Without being told, Jesus knew is more literally, “but Jesus knew in himself.” “To know in one’s self” reflects Semitic Greek, and its purpose is to indicate the supernatural knowledge Jesus had (see further at 1.47-48 and 2.25). New English Bible and Jerusalem Bible translate this expression “was aware,” New American Bible “was fully aware,” and Moffatt “inwardly conscious.” This introductory statement in verse 61 may be translated “No one told Jesus what the disciples were saying, but he knew anyway” or “… he knew that….”

Grumbling is the same verb used in verse 41.

Does this make you want to give up? may be translated more literally “Does this offend you?” This verb is used only here and in 16.1 in John’s Gospel. In 16.1 the form is passive, but Good News Translation focuses attention on the subject and so renders the verb give up your faith. In the present passage Jerusalem Bible translates “Does this upset you?” (see also Moffatt “So this upsets you?”), New English Bible “Does this shock you?” and New American Bible “Does it shake your faith?” In some languages the question may be translated “Does this make you want to turn away?” In other languages, “Does this cause you to lose your faith?” or “… to no longer want to believe?” or “Does this cause you to think differently?” may be appropriate 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 .