John 16:21

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἡ

G3588

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

γυνὴ

G1135

A woman

a woman; specially, a wife

ὅταν

G3752

as soon as

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

τίκτῃ

G5088

she is in travail

to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively

λύπην

G3077

sorrow

sadness

ἔχει

G2192

hath

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ὅτι

G3754

because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἦλθεν

G2064

is come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἡ

G3588

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

#10

ὥρα

G5610

hour

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

#11

αὐτῆς·

G846

her

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#12

ὅταν

G3752

as soon as

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

#13

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#14

ἐγεννήθη

G1080

is born

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

#15

τὸ

G3588

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

#16

παιδίον

G3813

of the child

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

#17

οὐκ

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#18

ἔτι

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

#19

μνημονεύει

G3421

she remembereth

to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse

#20

τῆς

G3588

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

#21

θλίψεως

G2347

the anguish

pressure (literally or figuratively)

#22

διὰ

G1223

for

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#23

τὴν

G3588

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

#24

χαρὰν

G5479

joy

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

#25

ὅτι

G3754

because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#26

ἐγεννήθη

G1080

is born

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

#27

ἄνθρωπος

G444

a man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#28

εἰς

G1519

into

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

#29

τὸν

G3588

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

#30

κόσμον

G2889

the world

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. 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 historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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John 16:21

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

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