John 16:20

I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will turn into joy.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

19Jesus realized that they wanted to ask him about this. So he asked them, “Are you wondering about my comment, ‘In a little while you won't see me, but a little while after that you will see me’?

21A woman in labor suffers pain because her time has come, but once the baby is born, she forgets the agony because of the joy that a child has been brought into the world.

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Cross References

Job 20:5that the triumph of the wicked doesn't last long, that those who reject God are only happy for a short time?

Psalms 30:11You have turned my weeping into dancing. You have taken off my clothes of sackcloth and dressed me in happiness,

Psalms 97:11Light shines on those who do good, giving joy to those who live right.

Isaiah 12:1At that time you will say, “I will praise you, Lord! Though you were angry with me, your anger is over, and now you comfort me.

Isaiah 61:3The Lord will give to everyone who mourns in Zion a crown instead of ashes on their head, the oil of happiness instead of mourning, clothes of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of integrity, planted by the Lord to reveal his glory.

Jeremiah 31:9They will come back with tears in their eyes, and they will be praying as I take them home. I will lead them beside streams of waters, on level paths where they won't stumble. For I am Israel's Father; Ephraim is my firstborn.

Matthew Henry on John 16:17-23

Christ's Departure and Return; Sorrow and Joy Foretold. 16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. 17 Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? 18 They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith. 19 Now Jesus knew that they were… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

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