New Testament
John 16:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
A woman in labor has pain because her hour has come. But when she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, because of her joy that a human being has been born into the world.
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A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
What John 16:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of a woman in labor to illustrate the pain and sorrow that precedes a significant event. Just as a woman experiences intense pain during childbirth, the disciples will face sorrow as Jesus prepares to leave them. However, once the child is born, the joy of new life overshadows the previous anguish. This analogy highlights the transformative nature of suffering; the pain is temporary and gives way to joy. Jesus is preparing His followers for the trials they will face after His departure, but He assures them that their grief will eventually turn into joy. This joy is not just for them but for the world, as the birth of a child signifies hope and new beginnings. The verse emphasizes the idea that through hardship, there can be profound joy and fulfillment, reminding believers that their struggles are part of a larger purpose that leads to ultimate joy.
How to apply John 16:21 to your life
When facing difficult times, remember that pain can lead to joy. Just as childbirth brings new life, our struggles can lead to growth and new opportunities. Trust that your current challenges may result in something beautiful and fulfilling in the future.
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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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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Key themes
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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 16:21 mean?
John 16:21 uses the metaphor of a woman in labor to illustrate the pain and sorrow that precedes a significant event. It highlights that while the disciples will experience grief when Jesus leaves, this sorrow will eventually transform into joy, similar to how a mother forgets her pain after giving birth.
What is the significance of childbirth in John 16:21?
Childbirth in John 16:21 symbolizes the process of suffering leading to joy. Just as a woman endures pain during labor but rejoices at the birth of her child, the verse conveys that the disciples' current struggles will lead to a greater joy after Jesus' resurrection.
What does the phrase 'her hour has come' mean in John 16:21?
The phrase 'her hour has come' refers to the moment of intense labor that a woman experiences when it is time to give birth. In the context of John 16:21, it signifies the impending trials and sorrow the disciples will face as Jesus prepares to leave them.
How does John 16:21 relate to suffering and joy?
John 16:21 illustrates the relationship between suffering and joy by showing that pain can precede significant joy. The verse reassures believers that their current hardships are temporary and can lead to profound joy and fulfillment in the future.
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