13:17a
If you know these things: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as If here implies that the disciples did know these things. The condition is assumed to be true. For example:
Now that you know these things (New International Version)
-or-
You know these things (Contemporary English Version)
you know these things: This phrase refers to Jesus’ disciples understanding what he just said in verses 13–16. There he talked about his example and its meaning, that his followers should serve others in humility. For example:
you understand all of this (God’s Word)
13:17b
you will be blessed if you do them: Jesus’ disciples would be blessed if they did as he showed them, following his example of service to others. For example:
you are blessed whenever you follow my example (God’s Word)
you will be blessed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as blessed in this context means “happy, enjoying God’s favor.” God would be pleased with them and so their situation would be good if the condition (“you do them”) was fulfilled. See how you translated this word in Matthew 5:3–11. For example:
God will bless you (God’s Word)
-or-
happy are you (Good News Translation)
-or-
you will be truly happy
-or-
you will have joy
you: This pronoun is plural and refers to the disciples.
if you do them: This clause refers to doing what Jesus said and did, serving others in a humble way. It is the condition for them being blessed. For example:
if you act upon it (Revised English Bible)
-or-
if you follow them
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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
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