New International VersionVery truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
New Living TranslationI tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy.
English Standard VersionTruly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.
Berean Standard BibleTruly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
Berean Literal BibleTruly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and will lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be grieved, but your grief will turn to joy.
King James BibleVerily, 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.
New King James VersionMost assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
New American Standard BibleTruly, truly I say to you that you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy!
NASB 1995“Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy.
NASB 1977“Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned to joy.
Legacy Standard BibleTruly, truly, I say to you, that you will cry and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
Amplified BibleI assure you and most solemnly say to you, that you will weep and grieve [in great mourning], but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
Christian Standard BibleTruly I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy.
Holman Christian Standard Bible“I assure you: You will weep and wail, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy.
American Standard VersionVerily, 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.
Contemporary English VersionI tell you for certain that you will cry and be sad, but the world will be happy. You will be sad, but later you will be happy.
English Revised VersionVerily, 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.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI can guarantee this truth: You will cry because you are sad, but the world will be happy. You will feel pain, but your pain will turn to happiness.
Good News TranslationI am telling you the truth: you will cry and weep, but the world will be glad; you will be sad, but your sadness will turn into gladness.
International Standard VersionTruly, I tell all of you emphatically, you'll cry and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You'll be deeply distressed, but your pain will turn into joy.
NET BibleI tell you the solemn truth, you will weep and wail, but the world will rejoice; you will be sad, but your sadness will turn into joy.
New Heart English BibleTruly, truly, I tell you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
Webster's Bible TranslationVerily, verily, I say to you, that ye will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice: and ye will be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Weymouth New TestamentIn most solemn truth I tell you that you will weep aloud and lament, but the world will be glad. You will mourn, but your grief will be turned into gladness. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTruly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
World English BibleMost certainly I tell you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionTruly, truly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, and the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will become joy.
Berean Literal BibleTruly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and will lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be grieved, but your grief will turn to joy.
Young's Literal Translation verily, verily, I say to you, that ye shall weep and lament, and the world will rejoice; and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow joy will become.
Smith's Literal TranslationTruly, truly, I say to you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be grieved, but your grief shall be into joy. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAmen, amen I say to you, that you shall lament and weep, but the world shall rejoice; and you shall be made sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAmen, amen, I say to you, that you shall mourn and weep, but the world will rejoice. And you shall be greatly saddened, yet your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
New American BibleAmen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.
New Revised Standard VersionVery truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTruly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and wail, and yet the world will rejoice; and you will be sad, but your sadness will be changed into gladness.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“Timeless truth, I speak to you: you shall weep and mourn and the world will rejoice, and you will have sorrow, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentVerily, verily I say to you, you shall weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Godbey New TestamentTruly, truly, I say unto you, that you will weep and mourn, and the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
Haweis New Testament
Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be very sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Mace New Testament
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.
Weymouth New Testament
In most solemn truth I tell you that you will weep aloud and lament, but the world will be glad. You will mourn, but your grief will be turned into gladness.
Worrell New Testament
Verily, verily, I say to you, that ye will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice: ye will be made sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
Worsley New Testament
Verily I tell 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.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Grief to Joy… 19Aware that they wanted to question Him, Jesus said to them, “Are you asking one another why I said, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’? 20Truly,truly,I tellyou,youwill weepandwailwhiletheworldrejoices.Youwill grieve,butyourgriefwill turntojoy.21A 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.…
Cross References Psalm 30:5For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Isaiah 61:3to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
Isaiah 66:14When you see, you will rejoice, and you will flourish like grass; then the hand of the LORD will be revealed to His servants, but His wrath will be shown to His enemies.
Jeremiah 31:13Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow.
Ecclesiastes 3:4a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
Psalm 126:5-6Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. / He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.
Isaiah 35:10So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.
Isaiah 51:11So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.
Matthew 5:4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 9:15Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while He is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
Luke 6:21Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Luke 23:27-28A great number of people followed Him, including women who kept mourning and wailing for Him. / But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
John 14:1“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well.
John 15:11I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
John 20:20After He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Treasury of Scripture Truly, truly, I say to you, That you shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and you shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. That. John 16:6,33 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart… John 19:25-27 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary thewife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene… Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept. but the. Job 20:5 That the triumphing of the wickedis short, and the joy of the hypocritebut for a moment? Matthew 21:38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. Matthew 27:39-44,62-66 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, … your. Psalm 30:5,11 For his angerendureth but a moment; in his favouris life: weeping may endure for a night, but joycometh in the morning… Psalm 40:1-3 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry… Psalm 97:11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Jump to Previous AloudGladGladnessGriefGrieveGrievedJoyLamentMournRejoiceRejoicesSolemnSorrowSorrowfulTruthTurnedVerilyWeepWeepingWorldJump to Next AloudGladGladnessGriefGrieveGrievedJoyLamentMournRejoiceRejoicesSolemnSorrowSorrowfulTruthTurnedVerilyWeepWeepingWorldJohn 16 1.Jesus comforts his disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit, and his ascension;23.assures their prayers made in his name to be acceptable.33.Peace in Jesus, and in the world affliction.Truly, truly, I tell youThis phrase, often translated as "Amen, amen, I say to you," is a solemn affirmation used by Jesus to emphasize the truth and importance of His statement. It is a unique feature of Jesus' teaching style, underscoring the certainty and authority of His words. In the Jewish context, "Amen" is a declaration of affirmation, and its repetition signifies the gravity of the message. you will weep and wail
This prediction of sorrow refers to the imminent crucifixion of Jesus, which would cause deep mourning among His disciples. The terms "weep" and "wail" indicate intense emotional distress, common expressions of grief in Jewish culture, often associated with mourning rituals. The disciples' sorrow is both personal and communal, reflecting their loss and the apparent defeat of their hopes. while the world rejoices
The "world" here represents those opposed to Jesus, including the religious leaders and others who saw His death as a victory. This contrast highlights the differing perspectives between the followers of Christ and those who reject Him. The rejoicing of the world is temporary and misguided, rooted in a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and the nature of His kingdom. You will grieve
The grief of the disciples is profound, stemming from their love for Jesus and the shattering of their expectations. This grief is not only emotional but also spiritual, as they grapple with the apparent failure of the Messiah's mission. The use of the future tense indicates that this grief is certain and unavoidable, part of the necessary process of transformation. but your grief will turn to joy
This promise of transformation is central to the Christian message of hope and resurrection. The disciples' sorrow will be reversed through the resurrection of Jesus, which will bring a deeper understanding of His victory over sin and death. This joy is not merely the absence of sorrow but a profound, enduring state rooted in the reality of the risen Christ. It echoes the prophetic promises of joy following suffering found in the Old Testament, such as inIsaiah 61:3, and prefigures the ultimate joy of eternal life with God. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, providing comfort and prophecy to His disciples about the events that will soon unfold. 2. The DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' words, who will experience sorrow at His crucifixion but later joy at His resurrection. 3. The WorldRepresents those who are opposed to Jesus and His message, who will rejoice at His apparent defeat. 4. The Crucifixion and ResurrectionThe pivotal events that bring about the disciples' sorrow and subsequent joy. 5. The Upper Room DiscourseThe setting of this teaching, where Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure. Teaching Points Understanding Sorrow and JoyRecognize that Christian life involves both sorrow and joy. Sorrow is often temporary and can lead to a deeper, more profound joy. The Role of PerspectiveOur perspective on suffering can change when we understand God's greater plan. The disciples' grief was real, but it was not the end of the account. Joy in Christ's VictoryThe resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate source of joy for believers, affirming that death and sorrow do not have the final word. Endurance Through TrialsBelievers are called to endure trials with the hope of future joy, trusting in God's promises and faithfulness. Witnessing to the WorldOur response to sorrow and joy can be a powerful testimony to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from John 16
What did Jesus mean by "I have overcome the world"?
In James 1:2–4, how can someone realistically find joy in trials, especially when facing severe trauma or suffering?
When Jesus says in John 16:16 that his followers “will see” him after “a little while,” why has the second coming not happened given nearly two thousand years have passed?
Psalm 30:11–12: If mourning is truly turned to dancing, why do faithful believers throughout history often remain in prolonged suffering?(20) Verily, verily, I say unto you.--Comp. Note on John 1:51. That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice.--Comp.John 20:11, andLuke 23:27. In the original the contrast between the sorrow of the disciples and the joy of the world is rendered the more striking by the order of the words, "Weep and lament shallye, but the world shall rejoice." The tears and the scoffs at the cross were the accomplishment of this prophecy. And ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.--The expression is a full one. It is not simply that they shall pass from sorrow to joy, but that the sorrow itself shall become joy. They will rejoice in the presence of the Lord, when after a little while they will see Him and will feel that the separation necessarily went before the union, and that the sorrow was itself a matter of joy because it was the necessary cause of the joy (John 16:7, andJohn 20:20). . . . Verse 20. - There is no exact or categoric reply to the very inquiry which he has heard and cited, but there is more of prophecy and help than if he had said, "Tomorrow I die and shall be laid in the grave, and on the third day I shall rise again." He had often said this, and they refused to understand. It was not merely a resurrection of the body, but the glorification in the Father of his entire Personality, for which he wished them to be prepared. A simple restoration like that of Lazarus would not have secured him from the malice of those who sought to put Lazarus also to death. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that weep and lament you shall, and the world shall rejoice. Here is his own account of the effect upon them of that he said, "A little while," and you will behold me, as you think, no more. The world will rejoice, because to some extent it will be the world's doing, and it will fancy for a little while that it has got its way and succeeded excellently well The world will roll a stone to his sepulcher, and make it as sure as they can, sealing the stone and setting a watch. Pharisaism will exult that this demand for a higher righteousness than its own is for ever hushed; Sadduceeism will rejoice that this troublesome witness to unseen and eternal things is silenced; the hierarchy will boast that now no danger prevails of the Romans taking away their place and nation; the world will praise the deed of blood; but all this rejoicing will last "a little while." Christ reaffirms their grief, and even for "a little while" justifies it, so long as they can hear the jubilate of the world over their personal burden of unutterable sorrow. He continues: You shall be sorrowful, but in a little while your sorrow shall be ( ἐγένετο εἰς, Acts 4:11; Acts 5:36) turned into joy. Clearly because "you shall see me." It cannot be said that our Lord here positively asserts his resurrection; but when we remember how "the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord," how Mary ran "with great joy to bring his disciples word," we feel that here was the simple solution of the mystery, and that our Lord's intercourse with them in his resurrection-body was the great prelibation of the method of his continuous abiding with them in the power of his Spirit and the glorification of his body - we cannot doubt that this was his meaning and the purpose of the evangelist in recording it.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Truly,ἀμὴν(amēn)Hebrew Word
Strong's 281:Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.truly,ἀμὴν(amēn)Hebrew Word
Strong's 281:Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.I tellλέγω(legō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.you,ὑμῖν(hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.youὑμεῖς(hymeis)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.will weepκλαύσετε(klausete)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2799:To weep, weep for, mourn, lament. Of uncertain affinity; to sob, i.e. Wail aloud.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.wailθρηνήσετε(thrēnēsete)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2354:Intrans: I lament, wail; trans: I bewail. From threnos; to bewail.[while]δὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.worldκόσμος(kosmos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889:Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).rejoices.χαρήσεται(charēsetai)Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5463:A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.Youὑμεῖς(hymeis)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.will grieve,λυπηθήσεσθε(lypēthēsesthe)Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3076:To pain, grieve, vex. From lupe; to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad.butἀλλ’(all’)Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.yourὑμῶν(hymōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.griefλύπη(lypē)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3077:Pain, grief, sorrow, affliction. Apparently a primary word; sadness.will turnγενήσεται(genēsetai)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.toεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.joy.χαρὰν(charan)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5479:Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.
Links John 16:20 NIVJohn 16:20 NLTJohn 16:20 ESVJohn 16:20 NASBJohn 16:20 KJV
John 16:20 BibleApps.comJohn 16:20 Biblia ParalelaJohn 16:20 Chinese BibleJohn 16:20 French BibleJohn 16:20 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: John 16:20 Most certainly I tell you that you (Jhn Jo Jn) |
