What does John 16:20 mean?

Explanation

"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," is a verse from the Gospel of John that presents Jesus' prophetic words to His disciples.

Here, He foretells the emotional rollercoaster that the disciples will experience.

The phrase "verily, verily" (truly, truly) is a rhetorical technique used by Jesus to emphasize the certainty and importance of His statement.

Jesus predicts that while His followers will experience deep grief and lament, likely referring to His impending crucifixion, the world, which does not recognize Him, will seem to be rejoicing.

However, the promise segues into hope, with Jesus assuring the disciples that their sorrow will ultimately be transformed into joy, a reference to His resurrection and the coming redemptive work.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Farewell Discourse in John's Gospel, a series of chapters (John 14-17) where Jesus speaks to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion.

He prepares them for His departure and promises the coming of the Holy Spirit.

The disciples are aware of the growing tensions between Jesus and the religious authorities; hence, they might have been apprehensive about the future.

This historical context is significant as it directly relates to the contrast between Christian suffering due to Jesus' crucifixion and the rejoicing because of His resurrection.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse captures the essence of the Paschal Mystery, the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ.

It reflects the concept of "already, but not yet," where the redemption promised by God is already initiated but not yet fully realized.

The transformation of sorrow into joy is also a metaphor for the Christian experience of salvation and the hope of eternal life after struggles and trials on earth.

Practical Applications

In contemporary terms, this verse can be seen as an encouragement to those experiencing difficulties, offering a reminder that joy can emerge from sorrow.

It can be applied to personal struggles, reminding individuals that their current suffering is temporary and may lead to personal growth and eventual happiness.

Further, it encourages believers to have faith and maintain hope during times of adversity.

Cross-References

• John 16:22: "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."
• Revelation 21:4: "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
• Romans 8:18: "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text include:

• "weep" (κλαύσετε - klausete): To weep or cry intensely.
• "lament" (θρηνήσετε - thrēnēsete): To mourn or express deep sorrow.
• "rejoice" (χαρήσεται - charēsetai): To be glad or joyful.
• "sorrow" (λύπη - lypē): Pain of mind, grief, or distress.
• "joy" (χαρά - chara): Gladness, joy, a state of happiness.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient religions and myths, the theme of sorrow turning into joy can be found, such as in the stories of the dying and rising deities like Osiris in Egyptian mythology or Dionysus in Greek mythology.

These stories often reflect agricultural cycles of death and rebirth which were then applied metaphorically to human experiences.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, there is vast research on the psychological processes of coping with grief and how resilience can lead individuals to recover and find joy after trauma.

The concept of post-traumatic growth reflects this transformation from sorrow to joy and aligns with the core message of the verse, demonstrating that experiences of profound change are not only a religious or spiritual journey but also a human psychological one.

Commentaries

Commentators on this verse offer a range of insights:

• Matthew Henry emphasizes the transient nature of Christian sorrow compared to the eternal joy in Christ.
• William Barclay notes the inevitability of cross-bearing before crown-wearing, pointing out the necessity of suffering before glory.
• F.F.

Bruce relates the passage to the sorrow the disciples experienced during Jesus' death and the joy of the resurrection.

• Many modern commentaries focus on the pastoral aspect of the verse, offering it as comfort to believers in times of distress, ensuring them that their trials have a purpose and will lead to greater joy.