14:16a
And I will ask the Father: This clause here means “And I will make a request to the Father.” Jesus said he would ask the Father to do something for his disciples.
the Father: This phrase refers to God the Father. In some languages it is more natural to tell whose father this is. For example:
⌊my⌋ Father
-or-
⌊God⌋ , ⌊my⌋ Father
14:16b
and He will give you another Advocate: This clause here indicates that God the Father will send the Holy Spirit to help his disciples.
another Advocate: This phrase refers to the Holy Spirit (see 14:17a) and implies that Jesus was also an Advocate. So your translation of Advocate should be a title suitable for Jesus also. The Holy Spirit would be an Advocate similar to Jesus and would replace him.
Advocate: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translated as Advocate is more literally “one called to help someone,” and so “Encourager” or “Helper.” The Advocate would be one who would help, encourage, guide, and advise the believers, just as Jesus had. He would be like a good friend. The Greek word was also used for a person who would help defend someone in a legal court. Here are other ways to translate this word:
Helper (English Standard Version)
-or-
Encourager
-or-
defender
In some languages it is more natural to translate this noun as a clause. For example:
who will help you (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
someone who will help and encourage you
to be with you forever: Jesus, the other Helper, left and returned to heaven. The Holy Spirit will never leave. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
who will stay with you for ever (Good News Translation)
-or-
who will never leave you (New Living Translation (2004))
General Comment on 14:16a–b
14:16a indicates that Jesus would make a request. Then 14:16b indicates that God would answer the request and also tells what the request was. Connect these ideas in a way that is natural in your language. For example:
Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you. (Contemporary English Version)
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