16:7a

But: The word that the Berean Standard Bible has translated literally as But indicates a strong contrast. Here the contrast is more implied than usual.

The contrast is between the disciples’ sorrow at Jesus’ leaving and the fact that his leaving would benefit them. The disciples’ sorrow implies that Jesus’ leaving is a bad thing. Nevertheless (however), Jesus said that his leaving would be a good thing. That is not expected, which is also indicated by the word But. Here are other ways to translate this word:

Nevertheless (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
However (God’s Word)

I tell you the truth: This clause indicates that Jesus’ next statement is important. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

in fact (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
actually

General Comment on 16:5a–7a

All four clauses 16:5a, b, 6, and 7a begin with a conjunction that indicates some contrast. In most languages it will be important to include some variety, introducing the clauses in different ways. For example:

But…and…Instead…But in fact (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
But…[implied]…Yet…Nevertheless… (Revised English Bible)

16:7b

it is for your benefit that I am going away: The expression it is for your benefit here means “it will be better for you” or “you will benefit.” See how you translated the same expression in 11:50. Here are other ways to translate this entire clause:

it is better for you that I go away (Good News Translation)
-or-
I will go away for your benefit
-or-
My leaving is for your good.

I am going away: This clause means “that I am leaving you.”

16:7c

The Greek text begins with a conjunction that many English versions translate as “for.” It introduces the reason why Jesus’ departure would benefit the disciples. Here is another way to translate this conjunction:

because (Good News Translation)

Unless I go away: This clause suggests a possibility that Jesus knew would not happen. It introduces what would happen if Jesus did what the disciples wanted and did not go away. In some languages it may be natural to use a positive verb phrase. For example:

if I stay
-or-
until I leave (Contemporary English Version)

the Advocate will not come to you: While Jesus was on earth he was God’s representative on earth. However, when he left, the Holy Spirit would come and be God’s representative on earth. The Holy Spirit would not come until Jesus died and rose again and returned to his Father. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

the helper won’t come to you (God’s Word)
-or-
the Holy Spirit cannot come to help (Contemporary English Version)

the Advocate: The word the Berean Standard Bible has translated as Advocate means “Encourager” or “Helper” and is referring to the Holy Spirit. See the note and how you translated this word in 14:16b. For example:

the Helper (English Standard Version)
-or-
the Encourager
-or-
the defender

General Comment on 16:7c

In some languages it may be natural to reverse the order of these clauses. For example:

The Holy Spirit cannot come to help you until I leave. (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
because the Advocate will not come to you if I do not go away

16:7d

but: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as but here introduces the opposite possibility from “if I do not go away” in 16:7c. The possibility in 16:7d is that Jesus would go.

if I go: This expression suggests the opposite possibility from 16:7c. This possibility would really happen, and Jesus had already told the disciples that he would leave. As a result, this clause can be understood to mean “because I will go away” or “when I go.” You may want to indicate that this possibility would really happen. For example:

after I am gone (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
When I go away (New Century Version)

I go: This clause is short for “I go to heaven” or “I go to my Father.” Here is another way to translate this clause:

But when I leave

I will send Him to you: Jesus indicated that he would send the Holy Spirit to the disciples.

General Comment on 16:7c–d

In some languages it may be natural to use positive verb phrases in 16:7c. Then you would continue the thought in 16:7d instead of having a contrast. For example:

The Helper will only come to you if I go away. Then I will send him to you.

In other languages it may be natural to reverse 16:7c and 16:7d. For example:

When I go away, I will send the Helper to you. If I do not go away, the Helper will not come. (New Century Version)

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