John 16:17-24 · Bible study
John 16:17-24 Commentary: Sorrow Turned to Joy
Greek · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Jesus explains the meaning of 'a little while' and the transformation of grief to joy through his resurrection and the gift of prayer.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Jesus’ departure (death) is a brief “little while” that leads to resurrection joy, inaugurating a new era of prayer in his name that fills believers with permanent joy.
- Key words: μικρόν (little while); λύπη → χαρά (sorrow → joy); αἰτέω ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου (ask in my name); πεπληρωμένη (filled full).
- Main debate: Does “a little while” end at the resurrection or extend to the whole church age? Most commentators affirm the primary reference is the three days, with broader application to all times of waiting.
- Theological theme: The transition from the disciples’ dependence on Jesus’ physical presence to their reliance on the Spirit and prayer; suffering as the necessary path to enduring joy.
- Best use: Preaching on grief and hope, teaching on prayer in Jesus’ name, and comforting those in seasons of confusion or sorrow.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
17Then some of His disciples asked one another, “Why is He telling us, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?”
18They kept asking, “Why is He saying, ‘a little while’? We do not understand what He is saying.”
19Aware that they wanted to question Him, Jesus said to them, “Are you asking one another why I said, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’?
20Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
21A 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.
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.
23In that day you will no longer ask Me anything. Truly, truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.
24Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
WEB World English Bible 2000
17Some of his disciples therefore said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you won’t see me, and again a little while, and you will see me;’ and, ‘Because I go to the Father’?”
18They said therefore, “What is this that he says, ‘A little while’? We don’t know what he is saying.”
19Therefore Jesus perceived that they wanted to ask him, and he said to them, “Do you inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, ‘A little while, and you won’t see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’?
20Most certainly I tell you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
21A 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.
22Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
23“In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.
24Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.
KJV King James Version 1769
17Then 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?
18They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.
19Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?
20Verily, 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.
21A 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.
22And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
23And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
24Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
17Some of his disciples therefore said one to another, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye behold me not; and again a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
18They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? We know not what he saith.
19Jesus perceived that they were desirous to ask him, and he said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, A little while, and ye behold me not, and again a little while, and ye shall see me?
20Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
21A 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.
22And ye therefore now have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh away from you.
23And in that day ye shall ask me no question. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If ye shall ask anything of the Father, he will give it you in my name.
24Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be made full.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
17Therefore said some of his disciples one to another, `What is this that he saith to us, A little while, and ye do not behold me, and again a little while, and ye shall see me, and, Because I go away unto the Father?'
18they said then, `What is this he saith--the little while? we have not known what he saith.'
19Jesus, therefore, knew that they were wishing to ask him, and he said to them, `Concerning this do ye seek one with another, because I said, A little while, and you do not behold me, and again a little while, and ye shall see me?
20verily, verily, I say to you, that ye shall weep and lament, and the world will rejoice; and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow joy will become.
21`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.
22`And ye, therefore, now, indeed, have sorrow; and again I will see you, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one doth take from you,
23and in that day ye will question me nothing; verily, verily, I say to you, as many things as ye may ask of the Father in my name, He will give you;
24till now ye did ask nothing in my name; ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
17[Some] of his disciples therefore said to one another, What is this he says to us, A little while and ye do not behold me; and again a little while and ye shall see me, and, Because I go away to the Father?
18They said therefore, What is this which he says [of] the little while? We do not know [of] what he speaks.
19Jesus knew therefore that they desired to demand of him, and said to them, Do ye inquire of this among yourselves that I said, A little while and ye do not behold me; and again a little while and ye shall see me?
20Verily, verily, I say to you, that ye shall weep and lament, ye, but the world shall rejoice; and ye will be grieved, but your grief shall be turned to joy.
21A woman, when she gives birth to a child, has grief because her hour has come; but when the child is born, she no longer remembers the trouble, on account of the joy that a man has been born into the world.
22And ye now therefore have grief; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one takes from you.
23And in that day ye shall demand nothing of me: verily, verily, I say to you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give you.
24Hitherto ye have asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
17Then some of his disciples said one to another: What is this that he saith to us: A little while, and you shall not see me: and again a little while, and you shall see me, and, Because I go to the Father?
18They said therefore: What is this that he saith, A little while? We know not what he speaketh.
19And Jesus knew that they had a mind to ask him. And he said to them: Of this do you inquire among yourselves, because I said: A little while, and you shall not see me; and again a little while, and you shall see me?
20Amen, amen, I say to you, that you shall lament and weep, but the world shall rejoice: and you shall be made sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
21A 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.
22So also you now indeed have sorrow: but I will see you again and your heart shall rejoice. And your joy no man shall take from you.
23And in that day you shall not ask me any thing. Amen, amen, I say to you: if you ask the Father any thing in my name, he will give it you.
24Hitherto, you have not asked any thing in my name. Ask, and you shall receive; that your joy may be full.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · John 16:17
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that the phrase ‘a little while’ (μικρόν) in this passage refers directly to the brief interval between Jesus’ crucifixion and his resurrection. Vincent’s Word Studies notes that in verse 18 the article is added (τὸ μικρόν), specifying “this little while” that perplexed the disciples. Barnes and Wesley both identify the weeping and lamenting with the disciples’ grief at the crucifixion, while the world’s rejoicing refers to the triumph of the Jewish leaders. The turning of sorrow to joy is fulfilled at the resurrection appearances. Clarke and Calvin emphasize that the resurrection joy is permanent, “no one will take your joy away from you” (v.22), because it is grounded in Christ’s completed work. The promise that follows about prayer in Jesus’ name (vv.23-24) is seen as a new privilege for the post-resurrection age: believers now approach the Father directly through the Son, and this asking results in full joy. The analogy of childbirth (v.21) illustrates that the pain is temporary and yields a joy that eclipses the memory of suffering.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Resurrection-only view: The immediate context of the crucifixion and the forty days; the disciples’ weeping at the cross and joy at seeing Jesus alive.
- Spirit-coming view: The references to the Spirit in the surrounding passage (John 16:13-15); ‘that day’ in v.23 includes Pentecost and beyond.
- Eschatological view: The language of “a little while” echoes apocalyptic expectations (Revelation 22:20); the ultimate fulfillment at Christ’s return.
What is clear: The sorrow of the disciples will be turned to joy, and they will have a new relationship with the Father through prayer in Jesus’ name, resulting in full and permanent joy.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| The meaning of 'a little while' | It refers to the brief interval between Jesus’ death and resurrection. Most commentators affirm that the immediate context is the three days. | Some see an extended application to the entire church age until the parousia, arguing that the disciples’ experience is a pattern for all believers. Others strictly limit it to the resurrection appearances. |
| 'You will see me again' | Primarily fulfilled in the resurrection appearances to the disciples. The joy they experienced at seeing Jesus alive was the beginning of permanent joy. | Does this also include the spiritual vision of Christ through the Holy Spirit (John 14:18-20) or the final seeing at the second coming? The Cambridge Bible and Lange suggest a broader “seeing” that includes the Spirit’s presence. |
| Prayer 'in my name' | This is a new privilege granted after Jesus’ glorification. The disciples had not prayed this way before because they had not understood Jesus’ mediatorial role. | Some emphasize that praying “in my name” means asking in Jesus’ authority and according to his will; others stress the relational aspect of approaching the Father as Jesus’ representative. |
| 'Ask me nothing' | After the Spirit comes, the disciples will not need to question Jesus about the meaning of his teachings; the Spirit will guide them. | Does this forbidding of questioning extend to all asking? Vincent notes that the same verb (ἐρωτάω) can mean both “question” and “request,” so some see it as “you will not need to make requests to me, but directly to the Father.” |
Historical & Cultural Context
These verses belong to Jesus’ Farewell Discourse, spoken on the night of his arrest. The disciples’ confusion echoes a pattern throughout the Gospels: they repeatedly failed to understand predictions of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Mark 9:10, 32; Luke 9:45; 18:34). John 12:16 says they did not understand at first, but later remembered after Jesus was glorified. The phrase “a little while” would have been especially opaque because the disciples were still expecting an earthly messianic kingdom. Jesus’ departure to the Father (v.17, 28) introduced a new reality they could not yet grasp.
The “world” (κόσμος) that rejoices at the disciples’ grief refers specifically to the hostile Jewish authorities who sought Jesus’ death (Clarke, Barnes). The image of a woman in childbirth is drawn from Old Testament prophetic literature (Isaiah 26:17; 66:7; Hosea 13:13; Micah 4:9-10), where it symbolizes the distress of Israel that gives way to deliverance. In the first century, childbirth was a vivid and universal metaphor for intense but temporary pain culminating in joy.
The instruction to pray “in my name” marked a shift. Under the old covenant, prayer was mediated through the temple system and the high priest. Now Jesus promises direct access to the Father in his own name, a privilege not fully realized until his glorification (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown). The Cambridge Bible notes that “that day” (v.23) refers not to the forty days of resurrection appearances but to the entire era of the Spirit’s presence from Pentecost onward. The disciples had never before prayed in Jesus’ name because they had not yet understood his mediatorial role (Gill). Consequently, their joy was incomplete; the promise is that asking in his name will bring joy to full measure (v.24).
Textual Notes
The supplied commentary sources note no significant textual variants for this passage. Some manuscripts read the future tense for “taketh” (αἴρει) in verse 22, but the difference does not affect the meaning. The consulted sources treat the text as stable.
Reception History
This passage has been central to Christian teaching on suffering and joy. The childbirth analogy was used by early church fathers such as Augustine to illustrate the pains of the church in the present age giving way to the joy of the resurrection. In medieval and Reformation commentary, the promise of joy that no one takes away became a comfort for martyrs and persecuted believers. Hymns such as “The Strife is O’er, the Battle Done” reflect the turning of sorrow to joy at Easter. Later theologians like John Calvin and Charles Wesley drew on these verses to encourage believers that prayer in Christ’s name is the key to full joy. In funeral and pastoral contexts, the passage is frequently read to offer hope that present grief will be transformed.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The Confusion of the Disciples (vv.17-19), Their question reveals a struggle to reconcile Jesus’ departure with his promise of return. This mirrors our own difficulty when God’s timing seems obscure.
- The Pattern of Grief and Joy (vv.20-22), The childbirth analogy shows that pain is temporary and purposeful. The resurrection guarantees a joy that cannot be taken away.
- The New Way of Prayer (vv.23-24), Jesus opens direct access to the Father. Asking in his name transforms our relationship with God and fills our joy.
Five-point outline
- Perplexity in the Upper Room, The disciples whisper among themselves, unable to grasp the timeline (vv.17-18). Jesus perceives their hearts and addresses their hidden questions (v.19).
- Two Sorrows, Two Joys, The world rejoices while the disciples weep (v.20). But their sorrow is transformed into joy, just as a mother’s anguish becomes delight at her child’s birth (vv.20-21).
- No One Takes Your Joy, Jesus promises a seeing that produces a permanent joy (v.22). This joy is rooted in his ongoing presence through the Spirit, not in circumstances.
- From Questions to Confidence, “In that day you will ask me nothing” (v.23). The Spirit’s teaching will replace confusion with clarity; direct petitions to the Father will replace dependence on Jesus’ physical presence.
- Full Joy Through Asking, The imperative “ask” (αἰτεῖτε, present continuous) invites persistent prayer. The goal is joy, not mere happiness, but the deep contentment that comes from receiving God’s gifts in Christ’s name (v.24).
Illustration hooks
- Childbirth, A mother in labor may feel she cannot endure another minute, but when the baby is placed in her arms, the intensity of the pain fades. The memory remains, but it is swallowed up by joy.
- Waiting for test results, The anxious days before a medical diagnosis can feel like an eternity. Relief and gratitude flood in when the news is good, and the waiting seems small in retrospect.
- A student’s final exam, The weeks of study and the tension of the exam hall give way to celebration when the semester ends. The struggle makes the freedom sweeter.
Questions your congregation is asking
- “How long will this hard time last?”, Jesus acknowledges that the “little while” feels long, but he promises a limit and a purpose.
- “If God loves me, why does he let me suffer while the world seems to celebrate?”, The passage does not explain all suffering, but it assures us that the world’s triumph is temporary and our joy is coming.
- “What does it mean to pray ‘in Jesus’ name’?”, This passage teaches that it is a new privilege of the new covenant, not a magic formula. It means asking in union with Christ’s will and authority.
Leading a Discussion
This passage invites us to sit with the disciples in their confusion and then to see the hope Jesus offers. The questions below will help your group move from observing the text to applying its promises to their own seasons of sorrow and waiting.
Discussion questions
- Read verses 17-19. Why do you think the disciples struggled so much with the phrase “a little while”? What does this reveal about their expectations?
- Jesus says the world will rejoice while the disciples weep (v.20). What situations in your life or in the world today feel like the world is celebrating while you are grieving?
- How does the childbirth analogy in verse 21 help you understand the relationship between present pain and future joy? Can you think of a personal experience where this pattern was true?
- Verse 22 promises a joy that no one can take away. What kinds of joy are fragile, and what kind of joy is permanent? How does this shape the way you face trials?
- In verse 23, Jesus says “in that day you will ask me nothing.” What does he mean? How does the coming of the Spirit (John 16:13-15) change the disciples’ need to question Jesus physically?
- Verses 23-24 introduce prayer “in my name.” Why do you think the disciples had not yet prayed this way? What does it mean for you to pray in Jesus’ name today?
- Verse 24 ends with “that your joy may be full.” How does asking and receiving in prayer lead to full joy? Is your prayer life marked by that kind of expectation?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Mark 9:10 | They kept this saying to themselves, questioning what the “rising from the dead” meant. |
| Mark 9:32 | But they didn’t understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him. |
| Luke 9:45 | But they didn’t understand this saying. It was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying. |
| Luke 18:34 | They understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they didn’t understand the things that were said. |
| John 12:16 | His disciples didn’t understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about him, and that they had done these things to him. |
| John 14:5 | Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” |
| John 14:22 | Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, what has happened that you are about to reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?” |
| John 16:1 | “I have said these things to you so that you wouldn’t be caused to stumble. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
7 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke highlights a sharp contrast: the world (unbelieving Jews) will rejoice at Jesus' death, but the disciples' sorrow will turn to lasting joy at his resurrection. He stresses that the resurrection's full proof will remove all doubt, making their joy permanent and complete, while also revealing prayer offered in Jesus' name as Mediator.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes distinguishes the disciples from the world by their sorrow turning to lasting joy, but his key point is the new prayer dynamic: they must stop asking Jesus directly and instead approach the Father in his name, a privilege that secures a joy no persecution can steal.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin stresses that the disciples' sorrow over Christ's departure is not merely followed by joy but actually contains the seed of it, like a woman in labor whose pain produces the child. Their temporary weakness will be transformed by the Spirit into triumphant joy that no one can take away.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
This commentator sharpens the disciples' confusion by distinguishing Greek words for "see" and for "ask," showing that their questions spring from not yet grasping Jesus' departure. He stresses that sorrow does not just give way to joy but actually becomes joy, as a woman's pain becomes the joy of childbirth. Christ's return to the Father brings perfect knowledge and perfectly answered prayer.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill notes that the disciples were most perplexed by Christ's phrase "a little while," even though he had plainly spoken of his death and resurrection. He stresses that Jesus proved his divine omniscience by knowing their unspoken questions and answering before they asked. The childbirth comparison illustrates that their sharp sorrow would be brief, turning into a permanent joy no one could steal.
Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887
Vincent's word studies show that "have sorrow" is stronger than being sorrowful—it means personally realizing grief. The article "the" in "the little while" marks a defined period. He also distinguishes two Greek verbs
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley insists that believers never need to lose their peace, love, or assurance of being God's children. They lose these only through sin, ignorance, strong temptation, or physical illness. He then reads Jesus' words as an unlimited promise: whatever a believer asks in His name, the Father will give.