What is the meaning of John 16:20?

Truly, truly, I tell you

• Jesus prefaces His words with a double “Truly,” underscoring undiluted certainty. John often records this (John 1:51; 5:24) to emphasize that what follows is not suggestion but divine fact.

• The disciples can bank on this promise just as surely as any Old Testament proclamation (Numbers 23:19).

• By stating “I tell you,” the Lord reminds them— and us— that He alone wields final authority (Matthew 28:18).

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you will weep and wail

• Jesus foresees the intense sorrow that will seize His followers at His arrest and crucifixion.

– Luke 23:27 shows women beating their breasts as He is led to Calvary.

– John 20:11 pictures Mary Magdalene “weeping outside the tomb.”

• “Wail” conveys loud lamentation, the anguished cry of people who feel all hope slipping away (Psalm 34:18).

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while the world rejoices

• The “world” here is the unbelieving system opposed to Christ (John 15:18-19).

– Religious leaders gloat in John 19:15: “Crucify Him!”

– Psalm 2:1-3 prophetically captures the nations raging against the Lord’s Anointed.

• Their temporary celebration illustrates Proverbs 14:13— laughter that ends in grief for those outside of God’s plan.

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You will grieve

• Jesus personalizes the pain: “you,” His friends, will feel a deep, lingering heartache.

– Luke 24:17 finds two disciples “sad” as they recount Good Friday events.

– John 14:1 shows Jesus preparing them for this very hour: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

• True discipleship sometimes passes through dark valleys (Psalm 23:4) before the dawn.

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but your grief will turn to joy

• The same disciples who scatter in fear (Mark 14:50) will soon shout with gladness when they see the risen Lord (John 20:20).

• Key resurrection echoes:

– Acts 2:24: “it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him.”

– 1 Peter 1:8: “you rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”

• God specializes in transforming sorrow into celebration, night into morning (Psalm 30:5; Isaiah 61:3). The promise is literal, immediate for the Eleven, and enduring for every believer who clings to the risen Christ.

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summary

John 16:20 assures us that Christ’s followers may face seasons of tears and apparent defeat, even as a hostile world seems to triumph. Yet because Jesus truly died and literally rose again, the very circumstances that break our hearts can become fountains of joy. His word stands firm; grief is real but never final, for the risen Lord turns mourning into rejoicing for all who trust Him.