What does John 16:21 mean?

Explanation

John 16:21 compares the pain of childbirth with the suffering experienced by the disciples, suggesting that anguish will be transformed into joy.

Here, the woman in travail represents someone undergoing a period of intense pain and suffering.

The 'hour' refers to the appointed time for the birth to occur, which is filled with sorrow and pain.

However, once the child is born, the woman's sorrow is replaced with joy.

In a similar way, the verse suggests that although the disciples will face hardships, particularly in the context of Jesus's impending death, the sorrow they experience will be replaced with a profound joy that cannot be taken from them.

The "man is born into the world" can be seen as a reference to the birth of new believers or the resurrection of Christ, which brings joy to the followers of Jesus.

Historical Context

John 16:21 is part of the Farewell Discourse in the Gospel of John, chapters 14-17, where Jesus speaks to his disciples on the eve of his crucifixion.

During this time, he prepares them for his departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

The audience is the group of Jesus's closest followers in a first-century Jewish-Roman context.

They are about to go through an incredibly traumatic event with the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus.

This verse seeks to comfort them by providing a metaphor that would be well understood in that time, as childbirth was a common, significant, and often dangerous event.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse offers several insights.

From a traditional Christian perspective, the pain experienced by the woman in travail is often likened to the suffering and persecution experienced by the followers of Christ.

The subsequent joy reflects the resurrection, the establishment of the Church, the spread of the Gospel, or the inner peace brought by the Holy Spirit.

Some theologians might interpret this as a prefiguration of the pain and suffering that will come with the "end times" followed by the joy of salvation and eternal life.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, John 16:21 can inspire believers to maintain hope and faith during difficult times, knowing that suffering is temporary and joy will follow.

This perspective can be applied in many of life's challenges, offering a framework to understand and navigate through periods of hardship with the expectation that joy is on the other side, whether it be personal growth, strengthened faith, or a deeper sense of comfort and purpose.

Cross-References

• 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."
• 1 Peter 1:6-7: "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."
• 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."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word "woman" is translated from "gynē," which literally means "a woman or wife." "Travail" comes from the Greek word "ōdinō," referring to the pain of childbirth.

"Sorrow" is translated from "lypē," meaning grief or sadness.

"Delivered" comes from "tiktō," which quite literally means to give birth. This language reinforces the immediacy and intensity of the experience being discussed.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The metaphor of childbirth is one that appears in numerous cultural and religious contexts as a symbol of transformation and renewal.

For instance, in Hinduism, the god Brahma is said to be born from a lotus that springs from the navel of the god Vishnu, symbolizing the birth of the universe.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, the birth of the sun god every morning is a time of joy and celebration. These stories, like John 16:21, use the imagery of birth to signify a new beginning and profound transformation.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the process of childbirth is now well understood.

The pain of labor is due to uterine contractions and pressure on the cervix.

Endorphins and other chemicals are released during childbirth, which may contribute to the rapid shift from pain to joy described in the verse.

Psychological factors also play a role in postpartum emotions; the initial bonding with the newborn can contribute to a sense of intense joy and fulfillment after the ordeal of childbirth, reflecting the psychological truth behind the metaphor.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians consider John 16:21 as pivotal in understanding Christian eschatology and hope.

Matthew Henry's Commentary speaks to the joy that succeeds the sorrows of saints, interpreting it as the world's joy being superficial compared to true joy in Christ.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary relates it directly to Jesus' resurrection as a transformative event, pointing out how Jesus prepares the disciples for their pain to turn into joy.

Similarly, the John MacArthur Study Bible focuses on the certainty of Christian joy and its divine nature, suggesting an inevitable transition from temporary affliction to eternal pleasure.