The word translated openly appears first in John 7.4, but it is used also in 7.13,26; 10.24; 11.14,54; 16.25,29; and 18.20. Openly is also the translation of Revised Standard Version and Jerusalem Bible; New American Bible has “freely,” and New English Bible “publicly” (Moffatt and Goodspeed “in public”).

It may be important to indicate clearly the relation of the first part of verse 54 to what immediately precedes it. Hence, the particle So may require expansion in some languages, for example, “As a result of this” or “because of what the Jewish authorities were planning.”

Jesus did not travel openly may be translated “Jesus did not travel in such a way that everyone knew where he was” or “… so that everyone would see him.”

In Judea (so also New English Bible) is literally “among the Jews” (so most translations); New American Bible has “in Jewish circles.”

The exact location of the town called Ephraim is not known, though many scholars believe it to be the present Et-Taiyibeh, which is four miles (seven kilometers) northeast of the town of Bethel.

Where (so also New English Bible, New American Bible) is literally “and there,” as in most translations.

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 .