The word for loves in this verse (Greek phileō) is not the same verb used in the similar statement in 3.35 (Greek agapaō). However, as indicated at 3.35, these two verbs are used interchangeably in the Gospel of John with apparently no difference in meaning or focus.

Since possessive pronouns must be used in some languages to identify the relation between kinship terms, the first sentence in verse 20 may be translated “For my Father loves me and shows me all that he himself is doing.” It is possible to translate the Son as appositional, for example, “Since my Father loves me, his Son,” but to do so may be unduly awkward and may not enhance the meaning.

In this context greater things has a double reference: the Son’s power to raise people from the dead and his right to judge all men. This power is even greater than his power to heal men (1.9). Greater things may be understood in terms of “more important things,” but since the focus of meaning here is upon the supernatural manifestations of the Son’s power and authority, such an expression as “more marvellous things” may be used. Such a phrase would fit in very well with the meaning of “you will all be amazed.”

Things to do is literally “works.” In such a context “works” indicates the things that the Son himself is to do, which is the basis for the Good News Translation rendering.

And translates a particle in Greek which indicates purpose. A number of translations use an infinitive here (Phillips, New English Bible, “to fill you with wonder”), while others use a clause introduced by “that” (Revised Standard Version “that you may marvel”). Jerusalem Bible renders the whole statement by “and he will show him even greater things than these, works that will astonish you.” In some languages the most effective way of indicating implied purpose is to suggest the result, for example, “and as a result you will all be amazed” or “and because of this you will all be greatly surprised.” Amazement may often be expressed idiomatically: “You will have nothing to say,” “You will stand there with your mouths open,” or “You will stretch your necks to see.”

You … all translates a plural form of the pronoun “you” in Greek. This pronoun, expressed in the Greek sentence, is intended to be emphatic.

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 .