asp, snake, viper
These terms all refer to a kind of reptile that has a long, thin body and large, fanged jaws, and that moves by slithering back and forth across the ground. The term "serpent" usually refers to a large snake. The terms "viper," "adder," and "asp" refer to types of snakes that have venom which they uses to poison their prey.
(See also: curse, deceive, disobey, Eden, evil, offspring, prey, Satan, sin, tempt)
adder, adders, asp, asps, serpent, serpent's, serpents, snake, snakes, viper, viper's, vipers
assistant, attendant, hired worker, maidservant, office, serve, service
The word "servant" refers to a person who works for another person, either by choice or by force. Some servants were slaves, and the surrounding text usually makes it clear whether or not a particular servant was a slave. In Bible times, there was less of a difference between a servant and a slave than there is today. Both servants and slaves were an important part of their master's household and many were treated almost like members of the family. Sometimes a servant would choose to become a lifetime servant to his master.
The word "serve" means to do things to help other people. It can also mean to "worship."
The word "service" refers to the work that a servant does. It may also refer to worship.
The word "office" refers to the position or job that a servant has.
(See also: commit, enslave, household, lord, obey, righteous, covenant, law)
female servant, female servants, hired servant, hired servants, hired worker, maidservants, male servant, male servants, office, offices, one who serves, servant, servant girl, servant girls, servant's, servants, servants', serve, served, serves, service, services, serving
distinct, make a distinction, treat differently
The term "set apart" means separated from something to fulfill a certain purpose. Also, to "set apart" people or things means to make them "set apart." This also means to "treat" them "differently." When something is "distinct," it is different from other things.
(See also: holy, sanctify, appoint)
be distinct, making a distinction, set ... apart, sets ... apart, treat ... differently, treating ... differently
fornicate, fornication, immoral
The term "sexual immorality" refers to sexual activity that takes place outside the marriage relationship of a man and a woman. This is against God's plan. Older English Bible versions call this "fornication."
(See also: adultery, god, prostitute, faithful)
fornicate, fornicates, fornication, fornications, immoral, immorality, sexual immorality
ewe, ram, sheepfold, sheepshearer, sheepskin
A "sheep" is a medium-sized animal with four legs that has wool all over its body. A male sheep is called a "ram." A female sheep is called a "ewe." The plural of "sheep" is also "sheep."
(See also: Israel, lamb, sacrifice, shepherd)
ewe, ewes, ram, ram's, rams, sheep, sheepfold, sheepfolds, sheepshearers, sheepskins
Shepherds watch over the sheep, leading them to places with good food and water. Shepherds also keep the sheep from getting lost and protect them from wild animals.
This term is often used metaphorically in the Bible to refer to taking care of people's spiritual needs. This includes teaching them what God has told them in the Bible and guiding them in the way they should live.
(See also: believe, Canaan, church, Moses, pastor, sheep, spirit)
chief shepherd, herdsman, herdsmen, keeper, shepherd, shepherd's, shepherded, shepherding, shepherds
demonstration, evidence, mark, marker, omen, proof, remind, reminder, signal
A sign is an object, event, or action that communicates a special meaning.
"Reminders" are signs that "remind" people by helping them remember something, often something that was promised:
The rainbows God creates in the sky are signs to remind people that he has promised he will never again destroy all life with a worldwide flood.
God commanded the Israelites to circumcise their sons as a sign of his covenant with them.
Signs can reveal or point to something:
An angel gave shepherds a sign that would help them know which baby in Bethlehem was the newborn Messiah.
Judas kissed Jesus as a sign to the religious leaders that Jesus was the one they should arrest.
Signs can prove that something is true:
The miracles that Jesus performed were signs that proved he was truly the Messiah.
A "signal flag" is a flag that a king would raise as a sign so that people could see it and come to him or go into battle.
(See also: miracle, apostle, Christ, covenant, circumcise)
demonstration, evidence, mark, marker, omen, omens, proof, remind, reminded, reminder, reminders, reminding, reminds, sign, signal, signal flag, signs
sinful, sinner
The term "sin" refers to actions, thoughts, and words that are against God's will and laws. Sin can also refer to not doing something that God wants us to do.
(See also: disobey, evil, flesh, tax)
sin, sinful, sinned, sinner, sinners, sinning, sins
A sister is a female person who shares at least one biological parent with another person. She is said to be that other person’s sister or the sister of that other person.
(See also: brother in Christ, spirit)
sister, sister's, sisters, sisters'
The male offspring of a man and a woman is called their "son" for his entire life. He is also called a son of that man and a son of that woman. An "adopted son" is a male who has been legally placed into the position of being a son.
(See also: Azariah, descendant, father, firstborn, Son of God, sons of God)
son, son's, sons
person
The soul is the inner, invisible part of a person. It refers to the non-physical part of a person. It is the part of a person that continues living after the body dies.
(See also: spirit)
person, persons, soul, souls
plant, plantation, transplanted
A "plant" is generally something that grows and is attached to the ground. To "plant" something is to put it in the ground so that it can grow. To "sow" is to scatter seeds on the ground so they can go into the ground and grow. A "sower" is a person who sows seeds.
(See also: evil, good, reap)
place ... planted, plant, plantation, planted, planting, plants, replanted, sow, sowed, sowing, sown, sows, transplanted
javelin, spearmen
A spear is a weapon with a long wooden handle and sharp metal blade on one end that is thrown a long distance.
(See also: prey, Rome, sword, warrior)
javelin, spear, spearmen, spears
ghost, spiritual
The term "spirit" refers to the non-physical part of people which cannot be seen. When a person dies, his spirit leaves his body. "Spirit" can also refer to an attitude or emotional state.
(See also: angel, demon, Holy Spirit, soul, divination)
ghost, spirit, spirits, spiritual, spiritually
club, walking stick
A staff is a long wooden stick or rod, often used as a walking stick.
(See also: Pharaoh, power, sheep, shepherd)
clubs, staff, staffs, walking stick, walking sticks
A stone is a small rock. To "stone" someone is to throw stones and larger rocks at that person with the intention of killing him. A "stoning" is an event in which someone was stoned.
(See also: adultery, commit, crime, death, Lystra, testimony)
stone, stoned, stones, stoning
reel
The term "stumble" means "almost fall" when walking or running. Usually it involves tripping over something.
(See also: believe, persecute, sin, stumbling block)
causes ... to stumble, reeling, stumble, stumbled, stumbles, stumbling
dagger, swordsmen
A sword is a flat-bladed metal weapon used to cut or stab. It has a handle and a long, pointed blade with a very sharp cutting edge.
(See also: James (brother of Jesus), John (the Baptist), tongue, word of God)
dagger, sword, swords, swordsmen
A synagogue is a building where Jewish people meet together to worship God.
(See also: heal, Jerusalem, Jew, pray, temple, word of God, worship)
synagogue, synagogues
educated, teaching, untaught
To "teach" someone is to tell him something he doesn’t already know. It can also mean to "provide information" in general, with no reference to the person who is learning. Usually the information is given in a formal or systematic way. A person’s "teaching" is or his "teachings" are what he has taught.
(See also: instruct, teacher, word of God)
educated, taught, teach, teaches, teaching, teachings, untaught
A teacher is a person who gives other people new information. Teachers help others to obtain and use both knowledge and skills.
(See also: disciple, preach)
teacher, teachers
shrine
A temple is a special building in which people worship their god or gods. The most important temple in the Bible was where the Israelites worshiped the true God with prayers and sacrifices. It was located on Mount Moriah in the city of Jerusalem.
(See also: sacrifice, Solomon, Babylon, Holy Spirit, tabernacle, court, Zion, house)
shrine, shrines, temple, temples
camp, encamp, tentmaker
A tent is a portable shelter made of sturdy fabric that is draped over a structure of poles and attached to them.
(See also: Abraham, Canaan, curtain, Paul, Sinai, tabernacle, tent of meeting)
camp, camped, camping, camps, encamp, encamped, encampments, encamps, tent, tentmakers, tents
tithe
The terms "tenth" and "tithe" refer to "ten percent" or "one-out-of-ten portion" of one's money, crops, livestock, or other possessions, which is given to God.
(See also: believe, Israel, Levi, livestock, Melchizedek, minister, sacrifice tabernacle, temple)
tenth, tenths, tithe, tithes
put to the test
The term "test" refers to a difficult or painful experience that reveals a person's strengths and weaknesses.
(See also: tempt)
put ... to the test, test, tested, testing, tests
eyewitness, testify, witness
When a person gives "testimony" he makes a statement about something he knows, claiming that the statement is true. To "testify" is to give "testimony."
The term "witness" refers to a person who has personally experienced something that happened. Usually a witness is also someone who testifies about what they know is true. The term "eyewitness" emphasizes that the person was actually there and saw what happened.
Translating "testify" and "testimony": * The term "testify" or "give testimony" could also be translated as, "tell the facts" or "tell what was seen or heard" or "tell from personal experience" or "tell what happened." * Ways to translate "testimony" could include, "report of what happened" or "statement of what is true" or "what has been said." * The phrase, "as a testimony to them" could be translated as, to "show them what is true" or to "prove to them what is true." * The phrase, "as a testimony against them" could be translated as, "which will show them their sin" or "exposing their hypocrisy" or "which will prove that they are wrong." * To "give false testimony" could be translated as "say false things about" or "state things that are not true."
Translating "witness" and "eyewitness": * The term "witness" or "eyewitness" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "person seeing it" or "the one who saw it happen" or "those who saw and heard (those things)." * Something that is "a witness" could be translated as "guarantee" or "sign of our promise" or "something that testifies that this is true." * The phrase "you will be my witnesses" could also be translated as "you will tell other people about me" or "you will teach people the truth that I taught you" or "you will tell people what you have seen me do and heard me teach." * To "witness to" could be translated as to "tell what was seen" or to "testify" or to "state what happened." * To "witness" something could be translated as to "see something that happens" or to "experience something that happens."
(See also: ark of the covenant, guilt, judge, prophet, true)
eyewitness, eyewitnesses, testified, testifies, testify, testify against, testifying, testimony, witness, witnessed, witnesses
In the Bible, the "Great Sea" or "western sea" refers to what is now called the "Mediterranean Sea," which was the largest body of water known to the people of Bible times.
(See also: Israel, people group, prosper)
the sea, the Great Sea, the western sea, Mediterranean Sea
the eleven
The term "the twelve" refers to the twelve men that Jesus chose to be his closest disciples, or apostles. After Judas killed himself, they were called "the eleven."
(See also: apostle, disciple)
the eleven, the twelve
bandit, booty, loot, marauding band, plunder, raider, revolutionary, rob, robber, robbery, steal
The term "thief" refers to a person who steals money or property from other people. The plural of "thief" is "thieves." The term "robber" often refers to a thief who also physically harms or threatens the people he is stealing from.
(See also: bless, crime, crucify, darkness, destroy, power, Samaria, Satan)
bandits, booty, loot, marauding band, marauding bands, plunder, plundered, plundered things, raiders, raiding parties, raiding party, revolutionary, rob, robbed, robber, robbers, robbery, robbing, robs, steal, stealing, steals, stolen, thief, thieves
thistle, thornbush
Thorn bushes and thistles are plants that have prickly branches or flowers. These plants do not produce fruit or anything else that is useful.
(See also: crown, fruit, spirit)
thistle, thistles, thorn, thorn hedge, thornbush, thornbushes, thorns
In the Bible the term "time" was often used to refer to a specific season or period of time when certain events took place. It has a meaning similar to "age" or "epoch" or "season."
(See also: age, tribulation)
time, times
burial place, grave, gravediggers
The terms "tomb" and "grave" refer to a place where people put the body of a person who has died. A "burial place" is a more general term that also refers to this.
(See also: bury, death)
burial place, grave, gravediggers, graves, tomb, tombs
distress
The term "tribulation" refers to a time of hardship, suffering, and distress.
(See also: earth, teach, wrath)
distress, distressed, distresses, tribulation, tribulations
troublesome
A "trouble" is an experience in life that is very difficult and distressing. To "trouble" someone means to "bother" that person or to cause him distress. Something that is "troubling" causes people to feel distressed. Someone who is troublesome causes problems. To be "troubled" means to feel upset or anxious or distressed about something.
A "tumult" is a group of people making much noise because they are troubled or unhappy.
(See also: afflict, persecute)
trouble, troubled, troubles, troublesome, troubling
certain, certainly, certainty, indeed, real, sure, surely, truly, truth, truthful, truthfulness, truths
The term "truth" refers to one or more concepts that are facts, events that actually happened, and statements that were actually said. Such concepts are said to be "true."
(See also: believe, faithful, fulfill, obey, prophet, understand)
certainly, certainty, for certain, indeed, real, sure, surely, true, truly, truth, truthful, truthfulness, truths
entrust, trustworthiness, trustworthy
To "trust" something or someone is to believe that the thing or person is true or dependable. That belief is also called "trust." A "trustworthy" person is one you can trust to do and say what is right and true, and therefore one who has the quality of "trustworthiness."
(See also: believe, confidence, faith, faithful, true)
entrust, entrusted, entrusting, trust, trusted, trusting, trusts, trustworthiness, trustworthy
In the Bible, the term "tunic" referred to a garment that was worn next to the skin, under other clothing.
(See Also: robe)
tunic, tunics
apostasy, apostate
To "turn" means to physically change direction or to cause something else to change direction.
(See also: god, leper, worship)
acts of apostasy, apostasy, apostate, turn, turn ... away, turned, turned ... away, turned ... away ... in disgust, turned ... back, turning, turning ... away, turns, turns ... away, turns ... away from
argument, craftiness, insight, intelligent, realize, unintentionally, without understanding
The term "understand" means to hear or receive information and know what it means.
(See also: believe, know, wise)
arguments, craftiness, gain understanding, gives ... insight, insight, intelligent, realize, realized, understand, understanding, understands, understood, unintentionally, without understanding
grapevine
The term "vine" refers to a plant that grows by trailing along the ground or by climbing trees and other structures. The word "vine" in the Bible is used only of fruit-bearing vines and usually refers to grape vines.
(See also: grape, vineyard)
grapevine, vine, vines
The term "vision" refers to something that a person sees. It especially refers to something unusual or supernatural that God shows people in order to give them a message.
(See also: dream)
vision, visions
rumbling, sound
The term “voice” refers to sound that a person makes when speaking or singing. The term "voice" is often used figuratively to refer to speaking or communicating something.
(See also: call, preach, splendor)
rumblings, sound, sounds, voice, voices
The term "walk" is often used in a figurative sense to mean "live."
(See also: Holy Spirit, honor)
walk, walk around, walked, walking, walking around, walks
In addition to its primary meaning, "water" also often refers to a body of water, such as an ocean, sea, lake, or river.
(See also: life, spirit, Holy Spirit, power)
water, watered, watering, waters
sevens
The term "week" literally refers to a period of time lasting seven days.
(See also: Pentecost)
sevens, week, weeks
cistern
The terms "well" and "cistern" refer to two different kinds of sources for water in Bible times.
(See also: Jeremiah, prison, strife)
cistern, cisterns, well, wells
Wheat is a type of grain that people grow for food. When the Bible mentions "grain" or "seeds," it is often talking about wheat grain or seeds.
(See also: barley, chaff, grain, seed, thresh, winnow)
wheat
new wine, wineskin
In the Bible, the term "wine" refers to a kind of fermented drink made from the juice of a fruit called grapes. Wine was stored in "wineskins," which were containers made out of animal skin.
(See also: grape, vine, vineyard, winepress)
smashed
new wine, wine, wines, wineskin, wineskins
wisdom, wisely, wiser, wisest
The term "wise" describes someone who understands what is the right and moral thing to do and then does that. "Wisdom" is the understanding and practice of what is true and morally right.
(See also: obey, fruit)
sound wisdom, wisdom, wise, wisely, wiser, wisest
wild dogs
A wolf is a fierce, meat-eating animal that is similar to a wild dog.
(See also: evil, false prophet, sheep, teach)
wild dogs, wolf, wolves
pregnant
The term "womb" refers to where a baby grows inside its mother.
pregnant, womb, wombs
A "word" refers to something that someone has said. In the Bible, it almost always refers to an entire message, not just one word.
(See also: word of God)
word, words, message, messages
God's word, his words, my word, scripture, word of Yahweh, word of the Lord, word of truth, writings
In the Bible, the term "word of God" refers to anything that God has communicated to people. This includes spoken and written messages. Jesus is also called "the Word of God."
The term "word of truth" is another way of referring to "God's word," which is his message or teaching. It does not refer to just one word.
When the Bible refers to Jesus as "the Word," this term could be translated as "the Message" or "the Truth."
"Word of truth" could be translated as "God's true message" or "God's word, which is true."
(See also: prophet, true, word, Yahweh)
God's word, God's words, his words, my word, scripture, scriptures, word of God, word of Yahweh, word of the Lord, word of truth, words of God, writings
act, deed, fellow worker
In the Bible, the terms "work," "deed," and "act" are used to refer generally to things that God or people do.
(See also: fruit, Holy Spirit, miracle)
act, action, actions, activities, acts, deed, deeds, fellow worker, fellow workers, work, works
universe, worldly
The term "world" usually refers to the part of the universe where people live: the earth. The term "worldly" describes the evil values and behaviors of people living in this world.
(See also: corrupt, heaven, Rome, godly)
universe, world, world's, worldly
worshiper
To "worship" means to honor, praise and obey someone, especially God.
(See also: sacrifice, praise, honor)
worship, worshiped, worshiper's, worshipers, worshiping, worships
deserve, nullify, unworthy, worth, worthily, worthless, worthlessness, worthy
The term "worthy" describes someone or something that deserves respect or honor. To "have worth" means to be valuable or important.
(See also: honor)
deserve, deserved, deserves, deserving, nullify, unworthy, worth, worthily, worthless, worthlessness, worthy
furious, fury
Wrath is an intense anger that is sometimes long-lasting. It especially refers to God's righteous judgment of sin and punishment of people who rebel against him.
(See also: judge, sin)
furious, fury, wrath
defraud, hurt, mistreat, wrongdoer, wrongdoing
To "wrong" someone means to treat that person unjustly and dishonestly.
defraud, hurt, hurting, hurts, mistreat, mistreated, wrong, wrongdoer, wrongdoing, wronged, wrongfully, wronging, wrongs
When used literally, the term "year" in the Bible refers to a period of time lasting 354 days. This is according to the lunar calendar system which is based on the time it takes for the moon to go around the earth.
(See also: month)
year, years