Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really beautiful and insightful passage about God’s plan and our anticipation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes the feeling of joy and relief that comes when God brings a new life into the world – a baby. It’s like a woman experiencing intense emotions because she's about to give birth, but then, suddenly , those feelings fade away completely. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “John 16:21” : This refers to a significant event in the early church – the Holy Spirit is sent to guide and empower believers. “A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow…” : Think of “travesty” - a difficult or painful situation. A woman experiencing labor (giving birth) is often filled with worry, pain, and anxiety because it’s a significant event. “…because her hour is come:” This is a key phrase. "Hour" in this context refers to the time God has chosen for our arrival in His kingdom – when He brings about a new creation. It's not just any time, but a specific moment of fulfillment. “But as soon as she is delivered of the child…” : The woman experiences a tremendous relief and joy – it’s like the birth itself! She feels completely peaceful. “…she remembereth no more the anguish…” : This is the really important part. The moment of joy is so powerful that it completely washes away any sadness or pain she felt before. It's as if a wave of happiness simply disappears. So, what does this mean for us? It’s a powerful reminder that God has already prepared everything and knows exactly when our time to come will arrive. The verse suggests: Hope: Even though we might experience difficult times now, God is working in our lives with a purpose and timing that's ultimately good. Peace: Knowing that God is bringing about a new life for us can bring immense peace of mind. Trust: It encourages us to trust that God’s plan is unfolding perfectly, even when we don’t fully understand it. In essence, the verse speaks about the joy and relief that comes with knowing God is working toward our arrival in His kingdom. Do you want me to explain any of these concepts further? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the symbolism of “travesty” in a more detailed way? Explore the connection between this verse and the idea of God’s plan?