John 16:21

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

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.

Literal

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, because of the joy that a man has been born into the world.

Latin

Mulier cum parit, tristitiam habet, quia venit hora ejus; cum autem pepererit puerum, jam non meminit pressuræ propter gaudium, quia natus est homo in mundum.

Original

Greek

English

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.

Notes

John 16:21

pain in childbirth: This metaphor symbolizes anguish that is followed by God's blessing and wonder (compare Isaiah 21:2–3; 26:16–21; 66:7–10; Jeremiah 13:21).

John 16:16–33

a little while: Jesus repeated this phrase to comfort his disciples. He wanted them to know that their separation from him would not last long. Although he would soon leave them, he would return to them again.

Theme notes and profiles

Christian Joy Jesus’ Final Night Our Advocate

Events

Related verses

Psalm 113:9
He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah!
Isaiah 13:8
Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear.
1 Thessalonians 5:3
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.
Jeremiah 30:6–7
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?
Isaiah 26:16–18
O LORD, they sought You in their distress; when You disciplined them, they poured out a quiet prayer.
Hosea 13:13–14
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.
Micah 4:10
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!
Revelation 12:2–5
She was pregnant and crying out in the pain and agony of giving birth.
Luke 1:57–58
When the time came for Elizabeth to have her child, she gave birth to a son.
Genesis 30:23–24
…and she conceived and gave birth to a son. “God has taken away my shame,” she said.
Galatians 4:27
For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.”
Genesis 3:16
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.”

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) First Letter of John Jesus Christ John, Gospel of Tribulation World

Topics

Babies Being a Blessing Being a Kid Celebration Child Labor Childbirth Children Being a Blessing Having a Baby Jesus, the Christ: Promises of, Prophetic Pregnancy Teenage Pregnancy

John 16:21

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