John 16:19-20
What is written? (ESV)
Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me?’ Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.”
What does it say?
Jesus knew their question before they asked it. He told them that in reference to their question about “a little while” and they will not see Him and then see Him again, He said they would be sorry while the world rejoiced, but their sorrow would turn to joy.
What is its immediate context?
This entire section of Scripture (John 13-17) is Jesus in the upper room with the twelve apostles. He speaks to them directly and gives them instructions about his coming death and what will follow.
How John 16:19-20 is applied across Bible answers
What does Jesus mean by ‘a little while’ (John 16:16-22)?
Jesus knows they are questioning how or in what way “a little while” refers to both His departure and His return. He responds by declaring that they would be sorrowful (while the world rejoiced) but their sorrow would “turn to joy”.
