John 14:1

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

Let {G5015} not {G3361} your {G5216} heart {G2588} be troubled {G5015}: ye believe {G4100} in {G1519} God {G2316}, believe {G4100} also {G2532} in {G1519} me {G1691}.

“Don’t let yourselves be disturbed. Trust in God and trust in me.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well.

Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me.

Context

John 14:1 marks the beginning of Jesus' profound Farewell Discourse, delivered to His disciples immediately after the Last Supper. The atmosphere was heavy with foreboding; Jesus had just announced His impending departure (John 13:33), predicted Peter's denial, and hinted at betrayal. The disciples were naturally distressed and confused, their hopes for an earthly kingdom seemingly shattered. In this moment of intense anxiety, Jesus offers words of profound comfort and reassurance, addressing their inner turmoil directly.

Key Themes

  • Comfort in Distress: The primary message is an antidote to fear and anxiety. Jesus commands His disciples, and by extension all believers, not to allow their hearts to be overwhelmed by trouble. This isn't a mere suggestion but a divine imperative to find peace amidst turmoil.
  • Faith in God and Christ: The core of the comfort lies in unwavering faith. Jesus links belief in God the Father with belief in Himself, thereby asserting His divine authority and equality with God. This dual faith is presented as the foundation for inner peace. It emphasizes that trusting Jesus is equivalent to trusting God.
  • Divine Assurance: Jesus doesn't just tell them not to be troubled; He provides the ultimate reason why they shouldn't be: His own divine nature and His unbreakable bond with the Father. This sets the stage for the promises that follow in John 14—about the Father's house, His return, and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "troubled" is tarassō (ταράσσω), which means to stir up, to agitate, to disturb, or to cause inward commotion. It speaks to a deep emotional and mental disturbance, not just a superficial worry. Jesus Himself had been "troubled" earlier in John 13:21 concerning His betrayal, showing His empathy for their human condition. The repetition of "believe" (pisteuō - πιστεύω) highlights its importance as a continuous act of trust and reliance, both in God and in Christ.

Practical Application

John 14:1 remains a powerful source of comfort for believers today. In a world filled with uncertainties, anxieties, and personal hardships, Jesus' words remind us that our hearts do not need to be overwhelmed. The command "Let not your heart be troubled" is an invitation to exercise active faith. When facing difficult circumstances, this verse encourages us to shift our focus from our troubles to the unwavering character of God and the completed work of Jesus Christ. It calls us to place our trust fully in Him, knowing that He is sovereign and provides a lasting peace that transcends earthly understanding (Philippians 4:7). This faith is not passive but an active choice to rely on Christ's promises, even when circumstances seem bleak.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 26:3

    Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

  • John 16:22

    And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

  • John 16:23

    And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you.

  • Isaiah 12:2

    Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.

  • Isaiah 12:3

    Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

  • John 14:27

    Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

  • John 14:28

    Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
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