This verse is entirely omitted by some Greek manuscripts, though the evidence favors its inclusion. The reason for its omission may have been accidental, or it may have been deliberately omitted by some scribe to avoid contradiction with 16.23. More probably it was omitted because it seemed redundant after verse 13.

Some manuscripts do not have me in the phrase If you ask me. However, this information should be included for translational reasons. The Father could be assumed as the one to whom the prayer is directed; but since it is Jesus who will answer the prayer, it is better understood as directed to him.

The translation of in my name can be handled here in the way suggested for verse 13, for example, “if you ask me for anything because you are my followers” or “… because you belong to me.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .