In Greek Jesus saw is literally “So (oun) Jesus, having seen….” Revised Standard Version translates with a subordinate clause: “When Jesus saw….” Good News Translation uses an independent clause for the sake of a more natural English style.

The disciple he loved is first mentioned in 13.23 (see the comments there). Since there are two attributives to the disciple, namely, he loved and standing there, it may be necessary to restructure: “The disciple whom Jesus loved was also standing there, next to Jesus’ mother. When Jesus saw them both, he said….”

In Greek Jesus addresses his mother as “Woman.” Good News Translation had dropped this form of address (compare 2.4, where Good News Translation also omits it, and 4.21, where Good News Translation has kept it), in order to avoid the impression that Jesus was being impolite to his mother.

Since the beloved disciple was not actually the son of Jesus’ mother, He is your son may have to be translated “Consider him as your son,” in order to avoid suggesting a kinship relationship which is not explained. Similarly in verse 27 She is your mother may be rendered “Consider her as your mother.”

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 .