John 12:24-26

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. John 12:24 tn Grk “Truly, truly, I say to you.”
2. John 12:24 tn Or “it remains only a single kernel.”
3. John 12:24 tn Or “bears.”
4. John 12:24 tn Grk “much fruit.”
5. John 12:25 tn Or “soul.”
6. John 12:25 tn Or “loses.” Although the traditional English translation of ἀπολλύει (apolluei) in John 12:25 is “loses,” the contrast with φυλάξει (phulaxei, “keeps” or “guards”) in the second half of the verse favors the meaning “destroy” here.
7. John 12:25 tn Or “keeps.”
8. John 12:26 tn As a third person imperative in Greek, ἀκολουθείτω (akoloutheitō) is usually translated “let him follow me.” This could be understood by the modern English reader as merely permissive, however (“he may follow me if he wishes”). In this context there is no permissive sense, but rather a command, so the translation “he must follow me” is preferred.
9. John 12:26 tn Grk “where I am, there my servant will be too.”