1.4 KiB
John 20 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
"Receive the Holy Spirit"
The disciples had special power from the Holy Spirit given to them. He empowered their ministry.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Rabboni
This is a phrase in Hebrew. Mark does not "translate" this phrase into Greek but chooses to "transliterate" or transfer it into Greek by substituting Greek letters for Hebrew letters. The translators of the ULB and UDB have not translated this phrase either. The translator should try to form the sounds of this phrase without translating its meaning.
Jesus' resurrection body
There is some mystery about Jesus' body at this point. He was physically present with the scars from the crucifixion but he could also enter into rooms without having to use a door. It is best to leave the mystery in place but explanation may be necessary if the translation does not make sense to the reader.
A young man
The gospel accounts differ as to how many men or angels appeared in this interaction. It is probable that the men were angels, but their number is unclear. It is best to translate this as it appears in the ULB without trying to reconcile these passages. (See: Matthew 28:1-2, Mark 16:5 and Luke 24:4)