Section 16:16–24 The disciples’ sadness would become joy

Jesus told his disciples that soon they would not see him, but then a little later they would see him again. The disciples did not understand, so Jesus explained, comparing what would happen to a woman giving birth. She has much pain while giving birth, but the pain becomes joy after her baby is born. Soon the pain of Jesus’ leaving would become joy. At that time they would be able to ask God the Father their requests in Jesus’ name. God would give their requests and their joy would be complete.

Here are some other possible section headings:

The disciples will be sad for a short while, but then joyful
-or-
The disciples would not see Jesus for a while, but then would see him again

Paragraph 16:16–18

In this paragraph, Jesus warned his disciples that in a little while they would no longer see him. After that, they would see him again. The disciples asked one another what he meant.

16:16a

Jesus continued to speak. In some languages it is more natural to make that clear by adding a phrase. For example:

Jesus told his disciples (Contemporary English Version)

In a little while you will see Me no more: This clause refers to Jesus’ death the next day. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

After a little while you will not see me. (New Century Version)
-or-
In a short time you will no longer see me. (New Jerusalem Bible)

In a little while: This phrase here means “after a short time” or “soon.” It refers to what would happen the next day.

you will see Me no more: This clause indicates that Jesus’ disciples would not be able to see him. He would not be there. The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as no more here means that the disciples would not see Jesus for a while. It does not mean here “never again.” They would see him again after his resurrection, which Jesus refers to in 16:16b.

you: This pronoun is plural and refers to the disciples.

16:16b

and then after a little while you will see Me: This clause indicates that after a short period of time Jesus’ disciples would again be able to see him. It probably refers to them seeing him after his resurrection a few days after his death.

and then after a little while: This phrase means “after another short period of time.” Here it probably refers to the third day after Christ would die on the cross. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

and after another short time

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