And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

JOHN 16:22KJV
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John 16:22 (KJV)

What does John 16:22 mean?

John 16:22 describes how Jesus tells his disciples that, although they are now sad, he will see them again, and their hearts will be filled with a joy that no one can take away. This verse promises a lasting happiness that comes from being reunited with Jesus after a time of sorrow.

Jesus is speaking to his closest followers shortly before his arrest and crucifixion. He acknowledges their present grief, knowing they will soon witness his suffering and death. However, he assures them that this sorrow will turn into deep, unshakeable joy when they see him again, pointing ahead to his resurrection and the comfort it will bring.

The Greek behind John 16:22

  • The word χαίρω (chairō, "rejoice") is used for the kind of joy that fills the heart, not just a passing happiness. Here, it highlights a deep, lasting gladness that comes from seeing Jesus again.
  • The word χαρά (chara, "joy") is the noun form and emphasizes a joy that is not dependent on circumstances—Jesus says "your joy no man taketh from you," stressing its permanence.
  • The phrase "no man taketh" uses the Greek word αἴρω (airō, "take away" or "remove"), showing that this joy is secure and cannot be stolen or lost through outside events.

Why John 16:22 matters

  • John 16:22 clarifies that the joy Jesus offers is not temporary or fragile, but something that endures even through hardship and loss.
  • This verse connects the disciples’ immediate sorrow with the greater hope of resurrection, helping readers see how moments of pain can lead to deeper, lasting joy.
  • It highlights a key theme in Jesus’ teaching: the transformation of grief into joy through his presence, which shapes the hope and outlook of his followers.

Where else these words appear

“sorrow” Greek G3077 · used in 14 verses

  • Luke 22:45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
  • Romans 9:2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

“see” Greek G3700 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
  • Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
  • Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

“joy” Greek G5479 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 16:21 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.
  • Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

“rejoice” Greek G5463 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.