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John 16:21

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 16:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but when she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but when she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world.
John 16:21 — American Standard Version

Context — John 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? We know not what he saith.
19Jesus perceived that they were desirous to ask him, and he said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, A little while, and ye behold me not, and again a little while, and ye shall see me?
20Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
21A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but when she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world.
22And ye therefore now have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh away from you.
23And in that day ye shall ask me no question. Verily, verily, I say unto you, if ye shall ask anything of the Father, he will give it you in my name.
24Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be made full.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, etc.] As was said she should have, (<010316>Genesis 3:16); This is God’s ordination and appointment for sin: because her hour is come; is at hand; the fixed time in nature is up, and there is no avoiding it: but as soon as she is delivered of the child; for though the sorrow is great, yet there is a deliverance, and she is saved in child bearing: when she remembereth no more the anguish; the sharp pains she has endured in her travail; for joy that a man is born into the world. Much such a way of speaking is used by the Jewsf629, who observe, “if a woman brings forth a male child, all is forgot, and she repents (i.e. of her impatience, or any…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“16:21 the pains of labor: This metaphor symbolizes anguish that is followed by God’s blessing and wonder (cp. Isa 21:2-3; 26:16-21; 66:7-10; Jer 13:21).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“woman: Gen 3:16; Isa 26:16-18; Jer 30:6, Jer 30:7; Hos 13:13, Hos 13:14; Mic 4:10; Rev 12:2-5 for: Gen 21:6, Gen 21:7, Gen 30:23, Gen 30:24; Sa1 1:26, Sa1 1:27; Psa 113:9; Luk 1:57, Luk 1:58; Gal 4:27 John 16:22”
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Related study paths

Read John 16 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification