Translation commentary on John 14:12

I am telling you the truth is the same formula first used in 1.51.

Whoever believes translates a Greek participial phrase (literally “the one believing”), similar in structure to whoever has seen me of verse 9. Here believes in me does refer to belief in Jesus.

What things I do refers to Jesus’ miracles, and therefore one can translate “will perform the kinds of miracles that I have performed.” It may be necessary to introduce such an expression as “kinds of” in order to indicate clearly that the followers of Jesus are not expected to duplicate the precise miracles performed by Jesus. Note, however, that in using such a term as “miracles,” it is important to avoid the implication that they are merely spectacular instances of healing or the like. It may be more satisfactory to use such an expression as “wonderful things” or “surprising accomplishments.”

Yes, he will do even greater things is literally “and greater than these he will do.” Good News Translation introduces yes to stress the intended contrast; Jerusalem Bible accomplishes it by the inclusion of “even” (“he will perform even greater works”). The reference to “greater works” does not mean that the disciples will perform more outstanding miracles than Jesus did. Their works will be greater because they will not have the geographical and temporal limitations that have been imposed upon the historical Jesus. Jesus’ deeds were limited to the particular place where he has been at a given time; but when he goes to the Father, his help will be available to the disciples in all parts of the world and at all times. In that sense their works will be “greater” than those that the historical Jesus was able to perform during his earthly life. Specifically, the greater things probably refers to the gathering in of converts from all the world. In any case the reference is not limited to miracles, and the translator must be careful that his translation does not carry this implication.

Because I am going to the Father gives the reason why the disciples will be able to do even greater works than Jesus himself. Here as elsewhere, it may be necessary to say “my Father” rather than “the Father.” Furthermore, for the verb going it may be essential to employ a somewhat expanded phrase to indicate that Jesus expected to remain with the Father, for example, “I am going to remain with my Father.” Otherwise, a reader might assume from a literal translation that Jesus was only going to see his Father for a brief period and would then return.

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 .

SIL Translator’s Notes on John 14:12

Paragraph 14:12–14

Jesus said that his disciples would do greater deeds than he did. He always did things to glorify God when he lived on earth. And he would continue to glorify God by answering the prayers of his followers.

14:12a

Truly, truly, I tell you: The clause that the Berean Standard Bible has translated as Truly, truly, I tell you is more literally “Truly, truly, I say to you.” It introduces an important statement and means “pay attention to what I will say next.” See how you translated this clause in 13:21.

whoever believes in Me: This phrase is indefinite, and refers to anyone and everyone who believes in Jesus. Languages have many ways of expressing an indefinite idea. For example:

people/all who have faith in me
-or-
if you have faith in me (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
whoever believes in me (New Century Version)

believes in Me: This phrase includes the idea of believing the facts about who Jesus was and what he did. But it also includes the idea of trusting Jesus instead of trusting oneself or someone else. Both ideas are very closely related. If someone believes the facts about Jesus, it should result in trusting him. See how you translated similar phrases in 1:12, 7:31, and 7:38. Here are other ways to translate this idea:

have faith in me (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
trusts in me

will also do the works that I am doing: This phrase indicates that this person would do wonderful deeds like Jesus did.

the works: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as works means “deeds” or “acts.” It is not the same Greek word as the word in the title of the New Testament book “Acts.” However the meaning is the same and using the same word might help your readers to understand Jesus’ meaning. These works would certainly include miracles, but could also include conversions and other loving acts. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the miraculous deeds (NET Bible)
-or-
the same things (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
the same works (New Living Translation (2004))

14:12b

He will do even greater things than these: The phrase will do even greater things than these indicates that the apostles would do greater deeds than Jesus had done. There are several suggestions about how believers would do greater works than Jesus. It could refer to the fact that many more people would see God’s glory in them. Or many more people would hear the gospel, including Gentiles. These works could also be greater because the Holy Spirit would come and work after Jesus went to heaven. Or because Jesus’ saving work on the cross would be finished. The Greek text does not explain what greater things means, so you should not explain it in your translation.

In some languages it may be natural to start a new sentence here. For example:

They will do even greater things (God’s Word)

even: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible has translated literally as even in this context it emphasizes the following idea. Use a form of emphasis that is natural in your language.

because I am going to the Father: This clause refers to Jesus going to God the Father in heaven. Then he would ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit from heaven. The Holy Spirit will make it possible for believers to do these greater works. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

now that I am going back to the Father (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
because I am going to be with the Father (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
because I will go now to the Father

the Father: In some language it is more natural to tell whose father Jesus spoke about. For example

my Father
-or-
God, my Father

General Comment on 14:12b

In some languages it may be natural to change the order of these clauses, and put the cause before the result. For example:

Because I am going back to the Father, they will do even greater things than these.
-or-
I am going back to the Father, and so they will be able to do even greater things than I did.

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