14:19a
In a little while: This phrase refers to the crucifixion, which was less than a day away. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
Before long (New International Version)
-or-
Soon (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
It will not be a long time until
the world will see Me no more: The phrase the world refers to the unbelievers in the world. After the crucifixion, unbelievers would not see Jesus again. The Greek text emphasizes the phrase the world to contrast it with “you” in 14:19b (which the Greek also emphasizes). The world would no longer see Jesus, but the disciples would see him. Translate this contrast in a way that is natural in your language. For example:
In a little while, the people who do not follow God will no longer see me. But you, you will see me.
-or-
Before long, those in the world who do not believe in me will no longer see me. But as for you, you will certainly see me.
14:19b–c
but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live: There are two ways to punctuate 14:19b–c and understand the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Because :
(1) The Greek word means Because and begins a new clause and a new thought. For example:
but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. (New International Version)
(Berean Standard Bible, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, New International Version, Revised English Bible, NET Bible, God’s Word, Good News Translation, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version, New Century Version)
(2) The Greek word means “that” and introduces what the disciples will see, so it continues the previous thought. For example:
but you will see that I live, and you also will live (New Jerusalem Bible)
(New Jerusalem Bible)
It is recommended that you follow option (1), along with nearly all English translations.
14:19b
but you will see Me: This clause refers to Jesus showing himself to his disciples. Although the disciples would not see Jesus while he was in the tomb, after his resurrection they would see him. It may be good to translate this clause in a way that helps people to understand that. For example:
then you will see me ⌊again⌋
The Greek text emphasizes the pronoun you to contrast it with “the world” in 14:19a (which the Greek also emphasizes). See the note at 14:19a for suggestions on how to translate this contrast.
14:19c
Because I live, you also will live: The resurrection of Jesus guarantees life for believers. For example:
because I live, you will live too (NET Bible)
-or-
You will live because I live. (God’s Word)
The Greek text emphasizes the pronouns I and you. That emphasizes the difference of the pronouns because the verb is the same in the two clauses. If possible, indicate this emphasis in a way that is natural in your language.
Because I live: The connector Because indicates that this clause is the reason for the next clause. Jesus will live after his resurrection, and so his people will live also. Although the Greek verb is present tense, it refers to an event that will happen very soon in the future. In some languages it may be more natural to use a future tense verb. For example:
Because I will live again, you will also live.
-or-
You will have the new life because again I will live. (Otomi Back Translation)
you also will live: This clause here probably refers to the new, eternal life that Jesus’ followers would experience after Jesus’ resurrection. The pronoun you is plural.
also: The word also here indicates that as Jesus would have new life after his resurrection, so would his followers. In some languages the word also may not be necessary or natural here. Some English translations leave it implicit. For example:
And because I live, you will live. (Contemporary English Version)
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