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If the translator's goal is for those who read his translation to know Christ more clearly and follow him more nearly and love him more dearly"1, then the translator must be careful to speak in common words the uncommon thoughts of the Holy Scriptures. Particularly in our time, the responsibility is heavy. "In the ancient days the aim of the translator was to satisfy the hunger of the hearts of men: and it may be the aim of the modern translator, not so much to satisfy that hunger, as to awaken it."2The aim of this translation is to communicate clearly John's message. Particular attention has been given to the meaning of the truth present in John's Gospel of Glory. The aim is to bring the glories of our God and King into the common tongue as simply and sincerely as possible.
To do this, it is essential to establish the particular meaning of the Greek text carefully. "The principle is translation by meaning and not by words; it is not what the author says, but what he means, which is important - and it is precisely for this reason that the translator requires the help of the Holy Spirit ... ."3
Now, there is a danger in this transposing of ideas to our time. We must not ever think for even a tiny moment, that it is primarily our skill that allows the Gospel message to be adequately conveyed! However, we must study, translate and write as if this were actually the case! It is in this spirit that the following translation was begun:
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