16:26a
In that day: This phrase means “When that time comes.” See how you translated this phrase in 16:23. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
When that day comes (Good News Translation)
-or-
Then (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
At that time (NET Bible)
you will ask in My name: This clause means “you will pray to God making requests as someone united to me.” The disciples would approach God on the basis of their faith in Jesus and as his disciples. See the notes on similar clauses in 16:23–24 and 14:13–14. Also see how you translated those clauses. In some languages you may want to make it explicit who they would ask. For example:
you will ask the Father for things in my name (New Century Version)
-or-
because of your faith in me, you will be the ones to tell what you request from my Father (Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
16:26b
I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf: This sentence means “I will not need to be a go-between between you and God,” or “I do not need to promise that I will speak to God for you.” The idea is that they can ask God themselves. They do not need Jesus to ask on their behalf (“for them” or “as their representative”). The Greek text emphasizes the word I in the phrase I will ask. That emphasizes that Jesus will not need to pray for them if they pray in his name. Here are other ways to translate this sentence:
When you need something you will not have to ask me to ask God for it.
-or-
I will not need to ask the Father for you (New Century Version)
In some languages it may be more natural and clear to start with a positive statement. For example:
I’m telling you that I won’t have to ask the Father for you. (God’s Word)
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