John 16:20-22 Meaning Explained

John 16:20-22

Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Jesus uses three distinct Greek words for sorrow here, painting a vivid picture of the disciples' deep, outward mourning over his death, contrasted with the world's triumphant rejoicing. But the most profound insight is that their grief isn't just replaced by joy; Jesus says their sorrow will become joy, implying that the very experience of loss and pain will be transformed into something deeply joyful when they understand its purpose.

What John 16:20-22 means

Jesus is preparing his disciples for his imminent departure, which they won't understand initially, but he assures them he'll return. He tells them to expect deep grief and mourning when he's gone, contrasting it with the world's triumph, yet promises their sorrow will ultimately transform into profound joy. This prophecy anticipates their intense grief at his crucifixion, the rejoice of his enemies, and their subsequent ecstatic joy at his resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

The Distinct Flavors of Grief

Jesus uses three powerful words to describe the disciples' future sorrow. What makes them different, and why does it matter?

Jesus paints a vivid picture of the disciples' grief with three distinct Greek words:

Weep (klayō): This describes audible weeping, like the crying of children. It's an outward, vocal expression of pain.
Lament (thrēneō): This is a more formal and public expression of grief, like singing a dirge over the dead. Think of deep, mournful wails.
Be sorrowful (lypeō): This is the most general term, referring to inner pain and distress, whether emotional or even physical. It's the underlying feeling of sadness.

Jesus knew the profound sorrow they would experience at his impending death, and He chose these words deliberately to convey its depth and how it would manifest, both inwardly and outwardly. Yet, He doesn't leave them in their grief.

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What John 16:20-22 means

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does "Truly, truly" mean in the original Greek?”
“Why did The Apostle John, traditionally understood, though some scholars suggest another early Christian figure. write John 16:20-22?”
“How does sorrow yielding to joy show up in John 16:20-22?”

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Live chat about John 16:20-22 is available in the Sola app.

Original language

Truly, trulyἀμὴν ἀμὴν

amēn amēn · Greek Adverb

A solemn formula used by Jesus to emphasize the absolute truth, authority, and divine weight of His teaching, indicating that what follows is of profound importance.

weepκλαύσετε

klausete · Greek Verb

To express deep grief, pain, or distress, often through audible crying. In a biblical context, it frequently signifies mourning over loss, judgment, or the absence of God's presence.

lamentθρηνήσετε

thrēnēsete · Greek Verb

To mourn aloud, beat the breast, or express deep sorrow and lamentation. It denotes intense emotional agony or grief.

worldκόσμος

kosmos · Greek Noun

In the Johannine writings, 'the world' frequently refers to the fallen human order that is alienated from God, hostile to His truth, and separated from the light of Christ.

rejoiceχαρήσεται

charēsetai · Greek Verb

To experience gladness or delight. In the biblical narrative, true joy is often the result of God's intervention, redemption, or the presence of the Holy Spirit, standing in contrast to worldly pleasure.

sorrowfulλυπηθήσεσθε

lypēthēsesthe · Greek Verb/Adjective

A state of pain of mind or grief resulting from loss, affliction, or sin. In Scripture, godly sorrow is often linked to repentance or the experience of trials that refine faith.

sorrowλύπη

lypē · Greek Noun

The state of deep distress or mental anguish. Scripture promises that for the believer, present suffering is temporary and will ultimately be transformed by God into eternal gladness.

joyχαρὰν

charan · Greek Noun

The state of supreme happiness, delight, or gladness. Biblically, it is a spiritual fruit and an enduring response to the character, promises, and presence of God, even in the midst of trials.

sorrowλύπη

lypē · Greek Noun

An intense, often painful state of emotional distress, grief, or affliction, frequently associated with the human condition or the experience of sin and separation from God. In a messianic context, it often refers to the 'birth pains' leading to a new era.

hourὥρα

hōra · Greek Noun

A specific appointed time or moment in the divine calendar or sovereign plan of God. It often refers to the climactic moment of Jesus' glorification, suffering, or second coming.

anguishθλῖψις

thlipsis · Greek Noun

Intense pain or distress; often used to describe the acute agony associated with labor or severe trial. Biblically, it emphasizes the suffering that precedes or accompanies a significant transformation or deliverance.

joyχαρά

chara · Greek Noun

A profound state of gladness and delight. In the New Testament, joy is a spiritual fruit and an enduring state of the believer rooted in God’s presence and promises, distinct from fleeting worldly happiness.

Frequently asked questions

What does John 16:20-22 mean?

Explain the meaning of John 16:20-22

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Breakdown of John 16:20-22

"Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered…" — Jesus uses three distinct Greek words for sorrow here, painting a vivid picture of the disciples' deep, outward mourning over his death, contrasted with the world's triumphant rejoicing. But the most…

What John 16:20-22 means

The Distinct Flavors of Grief

Ask Sola about this verse

What John 16:20-22 means

The Distinct Flavors of Grief

Ask Sola about this verse

The World's Fleeting Triumph vs. Enduring Joy

The 'Little While' Promise

Original language

Historical context

Historical background

Key themes

Cross-references

Scholarly commentary

Frequently asked questions

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