People will do these things to you may be expressed in some languages as “people will make you suffer in this way.” It must be clear, of course, that the reference is to what is described in verse 2.

The phrase to you (found in some Greek manuscripts) was perhaps added by some scribe on the basis of 15.21. However, whether or not these words are considered an original part of the Greek text, they are essential in translation, and so it is legitimate to include them.

Some translations render have … known as Good News Translation does, while others have “knew” and still others “know.” The verb is in the aorist tense, which is best taken here as expressing a constant truth, that is, “they have (never) known.” As in many similar contexts, it is important to use a verb for know which indicates intimate acquaintance with, or knowledge based upon close association. The verb must convey something more than the mere possession of information about someone.

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 .