uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: writing-background

General Information:

This verse provides background information about the setting of the story that is recorded in 1:19–27. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information.

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

ταῦτα

these_‹things›

Here, these things refers to the events that were described in 1:19–27. If it would be misunderstood to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This conversation between John and the priests and Levites from Jerusalem”

Note 3 topic: translate-names

πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου

beyond the Jordan

Here, beyond the Jordan refers to the region of Judea that is on the east side of the Jordan River, which is the side opposite from Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “on the side of the Jordan River opposite from Jerusalem”

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

Ἰωάννης

John

Here, John refers to Jesus’ cousin, often referred to as “John the Baptist.” (See: johnthebaptist) It does not refer to the apostle John, who wrote this Gospel. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “John the Baptist” or “John the Immerser”