16:4a

But: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible 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 Berean Standard Bible 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 Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, English Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, NET Bible, NIV2011)

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

the time comes (Contemporary English Version)

(King James Version, Contemporary English Version, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004), New Century Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version (1984), Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow option (1). Most of the best and oldest Greek manuscripts include the word their. 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 (Good News Translation)

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 (Good News Translation)
-or-
you will remember what I have said (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
you will remember my warning (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
you will remember that I warned you (New Century Version)

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⌋
-or-
you might remember what I told you

Section 16:4c–15 Jesus would send the Holy Spirit

Jesus told his disciples that it was for their benefit that he would leave. That is because he would send the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would prove that the world was wrong in their sin and righteousness and judgment. He would also lead the disciples into all truth, which comes from Jesus and his Father.

Here are some other possible section headings:

What the Holy Spirit would do when he came
-or-
The Holy Spirit will teach the world and Jesus’ disciples

Paragraph 16:4c–11

Jesus told his disciples that he would go back to God and send the Holy Spirit to them. The Holy Spirit would work in the world convicting the people there.

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. (Revised English Bible)

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 (God’s Word)
-or-
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.

General Comment on 16:4c

In some languages it is more natural to rearrange the clauses in 16:4c. For example:

I was with you at the first, and so I didn’t tell you these things. (Contemporary English Version)

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