judge vs. condemn

The Greek terms krino and katakrino/katadikazo that are translated as “judge” and “condemn” respectively in English are translated with only one term in Kutu (tagusa). (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

See also do not condemn.

world (Chinese)

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “world” in English is translated in Mandarin Chinese with shìjiè (世界). While shìjiè is now the commonly used term for “world” in Chinese, it was popularized as such by Chinese Bible translations. (Source: Mak 2017, p. 241ff.)

See also world.

complete verse (John 16:11)

Following are a number of back-translations of John 16:11:

  • Uma: “He will also make clear that God will condemn/punish people who sin, because he has condemned/punished the King of Evil-ones who has-authority-over this world.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “He will explain to them the judgment of God for the leader of demons is already judged the one who rules/leads here in the world.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “He will cause them to understand about God’s punishing them because Satan, the master of the enemies of God, has already been sentenced to be punished.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “As concerning also God’s judging of the many-people, he will confirm/verify that he has already condemned Satanas who is the leader of those who don’t believe.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “Concerning the judging of sin, he will make apparent that this Satanas who rules here under the heavens has already been judged.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “The people will realize what word God has decided. The people will realize how the righteous life is. Because now will be sentenced the devil who rules here on earth.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Translation commentary on John 16:11

The ruler of this world is a Johannine term for the devil (see 12.31; 14.30). Jesus interprets his death, not as defeat, but rather as a triumph over the ruler of this world. Whereas 12.31 speaks of his judgment and defeat as a future event, the present verse speaks of it as a fact already accomplished.

The passive expression has already been judged must be made active in some languages. If so, it may be necessary to introduce God as the agent, for example, “because God has already condemned the ruler of this world.” In this context, certainly, judged is to be understood in the sense of “judged against” or “condemned.”

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 .