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)
What's easily missed is that Jesus uses "have sorrow" and "rejoice" to describe deep, abiding states, not just passing feelings. This joy isn't a fleeting emotion that someone can snatch away; it's a profound inner reality that roots itself in the secure knowledge of Christ's presence and victory, even amidst suffering.
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 is preparing his disciples for his imminent departure, explaining that their grief will be temporary, like a woman's labor pains, which are intense but soon forgotten with the arrival of new life. He assures them that despite his physical absence, he will return to them in a way that brings lasting, unshakeable joy, a joy that even persecution or death cannot ultimately steal.
Jesus looks his grieving disciples in the eye and acknowledges their pain. But he doesn't leave them there. He offers a powerful promise that transcends their current suffering.
Jesus directly addresses the disciples' present sorrow: "you now therefore have sorrow." He doesn't minimize their feelings; their hearts are troubled by his impending departure.
But he immediately pivots to a future reality: "I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice." This isn't just about seeing him after his resurrection, though that's a crucial part. It's about a deeper, abiding presence. His seeing them again is tied to their hearts rejoicing.
The key here is the transition from a temporary, intense sorrow to a lasting, unshakeable joy. This joy isn't dependent on circumstances but on the reality of Christ's presence and victory.
What makes Christian joy so different? Jesus declares it's a joy that's ultimately impervious to external forces, a treasure secured by God himself.
The promise that "no one will take your joy from you" is radical. It speaks to the invincibility of the joy Christ gives.
This joy isn't about a lack of challenges or suffering in life. The disciples would face immense persecution, as would followers throughout history. Instead, this joy is rooted in the absolute certainty of Christ's resurrection, his ongoing presence through the Spirit, and the ultimate victory he has won.
This security comes from knowing that Christ himself is the source of this joy, and his power is far greater than any force that would seek to steal it. It's a joy that can coexist with, and even be strengthened by, suffering, because its foundation is eternal.
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This verse was spoken by Jesus in the final hours before his crucifixion, a moment of intense sorrow for his disciples. The 'little while' of sorrow was the immediate period leading to his death and burial, while the 'seeing again' points to his resurrection appearances. The lasting joy promised was the unshakeable confidence and peace that came from their conviction of his resurrection and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which even persecution could not erase.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified. His closest followers experience profound sorrow and despair, believing their hope is lost.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Resurrection
Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus is resurrected. He appears to his disciples, transforming their sorrow into overwhelming joy and confirming his identity.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ascension
Jesus ascends to heaven, but promises to send the Holy Spirit to comfort and empower his followers. The disciples continue to experience joy and faith in his presence.
c. AD 30-60
Early Church Growth and Persecution
The early Christian church experiences rapid growth but also faces intense opposition, imprisonment, and martyrdom from both Jewish and Roman authorities.
c. AD 60-70
Composition of John's Gospel
The Gospel of John is written, likely in Ephesus, reflecting on Jesus' teachings and ministry. This verse offers comfort and assurance to believers facing ongoing struggles.
This passage uses the imagery of a woman in labor giving birth suddenly, mirroring Jesus' comparison in John 16:21 and highlighting the unexpected and joyful transition from suffering to new life.
Jeremiah 31:13This verse speaks of mourning being turned into gladness and sorrow into joy, echoing the promise in John 16:22 that present sorrow will be replaced by lasting joy through God's intervention.
Psalm 30:5This psalm describes sorrow lasting for a night but joy coming in the morning, which is a powerful parallel to Jesus' teaching that the disciples' current sorrow is temporary ('a little while') and will be followed by enduring joy.
1 Peter 1:8This verse describes rejoicing with joy that is inexpressible and full of glory, connecting directly to the idea in John 16:22 that the joy believers will receive from Christ is profound and cannot be taken away.
Romans 8:18This passage contrasts the present sufferings with the future glory that is to be revealed, offering a similar perspective to John 16:22 where temporary sorrow is set against an eternal, unshakeable joy.
barnesJohn 16:22: "And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."
I will see you again - After my resurrection. Your joy no man taketh from you - You shall be so firmly persuaded that I have risen and that I am the Messiah, that neither the threats nor persecutions of men shall ever be able to shake your faith and produce doubt or unbelief, and thus take away your joy. This prediction was remarkably fulfilled. It is evid…
vincentJohn 16:22: "And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."
Have sorrow (λύπην ἔχετε)This form of expression occurs frequently in the New Testament, to denote the possession or experience of virtues, sensations, desires, emotions, intellectual or spiritual faculties, faults, or defects. It is stronger than the verb which expresses any one of these. For instance, to have faith is stronger than to believe: to have…
What's easily missed is that Jesus uses "have sorrow" and "rejoice" to describe deep, abiding states, not just passing feelings. This joy isn't a fleeting emotion that someone can snatch away; it's a profound inner reality that roots itself in the secure knowledge of Christ's presence and victory, even amidst suffering.
Jesus is preparing his disciples for his imminent departure, explaining that their grief will be temporary, like a woman's labor pains, which are intense but soon forgotten with the arrival of new life. He assures them that despite his physical absence, he will return to them in a way that brings lasting, unshakeable joy, a joy that even persecution or death cannot ultimately steal.
Jesus is preparing his disciples for his imminent departure, explaining that their grief will be temporary, like a woman's labor pains, which are intense but soon forgotten with the arrival of new life. He assures them that despite his physical absence, he will return to them in a way that brings lasting, unshakeable joy, a joy that even persecution or death cannot ultimately steal.
"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." — What's easily missed is that Jesus uses "have sorrow" and "rejoice" to describe deep, abiding states, not just passing feelings. This joy isn't a fleeting emotion that someone can snatch away; it's a…
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Last reviewed October 2026