John 16:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Verily {G281}, verily {G281}, I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, That {G3754} ye {G5210} shall weep {G2799} and {G2532} lament {G2354}, but {G1161} the world {G2889} shall rejoice {G5463}: and {G1161} ye {G5210} shall be sorrowful {G3076}, but {G235} your {G5216} sorrow {G3077} shall be turned {G1096} into {G1519} joy {G5479}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, it’s true. I tell you that you will sob and mourn, and the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.

Berean Standard Bible

Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.

American Standard Version

Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 16:20, Jesus delivers a profound and paradoxical prophecy to His disciples during His farewell discourse, foretelling a period of intense grief and lamentation for them, sharply contrasted by the world's temporary rejoicing over His impending death. However, He immediately assures them that this profound sorrow will not be their ultimate state but will be dramatically transformed into an enduring and unshakeable joy, signaling His triumph over death and the dawn of a new reality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' extensive Upper Room Discourse, spanning [John 13-17](/john/13 "John 13 - The Last Supper and Farewell Discourse"). Following the institution of the Lord's Supper and the washing of the disciples' feet, Jesus begins to speak more explicitly about His imminent departure, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the persecution His followers will face. The immediate preceding verses (John 16:16-19) discuss His "little while" of absence and return, which puzzles the disciples. [John 16:20](/john/16-20 "John 16:20 - Sorrow Turned to Joy") serves as a direct clarification and amplification of this "little while," explaining the emotional experience of the disciples during His absence and the dramatic reversal upon His return. It sets the stage for further promises of joy and prayer in [John 16:21-24](/john/16-21-24 "John 16:21-24 - The Woman in Labor and Answered Prayer").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' words are spoken on the eve of His crucifixion, a time of immense tension and uncertainty for His Jewish disciples. They were accustomed to the expectation of a conquering Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom, not one who would suffer and die. The concept of a Messiah being executed by Roman authorities would be a profound shock and source of public shame and personal devastation. Jewish mourning customs involved public weeping, lamentation, and often ritualistic expressions of grief. The "world" in this context refers to those outside the community of faith, particularly the religious and political authorities who sought Jesus' death, and the broader society that would either be indifferent or actively hostile to His claims. Their "rejoicing" would stem from a perceived victory over a perceived threat or rival, fulfilling the prophecy of the world's opposition to God's chosen one.
* **Key Themes:** [John 16:20](/john/16-20 "John 16:20 - The Paradox of Grief and Joy") powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to John's Gospel and Christian theology. The most prominent is the **Paradox of Sorrow and Joy**, where profound grief is not an end but a necessary prelude to an even greater, lasting joy. This theme highlights the transformative power of God in turning suffering into triumph, a concept echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., [Psalm 30:5](/psalms/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - Weeping May Endure for a Night")). Another crucial theme is the **Conflict Between the Kingdom of God and the World**, where the "world" (representing humanity alienated from God, under the influence of darkness) rejoices at what it perceives as its victory over Christ, while His followers experience deep sorrow. This stark contrast underscores the divergent values and destinies of those who follow Christ and those who reject Him. Finally, the verse speaks to **Divine Sovereignty and Assurance**, as Jesus, with full foreknowledge, confidently declares the future transformation of their sorrow, assuring His disciples that their ultimate outcome is secured by His victory, not by the world's temporary triumph.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amēn'_):** This double affirmation, "Verily, verily," translates the Hebrew word "Amen," meaning "firm" or "trustworthy." As used by Jesus, it functions as a solemn and emphatic declaration, underscoring the absolute truth and certainty of the statement that follows. It signals that what He is about to say is of paramount importance and utterly reliable, demanding the disciples' full attention and belief, especially given the difficult nature of the prophecy.
* **Weep (Greek, _klaíō'_):** This term refers to the outward, audible expression of grief, often involving loud sobbing and shedding of tears. It contrasts with silent crying and emphasizes the visible and vocal nature of the disciples' impending sorrow.
* **Lament (Greek, _thrēnéō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "a dirge" or "funeral song," _thrēnéō_ signifies a deeper, more formalized and prolonged mourning, often involving wailing or a public expression of sorrow, typically associated with death. Together, "weep and lament" convey the profound, comprehensive, and publicly expressed grief that would overwhelm the disciples at Jesus' crucifixion.
* **Turned (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This versatile verb means "to cause to be," "to become," or "to come into being." In this context, it signifies a complete and decisive transformation. The disciples' sorrow will not merely diminish or be forgotten, but it will actively *become* joy. This implies a radical change in the nature of their emotional state, from one extreme to its opposite, highlighting the powerful and active intervention that will bring about this reversal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily, verily, I say unto you":** This emphatic opening serves as a solemn declaration, highlighting the absolute certainty and profound importance of the truth Jesus is about to reveal. It demands the disciples' full attention and underscores the divine authority behind His words.
* **"That ye shall weep and lament":** Jesus directly predicts the deep and public sorrow His disciples will experience. "Weep" (klaíō) refers to outward expressions of grief, tears and sobbing, while "lament" (thrēnéō) suggests a more formalized, profound mourning, akin to a funeral dirge. This clause anticipates the disciples' utter devastation at His crucifixion.
* **"but the world shall rejoice":** In stark contrast to the disciples' grief, Jesus foretells the world's reaction. "The world" (kósmos) here refers to humanity alienated from God, particularly those who oppose Him and His kingdom. Their "rejoicing" is a celebration of what they perceive as their victory over Jesus, believing they have eliminated a threat or a rival.
* **"and ye shall be sorrowful":** This reiterates the disciples' impending emotional state, emphasizing the deep sadness and grief (lypéō) that will consume them. It reinforces the reality and intensity of their suffering.
* **"but your sorrow shall be turned into joy":** This is the pivotal promise of transformation. The conjunction "but" (allá) introduces a dramatic reversal. Their profound grief (lypē) will not simply dissipate but will be actively "turned" (gínomai) or transformed into profound inner gladness (chará). This transformation is the central message of hope, pointing to Jesus' resurrection as the catalyst for this radical shift from despair to enduring delight.

#### Literary Devices
John 16:20 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most striking is **Paradox**, as Jesus declares that the disciples' deepest sorrow will be transformed into joy. This seemingly contradictory statement highlights a core theological truth: God's ability to bring good out of suffering. Closely related is **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, vividly displayed in the juxtaposition of the disciples' "weep and lament" and "sorrowful" against the world's "rejoice." This contrast underscores the divergent spiritual realities and perspectives of those who follow Christ versus those who oppose Him. The repeated use of "Verily, verily" (Greek: _Amen, amen_) serves as a powerful device of **Emphasis** or **Solemn Affirmation**, drawing the listener's attention to the absolute truth and certainty of Jesus' prophecy. This rhetorical flourish signals the weighty and crucial nature of the pronouncement, ensuring its impact on the disciples.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 16:20 encapsulates a fundamental theological truth about the nature of suffering and joy in the Christian life: that temporary sorrow, particularly that experienced in union with Christ's suffering, is a prelude to an eternal and transformative joy. This verse not only predicts the disciples' immediate experience of grief at the cross and joy at the resurrection but also establishes a pattern for believers across all ages. It teaches that our deepest sorrows, when surrendered to God, can be redeemed and transformed into profound sources of spiritual joy, not merely the absence of pain, but a deep, abiding gladness rooted in God's faithfulness and ultimate victory. This transformation is a hallmark of God's redemptive work, turning what seems like defeat into ultimate triumph.

* [Psalm 30:5](/psalms/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - Weeping May Endure for a Night")
* [Romans 8:18](/romans/8-18 "Romans 8:18 - Future Glory and Present Suffering")
* [2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "2 Corinthians 4:17 - Light and Momentary Troubles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 16:20 offers profound comfort and perspective for believers navigating the inevitable trials and sorrows of life. It assures us that grief, even profound lamentation, is a legitimate and often necessary part of the human experience, and not a sign of God's absence or disapproval. More importantly, it provides the radical hope that our sorrow is never the final word. Just as the disciples' despair at the cross was transformed into unspeakable joy at the resurrection, so too can our personal losses, disappointments, and sufferings be transformed by God's redemptive power. This verse calls us to embrace a counter-cultural perspective: while the world may find satisfaction in our struggles or mock our faith, our ultimate joy is not dependent on circumstances but on the unwavering victory of Christ. It encourages us to endure with hope, knowing that God is actively at work, turning our ashes into beauty, our mourning into dancing, and our sorrow into an enduring joy that the world cannot give or take away.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' promise in John 16:20 challenge your natural inclination to avoid sorrow or seek immediate relief from pain?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing "weeping and lament," and how can you lean into the promise that this sorrow "shall be turned into joy"?**
* **How does the "world's rejoicing" over perceived setbacks for believers manifest today, and how can remembering Christ's ultimate victory strengthen your resolve?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a joy that is rooted in Christ's triumph, rather than in fleeting circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "the world shall rejoice" in this verse?**

Answer: When Jesus says "the world shall rejoice," He is referring to those who are spiritually opposed to God and His kingdom. This includes the religious and political authorities who orchestrated His crucifixion, as well as the broader society that would either be indifferent or hostile to His claims and message. Their "rejoicing" would stem from a perceived victory over Jesus, believing they had eliminated a threat or a rival to their power and worldview. It signifies the temporary triumph of darkness over light, a moment of apparent success for those who reject God's will, before the ultimate reversal brought about by the resurrection. This contrast highlights the spiritual battle and the divergent perspectives between believers and the world, as seen in passages like [John 15:18-19](/john/15-18-19 "John 15:18-19 - The World's Hatred").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 16:20 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The "weeping and lament" of the disciples directly refers to their devastating grief at Jesus' crucifixion, a sorrow so deep that it mirrored the very suffering of the Son of God on the cross, as He bore the sins of the world. This period of intense sorrow was indeed met with the "world's rejoicing," as those who opposed Him believed they had achieved their ultimate victory, silencing the One who claimed to be God. However, this temporary triumph of darkness was shattered by the glorious resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The moment the disciples encountered the risen Christ, their profound sorrow was instantaneously "turned into joy," a joy so overwhelming it eclipsed all their previous grief, as described in [John 20:20](/john/20-20 "John 20:20 - Disciples Rejoice at Seeing Jesus"). This transformation from deepest despair to unshakeable joy is the very heart of the Gospel. Jesus' suffering and death were not the end, but the necessary path to His glorious triumph, securing not only the disciples' joy but also the eternal joy and salvation of all who believe. His resurrection validates His claims, defeats sin and death, and guarantees that the sorrow experienced by His followers in this world will ultimately be swallowed up by the unending joy of His presence and kingdom, a promise echoed in the hope of the new heavens and new earth where there will be no more tears ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 1:2

¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Matthew 5:4

Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Revelation 7:14

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

2 Corinthians 6:10

As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and [yet] possessing all things.

Mark 16:10

[And] she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.

Psalms 126:5

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.