12:9a

But: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But introduces a contrast. This verse describes a situation that is a complete contrast to the situation in 12:8. It functions as a warning. Translate in a way that is natural in your language for presenting such a contrast.

whoever denies Me before men: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as denies means “disowns, repudiates, renounces.” This phrase whoever denies Me before men refers to a person who says publicly that he is not a follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus was referring to anyone who did this. Make sure that your translation of this phrase fits your choice of subject in 12:8a (for example: “anyone,” “everyone,” “all,” or “those”). Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

those who reject me publicly (Good News Translation)
-or-
all who stand before others and say they do not believe in me (New Century Version)
-or-
anyone who denies in front of other people here on earth that he is my follower

12:9b

will be denied before the angels of God: The verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as will be denied is a passive verb. If it is more natural to use an active verb, the implied subject is “I” (Jesus). For example:

⌊I⌋ will disown him before God’s angels.

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