Because you are mine is literally “because of my name.” Jerusalem Bible renders “on my account,” but this translation leaves unclear the exact meaning of the phrase. A footnote in New American Bible states “For John, association with Jesus’ name implies union with Jesus.” This observation is true, and it is the basis for the Good News Translation rendering. Because of the disciples’ union with Jesus (that is, because they belong to him), they are persecuted (see comments on “in my name” at 14.13). Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch renders “because you acknowledge me.”

They will do all this to you refers to persecution, and this reference may be made explicit, for example, “They will persecute you because you are mine” or “because you follow me.”

Note, however, the presence of a rather complex double causation. Those who reject the disciples, and therefore persecute them, do it for two reasons: first, because the disciples belonged to Jesus, and secondly, because they do not know the one who sent Jesus. It may be necessary to repeat in the second part of verse 21 what these persons actually do, for example, “But they will persecute you because you belong to me; they will do this because they do not know the one who sent me.”

The one who sent me is a reference to God the Father.

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 .