complete verse (John 9:5)

Following are a number of back-translations of John 9:5:

  • Uma: “While I am still in the world, I am the light that enlightens the hearts of men.'” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “As long as I am here in the world, I am the one giving light to the thoughts/mind of mankind.'” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “While I am still on the earth I am the light which illuminates all mankind because I teach the true teaching.'” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “But here-now I am still in this world, and I am like a light that illuminates people.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “What I am like is a lamp/light. And for the time that I am here in the world, I continue to shine-on/enlighten the mind/thinking of people.'” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “While I am here in the world, I am going to give understanding to men.'” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Translation commentary on John 9:5

In Greek for the world is a genitive expression, literally “of the world,” but the preposition for expresses the meaning more clearly. Moffatt translates this verse in the same way. In some languages I am the light for the world may be rendered “I am the one who causes light for people in the world.” It is important to avoid a literal translation which would suggest that Jesus is the sun.

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 .