14:7a

In Greek this verse begins with a conjunction that is usually translated as “for” (as in the Revised Standard Version). The Berean Standard Bible has left this conjunction implied. In this context it introduces an explanation for Jesus’ statement that the woman had done a good thing.

Here is another way to introduce this explanation:

The reason I say this is, poor people will always be…

Introduce this explanation in a way that is natural in your language.

The poor you will always have with you: This clause means, “There will always be poor people among you.”

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Poor people will always be around/with/among you.
-or-
Always there will be poor people around/among/with you.

14:7b

and you can help them whenever you want: In Greek the phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as whenever you want occurs in an emphatic position in the sentence. In English this emphasis or focus may be expressed by putting this phrase first. For example, the Good News Bible says:

and any time you want to, you can help them

Use an order that is natural in your language to focus the reader’s attention on the time phrase.

help them: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as help them is literally “do good to them.” It is a general expression that means to benefit them or help them.

14:7c

But: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But introduces a contrast with the previous verse part. Express this contrast in a way that is natural in your language.

you will not always have Me: In Greek the word Me is the first word in this clause. This emphasizes the fact that in contrast to the poor, Jesus would not be among his disciples much longer. There was little time left for people to show Jesus honor and love.

Here are some other ways to express this statement:

As for me, I will be among you(plur) only for a short time.
-or-
But you will not always/forever have me to be/remain with you.(plur)

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