BHT with Abridged Translator’s NotesJohn 6 =
6
“They Numbered about Five Thousand”
1 Some time after these things, Jesus crossed over to the other side of Lake Galilee (also called Lake Tiberias). 2 A huge crowd was following him, because they had seen his miraculous signs of healing the sick.+ 3 Jesus went up on the mountainside and there sat down with his disciples. 4 (It was almost the time for the Jewish Festival of Passover.+)
5 Jesus, then, when he looked up and saw that a very large crowd was coming toward him, said to Philip, “Where can we buy some bread so that these people can have something to eat?” 6 (This he was saying in order to test Philip;+ he himself, you see, already knew what he was going to do.)
7 “Not even eight months’ wages+ worth of bread would be enough to feed these people!” Philip replied. “Even if each person had only a tiny bit!”+
8 Another of Jesus’+ disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There’s a young boy here who has five barley loaves and two small fish. But what good are these for so many people?+”
10 “Have the people sit down,” said Jesus. (There was a lot of grass in that place.) So the men sat down; they numbered about five thousand.+ 11 Jesus, then, took the small round+ loaves, and after giving thanks, he had the bread distributed to those who were sitting down—the same with the cooked+ fish, as much as people+ wanted.
12 When everyone had eaten their fill, Jesus+ said to his disciples, “Collect+ the broken pieces that are left over, so that not a scrap is lost.” 13 So they received the leftovers from the people and filled twelve baskets with the broken pieces left from what had begun as five barley loaves.+
14 The people, then, when they saw this miraculous sign that Jesus+ did, began to say, “This man truly is the Prophet who was to come into the world!”+
15 Jesus, therefore, knowing that the people+ were about to come and force him to be their king,+ withdrew again to the mountainside by himself.
“They Saw Jesus Walking on the Lake”
16 When it was evening, Jesus’+ disciples went down to the lake, 17 and they got into a boat and started making their way across the lake towards Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus still had not come to them. 18 The lake, meanwhile, because of a very strong wind, was getting rough. 19 So after they had rowed about three or four miles,+ they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming closer and closer to the boat, and they were frightened. 20 “It’s me!”+ Jesus said to them. “Don’t be afraid!” 21 At that, they were glad to receive him into the boat, and instantly the boat reached the shore toward which they were heading.
“I AM the Bread of Life”
22 The next day, the crowd that had remained on the other side of the lake realized that there had been in that place only one small boat. They also knew that Jesus had not gotten into that boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had left without him.+ 23 Some other small boats, from the city of Tiberias, came to shore near the place where the crowd+ had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 When the crowd saw that neither Jesus himself, therefore, nor his disciples, were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. 25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did ˢyou get here?”
26 In reply Jesus told them some very surprising and important things: “Amen, amen, I solemnly tell ᵖyou this: ᵖYou’re looking for me not because you saw miraculous signs, but because you ate the bread and had as much as you wanted.+ 27 Don’t work for the food that spoils, but for the food that endures unto life in the coming age,+ which the Son of Man will give you.+ It is his authority and authenticity, you see, that God the Father has himself confirmed.+”
28 “What must we do if we are to do the things God requires?”+ they asked.
29 Jesus replied, “Here’s what God wants you to do:+ Put ᵖyour faith in the one whom he has sent.”
30 So they asked him, “What miraculous sign, then, will you do, so that we may see it and put our faith in you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors+ ate the manna in the wilderness, just as it is written: ‘It was bread from heaven that he gave them to eat.’+”
32 In response Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I solemnly tell ᵖyou this: It isn’t Moses who has given you the bread from heaven. No, My Father is the one who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 The bread of God, you see, is the one comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
34 “Please give us this bread, sir, all the time!” they replied.
35 “I AM+ the bread of life,” Jesus said to them. “If someone comes to me, he will certainly not go hungry, and if anyone puts his faith in me, he will never become thirsty again. 36 Yet I told ᵖyou that even though ᵖyou have seen me, you don’t believe. 37 Everyone the Father entrusts to my care+ will to me come, and if someone comes to me, I will certainly not throw him out.+ 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my own will, but the will of the one who sent me.+ 39 Now this is the will of the one who sent me: All those he has entrusted to my care,+ that I would not lose any of them, but raise them to life at the last Day. 40 Indeed, this is the will of my Father: That all who see the Son and put their faith in him may share in the life of the age to come,++ and I will raise them to life at the last Day.”
41 Therefore the people+ started to grumble about him,+ because he said, “I AM the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They kept saying, “This is Jesus the son of Joseph, isn’t it? We know his father and mother. How in the world is it, then, that now he is saying, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”
43 “Stop grumbling to each other,” Jesus said to them in response. 44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him to life at the last Day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And all of them will be instructed by God.’+ It is everyone who has listened to the Father and received instruction from him+ who comes to me. 46 (Not that the Father has been seen by anyone; the one who is from God, he is the only one who has seen the Father.) 47 Amen, amen, I solemnly tell ᵖyou this: If someone believes, he will surely share+ in the life of the coming age.+ 48 I AM the bread of life. 49 ᵖYour ancestors+ ate the manna in the wilderness, and yet they still died. 50 But the bread that comes down from heaven is of such a kind that if a person eats of it, he will not die.+ 51 I AM+ the life-giving bread that came down from heaven. If someone eats of this bread, he will live forever into the ages. The bread, moreover, that I myself will give, is this very body+ of mine, to give life+ to the world.”
52 At that, the people+ got into a heated argument with one another. “How can this man possibly give us his body+ to eat?” they asked.
53 So Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I solemnly tell ᵖyou this: If ᵖyou don’t eat the body+ of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not experience life within yourselves. 54 It is those who feed on my body+ and drink my blood who share+ in the life of the age to come,+ and I will raise them to life at the last Day. 55 My body,+ you see, is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 If someone feeds on my body+ and drinks my blood, it is me with whom he fellowships,+ and I with him. 57 Just as the Father, who is full of life, sent me, and I myself am full of life because of my union with the Father,+ if someone feeds on me, that person, too, will experience life because of his union with me.+ 58  This is the bread that came down from heaven; it is not like the bread your ancestors+ ate. They ate that bread, and yet they still died.+ If someone feeds on this bread, however, he will live forever into the ages.” 59 These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.
60 Many of his disciples, therefore, upon hearing these things, said, “This teaching+ is too hard to accept! Who can put up with such talk?+” 61 Knowing without being told+ that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Is this causing ᵖyou to stumble with offense?+ 62 Suppose, then, that ᵖyou were to see the Son of Man going back up to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; mere human strength+ accomplishes nothing. The words that I have spoken to ᵖyou are full of the Spirit+ and result in life. 64 Yet there are some among you who don’t believe.” (Jesus, you see, had known from the outset which ones did not believe and who it was that would betray him.) 65 Then he added, “That is the reason why I told ᵖyou that no one can come to me unless he has been so allowed by the Father.”
66 As a result of this,+ many of his disciples deserted him and accompanied him no longer. 67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Surely you yourselves don’t want to leave too, do you?”
68 “Lord,” Simon Peter answered, “to whom else would we go? ˢYou possess the very words that lead to+ life in the age to come.+ 69 We still believe and remain convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”+
70 “It was ᵖyou, the Twelve, whom I chose for myself, was it not?” replied Jesus. “One of you, though, is the devil himself!” 71 (He was speaking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. This man, you see, was going to betray him—one of the Twelve.)
+1:4Lit in him was life. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 5:26). Cf NLT, TEV. “Life” here doesn’t mean “alive,” but possessing the power to give life as the source of life. Trying to maintain some measure of consistency in translation here with Jn 5:26, so that the connection isn’t lost to English readers.+1:4Cf Ps 36:9.+1:5Cf Is 42:5-9; 49:1-6.+1:5Or did not overcome.+1:5Or comprehend. Cf 1 Co 2:8.+1:7Lit through him, or through it. ME. Cf NLT.+1:8Lit that man. Cf NET, NLT, TEV.+1:9Lit He was.+1:9Or The true light, which gives light to every human being, was coming into the world, or He was the true light that gives light to every human being coming into the world. Following the lead of the ISV in translation here. Cf Jn 6:14, 9:39, 11:27, 16:28.+1:11Or to his very own creation. Lit to his own things. ME (see NAC [Jn], 114; UBSHS [Jn], 18). Cf CJB, ISV, NCV, TEV.+1:13Lit who. Cf NET, NIV.+1:13For a discussion of the range of meaning possible with γεννάω ( gennaō), see notes at 1 Pt 1:3. Conception is primarily in view here, with the rest of the birth process also implied on some level. Cf also the translation and notes at Ga 4:21-30.+1:13Lit not of bloods. ME(I/F/H) (see NET Bible Notes, Jn 1:13).+1:13Lit nor from the will/desire of the flesh. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 19). Translating “flesh” according to “Flesh” G (see FBT Chart). Cf NET.+1:13Or a husband’s decision.+1:14Lit The Word became flesh. ME (see translation and notes at Rm 8:3 and Php 2:6-8; FBT Chart, C, F, G, I, M, N). Translating “flesh” according to “Flesh” G, M (see FBT Chart).+1:14Cf, eg, Ex 40:34; Lv 16:2; Nu 9:15.+1:14Or unique, or only, or one-of-a-kind. For a brief discussion of the meaning of μονογενής ( monogenēs), see NET Bibles Notes, Jn 1:16. Cf ISV, NET. In Heb 11:17, the term is used of Isaac, who wasn’t Abraham’s only son, but his “unique” son in the sense that the covenant was to be confirmed with him and the promises to be fulfilled through his line (cf Gn 17:19, 21:12).+1:14Cf Jn 17:5.+1:14Lit full of grace and truth. ME (OTB) (see LALS, sv ἀλήθεια; Ibid, sv χάρις; NAC [Jn], 121; UBSHS [Jn], 22). Cf the LXX and the MT, eg, at Ge 24:27, 47:29; 2 Sa 2:6, 15:20; 2 Ch 32:1; Ne 9:33; Ps 26:3, 30:9, 35:6, 40:10, 54:5, 69:13, 88:11, 89:5, 92:2, 119:138.+1:15Lit and cried out, saying.+1:16Lit from his fullness. ME (see translation and notes at Eph 3:19; Col 2:9; BDAG, 829, sv 3.b.; NAC [Jn], 123; Robertson, Word Pictures, Jn 1:16; Vincent, Word Studies, 2:57). The UBSHS claims that here πλήρωμα ( plērōma) “is used in a nontechnical sense and refers back to the phrase grace and truth in verse 14” ( UBSHS [Jn], 25, italics original). I disagree. The reference in v 15 to the Son’s pre-existence in the preceding verse makes the “fullness of divine nature” interpretation just as plausible as a limited reference to “grace and truth” in v 14. True, this is only place where the term is used in John’s gospel. Still, this idea was clearly a part of the authoritative body of apostolic teaching that was passed on from church to church, and wasn’t just a part of Paul’s theology (cf 1 Co 11:2, 15:1-3; Ga 1:18, 2:6; Php 2:6-11; 2 Th 2:15; 1 Ti 3:16). “Steadfast love/grace” and “truth/faithfulness” are, of course, an important part of God’s nature, but “fullness” by definition isn’t limited to those aspects.+1:16Or blessing. Lit grace. ME (see L-N, 57.103, 88.66; translation and note at “faithfulness” in v 14 above). Cf NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+1:17Lit grace and truth. ME (see translation and note at v 14).+1:17Lit have become, or have been done. Cf UBSHS (Jn), 26. “Shown” is the verb typically used in English translations with these concepts in the OT (see, eg, most English translations at Ex 20:6 and Dt 5:10).+1:18Or The matchless/unique/only God. Following the NET in translation here. For a brief discussion of some of the textual and translational questions involved here, see NET Bible Notes, Jn 1:18.+1:18Lit who is at the bosom of the Father. ME(I/F) (see BDAG, 557, sv κόλπος 1; L-N, 34.18; NAC [Jn], 124). Cf NET.+1:19Lit the Jews. ME(H) (see BDAG, 478, sv Ἰουδαῖος, 2.e.β.; NAC [Jn], 126; NET Bible Notes, Jn 1:19; UBSHS [Jn], 29; translation and notes at Ac 9:22). Cf NCV, NET, NLT, TEV.+1:19Lit to ask, “Who are you?” Cf NIV.+1:20Lit and he openly acknowledged, and did not deny but openly acknowledged. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 30). Cf CJB, NCV, NLT, TEV.+1:21Lit “What then?” ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+1:21Cf Ml 4:5.+1:21Lit he.+1:21Cf Dt 18:15-18.+1:23Lit he.+1:23Is 40:3+1:24Lit were part of the Pharisees, or were from the Pharisees. ME(H)/IT (see ANLEX, 397, sv Φαρισαῖος; L-N, 11.49; NET Bible Notes, Jn 1:24).+1:26Or in. So throughout Jn 1.+1:29Lit he.+1:29Or who is going to take away. Scholars are divided as to whether this statement is reflective of John the Baptist’s theology, or that of John himself. If the former is the situation, the cleansing is probably meant to be understood apocalyptically (for further discussion, see UBSHS [Jn], 36). John the Baptist’s messages in the other gospels are clearly apocalyptic in orientation (see Mt 3; Lk 3), and, since the Apostle John himself ascribes these words to John the Baptist, there is no reason to doubt that this is reflective of the John the Baptist’s own position. This interpretation is reflected in the translation.+1:29Cf Mt 3:9; Lk 3:8-9; Re 17:14.+1:31Cf CJB, TEV.+1:32Or from the sky.+1:37Lit heard him speaking. ME. Cf ESV, HCSB, ISV, NET, NIV, NRSV, RSV, TEV.+1:38Cf NCV, TEV.+1:39Lit The hour was about the tenth. ME(H). Cf ISV, NCV, NET, NLT.+1:40Lit heard from John. ME. Cf NET, NIV, NLT.+1:40Lit and followed him.+1:42Lit him.+1:42Κηφᾶς ( kēphas) (“Cephas” in many translations) is the Aramaic surname for Simon (see L-N, 93.211). Cf CJB.+1:42Lit which is translated Peter. ME/IT (see ESL, #4074; L-N, 93.296). Cf CJB, TEV.+1:43Lit he.+1:43IT (see L-N, 93.444).+1:43Lit follow me. ME(H) (see translation and notes at Mt 4:19).+1:45Cf Gn 3:15, 9:27, 12:1-3, 49:8-12; Ex 12:1-28; Lv 23:4-44; Nu 24:15-19; Dt 15:15-18, 16:1-8; Jn 19:36; 1 Co 5:7.+1:45Cf Is 4:2, 7:14, 9:1-7, 11:1-6, 24:21-25, 28:16, 30:19-26, 42:1-7, 49:1-6, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12, 55:3-5, 61:1-3, 63:1-6; Jr 23:5-6, 30:9, 30:21, 33:14-16; Ezk 17:22-24, 21:25-27, 34:23-31, 37:15-28; Dn 7:13-14, 9:24-27; Ho 3:4-5; Jl 2:23; Am 9:11-15; Mic 2:12-13, 5:1-4; Hg 2:6-9, 2:21-23; Ac 3:8-10, 6:9-15, 9:9-10, 10:4, 11:4-14, 12:10, 13:7; Ml 3:1, 4:2.+1:47Lit in whom. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NLT, and TEV at Jn 2:25; NIV and TEV at Jn 5:42.+1:47An allusion to Ps 32:2.+1:48Lit to him.+1:49Cf, eg, 2 Sa 7; 1 Ch 17; Ps 2, 89, 132.+1:51Or the sky.+1:51An allusion to Gn 28:12.+1:51Cf Gn 28:12; Dn 7:13-14.+2:1Or two days later.+2:4Lit What to me and to you? ME(I/F) (see translation and notes at Mt 8:29; NET Bible Notes, Jn 2:4; UBSHS [Jn], 57). Cf HCSB, LEB, NIV.+2:4Lit hour.+2:6Lit according to the ritual purification/cleansing of the Jews. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NLT.+2:6Lit each holding two or three measures. ME(H) (see L-N, 81.22). Cf most English translations.+2:7Lit told them.+2:8Or to the head servant/steward.+2:9Lit the man in charge of the banquet.+2:10Lit every man. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 61).+2:10Lit they. Cf NET, NIV.+2:11Or disclosed. Cf HCSB.+2:13Cf Ex 12:14; Dt 16:16.+2:14Lit found in the temple courts. ME (see UBSHS [Lk], 298). Cf NLT.+2:14Or pigeons.+2:16Or the pigeons. Cf Lv 5:7-11. Jesus’ anger toward this particular group may be related to them taking advantage of the poor.+2:17Ps 69:9+2:18Lit the Jews. ME(H) (see note at Jn 1:19).+2:18Lit What sign can you show us that/since these things you do? ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 68). Cf JB.+2:21Lit That one. Cf NCV, NET, NLT.+2:21Lit That one was speaking about the sanctuary of his body.+2:22Cf Lv 23:9-14; 1 Co 15:4.+2:22Lit and in the word that Jesus had said. ME. Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+2:23Lit that one.+2:24Lit because he was knowing all [of them]. ME (see Vincent, Word Studies, 2:88; UBSHS [Jn], 73; translation and notes at Jn 1:48). Note that, as in the case of the imperfect indicative in v 25, imperfective aspect is also encoded in the infinitive here. Vincent’s interpretation in v 25 would also have relevance here, therefore, since v 25 is giving strength and support to these statements (note the presence of γὰρ [ gar] in the final clause there). Cf CJB, NCV, NLT at v 25.+2:25Lit and he had no need that anyone should bear witness about the man. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 73). Cf ISV, CJB, NCV, NLT.+2:25Lit For he himself knew what was in the man. ME (see Vincent, Word Studies, 2:88; UBSHS [Jn], 73). Cf CJB, NAB, NCV, NEB, NLT.+3:1Lit a ruler of the Jews. ME(H) (see NET Bible Notes, Jn 3:1). Cf NET, NIV.+3:2Lit to him.+3:3Drawing from L-N in translation here (see L-N, 41.53). In the NT, γεννάω ( gennaō) can variously refer to conception (see, eg, Mt 1:20; Jn 8:41; Ga 4:23), the time in the womb (see, eg, Lk 23:29), actual birth (see, eg, Mt 2:4; Lk 1:57), or the entire process viewed as whole (see, eg, Lk 1:13), depending on the context. Also, when the father’s role is in view, the focus is on the act of procreation (see, eg, BSL, Jn 3:5, sv—“to be or become conceived due to male agency”), ie, “to beget” (see, eg, the ASV, KJV, NKJV, and YLT at Mt 1:1-16). In John 3, the entire process is in view. “Conception” happens when one receives the deposit/down payment/firstfruits of the Spirit (cf Rm 8:23; 2 Co 1:22; Eph 1:14); “gestation” (ie, sanctification) happens between that time and the Second Coming; and “birth” happens at the Second Coming when Jesus’ people are raised from the dead (cf Rm 8:18-23). Unfortunately, there is no precise English equivalent that adequately captures the richness of the concept here.+3:3The adverb used here (ἄνωθεν [ anōthen]) can mean either “from above” or “again” (see BDAG, 92, sv 1, 4; NET Bible Note, Jn 3:3). Nicodemus interprets the statement as meaning “again,” while Jesus Himself probably has both meanings in view here (cf v 5). There are no ideal translation solutions here, since Nicodemus’ response is based on his failure to understand how Jesus is using the word (for further discussion, see UBSHS [Jn], 78). Still, to keep the idea from becoming completely lost in translation, it has been included in v 7 as an appositional phrase.+3:3In this context, εἶδον ( eidon) means to “experience” (see BDAG, 279, sv 4)—in the sense of witnessing and taking part in future events (cf, eg, Lk 17:22, 20:35, 22:16-18; 1 Co 6:10, 15:50; Rm 8:22-25; Ga 5:21; Php 3:10-11; 2 Ti 4:18; Re 2:26-29; cf especially “enter” in v 5 below), not in the sense of spiritually “seeing” the Messianic Kingdom abstractly redefined (an example of Christo-Platonism; for many resources on Christo-Platonism, see www.danieltrainingnetwork.org). Cf the rendering here with HCSB and NIV renderings of τυγχάνω ( tunchanō) at Lk 20:35 (where it means to “experience” an event; see BDAG, 1019, sv τυγχάνω 1). Cf also UBSHS (Jn), 77.+3:4Lit How can a man be given birth to, being old? ME. Cf CJB, TEV.+3:5Or by/from water and spirit. Cf Is 44:1-5; Ezk 36:24-27, 37:9-10; Jn 1:13; 2 Co 5:17; Ga 4.+3:6Lit by the flesh. Translating “flesh” according to “Flesh” G (see FBT Chart). Cf translation and notes at Jn 1:13.+3:6Lit is flesh. Translating “flesh” according to “Flesh” G (see FBT Chart). Cf 1 Co 15:50.+3:6Cf 1 Co 15:35-49. As passages like Lk 24:36-43 (“a ghost [lit πνεῦμα ( pneuma)—“spirit”] does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have” [v 39, NIV]) make clear, “spirit” here doesn’t mean complete immateriality (Christo-Platonism) or total discontinuity with the non-resurrected body. There is continuity with the former body, and yet the new body has properties in its glorified state that allow the person to function in some ways like the angels. Cf Is 44:1-5; Mt 22:29-32; Lk 20:34-37, 24:36-43; Jn 3:8, 20:26-27; Ac 23:6; Rm 8:11; Heb 1:7.+3:7See note at “again” in v 3 above.+3:8The Greek word used here (πνεῦμα [ pneuma]) can mean wind, breath, spirit, or Spirit.+3:8Lit where it decides/wants. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 81). Cf Ezk 37:9.+3:8Lit the sound of it. ME. Cf TEV.+3:8In Jesus’ resurrected body, which was spirit-like (see Lk 24:37) or angel-like (see Lk 20:36), though not immaterial and completely discontinuous from his earlier body (see Lk 24:39 and Jn 20:27), Jesus was able to suddenly appear and disappear in a way similar to the angels (cf Mt 28:9-10; Mk 16:12; Lk 24:30, 36-43; Jn 20:19-29; Ac 9:3-5), whom God makes “winds” (Heb 1:7).+3:9Lit How can these things happen? ME. Cf NLT.+3:11Or know.+3:12Lit If I have said to you the things pertaining to the earth and you don’t believe. ME (see ANLEX, 163, sv ἐπίγειος 2; UBSHS [Jn], 83).+3:12Lit How will you believe if I say to you the heavenly things/matters/occurrences? ME (see ANLEX, 163, sv ἐπίγειος 1, 2; UBSHS [Jn], 83). Cf 2 Co 12:3-4.+3:13Lit And no one has ascended into heaven. ME(OTB) (see FSB, Jn 3:13; NAC [Pr], 236; TEV at Pr 30:4). Cf Dt 30:11-14; Pr 30:4 (see esp TEV); Jn 1:18.+3:13Cf Dt 30:11-14; Pr 30:4; Dn 7:13-14; Jn 1:18.+3:14An allusion to Nu 21:8-9.+3:15Although the focus of “eternal life”in the NT is eschatological (see Mt 19:29, 25:46; Mk 10:17, 30; Lk 10:25, 18:18-30; Jn 3:15-16, 6:40, 6:54, 12:25; 1 Co 9:25; Jm 1:12; 1 Jn 2:25; Re 2:10), in some places in John’s writings the new life experienced through the “deposit of the Spirit” (to use Paul’s language; see 2 Co 1:22; Eph 1:14) is also included within its purview (see, eg, Jn 4:14, 6:53, 17:2-3). If God himself is “eternal life” (1 Jn 5:20; cf Jn 1:1-4, 4:14, 5:26), and God gives himself as a gift (through the Spirit) to those who believe, then the gift he gives to those who believe is “eternal life”—not in some generic “quality of life” sense (though “eternal life” does, of course, possess qualities and defining characteristics), but in the sense that God’s own life is at work in them through the eternal Spirit (cf Heb 9:14) until they experience “eternal life” through bodily resurrection (see Jn 4:14, 6:40, 6:44, 6:54; cf Rm 8:18-25; Heb 6:5). In light of this, ἔχω ( exō) in this context means “experience” (see UBSHS [Jn], 88; cf BDAG, 421, sv ἔχω 7; L-N, 90.65), and involves fellowship with the Father and the Son through the Spirit (cf, eg, Jn 6:55-56, 17:3; 1 Jn 1:2-3). Cf Php 3:10-11.+3:15This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴν αἰώνιον ( zōēn aiōnion), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+3:16Or unique, or only, or one-of-a-kind. See translation and notes at Jn 1:14.+3:16Cf NCV. In this context, ἀπόλλυμι ( apollumi) is referring to eternal ruin/punishment in Gehenna (note the contrast with “eternal life”). Cf Mt 10:20; 2 Th 1:9; 2 Th 2:10; Re 13:11-17, 14:9-11. Cf also UBSHS (Jn), 89. It does not refer to the annihilation of the wicked.+3:16This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴν αἰώνιον ( zōēn aiōnion), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+3:16Cf Re 2:10-11.+3:18Lit in him. Cf NCV, TEV.+3:18Lit already condemned. John is speaking proleptically here (cf translation and notes at Jn 12:31, 16:11). I have signaled this in translation here with “doom,” so that any potential connection with Jn 16:11 isn’t lost for English readers (see translation and notes there). Although proleptic/prophetic perfects typically occur in the apodosis of an implicit or explicit conditional clause (Wallace, Grammar, 581), this is not always the case (see Robertson, Grammar, 898).+3:18Or unique, or only, or one-of-a-kind. See translation and notes at Jn 1:14.+3:20Cf TEV.+3:21Lit who do the truth, or who deal truly. ME(OTB) (see examples cited with Jn 3:21 in BDAG, 42, sv ἀλήθεια 2.b.; L-N, 41.7; UBSHS [Jn], 93). Cf Jn 1:47; 1 Jn 3:5-9. Cf also HCSB, NCV, NIV.+3:21Lit so that it may be made openly/publicly evident/seen/known. ME. Cf ISV.+3:21An emphasis on union with God is present not only in Paul’s writings, but also in John’s (see, eg, Jn 14-17). Cf Mt 5:16; Ga 2:19-20.+3:25Lit therefore.+3:26Cf NEB in UBSHS (Jn), 98.+3:28Lit You yourselves can bear witness that I said. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 98; translation and notes at 2 Th 1:10). Cf NCV.+3:31Lit speaks from the earth. ME. Cf 1 Jn 4:6 (see translation and note there).+3:31Or is above all things.+3:33Lit he.+3:33Cf 1 Jn 1:10.+3:34Lit he.+3:34Lit for he does not give [him] the Spirit by measure. ME (see NET Bible Notes, Jn 3:34; UBSHS [Jn], 103). Cf CJB, ISV, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+3:35Lit has given in his hand. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 76.3; NET Bible Notes, Jn 3:35). Cf NCV, NET, TEV.+3:36This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴν αἰώνιον ( zōēn aiōnion), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+4:1Lit that Jesus.+4:5Cf Gn 33:19, 48:22; Jsh 24:32.+4:6Lit The hour was about the sixth. ME(H). Cf ISV, NCV, NET, NLT, NRSV, TEV.+4:9Lit How can you, being a Jew, ask to drink from me, being a Samaritan woman? ME. Cf NIV, TEV.+4:9Or refuse to have dealings with Samaritans. ME(H) (see NET Bible Notes, Jn 4:9; UBSHS [Jn], 113). Cf NET, TEV.+4:11Lit she.+4:11Cf NIV.+4:12Or forefather. Lit father.+4:14Or spring.+4:14This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴν αἰώνιον ( zōēn aiōnion), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+4:16Lit he.+4:18Lit he whom you have. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NET, NLT, TEV.+4:18Lit This you have said truthfully. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 119). Cf ESV, HCSB, ISV, NIV, NRSV.+4:20Or forefathers. Lit fathers.+4:20“Jews” is drawn from the plural “you” here, and the context. Cf NLT, TEV.+4:21Lit an hour.+4:22Lit You worship what you do not know. ME (see Robertson, Word Pictures, 121; UBSHS [Jn], 121; Vincent, Word Studies, 2:119; cf the use of the neuter in reference to God here with Ac 17:23). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+4:22“Jews” is drawn from the plural “you” here, and the context.+4:22Lit We worship what we know. ME (see note at “worship” above). Cf Dt 4:1-14; Ps 147:19-20; Rm 3:1-2, 9:3-5.+4:23Lit an hour.+4:23Or in spirit. Cf TEV. Cf also Jn 3:5, 14:17, 15:26, 16:13; Php 3:3.+4:24Lit must worship.+4:24Or in spirit.+4:25Cf Gn 3:15, 49:10; Nu 24:17; Dt 18:15.+4:26Or I myself am he. Cf NLT. I interpret this as a reference to the divine name of Ex 3:14 (see translation and notes at Mt 14:27; cf UBSHS [Jn], 124). This is reflected in the translation. Cf also Ex 23:21; Jn 1:1-3, 17:6. The Samaritans recognized the authority of the Pentateuch, which may be one of the reasons Jesus uses this reference here.+4:30Lit they.+4:30Lit to/toward him.+4:31Lit begging him.+4:32Cf NLT.+4:32Lit he.+4:35Lit You say, do you not? ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 128). Cf CJB, NCV, NLT, TEV.+4:36This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴν αἰώνιον ( zōēn aiōnion), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+4:38Lit and you have entered into their labor. ME (see BDAG, 294, εἰσέρχομαι 2; UBSHS [Jn], 130).+4:39Lit because of the word of the woman testifying. ME. Cf CJB, HCSB, ISV, NCV, NIV, TEV.+4:41Lit because of his word/message/speech. ME. Cf CJB, HCSB, NCV.+4:43Lit he.+4:46Lit he.+4:52Lit at the seventh hour. ME(H). Cf CJB, ISV, NCV, NET, NLT, TEV.+4:53Lit at that same hour. ME. Cf NCV, NIV.+4:53Lit he.+5:1Lit there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Cf NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+5:2Other manuscripts read Bethesda. For a brief discussion of the manuscript variants here, see NET Bible Notes, Jn 5:2.+5:2Or in Hebrew.+5:2Lit has five porticos. ME(H) (see translation and notes at Ac 3:11; NET Bible Notes, Jn 5:2).+5:3Lit dried up. ME (I/F) (see L-N, 23.173).+5:3Some manuscripts add: “waiting for the moving of the water; 4for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and stirred the water: whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had” (ESV). For a brief discussion of textual variants here, see NET Bible Notes, Jn 5:3.+5:9Lit It was a Sabbath on that day. ME. Cf NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+5:11Lit he.+5:12Lit Who is the man who told you, “take up your mat and walk”? Cf NIV, NLT, TEV.+5:13Lit a crowd being in the place. ME. Cf NEB.+5:14Lit him.+5:15Lit the Jews. ME(H) (see note at Jn 1:19). Cf NET, NLT, TEV.+5:16Lit the Jews. ME(H) (see note at Jn 1:19). Cf NET, NLT.+5:17Cf Jn 1:1-3.+5:18Or breaking. Cf ESV and RSV at Mt 5:19. Relax is the more likely meaning here (see notes at Mt 11:28, 16:19, 23:4). Cf also Mt 12:1-13; Mk 2:23-3:6; Lk 6:1-11.+5:18Lit thereby making, or thus making.+5:19Lit that one.+5:20Cf TEV.+5:20Cf Is 29:13-14.+5:21Or wills, or wishes, or wants. Cf 2 Pt 1:10.+5:22Cf HCSB, NCV.+5:22Lit but all judgment has given to the Son. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 155). Cf NAB, Phps.+5:23Cf Ps 72; Is 11:1-5, 42:1-4; Ac 17:31.+5:23Cf JB, NEB, NAB.+5:23Cf Mt 10:40, 13:57; Mk 9:37; Lk 9:48; Jn 4:44,12:44-45.+5:24Lit hears. A call to both attentiveness and an obedient response is implied here (see L-N, 36.14). Cf Dt 18:15-22.+5:24Or word, or message, or teaching. If Dt 18:15-22 is serving as the conceptual backdrop to this statement (which seems probable to me, since the presentation of Jesus as the Prophet who is greater than Moses is such a central feature of John’s gospel), then a rendering like that found in the TEV is best here.+5:24Here the focus seems to be on believing the truth of what the Father said about the Messiah in the OT Scriptures (cf, eg, Jn 2:22, 5:46, 7:38). Hence the rendering here.+5:24Cf Dt 18:15-22; Ac 3:22-23.+5:24See notes at Jn 3:15, 18, 36.+5:24Lit and into condemnation isn’t going to come. Cf Jn 3:18.+5:25Lit an hour.+5:26Lit For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted also to the Son to have life in himself. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 159). Cf JB, NEB, NLT, TEV. V 21 confirms that the interpretation of “life in himself” represented in the NLT and TEV is accurate. Cf Jn 1:4.+5:27Cf Dn 7.+5:28Lit an hour.+5:29Or to, or unto. Cf Re 20:4-6, 11-15.+5:29Or to, or unto. Cf Re 20:4-6, 11-15.+5:29Cf Jb 34:11; Ps 28:4, 62:12; Pr 24:12; Jr 17:10, 32:19; Mt 16:27; Lk 14:14; Ac 24:15; Rm 2:6, 14:12; 2 Co 5:10; 1 Pt 1:17; Re 2:23, 20:4-6, 20:11-15, 22:12.+5:30Lit as I hear. ME. Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+5:30Cf Is 2:1-4, 11:1-5, 42:1-4.+5:30Cf Ps 40:7-8.+5:31Cf Dt 19:15.+5:32Or It is another.+5:33Cf Jn 1:19-27.+5:34Lit I don’t receive/accept the testimony from man. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 164). Cf JB, NEB, NLT.+5:35Lit exult. ME (see LALS, sv ἀγαλλιάω; L-N, 25.133).+5:35Lit in the light of him. ME/IT ( UBSHS [Jn], 165). Cf NLT. While I agree with the interpretation of the UBSHS here (ie, that John’s message is in view here), I would argue that John’s life is also in view. Cf, eg, Mt 11:11; Lk 1:15-16.+5:36Lit I have the testimony/witness greater than that of John. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 165). Cf NEB, NIV, TEV. Translation is a bit tricky here, since one “witness” is a person, and the other a set of acts (for further discussion, see UBSHS [Jn], 165).+5:36Cf Ex 3-4.+5:37Cf Dt 4:12-13; Ex 33:20.+5:38Lit he whom that one.+5:39This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴν αἰώνιον ( zōēn aiōnion), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+5:40Or have, or experience, or share in. See note at Jn 3:15. Cf NLT.+5:41Or praise, or glory.+5:42Lit I know you. ME. Cf TEV. Again, the focus in this context is on character (see translation and notes at Jn 1:48, 2:24-25).+5:42Lit within you (the “you” here is plural). ME. Cf NIV, TEV.+5:43ME(H)/IT (see UBSHS [Jn], 170; translation and notes at 1 Co 1:10). Cf TEV.+5:43Lit If another, or If someone else.+5:43Cf Is 9:13-16; Jr 5:31, 6:13, 14:14, 23:9-39, 27:10-15, 29:9; Ezk 13:1-19; Mic 3:5.+5:44Or glory, or praise.+5:44Lit when you receive glory/honor/praise from one another. ME (see translation and note at v 41 above).+5:44Or glory, or praise.+5:47Lit of that one.+6:2Lit the signs that he was doing on the sick. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 177). Cf HCSB, NCV, NLT, TEV.+6:4Lit The Passover was near, the Festival of the Jews. ME. Cf NCV, NLT.+6:6Lit test him.+6:7Lit two hundred denarii. ME(H) (see note at Mt 18:24). Cf NIV.+6:7Lit Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not enough for them that each one may take a little. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 179). Cf NCV, NIV, TEV.+6:8Lit his.+6:9Lit But what are these for so many? ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 180). Cf NET, NLT.+6:10Lit with respect to the number about five thousand.+6:11ME(H)/IT. The “loaves” were not long like those in supermarkets today, but were small and round (one person might normally eat three during a meal). Five loaves might have been enough for two people (see L-N, 5.8; UBSHS [Mt], 460).+6:11Or pickled. ME(H)/IT. The fish were not raw, but were cooked or pickled (see UBSHS [Mt], 460; UBSHS [Mk], 205).+6:11Lit they.+6:12Lit he.+6:12Cf HCSB, ISV. See note at Mt 14:20.+6:13Lit So they collected and filled twelve baskets of fragments from the five loaves of barley which abounded to/were leftover by the people. ME (see note at Mt 14:20; UBSHS [Jn], 182). ἐκ ( ek) here is signaling that the five loaves were the original source of the fragments.+6:14Lit he.+6:14Cf Dt 18:15-22.+6:15Lit they. Cf NCV.+6:15Lit that they were about to come and seize him so that they might make him king. ME. Cf NLT.+6:16Lit his.+6:19Lit about twenty-five or thirty stadia. ME(H). Cf ESV, HCSB, ISV, NCV, NET, NLT. One stadion was about 600 feet.+6:20Or I AM. See notes at Mt 14:27; Jn 4:26. Cf Ex 23:21; Jn 1:1-3, 17:6.+6:22Lit The next day, the crowd that was standing on the other side of the sea saw that a another small boat was not there, except one, and that Jesus did not comes with his disciples into the boat, but only his disciples had departed. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 189). The mismatch in languages is obvious here. Cf HCSB, NCV, NET, NIV, TEV.+6:23Lit they.+6:26Lit but because you ate from the loaves and were satisfied. ME (see UBSHS [Mt], 462). Cf CJB, NET, TEV.+6:27This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴν αἰώνιον ( zōēn aiōnion), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+6:27Cf Ex 16:4-5, 35.+6:27Lit For this one the Father has sealed, God. ME (see BDAG, 980, σφραγίζω 3, 4; UBSHS [Jn], 194). Cf Jn 5:30-47.+6:28Lit What shall we do so that we may be working/doing the works/deeds of God? ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 194). Cf JB, NEB.+6:29Lit This is the work of God. The genitive here is subjective (see BDAG, 390, sv ἔργον 1.c.β.). Cf NCV, TEV.+6:31Or forefathers. Lit fathers.+6:31Ps 78:24. Cf Ex 16:4-36.+6:35Or I myself am. See notes at Mt 14:27; Jn 4:26. Cf Ex 23:21; Jn 1:1-3, 17:6.+6:37Cf Is 8:18.+6:37Cf Jn 6:12; 1 Co 1:26-31.+6:38Cf Ps 40:7-8; Ezk 34.+6:39Cf Is 8:18.+6:40This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴν αἰώνιον ( zōēn aiōnion), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+6:40Cf Nu 21:9; Jn 3:14.+6:41Lit the Jews. In John’s gospel, the “Jews” can refer to the Jewish authorities, to the people generally, or to those who were hostile to Jesus (see NET Bible Notes, Jn 1:19; translation and notes at Ac 9:22). In this context, it is referring to the people generally (see vv 60-66). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+6:41Cf Ex 17:3; Nu 14:26-30, 16:41, 17:1-7.+6:45Is 54:13. Cf Jr 31:33-34; Jn 6:45; 1 Co 2:13; 1 Th 4:9; 1 Jn 2:20; Heb 8:10-11.+6:45Cf Jn 1:48-49, 4:25, 5:44-47.+6:47See note at Jn 3:15.+6:47This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴν αἰώνιον ( zōēn aiōnion), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+6:49Or forefathers. Lit fathers.+6:50Lit This is the bread that comes down from heaven, that someone may eat of it and not die. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 205). Cf CJB, TEV.+6:51Or I myself am.+6:51Lit flesh. Translated according to “Flesh” C (see FBT Chart). Cf UBSHS (Jn), 206.+6:51Lit for the life of. ὑπέρ ( huper) here is functioning as a marker of benefaction (see, cf, L-N, 90.36). The meaning is the same here as in v 33.+6:52Lit the Jews. In John’s gospel, the “Jews” can refer to the Jewish authorities, to the people generally, or to those who were hostile to Jesus (see NET Bible Notes, Jn 1:19; translation and notes at Ac 9:22). In this context, it is referring to the people generally (see vv 60-66). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+6:52Lit flesh. Translated according to “Flesh” C (see FBT Chart). Cf UBSHS (Jn), 206.+6:53Translated according to “Flesh” C (see FBT Chart). Cf UBSHS (Jn), 206.+6:54Lit flesh. Translated according to “Flesh” C (see FBT Chart). Cf UBSHS (Jn), 206.+6:54See note at Jn 3:15.+6:54This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴν αἰώνιον ( zōēn aiōnion), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+6:55Lit flesh. Translated according to “Flesh” C (see FBT Chart). Cf UBSHS (Jn), 206.+6:56Lit flesh. Translated according to “Flesh” C (see FBT Chart). Cf UBSHS (Jn), 206.+6:56Lit remains in me, or dwells in me. ME (see BDAG, 631, sv μένω 1.a.β.; UBSHS [Jn], 209). Cf 1 Co 10:16; 1 Jn 1:2-3.+6:57Lit because of the Father. ME/IT (see UBSHS [Jn], 209).+6:57Lit because of me. ME/IT (see UBSHS [Jn], 209). Cf Rm 6:10-11; 1 Jn 1:2-3.+6:58Or forefathers. Lit fathers.+6:58Lit not just as the fathers ate and died. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NET, TEV.+6:60Or message, or word.+6:60Or Who can understand such talk? Lit Who can hear it? ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 212). Cf CJB, HCSB, ISV, NCV, NIV.+6:61Lit Knowing in himself. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 212). Cf TEV.+6:61Cf Ps 118:22; Is 8:14; 28:16; Mt 11:6, 13:57; Lk 2:34; Rm 9:33; 1 Pe 2:6-8.+6:63Lit the flesh. Translated according to “Flesh” G (see FBT Chart; cf UBSHS [Jn], 213). Cf NLT, TEV. Cf also Ga 3:1-6.+6:63Or are Spirit, or are spirit. If this is a reference to the Holy Spirit (I agree with the UBSHS [see UBSHS (Jn), 213] that this is in fact likely, despite the lack of the article; cf, eg, Jn 3:5-6, 4:24), then the meaning here is something like “in which the Spirit’s work is exhibited” (see BDAG, 835, sv πνεῦμα 6.a.), or “full of the Spirit” (cf NIV [2011 edition]; cf also Robertson, Word Pictures, Jn 6:63, where he comments that the “breath of God” is “in these words”; this would be essentially equivalent to “full of”). Hence the translation here.+6:66Or From that time on.+6:68Lit of. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 216).+6:68This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴν αἰώνιον ( zōēn aiōnion), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+6:69Cf Lk 22:28.
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