John 16:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

A woman {G1135} when {G3752} she is in travail {G5088} hath {G2192} sorrow {G3077}, because {G3754} her {G846} hour {G5610} is come {G2064}: but {G1161} as soon as {G3752} she is delivered {G1080} of the child {G3813}, she remembereth {G3421} no more {G3765} the anguish {G2347}, for {G1223} joy {G5479} that {G3754} a man {G444} is born {G1080} into {G1519} the world {G2889}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When a woman is giving birth, she is in pain; because her time has come. But when the baby is born, she forgets her suffering out of joy that a child has come into the world.

Berean Standard Bible

A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she brings forth her child, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.

American Standard Version

A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but when she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jesus uses the profound and universally understood analogy of a woman in childbirth to illuminate the nature of the disciples' impending sorrow and the glorious joy that would follow. He explains that just as the intense pain of labor is forgotten in the overwhelming joy of a newborn's arrival, their grief over His departure and death would be transformed into an enduring gladness upon His resurrection and ultimate return, signifying a powerful spiritual birth and triumph.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' extensive Farewell Discourse, spanning [John chapters 13-17](/john/13 "John 13 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet") of John's Gospel. Delivered to His disciples in the intimate setting of the Upper Room just hours before His arrest and crucifixion, these chapters serve as Jesus' final instructions, comforts, and prayers. He is preparing them for His imminent physical departure, which He knows will plunge them into deep sorrow and confusion. The analogy of childbirth in [John 16:21](/john/16-21 "John 16:21 - The Analogy of Childbirth") directly follows Jesus' promise that their sorrow would turn into joy ([John 16:20](/john/16-20 "John 16:20 - Sorrow Turned to Joy")), and it sets the stage for His assurance of a lasting, unassailable joy that no one could take from them ([John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Lasting Joy")). The "hour" for the woman in travail parallels Jesus' own "hour"—a recurring Johannine theme denoting His appointed time of suffering, death, and glorification.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Childbirth in the ancient world was a perilous and intensely painful experience, often occurring without advanced medical intervention. It was a common and relatable human experience, making Jesus' analogy immediately understandable to His audience. Despite the inherent dangers and suffering, the birth of a child, especially a son, was a cause for immense celebration and continuity of the family line. Furthermore, within Jewish eschatological thought, there was a concept known as "the birth pangs of the Messiah" (חֶבְלֵי הַמָּשִׁיחַ, *hevlei haMashiach*). This referred to a period of intense tribulation and suffering that was prophesied to precede the glorious arrival of the Messiah's kingdom. Jesus' use of this imagery would have resonated deeply with His Jewish disciples, suggesting that their impending suffering was not random but a necessary precursor to the dawning of the new messianic age, marked by His resurrection and the establishment of His spiritual kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** The analogy in [John 16:21](/john/16-21 "John 16:21 - The Analogy of Childbirth") powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to Jesus' Farewell Discourse and the broader Christian message. Firstly, it highlights the principle that **Sorrow Precedes Joy**, emphasizing that intense, temporary suffering can be a necessary prelude to profound, enduring gladness. This is not a superficial optimism but a deep theological truth rooted in God's redemptive plan. Secondly, it underscores the **Certainty of Hope**, assuring the disciples that their coming grief is not a final, debilitating state, but a transitional phase leading to a guaranteed future filled with inexplicable joy. This hope is anchored in the divine purpose behind suffering. Thirdly, the verse illustrates the concept of **New Life from Anguish**, portraying suffering as productive, leading to the "birth" of something precious and transformative. For the disciples, this meant a deeper understanding of Christ's victory, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the birth of the Church. Finally, it speaks to the **Divine Purpose in Suffering**, revealing that the "hour" of pain, whether for the woman or for Jesus and His followers, is not arbitrary but divinely appointed and designed to bring forth a glorious and redemptive outcome.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **travail (Greek, _tíktō'_):** From G5088 (tíktō), meaning "to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively:--bear, be born, bring forth, be delivered, be in travail." This word emphasizes the act of giving birth, specifically the labor process. In the context of the verse, it refers to the intense, active process of bringing forth new life, highlighting the physical exertion and pain involved.
* **sorrow (Greek, _lýpē'_):** From G3077 (lýpē), meaning "sadness:--grief, grievous, + grudgingly, heaviness, sorrow." This term denotes a deep emotional pain, a profound sadness or grief. In the verse, it describes the immediate, overwhelming emotional state of the woman during labor, mirroring the disciples' anticipated grief over Jesus' departure and death.
* **anguish (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** From G2347 (thlîpsis), meaning "pressure (literally or figuratively):--afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble." This word carries a stronger connotation than *lýpē*, referring to a crushing pressure, affliction, or tribulation. It emphasizes the intense, oppressive nature of the suffering experienced during childbirth, a suffering so severe that its memory is eclipsed by the subsequent joy.
* **joy (Greek, _chará'_):** From G5479 (chará), meaning "cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight:--gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy(-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous)." This term signifies a profound and deep-seated gladness, a calm and abiding delight. It represents the ultimate outcome that overshadows and erases the memory of the preceding pain, highlighting the transformative power of the new life born.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come:"** This clause sets up the central analogy. It describes the immediate, unavoidable reality of childbirth: the woman experiences intense `sorrow` and `anguish` (implied by "travail") because her "hour" – the appointed time for labor and delivery – has arrived. This "hour" is both a moment of intense pain and the destined moment for new life. For the disciples, this represents the "hour" of Jesus' crucifixion, which would bring them profound grief and confusion.
* **"but as soon as she is delivered of the child,"** This marks the turning point in the analogy. The pain of `travail` culminates in the `delivery` of the child. The Greek word here for "delivered" is `gennáō` (G1080), which means "to beget" or "to be born," indicating the successful completion of the birth process. This moment signifies the end of the intense suffering and the beginning of the new reality. For the disciples, this corresponds to Jesus' resurrection and His subsequent appearances to them.
* **"she remembereth no more the anguish,"** This powerful phrase highlights the transformative nature of the joy that follows. The previous `anguish` (thlîpsis, G2347 – pressure, tribulation) is completely overshadowed and forgotten. It's not merely a lessening of pain, but a complete erasure from memory due to the overwhelming new reality. This illustrates the profound and lasting nature of the joy Jesus promises His disciples, a joy so great it obliterates the memory of their temporary sorrow.
* **"for joy that a man is born into the world."** This final clause reveals the source of the mother's transformative joy: the `birth` of a `man` (ánthrōpos, G444, a human being) into the world. The new life brings such immense `gladness` (chará, G5479) that it completely eclipses the memory of the preceding pain. For the disciples, this "birth" symbolizes Jesus' resurrection, the dawning of the new covenant, and the spiritual "birth" of believers into the Kingdom of God, bringing an unparalleled and eternal joy.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus' use of **Analogy** (specifically a **Simile**, though often functioning as a full analogy) is the dominant literary device in [John 16:21](/john/16-21 "John 16:21 - The Analogy of Childbirth"). He draws a direct comparison between the universal human experience of childbirth and the spiritual experience the disciples are about to undergo. This makes a complex theological truth relatable and understandable. The verse also employs **Contrast**, setting the `sorrow` and `anguish` of labor in stark opposition to the `joy` of new birth. This highlights the dramatic transformation from suffering to triumph. Furthermore, the concept of the "hour" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just a temporal period but a divinely appointed, pivotal moment in salvation history, pregnant with both suffering and glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 16:21 articulates a profound theological truth woven throughout Scripture: that suffering, when viewed through the lens of God's redemptive plan, is often a necessary precursor to greater glory and joy. This is not a call to seek suffering, but an assurance that God can redeem and transform even the deepest pain into something profoundly meaningful and fruitful. The "birth pangs" analogy connects to the broader biblical narrative of creation, fall, and redemption, where new life consistently emerges from chaos, death, or struggle. It speaks to the eschatological hope of the Christian faith, where present afflictions are but momentary preparations for an eternal weight of glory. The temporary nature of the "anguish" and the enduring quality of the "joy" underscore the sovereignty of God's plan and the certainty of His ultimate victory over sin and death, culminating in the full realization of His Kingdom.

* [Romans 8:18](/romans/8-18 "Romans 8:18 - Present Suffering and Future Glory")
* [Psalm 30:5](/psalms/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - Weeping May Endure for a Night, but Joy Comes in the Morning")
* [Isaiah 66:7-9](/isaiah/66-7-9 "Isaiah 66:7-9 - The Birth of a Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 16:21 offers immense comfort and perspective for believers navigating the inevitable trials and tribulations of life. It reminds us that our present sufferings, no matter how intense, are not the final word. Like the labor pains of a woman, our difficulties often have an appointed "hour" – a divinely ordained purpose and a definite end. This verse encourages us to endure with hope, knowing that a greater joy awaits, a joy so profound that it has the power to eclipse the memory of our deepest anguish. It challenges us to see our struggles not as meaningless burdens, but as potential catalysts for spiritual growth and the "birth" of new character, deeper faith, and perhaps even new ministries or callings. Just as the mother focuses on the child, not the pain, we are called to fix our gaze on the ultimate joy of Christ's presence and the eternal realities He has secured for us, allowing His promised joy to sustain us through every "hour" of sorrow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "hour of sorrow" might you be experiencing or anticipating in your life right now, and how does Jesus' analogy of childbirth offer you hope?**
* **In what ways have you experienced "new life" or profound joy emerging from a period of intense "anguish" or difficulty?**
* **How can remembering the "joy that a man is born into the world" (or the spiritual equivalent) help you endure present suffering with a forward-looking perspective?**
* **How does this verse challenge you to trust in God's sovereign timing and purpose, even when the "hour" feels long and painful?**

### FAQ
**What is the "hour" Jesus refers to for Himself and His disciples?**

Answer: The "hour" Jesus refers to for the woman in travail is her appointed time for labor and delivery. For Jesus Himself, the "hour" is a significant Johannine theme, consistently pointing to His appointed time of suffering, crucifixion, death, and subsequent glorification ([John 12:23](/john/12-23 "John 12:23 - The Hour Has Come"), [John 13:1](/john/13-1 "John 13:1 - Jesus' Hour to Depart")). For His disciples, their "hour" of sorrow would be the period of His arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial, when their hopes would seem crushed. However, just as the woman's "hour" culminates in birth, the disciples' "hour" of grief would culminate in the joy of His resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, marking the birth of the Church and a new era of God's redemptive work.

**How does this verse apply to suffering and trials in a believer's life today?**

Answer: This verse provides a powerful framework for understanding and enduring suffering. It teaches us that pain is often temporary and purposeful. Just as the intense pain of childbirth is forgotten in the joy of a newborn, our present trials, afflictions, and sorrows are often precursors to greater spiritual joy, growth, and blessing. It encourages us to maintain hope and perspective, knowing that God can use our deepest struggles to bring forth something new, beautiful, and life-giving in our lives or in the world around us. It reminds us that our ultimate joy in Christ will far outweigh any temporary `anguish` ([2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "2 Corinthians 4:17 - Our Light and Momentary Troubles")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 16:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "woman in travail" is a powerful metaphor for Jesus Himself, who, "for the joy set before Him, endured the cross" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross for the Joy Set Before Him")). His "hour" of `sorrow` and `anguish` was the crucifixion, a period of unparalleled suffering where He bore the sin of the world. Yet, this intense `travail` was not an end in itself; it was the necessary precursor to the "birth" of something infinitely precious. From His death and resurrection came the "birth" of a new humanity, redeemed and reconciled to God ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). His `anguish` on the cross brought forth the "joy that a man is born into the world"—not merely a physical birth, but the spiritual birth of countless believers into the Kingdom of God, the establishment of His Church, and the inauguration of the New Covenant ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")). Thus, Christ's suffering was the ultimate `travail` that produced the greatest `joy`, making Him the true "firstborn from the dead" ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Head of the Church")), bringing forth new life for all who believe.

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

Psalms 113:9

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, [and to be] a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

Jeremiah 30:6

Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?

Jeremiah 30:7

Alas! for that day [is] great, so that none [is] like it: it [is] even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

Isaiah 13:8

And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces [shall be as] flames.

1 Thessalonians 5:3

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Isaiah 26:16

LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer [when] thy chastening [was] upon them.

Isaiah 26:18

We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.