John 8 (BHT-ATN)

“Whichever One of You Is Sinless May Throw the First Stone”

1 [(+7:53—Then each went to his own home.) Jesus, however, went to the Mount of Olives.

2 Early the next morning, Jesus+ came into the temple courts once again. All the people were coming to him, and he sat down and began to teach them. 3 The Torah-experts and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught committing adultery,+ and making her stand where everyone could see her,+ 4 they said to Jesus,+ “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of adultery. 5 In the Torah, Moses commanded us that such women are to be stoned to death.+ Well then, what about ˢyou? What do you say?” 6 (This they were asking in order to trap him, so that they could have something of which to accuse him.)

Jesus, then, bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.+7 As they continued putting questions to him, he straightened himself up and said to them, “Whichever one of you is sinless may throw the first stone at her.”+ 8 Then bending down once again, he continued writing on the ground.

9 When they heard this, they began to leave one by one, beginning with the older ones. Only Jesus was left,+ with the woman still there right where everyone could see her.+ 10 Then Jesus straightened himself up and said to her, “Dear woman, where are your accusers?+ Has not even one of them condemned you?”

11 “Not one, Lord,”+ she replied.

“Neither do I myself condemn you,” Jesus said. “You may go your way, but from now on be careful to avoid sin.”+]

“I AM the Light of the World”

12 Now then, Jesus spoke to the people+ once again, saying, “I AM the light of the world! If someone comes along with me as a disciple,+ he will certainly not walk about in the darkness, but will have the light of life!”

13 “ˢYou are bearing witness on your own behalf!” the Pharisees said to him in response. “ˢYour testimony isn’t reliable+!”

14 “Even if I do testify on my own behalf,” replied Jesus, “my testimony is completely reliable, because I know where I came from and to what place I will return.+ ᵖYou, however, don’t know where I come from and to what place I will return. 15 It is by mere human standards+ that ᵖyou people pass judgment. As for me, I restrain from condemning anyone,+ 16 though if I do render such a verdict,+ my judgment is in full accordance with the truth,+ because it is not I alone who execute judgment, but I together with+ the Father who sent me.+ 17 Now it is written, indeed in ᵖyour own Torah, that the testimony of two witnesses is reliable. 18 I myself am one of the witnesses who testifies on my behalf, and the Father who sent me is the other.”+

19 So they asked him, “Where is this father of ˢyours?”+

“ᵖYou know neither me,” replied Jesus, “nor my Father. If ᵖyou knew me, you would know, too, my Father.”

20 These words he spoke while teaching in the section of the Court of Women where contributions to the temple were collected.+ Yet no one arrested him, because his time+ had not yet come.

“When You Have Lifted Up the Son of Man, Then You Will Know That I AM Who I AM”

21 Now then, Jesus+ said to them again, “I will go away and ᵖyou will look for me, and ᵖyou will die in ᵖyour sin.+ Where I myself am going, ᵖyou will surely not be able to come.”

22 So the Jewish authorities+ said, “He keeps saying, ‘Where I myself am going, ᵖyou will surely not be able to come.’ Surely this doesn’t mean that he’s planning to kill himself, does it?”

23 Jesus+ continued, “ᵖYou come from where? From below. I, however, come from where? From above. It is to this world that ᵖyou belong. As for me, I don’t belong to this world. 24 That is why I told ᵖyou that you will die in your sins. Indeed, ᵖyou will die in your sins unless ᵖyou believe and trust+ that I AM who I AM.+”+

25 “Who are ˢyou?” they asked.

“Why should I even speak to ᵖyou at all?”+ Jesus said to them.26 “There are so many things I could say about ᵖyou and condemn. Nevertheless, the one who sent me is faithful, and I will declare to the world only what I have heard from him.” 27 (They didn’t understand that it was the Father about whom he was speaking to them.) 28 Jesus continued, “When ᵖyou have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I AM who I AM, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak only what the Father has taught me.+ 29 And the one who sent me is with me. He hasn’t deserted me, for I always do the very things that are pleasing in his sight.”+ 30 Even as he spoke,+ many, many people put their faith in him.

“Before Abraham Was Even Born, I AM”

31 Now then, Jesus said to the Jews who had put their faith in him,+ “If ᵖyou continue in my teaching,+ then you are, truly, disciples of mine, 32 and will know the truth. And the truth will set ᵖyou free.”

33 “We are the very seed of Abraham himself,” they replied, “and have never been slaves of anyone! So what in the world do ˢyou mean+ by saying, ‘ᵖYou will be set free?’ ”

34 Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I solemnly tell ᵖyou this: Everyone who sins+ is of sin a slave. 35 A slave, moreover, does not remain a part of the household forever. It is a son, rather, who remains in it forever.+ 36 If the Son, therefore, sets ᵖyou free, you will be truly free.+ 37 I realize that ᵖyou are ‘the very seed of Abraham himself.’ Yet ᵖyou want to have me killed, because my teaching+ is making no progress+ in your hearts.+ 38 It is the things that I have seen directly in the presence of the Father about which I speak.+ As for ᵖyou, therefore, it is the things that you have heard from the Father that you must continue+ to do.+”+

39 “Our father is Abraham!” they said.

“If ᵖyou were children,” replied Jesus, “of Abraham, then it is the example of Abraham that you would be following.+40 As things now stand, however, ᵖyou are eager to have me killed, a man who has declared to you the very truth that I heard from God. This Abraham most certainly did not do. 41 ᵖYou are following the example of your real father.”

“We’re not illegitimate children!”+ they replied. “We have only one Father, God himself.”+

42 “If God were your Father,” answered Jesus, “you would love me, because I from God have come and am now here. It is not on my own authority, you see, that I have come; no, the Father+ sent me. 43 Why do ᵖyou my way of speaking fail to understand? Because ᵖyou are unwilling to accept+ my message.+ 44 ᵖYou are just like your father, the devil,+ and it is your father’s desires that ᵖyou are ready to carry out. That deceiver+ was from the beginning a murderer, and still doesn’t uphold+ the truth,++ because there isn’t any truth within him. When he tells a lie, it is out of his own corrupt and deceitful nature+ that he speaks,+ because he is a liar, and indeed of all liars the father.+ 45 I, however, speak the truth, and that is why ᵖyou refuse to believe me. 46 Can any of you prove that I am guilty of sin? If it is truth that I speak, why do ᵖyou refuse to believe me? 47 If someone is born of God,+ it is the words of God that he hears and accepts.+ This is the reason why ᵖyou refuse to listen: Born of God ᵖyou are not.”

48 “Are we not right+ in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” replied the Jews.

49 “I certainly do not have a demon,” answered Jesus. “No, I honor my Father, but ᵖyou dishonor me. 50 I’m not trying to gain praise and honor+ for myself;+ there is someone else+ who demands it+ and presides as judge. 51 Amen, amen, I solemnly tell ᵖyou this: If someone obeys my teaching, he will be surely spared from death forever into the ages.+”

52 “Now we are certain that a demon is what ˢyou have!” said the Jews. “Even Abraham and the prophets died! Yet ˢyou yourself are saying, ‘If someone obeys my teaching, he will surely be spared from death forever into the ages.’ 53 Surely you aren’t greater, are you, than our father Abraham?+ Not even he, or the prophets themselves, escaped death! Just who are you claiming+ to be?”

54 “If I give honor to myself, that honor is worthless,” replied Jesus. “My Father is the one who honors me, about whom ᵖyou say, ‘He is our God,’ 55 though ᵖyou still don’t know him.+ I myself, however, do know him. If I were to say that I don’t know him, I would be, like ᵖyou people, a liar. But I do know him, and it is his word that I obey. 56 ᵖYour father Abraham longed with great joy to see my time;+ he foresaw+ my coming and rejoiced.”+

57 “You’re not even fifty years old yet,” replied the Jews, “and yet you have seen Abraham?”

58 Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I solemnly tell ᵖyou this: Before Abraham was even born, I AM!”

59 At that, they picked up some stones to throw at him. Jesus, however, hid himself and left the temple area.

+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.+7:1Lit for he was not wanting to walk in Judea. ME. CJB, NIV.+7:1Lit the Jews. ME(H) (see note at Jn 1:19).+7:2Cf Lv 23:33–43; Dt 16:13–15.+7:3Lit his.+7:4Lit in secret. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 222). Cf NEB.+7:4Lit to the world. ME. κόσμος ( kosmos) here is referring to the world of mankind (see BDAG, 562, sv 6; UBSHS [Jn], 222).+7:6Lit My appointed time.+7:6Lit Your appointed time is ready always. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 223). Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, TEV.+7:8Some manuscripts include οὔπω ( oupō) here, possibly as an attempt to reconcile this verse with v 10 (for a discussion of textual variants here, see NET Bible Notes, Jn 7:8). Even the more difficult reading, however, is not necessarily contradictory to v 10 when the function of the verbal aspect in this context is taken into consideration. In certain contexts the present indicative sometimes functions inceptively (highlighting the beginning of an action). V 10, therefore, can simply be seen as a contextual indicator that a beginning of action is in view here.+7:8Or has not yet been completed.+7:10Lit he.+7:10Lit in secret. Maintaining consistency in translation with v 4. See translation and note there.+7:11Lit the Jews. ME(H) (see note at Jn 1:19).+7:12Or the crowds, or the masses.+7:13Lit the Jews. ME(H) (see note at Jn 1:19).+7:15Lit therefore. ME. Cf NLT.+7:15Lit How does this man know learning/knowledge/letters...? ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 228). Cf CJB, HCSB, ISV, NET, NLT, TEV.+7:15Lit ...when he hasn’t learned? ME(H) (see NET Bible Notes, Jn 7:14; UBSHS [Jn], 228).+7:17Cf Ps 1:2, 37:4, 40:8, 119; Jn 4:34, 5:30, 6:38,14:31; Heb 10:7.+7:17Lit he.+7:17Or will learn, or will know, or will find out, or will understand. Drawing from ANLEX (see ANLEX, 99, sv γινώσκω 1, 6) and LEH LXX Lex (see LEH LXX Lex, sv γινώσκω) in translation here. Cf HCSB, NIV.+7:17Lit he will know/come to know about the teaching. The content of the knowledge is made clear by what follows.+7:17Lit from myself. ME (see BDAG, 321, sv ἐμαυτοῦ c.; UBSHS [Jn], 230). Cf ESV, NET, NKJV, RSV, TEV.+7:17Cf Jn 5:43, 6:27.+7:18Or glory, or praise.+7:18Or true.+7:18Lit in him. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NLT, TEV at Jn 2:25; NIV and TEV at Jn 5:42.+7:18Cf 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; Mt 7:15-20; Jn 5:43-45; 2 Co 11:1-12:10; Th 2:4-8; 2 Pt 2:1; 1 Jn 4:1; Re 2:3.+7:19Lit And yet none of you are doing the Law/Torah. ME. The Hebrew word torah means “instruction” (see, eg, the HCSB at Ps 1:2; DBL Hebrew, #9368). Cf also L-N, 33.55.+7:19Cf Ex 20:13, Dt 5:17.+7:21Lit I did one deed/work. ME/IT (see BDAG, 1.c.α. ἔργον; NET Bible Notes, Jn 7:21; UBSHS [Jn], 232). Cf NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+7:21The context here indicates a negative reaction (see v 23). This suggests that Jesus’ response here is directed primarily to the authorities (cf Jn 5:9-16).+7:22Lit not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers. ME (see BDAG, 807, sv περιτομη 1.a.; UBSHS [Jn], 232). Cf NLT, TEV. Cf Gn 17:12-14; Lv 12:3.+7:22Lit For this reason Moses has given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers), and even on the Sabbath you circumcise a man. ME (OTB/H)/IT (see UBSHS [Jn], 232). The gap in languages here is obvious, and Jesus’ point here hinges on the IT. Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+7:23Lit If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath so that the Law of Moses is not loosed, are you angry with me because I made a an entire man well on the Sabbath? ME(H)/IT (see NET Bible Notes, Jn 7:23; UBSHS [Jn], 234). Again, the mismatch in languages here is obvious, and the argument is almost unintelligible apart from the IT being made explicit. The argument is a from-lesser-to-greater argument.+7:24Cf Is 11:3, 42:1-5; Mt 12:18; Jn 5:30.+7:25Lit they. Cf TEV.+7:28Lit from myself. Maintaining consistency in translation with vv 17-18 (see translation and notes there). Cf NCV, TEV.+7:28Or true, truthful, or reliable. Cf Jn 1:14-17; Rm 15:8.+7:30Lit they. Cf NLT. The next verse makes it clear that the leaders are once again primarily in view here.+7:30Lit him.+7:30Lit hour.+7:32Lit about him.+7:32Lit the chief priests and the Pharisees.+7:34Cf Dt 4:29; 1 Ch 28:9; Ps 32:6; Is 55:6; Ho 5:14-6:3; Jr 29:12-14.+7:35Lit the Jews. ME(H) (see note at Jn 1:19).+7:35Lit to the dispersion. ME(H) (see NET Bible Notes, Jn 7:35; UBSHS [Jn], 242). Cf NET, NLT.+7:35Or the Greeks.+7:38Or “If someone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. The one who believes in me, as the Scripture says, ‘rivers/streams...’ ” The original Greek manuscripts had no punctuation. Historically, the “Eastern interpretation” placed a major stop after “drink,” while the “Western interpretation” placed it after “the one who puts faith in me” (the latter is also called the “Christological interpretation,” and may be a chiasmus; for a brief discussion, see NET Bible Notes, Jn 7:37; UBSHS [Jn], 245). The “Western interpretation” is reflected in the translation here, with the “Eastern translation” reflected in the footnote. Cf JB, NAB, NEB, NET, TEV.+7:38Lit from his stomach. ME(I/F) (see ANLEX, 233, sv κοιλία 2.a.; DBL Greek, #3120.3; UBSHS [Jn], 246). Cf HCSB, NET, NIV.+7:38Cf Ex 17:6, Ps 78:16; Is 12:1-3, 33:21, 43:18-21, 44:1-7, 55:1, 58:11; Ezk 47:1; Jl 3:18; Zc 13:1, 14:8; Jn 4:14; Re 22:1.+7:39Lit This he said about the Spirit. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 247). Cf NCV, NIV, NLT.+7:39Included within the purview of δοξάζω ( doxazō) is both the giving of honor and the causing of someone to enter into a state of being “clothed” in resurrected glory (see BDAG, δοξάζω, 258, 1, 2). In Jesus’ case, the exaltation/giving of honor also involves the ascension (cf, eg, Ac 2:33; Php 2:9). Cf NCV, TEV.+7:42Cf 2 Sm 7:8-16; Ps 89:3-4,132:11; Jr 23:5; Mic 5:2.+7:43Lit Therefore a division took place among the crowd because of him. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NLT, NIV.+7:44Lit from them, or among them.+7:49Or crowd. Drawing from L-N in translation here (see L-N, 87.64). Cf NET.+7:49Or the Law.+7:49Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+7:50Lit him.+7:50Lit being one of them. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 253). Cf TEV.+7:51Lit Does the Law condemn the man if it does not first hear from him and know what he does? ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 254). Cf ISV, NLT, TEV.+7:52Or a prophet.+8:1The earliest manuscripts do not have Jn 7:53-8:11 (see NET Bible Notes, Jn 7:53/8:1). Following the lead of many English translations (see, eg, ESV, NET, NRSV, TEV), the section has been placed in brackets here.+8:2Lit he.+8:3Lit had been caught in adultery. ME. Cf CJB, NET, TEV.+8:3Drawing from the UBSHS in translation here (see UBSHS [Mt], 558).+8:4Lit to him.+8:5Cf Lv 20:10; Dt 22:22.+8:6Cf Ex 8:19, 31:18.+8:7Lit The one without sin among you must throw a stone at her first. ME (see L-N, 88.311). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+8:9Lit and he was left alone. Cf HCSB.+8:9Lit the women being in the midst. The prepositional phrase used here (ἐν μέσῳ [ en mesō]) is the same as that used in v 3 above (see translation and notes there). This indicates it was the leaders/accusers who left one by one, while the rest of crowd (cf v 2) remained. Cf NLT. Maintaining consistency in translation with v 3.+8:10Lit Where are they? Cf ISV, NLT.+8:11Or “ Not one, sir.”+8:11Lit from now on no longer be sinning/committing sin. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 262). Cf NAB, NRSV, RSV, TEV. Some measure of warning is implied here (cf Jn 5:14).+8:12Lit to them. See v 20. Cf JB, NCV, NEB, NIV, NLT, Phps.+8:12Lit follows me. ME(H) (see note at Mt 4:19).+8:13Or valid. See translation and notes at Jn 5:31.+8:14IT. A “going back” is implied here. Cf ISV, NCV, NLT at Jn 7:33. Cf also Jn 17:5.+8:15Lit according to the flesh. ME. Cf CJB, HCSB, ISV, NCV, NIV, NRSV.+8:15Cf Ex 34:6-7; Nu 14:18-19; Rm 2:4.+8:16Lit if I condemn, or if I judge.+8:16Cf Is 11:1-5; 42:1-4; Jn 5:19-30; Ac 17:31; Rm 2:1-10; 2 Th 2:5-6.+8:16Lit and. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 261). Cf HCSB, NET, NLT, TEV.+8:16Cf Is 11:1-5; 42:1-4; Jn 5:19-30; Ac 17:31; Rm 2:1-10; 2 Th 2:5-6.+8:18Lit I myself am the one bearing witness on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me bears witness on my behalf. ME. Cf NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV. The meaning here is that Jesus himself and the Father are the two witnesses who testify on his behalf.+8:19Cf ISV.+8:20Lit These words he spoke in the treasury while teaching in the temple. ME(H)/IT (see translation and notes at Mk 12:41). Cf NCV, NLT, NIV.+8:20Lit hour.+8:21Lit he.+8:21Cf 1 Sm 3:14; Is 22:14; Ezk 3:16-20.+8:22Lit the Jews. ME(H) (see note at Jn 1:19).+8:23Lit he.+8:24πιστεύω ( pisetuēō) includes both belief/conviction of truth and trust (see L-N, 31.85; translation and notes at Ga 3:6). The point here is that those who trust God to act in a manner consistent with His Name and revealed character (see Ex 3:14, 34:6-7), which never changes (see Ps 102:27; Ml 3:6; Heb 13:8; Jm 1:17), will receive forgiveness for their sins (through atonement; cf v 28) and therefore not die in them.+8:24Cf NLT, TEV. This is a reference to the divine name of Ex 3:14.+8:24Cf Ex 3:14, 23:20-21; Jn 17:6.+8:25Or What I have been telling you from the start.+8:28Cf Ps 40:6-8, Is 50:4.+8:29Cf Ex 15:26; Dt 6:18, 12:25, 13:18, 21:9; Ps 9:10, 16:10, 37:28, 37:33, 40:7-8, 94:14; Ga 4:4.+8:30Lit These things while he was speaking.+8:31Or who had believed in him, or who had trusted him.+8:31Or my word, or my message. Cf 2 Ti 3:14; 2 Jn 9.+8:33Lit How do you say? ME (see BDAG, 901, sv πῶς 1.a.γ). Cf CJB, NLT, TEV. For the rhetorical force of πῶς ( pōs) in this type of context, see BDAG, 901, sv 1.a.α-δ.+8:34Lit Everyone who commits sin. Cf NIV, NLT, TEV.+8:35Cf Ga 4:1-9, 21-30.+8:36Cf Rm 8:12-25; 2 Co 3:17-18; Ga 4:1-9, 21-30; Eph 1:5; Heb 2:5-18.+8:37Or word, or message. Cf Mk 4:1-20.+8:37Or my teaching has no place. Cf NET.+8:37Lit in you, or within you, or among you. ME. Cf NLT.+8:38Cf Jn 1:18, 3:11-13, and 3:32.+8:38Cf vv 31 and 37.+8:38Other manuscripts read: “you do what you have heard from your father” (NRSV). Cf NET, NRSV. For a brief discussion of the manuscript variants here, see NET Bible Notes, Jn 8:38.+8:38Cf Dt 18:15-22; Jn 5:43-47, 8:31, 10:30, 14:6-13, 17; Ac 3:22-23.+8:39Lit you would be doing the deeds/works of Abraham. ME. Cf NLT. The NLT captures the meaning well here in my opinion (cf, eg, Rm 4:12; 1 Co 4:14-17), and has thus been followed in translation.+8:41Lit We have not been born of sexual immorality. ME (see BDAG, 854, sv πορνεία 1; UBSHS [Jn], 284). Cf CJB, ISV, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+8:41Cf Ex 4:22; Dt 32:6; Is 1:2, 63:16, 64:8; Jr 31:9; Hs 11:1; Ml 2:10.+8:42Lit that one.+8:43Lit cannot hear. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 286). Cf Mk 4:1-20; Jn 3:11, 6:60.+8:43Or teaching, or word.+8:44Lit You are from/of your father the devil, or You belong to your father the devil. Translating along the lines of “example” as in vv 39-41 above (see translation and notes there). The second genitive is appositional.+8:44Lit that one.+8:44Or did not uphold. Scholars are divided as to whether the perfect or the imperfect represents the original here (cf, eg, BDAG, 944, sv στήκω; Robertson, Word Pictures, Jn 8:44; UBSHS [Jn], 26). The meaning is essentially the same either way.+8:44Lit does not stand in the truth. ME (see NET Bible Notes, Jn 8:44). Cf NET.+8:44Cf 2 Co 11:3.+8:44Lit out of his own things. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 287). Cf ESV, HCSB, LEB, NASB, NET, NRSV, RSV.+8:44Cf Gn 3; Ezk 28:15; Mt 7:17-20, 12:34.+8:44Or the father of all lies. Cf HCSB, TEV.+8:47Lit The one who is of/produced by God. A child produced by God is the meaning here. Cf Jn 1:13, v 39 above.+8:47ME/IT (see translation and note at v 43 above). The meaning is the same here. Cf NET, NLT; L-N, 31.56.+8:48In Greek, questions that begin with οὐ ( ou) expect an affirmative answer (Black, Grammar, 170; Mounce, Grammar, 296). Cf ESV, HCSB, NET, NRSV, RSV.+8:50In John’s gospel, “glory” is often used in the sense of “honor” and “praise” (see, eg, Jn 5:41-44, 7:18), with the Son’s exalted resurrected state also in view at times (a visible display of the honor received; see, eg, 17:5).+8:50Cf Jn 7:18.+8:50Lit there is the one. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 291).+8:50Cf Mt 17:5; Ac 3:22-23.+8:51Lit he will not see death into the age/for eternity. Jesus is referring ultimately to deliverance from the Second Death, which includes bodily resurrection (see translation and notes at Jn 3:16-18; cf also UBSHS [Jn], 89, 367). Cf Jn 3:16-20, 3:31-36, 5:19-29; Re 2:11, 20:1-14, 21:7-8.+8:53Cf Jn 4:12.+8:53Cf NET.+8:55Cf Is 1:3; Jr 2:8, 4:22, 5:4, 8:7, 9:3, 24:7, 30:18-22, 31:1, 31:31-34; Ho 5:4, Ho 2:23, 6:6; Zc 8:8, 13:9; Jn 1:8, 3:13, 5:37-38; Re 21:7.+8:56Lit my day. ME (see BDAG, 438, ἡμέρα 4.a.). Cf Mt 13:17; Heb 11:13; 1Pt 1:10-12.+8:56The meaning of εἶδεν ( eiden) in this context is clearly “foresaw” (see UBSHS [Jn], 294). In addition to the knowledge Abraham had received from God concerning the promises, Abraham’s experience of typological events (eg, Gn 22), or prophetic knowledge (in certain contexts, the ὁράω [ horaō] word group refers to prophetic vision [see, eg, Is 6:1 (LXX); Mt 17:9; Ac 9:12, 10:3, 12:9, 16:10]), may also be in view here. Cf Heb 11:13; Gn 20:7.+8:56Cf Gn 22.