Authorities is the same word used to describe Nicodemus in 3.1 (Good News Translation a leader). The reference is to the Jewish religious authorities, not to political leaders, as “rulers” (New English Bible) might imply. New American Bible (“any of the Sanhedrin”) sees a specific reference to the Jewish body that had final authority in matters of religion and was presided over by the High Priest. See the comments on 3.1.

A literal rendering of Have you ever known might suggest a personal acquaintance with one of the authorities or Pharisees. Since this meaning is not intended, it may be necessary to translate this verse “Have you ever heard of any one of the authorities or any Pharisee who believed in Jesus?”

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 .