1 tn As a third person imperative in Greek, ἀκολουθείτω (akolouqeitw) 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.
2 tn Grk “where I am, there my servant will be too.”
3 tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity and to conform with contemporary English style.
4 tn Grk “And Martha.” The connective καί (kai, “and”) has been omitted in the translation because it would produce a run-on sentence in English.
5 tn Grk “reclining at the table.”
5 tn Grk “every man” (in a generic sense).
6 tn Or “poorer.”
7 tn Grk “when they”; the referent (the guests) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
7 tn Grk “does not have a care for the sheep.”
8 tc The phrase “he runs away” is lacking in several important
9 tn Or “Supper.” To avoid possible confusion because of different regional English usage regarding the distinction between “dinner” and “supper” as an evening meal, the translation simply refers to “the evening meal.”
10 sn At this point the devil had already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, that he should betray Jesus. C. K. Barrett (St. John, 365) thought this was a reference to the idea entering the devil’s own heart, but this does not seem likely. It is more probable that Judas’ heart is meant, since the use of the Greek article (rather than a possessive pronoun) is a typical idiom when a part of one’s own body is indicated. Judas’ name is withheld until the end of the sentence for dramatic effect (emphasis). This action must be read in light of 13:27, and appears to refer to a preliminary idea or plan.
11 tn Or “that he should hand over.”
12 tn Grk “betray him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
11 tn Or “does not receive.”
12 tn Grk “has one who judges him.”
13 tn Or “message.”
13 sn Jesus contrasts the behavior of the shepherd with that of the hired hand. This is a worker who is simply paid to do a job; he has no other interest in the sheep and is certainly not about to risk his life for them. When they are threatened, he simply runs away.
14 tn Grk “leaves.”
15 tn Or “flees.”
16 tn Or “seizes.” The more traditional rendering, “snatches,” has the idea of seizing something by force and carrying it off, which is certainly possible here. However, in the sequence in John 10:12, this action precedes the scattering of the flock of sheep, so “attacks” is preferable.