The truth stated in this verse is also expressed by Nicodemus (see 3.2).

This man is obviously a reference to Jesus and may be rendered “this man who healed me.”

The condition in verse 33 is contrary to fact, that is, it has an “if” clause the content of which is not true. As noted in other contexts, it may be necessary to indicate this fact clearly by the introduction of parenthetical clauses, for example, “If this man did not come from God (but he did), he would not be able to do a thing (but he has been able to).”

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 .