New Testament
John 16:20
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Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
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Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
What John 16:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the emotional turmoil they will experience after His crucifixion. He acknowledges that they will weep and mourn while the world celebrates, highlighting the contrast between their sorrow and the world's joy. However, He assures them that their grief will not last forever; it will eventually transform into joy. This promise of joy signifies hope and the eventual triumph of life over death, as Jesus will rise again. The disciples' sorrow is a temporary state, and they will find joy in the resurrection and the fulfillment of God's plan. This message serves to prepare them for the challenges ahead, reminding them that pain can lead to deeper joy and understanding of God's purpose.
How to apply John 16:20 to your life
When facing difficult times, remember that sorrow can lead to joy. Just as the disciples experienced pain before their joy, we too can find hope in our struggles. Trust that challenges can bring about growth and a deeper understanding of God's love and purpose in our lives.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Comforts His Disciples (John 14:1–16:33)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying John 16:20
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 16:20 mean?
John 16:20 means that Jesus is telling His disciples they will experience deep sorrow after His death, while the world will celebrate. However, He assures them that their sorrow will eventually turn into joy, especially with His resurrection.
What is the meaning of sorrow in John 16:20?
In John 16:20, sorrow represents the grief and mourning the disciples will feel after Jesus' crucifixion. This sorrow is temporary and will be transformed into joy when they witness His resurrection.
How does John 16:20 relate to hope?
John 16:20 relates to hope by showing that even in times of deep sorrow, there is a promise of joy to come. Jesus reassures His disciples that their pain will not last forever and will ultimately lead to a joyful outcome.
What does the phrase 'your sorrow will be turned into joy' mean?
The phrase 'your sorrow will be turned into joy' means that the disciples' grief over Jesus' death will be transformed into joy when He rises again. It highlights the idea that pain can lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of joy.
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