John 16:20 Meaning and 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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus promises that the disciples' grief will give way to joy, a reversal the world cannot understand.
The Context of John 16:20
Jesus is preparing his disciples for his imminent crucifixion, spoken in the upper room during the Last Supper.
What Does John 16:20 Mean?
The disciples cannot imagine what comes next. In three days, Jesus will be arrested, tried, and executed. They will stand at the foot of the cross and watch their Rabbi die. The world, those who reject Jesus, will jeer and feel victorious. But Jesus speaks of a turnaround so complete that sorrow becomes unrecognizable in the face of joy.
We know this pattern. When we cling to Christ through loss, confusion, or failure, we discover that he works through suffering toward something deeper. The pain does not evaporate; rather, it is transfigured. Joy is not the absence of sorrow but its fulfillment, as we see God's hand at work even in darkness. This reversal becomes the signature of resurrection faith.
John 16:20 in the Original Language
metamelomai (metamellomai), 'regret' -- though the text uses 'sorrow,' the Greek threnew means to wail or lament, a visceral grief the disciples will soon experience
How to Apply John 16:20 Today
When we face loss, the promise is not that sorrow disappears immediately but that Christ meets us in it and turns it toward joy. We can trust that our deepest griefs are not abandoned but carried toward resurrection.
Frequently Asked Questions About John 16:20
What does John 16:20 mean?
Jesus promises that the disciples' grief will give way to joy, a reversal the world cannot understand.
What is the context of John 16:20?
Jesus is preparing his disciples for his imminent crucifixion, spoken in the upper room during the Last Supper.
How can I apply John 16:20 today?
When we face loss, the promise is not that sorrow disappears immediately but that Christ meets us in it and turns it toward joy. We can trust that our deepest griefs are not abandoned but carried toward resurrection.