complete verse (John 7:25)

Following are a number of back-translations of John 7:25:

  • Uma: “When the citizens of Yerusalem heard those words of Yesus, they were confused. There were some who said: ‘Isn’t that the person whom our leaders are looking for, wanting to kill?” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “So-then there were people of Awrusalam talking, they said, ‘Isn’t this the person whom the leaders wanted to kill?” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And the other people there in the village of Jerusalem when they heard that which Jesus said, they said, ‘Is not this the man that the leaders are looking for in order to kill?” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “When that was so, there were those from-Jerusalem who said, ‘Isn’t it this one do-you-suppose that they want to kill?” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “When Jesus was now teaching, some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, ‘Isn’t this that person they want to kill?” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “Some of the natives of Jerusalem began to question among themselves. They said, ‘Isn’t it this one who is being hunted in order to kill him?” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Jerusalem

The name that is transliterated as “Jerusalem” in English is signed in French Sign Language with a sign that depicts worshiping at the Western Wall in Jerusalem:


“Jerusalem” in French Sign Language (source: La Bible en langue des signes française )

While a similar sign is also used in British Sign Language, another, more neutral sign that combines the sign “J” and the signs for “place” is used as well. (Source: Anna Smith)


“Jerusalem” in British Sign Language (source: Christian BSL, used with permission)

Translation commentary on John 7:25

This verse is introduced in Greek with a favorite Johannine particle (oun), already mentioned several times (see 2.18). Most translations, including Good News Translation, indicate its function by the introduction of a new paragraph. In Revised Standard Version, however, it is translated “therefore” and in Jerusalem Bible “meanwhile” in this particular verse.

The question raised by the people of Jerusalem anticipates a “yes” answer. It is a rhetorical question and may be transformed into a strong declarative statement, for example, “This man is surely the one the authorities are trying to kill” or “… trying to cause to be killed.”

The verb said is a Greek imperfect tense and so may have a progressive force, “were saying” (Jerusalem Bible).

Trying (verse 30 tried) may also be translated “wanting.” It is difficult to tell precisely what John intended by this verb. In English “try” implies action, and “want” has the force of intention. Perhaps John is indicating that the Jewish authorities had actually initiated action which they were unable to carry out because Jesus’ hour had not yet come (verse 30). This interpretation is possible, in light of John’s insistence that no one could lay a hand on Jesus until he permitted it (see 18.6-8). Although it is easy to read intention here rather than action, it seems more probable that John is indicating an action which the authorities were unable to carry out. That the Pharisees and the chief priests actually initiated action against Jesus is indicated in verse 32. It is likely that unofficial action by the people is indicated in verse 29, while official action by the Jewish authorities is indicated in verse 32. If so, then some action on the part of the Jewish leaders is perhaps referred to in verse 25. Accordingly, trying to suits the context better than “want to.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .