OET interlinear YHN (JHN) 1:32

1:32a

Then John testified: The Greek word that the BSB translates as testified indicates that John honestly reported what he had seen and heard. In some languages it is more natural to use a phrase or clause to make this clear. For example:

John told the people what he had seen and heard

1:32b

I saw the Spirit descending from heaven: The pronoun I refers to John the Baptist. He saw God’s Spirit come from God to earth.

the Spirit: The Greek word that the BSB translates as Spirit here refers to God’s Holy Spirit. See KBT 2(b).

like a dove: The Spirit came in the shape and manner of a dove. He was not a dove, and he did not become a dove. But he was like a dove in some way. See also Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10, and Luke 3:22. This is not a metaphor, because there was really something that looked like a dove. Therefore, your translation should refer to an actual bird.

dove: A dove is a small white or gray colored bird similar to a pigeon. It has a gentle voice and was a symbol of being gentle and morally pure. It is also mentioned in Genesis 8:8–12. A dove or pigeon may not be known in your area or these birds may imply something bad. If either is true, you may translate this word like this:

• Use a general word for bird. For example:

  like a small bird

• Use a bird that is known in your culture and that is similar to a dove/pigeon. It should be a bird that people consider good and harmless.

You may want to add a footnote that explains how Jews thought about doves. For example:

To the Jews, a dove was a symbol of someone who was pure and gentle.

and resting on Him: This clause indicates that the Holy Spirit stayed with Jesus. As the dove came to stay on Jesus, so the Spirit remained with Jesus.