Once again the Jews misunderstand Jesus’ words: They did not understand that Jesus was talking to them about the Father. In many languages one must say “he was speaking to them about his Father.” However, it may be necessary to say “his Father in heaven,” in order to avoid the implication that in some way or other Jesus was talking about his reputed father, Joseph. The use of the definite article before “Father” in the Greek text indicates clearly that the reference is to the heavenly Father.

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 .