OET interlinear YHN (JHN) 16:4

16:4a

But: The Greek conjunction that the BSB translates as But normally introduces a contrast. Here it indicates an implied contrast between those who do not know God or Jesus (16:3) and Jesus’ disciples, who do know them. However, because the contrast is not obvious, some English translations do not translate this conjunction. Translate this conjunction in a way that is natural in your language.

I have told you these things: The words these things is plural and refers to all that Jesus has told his disciples about being persecuted. This entire clause is the same clause that is used in 16:1.

16:4b

so that: The Greek word that the BSB translates as so that here introduces a purpose. Jesus’ purpose in saying these things to his disciples was that they would remember them in the future.

when their hour comes: This clause means “when they do this” and refers to the time when people will persecute believers.

their hour comes: There is a textual issue here:

1. Some Greek manuscripts include the word that means their. For example:

   their time comes (NET) (BSB, RSV, NRSV, GNT, ESV, NASB, NET, NIV2011)

2. Some Greek manuscripts do not include the word that means their. For example:

   the time comes (CEV) (KJV, CEV, GW, NLT, NCV, NJB, NIV84, REB)

It is recommended that you follow option (1). Most of the best and oldest Greek manuscripts include the word their.The UBS Greek New Testament gives this reading a B rating. indicating that it is almost certainly correct. However, in some languages there may be little difference in the meaning of the two options. Here is another way to translate this clause:

when the time comes for them to do these things (GNT)

you will remember that I told you about them: This clause tells the purpose for Jesus saying what he did to his disciples. His purpose was for them to remember what he said when others persecuted them. That would encourage them because it would remind them that he knew the future and so they could trust him. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

you will remember what I told you (GNT)

you will remember what I have said (CEV)

you will remember my warning (NLT)

you will remember that I warned you (NCV)

you: This pronoun is plural and refers to the disciples.

about them: This phrase is not in the Greek text but is implied. It refers to the things that Jesus said about the people that would persecute Jesus’ disciples. Consider how much implied information that it is natural to include in your language. For example:

you will remember that I told you that you would be persecuted

you might remember what I told you

16:4c

I did not tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you: This sentence indicates that Jesus had not always told his disciples that people would persecute them. Earlier it was not necessary, because he himself was always with them. Here are other ways to translate this sentence:

I did not tell you this at first, because then I was with you. (REB)

these things: This phrase refers to what Jesus said about the disciples being persecuted. The Greek text emphasizes the phrase.

from the beginning: This phrase refers to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Here is another way to translate this phrase:

at first (GW)

when we were first companions (Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)

because I was with you: This clause indicates that Jesus did not tell his disciples before that they would be persecuted because he was still with them. Perhaps that was because when he was there, the opposition attacked him and not his disciples. And when he was there he was available to protect the disciples. But these reasons should not be made explicit in a translation.