John 14:27
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
Context and meaning
John 14:27 is the most quoted line about peace in the Gospels: "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful." "Shalom" was the common parting greeting, something like "go in peace", and John 14:27 borrows that ordinary formula only to redefine it: the peace it offers does not come from the world.
The difference is in the source. The world's peace depends on the absence of problems: it ends when the phone rings with bad news. The peace offered here is called "my peace" — it comes from outside the circumstances and therefore remains inside them.
The most striking detail is the timing. He says this hours before his arrest, knowing exactly what was coming. It is not the speech of someone calm because nothing threatens him.
The verse closes with two commands: "Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful." Interestingly, peace appears as something to be received and kept: a person takes part in their own calm by choosing where to fix their thoughts.
It is a frequent text in prayers before sleep and in moments of anxiety.
Related verses
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
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Scripture text: World English Bible (WEB), public domain. Prayers, introductions and reflections: original text by this site, not affiliated with any denomination. Devotional content; it does not replace medical, psychological or legal advice.
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