John 16:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀμὴν

G281

Verily

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

ἀμὴν

G281

Verily

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

λέγω

G3004

I say

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

ὅτι

G3754

That

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

κλαύσετε

G2799

shall weep

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

θρηνήσετε

G2354

lament

to bewail

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

#10

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#12

κόσμος

G2889

the world

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

#13

χαρήσεται

G5463

shall rejoice

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

#14

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

#15

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#16

λυπηθήσεσθε

G3076

shall be sorrowful

to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad

#17

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#18

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

λύπη

G3077

sorrow

sadness

#20

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

#21

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#22

χαρὰν

G5479

joy

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

#23

γενήσεται

G1096

shall be turned

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the problem of evil and suffering in light of God's goodness, and how should the church respond?
How does the divine love theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of divine love, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology proper and the doctrine of God?

Related Resources

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John 16:20

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources