Here the twelve disciples is literally “the twelve.” This is the first time that the twelve are mentioned as such in John’s Gospel. In fact, the only time they are mentioned outside this section is in 20.24, which suggests that John had little interest in focusing attention on them as a group. A marginal note may be useful at this point.

In Jesus’ question to the disciples, you is emphatic. Good News Translation indicates this emphasis by placing a dash after you. The question as stated in Greek implies a negative answer.

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 .