Since this verse is a kind of parenthetical statement, New English Bible and New American Bible also place it in parentheses. He said this so that is literally “so that” (hina). No verb is included in the Greek text, but in translation it is necessary to supply one. Several translations are similar to New English Bible (“This was to make good his words”), while Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch has “so what Jesus had said earlier came true.” The verb rendered might come true is frequently used in the New Testament in relation to the fulfillment of prophecy, but only in John is it used of the fulfillment of Jesus’ words (note also 18.32). Nowhere in the Gospel has Jesus said the exact words quoted here; but the reference is most probably to 17.12. In the Greek text the word Father is not explicit, though it is clear from the context that Jesus is speaking to the Father. Good News Translation makes this information explicit.

Might come true may be rendered in some languages “might happen” or “might occur.”

As noted several times in Chapter 17, it may be necessary to render Father as “my Father.” Similarly, I have not lost even one of those you gave me may be rendered “I have not lost even one of those you committed to my care” or “… even one of those you told me to care for.”

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 .