John 16:20 (KJV)

What does John 16:20 mean?

John 16:20 means that Jesus is warning his disciples they will soon experience deep sadness and grief, while others around them will feel happiness, but their sorrow will eventually be transformed into joy. Jesus is preparing them for a time of pain that will not last forever.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his closest followers shortly before his arrest and crucifixion. He tells them plainly that they will "weep and lament" while "the world shall rejoice," pointing to the coming events of his death, when his enemies will feel victorious. The promise that "your sorrow shall be turned into joy" hints at his resurrection, assuring them that their grief will be replaced by happiness when they see him alive again.

The Greek behind John 16:20

• "Verily, verily" (ἀμὴν ἀμὴν, amēn amēn): This phrase is a strong way of saying, "Truly, truly," emphasizing that what Jesus is about to say is certain and important.
• "Weep" (κλαύσετε, klausete) and "lament" (θρηνήσετε, thrēnēsete): These two words together stress the depth of the disciples' coming grief, not just sadness but open mourning and wailing, the kind shown at funerals.
• "World" (κόσμος, kosmos): Here, "the world" refers to those outside Jesus' group, especially those opposed to him, who will feel relief or even happiness at his death.
• "Turned" (γενήσεται, genēsetai): This word means "to become" or "to be changed into," showing that the sorrow itself will be transformed into joy, not just replaced by it.

Why John 16:20 matters

• John 16:20 clears up that Jesus was not promising his followers an easy path, but was honest about the pain they would soon face, which helps readers understand the reality of Christian experience.
• The verse highlights the sharp contrast between the feelings of Jesus' followers and those of "the world," showing the different reactions to Jesus' death.
• This promise of sorrow turning into joy connects to the resurrection, helping readers see how Jesus prepared his disciples for both suffering and hope, which is a key theme in this part of John's Gospel.