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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 16:21 A 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/16-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/43_Jhn_16_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 16:21 - Grief to Joy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A 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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/john/16-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/john/16-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/john/">John</a> > <a href="/john/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/16-20.htm" title="John 16:20">◄</a> John 16:21 <a href="/john/16-22.htm" title="John 16:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/john/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/john/16.htm">New International Version</a> A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. <a href="/nlt/john/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. <a href="/esv/john/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. <a href="/bsb/john/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> A 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. <a href="/blb/john/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> The woman has pain when she is giving birth, because her hour has come; but when she brings forth the child, she remembers the tribulation no longer, on account of the joy that a man has been born into the world. <a href="/kjv/john/16.htm">King James Bible</a> A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. <a href="/nkjv/john/16.htm">New King James Version</a> A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. <a href="/nasb_/john/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world. <a href="/nasb/john/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world. <a href="/nasb77/john/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Whenever a woman is in travail she has sorrow, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she remembers the anguish no more, for joy that a child has been born into the world. <a href="/lsb/john/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Whenever a woman is in labor she has sorrow, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a child has been born into the world. <a href="/amp/john/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> A woman, when she is in labor, has pain because her time [to give birth] has come; but when she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of her joy that a child has come into the world. <a href="/csb/john/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When a woman is in labor, she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world. <a href="/hcsb/john/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When a woman is in labor she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world. <a href="/asv/john/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but when she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world. <a href="/cev/john/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When a woman is about to give birth, she is in great pain. But after it is all over, she forgets the pain and is happy, because she has brought a child into the world. <a href="/erv/john/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but when she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world. <a href="/gwt/john/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> A woman has pain when her time to give birth comes. But after the child is born, she doesn't remember the pain anymore because she's happy that a child has been brought into the world. <a href="/gnt/john/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> When a woman is about to give birth, she is sad because her hour of suffering has come; but when the baby is born, she forgets her suffering, because she is happy that a baby has been born into the world. <a href="/isv/john/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> When a woman is in labor she has pain, because her time has come. Yet when she has given birth to her child, she doesn't remember the agony anymore because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. <a href="/msb/john/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> A 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. <a href="/net/john/16.htm">NET Bible</a> When a woman gives birth, she has distress because her time has come, but when her child is born, she no longer remembers the suffering because of her joy that a human being has been born into the world. <a href="/nheb/john/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> A woman, when she gives birth, has pain, because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she does not remember the anguish any more, for the joy that a human being is born into the world. <a href="/wbt/john/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. <a href="/wey/john/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> A woman, when she is in labour, has sorrow, because her time has come. But when she has given birth to the babe, she no longer remembers the pain, because of her joy at a child being born into the world. <a href="/web/john/16.htm">World English Bible</a> A woman, when she gives birth, has sorrow because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she doesn’t remember the anguish any more, for the joy that a human being is born into the world. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> The woman, when she may bear, has sorrow, because her hour came, and when she may bear the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, because of the joy that a man was born into the world. <a href="/blb/john/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> The woman has pain when she is giving birth, because her hour has come; but when she brings forth the child, she remembers the tribulation no longer, on account of the joy that a man has been born into the world. <a href="/ylt/john/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'The woman, when she may bear, hath sorrow, because her hour did come, and when she may bear the child, no more doth she remember the anguish, because of the joy that a man was born to the world. <a href="/slt/john/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> A woman when she should bring forth, has grief, because her hour has come: and when the child should be born, she no more remembers the anguish, for the joy that a man was born into the world.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> A woman, when she is in labour, hath sorrow, because her hour is come; but when she hath brought forth the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. <a href="/cpdv/john/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> A woman, when she is giving birth, has sorrow, because her hour has arrived. But when she has given birth to the child, then she no longer remembers the difficulties, because of the joy: for a man has been born into the world. <a href="/nabre/john/16.htm">New American Bible</a> When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. <a href="/nrsvce/john/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When a woman is in labor, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> When a woman is in travail, she is depressed, because her day has arrived; but when she has given birth to a son, she no longer remembers her troubles, because of the joy that a male child is born into the world. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/16.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because the day for her delivery has arrived, but when she has delivered a son, she does not remember the distress for the joy that a son has been born into the world.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow, be cause her hour has come; but when the child is born, she no longer remembers the pain, for joy that a man is born into the world. <a href="/godbey/john/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>When a woman may bring forth she has sorrow, because her hour has come: but when the little child may be born, she remembers her suffering no more, for the joy that a man has been born into the world.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but when the little son is born, she no more remembers the anguish, for joy that a man is brought into the world. <a href="/mace/john/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a> a woman when she is in travail, is afflicted at the approach of her pains: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, the remembrance of her anguish, is lost in her joy, that a man is born into the world. <a href="/wey/john/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> A woman, when she is in labour, has sorrow, because her time has come. But when she has given birth to the babe, she no longer remembers the pain, because of her joy at a child being born into the world. <a href="/worrell/john/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>A woman, when she is in travail, has sorrow, because her hour came; but, when she bears the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, because of the joy that a man was born into the world.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>A woman when she is in labor, hath sorrow, because her hour is come; but when she is delivered of the child, she thinks no more of the anguish, for joy, that a man is born into the world.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/16-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=5836" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/16.htm">Grief to Joy</a> …20Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1135.htm" title="1135: gynē (N-NFS) -- A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.">A woman</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echei (V-PIA-3S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">has</a> <a href="/greek/3077.htm" title="3077: lypēn (N-AFS) -- Pain, grief, sorrow, affliction. Apparently a primary word; sadness.">pain</a> <a href="/greek/3752.htm" title="3752: hotan (Conj) -- When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as."></a> <a href="/greek/5088.htm" title="5088: tiktē (V-PSA-3S) -- A strengthened form of a primary teko tek'-o; to produce, literally or figuratively.">in childbirth</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autēs (PPro-GF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">her</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5610.htm" title="5610: hōra (N-NFS) -- Apparently a primary word; an hour.">time</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: ēlthen (V-AIA-3S) -- To come, go. ">has come;</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3752.htm" title="3752: hotan (Conj) -- When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.">when</a> <a href="/greek/1080.htm" title="1080: gennēsē (V-ASA-3S) -- From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.">she brings forth</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">her</a> <a href="/greek/3813.htm" title="3813: paidion (N-ANS) -- Neuter diminutive of pais; a childling, i.e., an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian.">child,</a> <a href="/greek/3421.htm" title="3421: mnēmoneuei (V-PIA-3S) -- From a derivative of mneme; to exercise memory, i.e. Recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse.">she forgets</a> <a href="/greek/3765.htm" title="3765: ouketi (Adv) -- No longer, no more. Also ouk eti from ou and eti; not yet, no longer."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">her</a> <a href="/greek/2347.htm" title="2347: thlipseōs (N-GFS) -- Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure.">anguish</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">because of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">her</a> <a href="/greek/5479.htm" title="5479: charan (N-AFS) -- Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.">joy</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpos (N-NMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">a child</a> <a href="/greek/1080.htm" title="1080: egennēthē (V-AIP-3S) -- From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.">has been born</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">into</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2889.htm" title="2889: kosmon (N-AMS) -- Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).">world.</a> 22So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/26-17.htm">Isaiah 26:17</a> As a woman with child about to give birth writhes and cries out in pain, so were we in Your presence, O LORD. <a href="/isaiah/66-7.htm">Isaiah 66:7-9</a> “Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before she was in pain, she delivered a boy. / Who has heard of such as this? Who has seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be delivered in an instant? Yet as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children. / Shall I bring a baby to the point of birth and not deliver it?” says the LORD. “Or will I who deliver close the womb?” says your God. <a href="/micah/4-9.htm">Micah 4:9-10</a> Why do you now cry aloud? Is there no king among you? Has your counselor perished so that anguish grips you like a woman in labor? / Writhe in agony, O Daughter of Zion, like a woman in labor. For now you will leave the city and camp in the open fields. You will go to Babylon; there you will be rescued; there the LORD will redeem you from the hand of your enemies! <a href="/genesis/3-16.htm">Genesis 3:16</a> To the woman He said: “I will sharply increase your pain in childbirth; in pain you will bring forth children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” <a href="/jeremiah/30-6.htm">Jeremiah 30:6</a> Ask now, and see: Can a male give birth? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor and every face turned pale? <a href="/hosea/13-13.htm">Hosea 13:13</a> Labor pains come upon him, but he is an unwise son. When the time arrives, he fails to present himself at the opening of the womb. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:3</a> While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. <a href="/romans/8-22.htm">Romans 8:22</a> We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. <a href="/galatians/4-19.htm">Galatians 4:19</a> My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, <a href="/revelation/12-2.htm">Revelation 12:2</a> She was pregnant and crying out in the pain and agony of giving birth. <a href="/matthew/24-8.htm">Matthew 24:8</a> All these are the beginning of birth pains. <a href="/mark/13-8.htm">Mark 13:8</a> Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. <a href="/john/3-3.htm">John 3:3-6</a> Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” / “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?” / Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. ... <a href="/john/7-33.htm">John 7:33-34</a> So Jesus said, “I am with you only a little while longer, and then I am going to the One who sent Me. / You will look for Me, but you will not find Me; and where I am, you cannot come.” <a href="/john/14-18.htm">John 14:18-20</a> I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. / In a little while the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live. / On that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>A woman when she is in travail has sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembers no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.woman.<a href="/genesis/3-16.htm">Genesis 3:16</a> Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.<a href="/isaiah/26-16.htm">Isaiah 26:16-18</a> LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them… <a href="/jeremiah/30-6.htm">Jeremiah 30:6,7</a> Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness? … for.<a href="/genesis/21-6.htm">Genesis 21:6,7</a> And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me… <a href="/genesis/30-23.htm">Genesis 30:23,24</a> And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach: … <a href="/1_samuel/1-26.htm">1 Samuel 1:26,27</a> And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/16-15.htm">Account</a> <a href="/luke/21-25.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/luke/2-16.htm">Babe</a> <a href="/luke/21-23.htm">Baby</a> <a href="/john/16-12.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/john/9-34.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/john/9-34.htm">Born</a> <a href="/john/8-47.htm">Child</a> <a href="/john/13-11.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-17.htm">Forgets</a> <a href="/john/15-13.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/john/16-4.htm">Hour</a> <a href="/john/8-15.htm">Human</a> <a href="/john/16-20.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/luke/16-3.htm">Labour</a> <a href="/john/16-4.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-9.htm">Remembereth</a> <a href="/nahum/2-5.htm">Remembers</a> <a href="/john/13-30.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/john/16-20.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/john/16-19.htm">Time</a> <a href="/mark/13-8.htm">Travail</a> <a href="/john/12-27.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/john/16-20.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/19-11.htm">Account</a> <a href="/romans/2-9.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-11.htm">Babe</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-13.htm">Baby</a> <a href="/john/17-11.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/acts/3-2.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/john/18-37.htm">Born</a> <a href="/acts/3-26.htm">Child</a> <a href="/john/18-2.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/james/1-24.htm">Forgets</a> <a href="/john/16-27.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/john/16-25.htm">Hour</a> <a href="/acts/5-38.htm">Human</a> <a href="/john/16-22.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">Labour</a> <a href="/john/16-32.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-15.htm">Remembereth</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-15.htm">Remembers</a> <a href="/john/18-6.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/john/16-22.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/john/16-25.htm">Time</a> <a href="/romans/8-22.htm">Travail</a> <a href="/john/16-33.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/john/16-28.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">John 16</div>1. <a href="/john/16-1.htm">Jesus comforts his disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit, and his ascension;</a> 23. <a href="/john/16-23.htm">assures their prayers made in his name to be acceptable.</a> 33. <a href="/john/16-33.htm">Peace in Jesus, and in the world affliction.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>A woman has pain in childbirth This phrase reflects the universal experience of childbirth, which is often associated with significant pain and labor. Biblically, this pain is rooted in <a href="/genesis/3-16.htm">Genesis 3:16</a>, where God tells Eve that her pain in childbearing will be greatly increased as a consequence of the Fall. This serves as a reminder of the brokenness introduced into the world through sin. The imagery of childbirth is frequently used in Scripture to describe times of suffering that lead to new beginnings or deliverance (<a href="/isaiah/26-17.htm">Isaiah 26:17-18</a>, <a href="/romans/8-22.htm">Romans 8:22</a>).because her time has come; The phrase "her time has come" indicates the inevitability and appointed nature of childbirth. In biblical terms, it can also symbolize the fulfillment of God's timing and purposes. <a href="/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:1</a> speaks of a time for every purpose under heaven, and this aligns with the idea that God has a sovereign plan for all events, including the trials and pains we endure.but when she brings forth her child, This part of the verse highlights the transition from pain to joy. The act of bringing forth a child is a moment of fulfillment and culmination. In a broader biblical context, it can be seen as a metaphor for the coming of God's kingdom or the fulfillment of His promises, where initial suffering gives way to ultimate joy and redemption (<a href="/isaiah/66-7.htm">Isaiah 66:7-9</a>).she forgets her anguish The forgetting of anguish signifies the overwhelming joy that overshadows previous suffering. This reflects the biblical theme of redemption and restoration, where God turns mourning into joy (<a href="/psalms/30-11.htm">Psalm 30:11</a>, <a href="/isaiah/61-3.htm">Isaiah 61:3</a>). It also points to the hope and assurance that believers have in Christ, that present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed (<a href="/romans/8-18.htm">Romans 8:18</a>).because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. The birth of a child brings immense joy and is a cause for celebration. In the biblical narrative, the birth of a child often signifies hope and the continuation of God's promises, as seen in the births of Isaac, Samuel, and ultimately Jesus Christ. The joy of new life is a powerful image of the new life believers have in Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to bring salvation to the world (<a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>, <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, providing comfort and teaching to His disciples about the coming trials and the joy that will follow. 2. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, who are being prepared for the sorrow of His crucifixion and the subsequent joy of His resurrection. 3. <a href="/topical/c/childbirth.htm">Childbirth</a> Used as a metaphor for the pain and subsequent joy that the disciples will experience, symbolizing the transition from sorrow to joy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_suffering_and_joy.htm">Understanding Suffering and Joy</a> Just as childbirth involves pain followed by joy, Christians can expect that their current sufferings will lead to future joy. This perspective helps believers endure trials with hope. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_pain_in_spiritual_growth.htm">The Role of Pain in Spiritual Growth</a> Pain and suffering can be transformative, leading to spiritual maturity and deeper faith. Believers are encouraged to view their trials as opportunities for growth. <a href="/topical/j/joy_in_the_resurrection.htm">Joy in the Resurrection</a> The ultimate joy for Christians is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which assures them of victory over sin and death. This joy is a source of strength and hope in times of trouble. <a href="/topical/t/the_temporary_nature_of_suffering.htm">The Temporary Nature of Suffering</a> Just as a mother's pain in childbirth is temporary, so too are the sufferings of this world. Believers are reminded to focus on the eternal joy that awaits them. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_community.htm">Encouragement in Community</a> Just as a mother shares her joy with others when a child is born, Christians are encouraged to share their joys and burdens within the community of faith, supporting one another through trials.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 16</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_childbirth_pain.htm">What does the Bible say about childbirth pain relief?</a> <a href="/q/order_of_jesus'_disciples'_calling.htm">What does 'travail' mean in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'travail'_mean_in_the_bible.htm">What does "travail" mean in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_believers_still_suffer_long.htm">Psalm 30:11-12: If mourning is truly turned to dancing, why do faithful believers throughout history often remain in prolonged suffering?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow.--The Greek is more exactly, the woman . . . hath pangs--that is, "the woman in the well-known illustration." (See Note on <a href="/john/15-15.htm" title="From now on I call you not servants; for the servant knows not what his lord does: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known to you.">John 15:15</a>.) This figure was of frequent use in the prophets. (Comp. <a href="/isaiah/21-3.htm" title="Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold on me, as the pangs of a woman that travails: I was bowed down at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it.">Isaiah 21:3</a>; <a href="/context/isaiah/26-17.htm" title="Like as a woman with child, that draws near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and cries out in her pangs; so have we been in your sight, O LORD.">Isaiah 26:17-18</a>, and especially <a href="/context/isaiah/66-7.htm" title="Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.">Isaiah 66:7-8</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/4-31.htm" title="For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that brings forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that mourns herself, that spreads her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.">Jeremiah 4:31</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/22-23.htm" title="O inhabitant of Lebanon, that make your nest in the cedars, how gracious shall you be when pangs come on you, the pain as of a woman in travail!">Jeremiah 22:23</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/30-6.htm" title="Ask you now, and see whether a man does travail with child? why do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?">Jeremiah 30:6</a>; <a href="/context/hosea/13-13.htm" title="The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come on him: he is an unwise son; for he should not stay long in the place of the breaking forth of children.">Hosea 13:13-14</a>; <a href="/context/micah/4-9.htm" title="Now why do you cry out aloud? is there no king in you? is your counselor perished? for pangs have taken you as a woman in travail.">Micah 4:9-10</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - The next illustration is very remarkable, and surely cannot be a simple analogy of the supervening of joy on sorrow. The woman (the article does not point to any special γυνή, but refers to a universal fact and law of womanhood, cf. ὁ δοῦλος, <a href="/john/15-15.htm">John 15:15</a>) when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come. So now there are the travail-pangs of the new humanity, the new theocracy, bitter and terrible, But as soon as she has brought forth the child, she remembereth no longer the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world. The old prophets often compared the grief of Israel or her peril to the pangs of a travailing woman preluding deliverance (<a href="/isaiah/21-3.htm">Isaiah 21:3</a>; <a href="/isaiah/26-17.htm">Isaiah 26:17</a>; <a href="/isaiah/66-6.htm">Isaiah 66:6, 7</a>; <a href="/hosea/13-13.htm">Hosea 13:13</a>) and even joy - the joy of bringing manhood into the world and the new consciousness of maternity. Meyer and others rebel against any meaning beyond that of the following of joy upon sorrow; but Tholuck, De Wette, Ebrard, and Moulton see here the obvious reference to those "travail-pangs of death" with which St. Peter (<a href="/acts/3-24.htm">Acts 3:24</a>) said that the Holy One could not be restrained, agonies in which for a while every apostle must have wept and lamented, dying and being crucified with him, and to the glorious deliverance of all who suffered with him, when they live again in newness of life by the power of his resurrection. <a href="/commentaries/john/16-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>A woman γυνὴ (gynē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1135.htm">Strong's 1135: </a> A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife. has ἔχει (echei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. pain λύπην (lypēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3077.htm">Strong's 3077: </a> Pain, grief, sorrow, affliction. Apparently a primary word; sadness. in childbirth τίκτῃ (tiktē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5088.htm">Strong's 5088: </a> A strengthened form of a primary teko tek'-o; to produce, literally or figuratively. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. her αὐτῆς (autēs) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. time ὥρα (hōra) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5610.htm">Strong's 5610: </a> Apparently a primary word; an 'hour'. has come; ἦλθεν (ēlthen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. when ὅταν (hotan) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3752.htm">Strong's 3752: </a> When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as. she brings forth γεννήσῃ (gennēsē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1080.htm">Strong's 1080: </a> From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate. [her] τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. child, παιδίον (paidion) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3813.htm">Strong's 3813: </a> Neuter diminutive of pais; a childling, i.e., an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian. she forgets μνημονεύει (mnēmoneuei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3421.htm">Strong's 3421: </a> From a derivative of mneme; to exercise memory, i.e. Recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse. [her] τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. anguish θλίψεως (thlipseōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2347.htm">Strong's 2347: </a> Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure. because of διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. [her] τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. joy χαρὰν (charan) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5479.htm">Strong's 5479: </a> Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. a child ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. has been born ἐγεννήθη (egennēthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1080.htm">Strong's 1080: </a> From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate. into εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. world. κόσμον (kosmon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2889.htm">Strong's 2889: </a> Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/16-21.htm">John 16:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/16-21.htm">John 16:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/16-21.htm">John 16:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/16-21.htm">John 16:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/16-21.htm">John 16:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/16-21.htm">John 16:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/16-21.htm">John 16:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/16-21.htm">John 16:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/16-21.htm">John 16:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/16-21.htm">John 16:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/16-21.htm">NT Gospels: John 16:21 A woman when she gives birth has (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/16-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 16:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 16:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/16-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 16:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 16:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>