GOD'S WORD® Translation
A will is used only after a person is dead because it goes into effect only when a person dies.

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.

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.

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?

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.

World English Bible
For a will is in force where there has been death, for it is never in force while he who made it lives.

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

Hebrews 9:17 Additional Translations ...