New International Version
because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living.

English Standard Version
For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive.

Berean Study Bible
because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive.

King James Bible
For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

New American Standard Bible
For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives.

American Standard Version
For a testament is of force where there hath been death: for it doth never avail while he that made it liveth.

Darby Bible Translation
For a testament [is] of force when men are dead, since it is in no way of force while the testator is alive.)

Douay-Rheims Bible
For a testament is of force, after men are dead: otherwise it is as yet of no strength, whilst the testator liveth.

English Revised Version
For a testament is of force where there hath been death: for doth it ever avail while he that made it liveth?

Young's Literal Translation
for a covenant over dead victims is stedfast, since it is no force at all when the covenant-victim liveth,

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