New Testament
John 16:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Instead, because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts.
Compare translations
But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
What John 16:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus acknowledges the deep sorrow that His disciples are feeling after hearing His teachings about His impending departure. He understands that His words have caused them distress, as they are grappling with the idea of losing Him. This sorrow reflects their emotional attachment and concern for what lies ahead. Jesus is preparing them for a significant transition, where they will have to rely on their faith and the Holy Spirit. His acknowledgment of their feelings shows His compassion and understanding of human emotions. This moment highlights the struggle between faith and fear, as the disciples must learn to trust in God's plan even when it brings sadness. Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for the hope and comfort that Jesus will provide in the following verses, emphasizing that their sorrow will eventually turn to joy.
How to apply John 16:6 to your life
When faced with sorrow or difficult news, it's important to acknowledge our feelings rather than suppress them. Like the disciples, we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus understands our pain. We should seek His guidance and trust that He has a greater plan for our lives, even in challenging times.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Comforts His Disciples (John 14:1–16:33)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 16:6
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 16:6
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 16:6 mean about the disciples' sorrow?
In John 16:6, Jesus acknowledges the sorrow of His disciples after sharing difficult news about His departure. This sorrow reflects their emotional attachment to Him and their fear of losing His presence. Jesus understands their feelings and prepares them for a transition where they will need to rely on their faith and the Holy Spirit. This moment highlights the struggle between faith and fear, emphasizing that even in sorrow, there is a promise of future joy.
How can I apply John 16:6 to my life?
John 16:6 teaches us the importance of acknowledging our feelings during difficult times. Just as the disciples experienced sorrow, we too face challenges that can lead to emotional distress. This verse encourages us to bring our pain to Jesus, who understands our struggles. By trusting in His plan, even when we feel sad or uncertain, we can find comfort and hope, knowing that our sorrow can lead to joy in the future.
What is the context of John 16:6 in the Bible?
John 16:6 is part of Jesus' farewell discourse to His disciples, where He prepares them for His impending crucifixion and departure. This chapter addresses their fears and confusion about what is to come. Jesus speaks about the coming of the Holy Spirit and the joy that will follow their sorrow. Understanding this context helps us see the depth of the disciples' emotional struggle and the hope Jesus offers them amidst their pain.
What does Jesus mean by 'sorrow hath filled your heart'?
When Jesus says 'sorrow hath filled your heart' in John 16:6, He is recognizing the profound emotional impact His words have had on His disciples. They are grappling with the fear of losing Him and the uncertainty of the future. This statement reflects the deep bond they share and highlights the human experience of sorrow. Jesus' acknowledgment of their feelings shows His compassion and sets the stage for the comfort He will provide.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.