John 14:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 14:1 serves as Jesus' foundational command and comfort to His disciples, uttered in the intimate setting of the Upper Room amidst their profound distress. Following His announcement of impending departure, betrayal, and Peter's denial, Jesus directly addresses their inner turmoil, urging them not to allow their hearts to be overwhelmed by fear or anxiety. He grounds this imperative in a dual call to faith: first, acknowledging their existing belief in God the Father, and then, crucially, extending that same unwavering trust and reliance to Himself, thereby asserting His divine authority and co-equality with the Father as the ultimate source of peace and security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 14:1 initiates Jesus' profound "Farewell Discourse," which spans [John 13:31-16:33](/john/13-31-16-33 "John 13-16 - The Farewell Discourse"). This discourse immediately follows the Last Supper, where Jesus had performed the humble act of foot-washing, identified His betrayer, and announced His imminent departure ([John 13:33](/john/13-33 "John 13:33 - Jesus' Imminent Departure")). The disciples, particularly Peter, were deeply troubled by these revelations, grappling with the unthinkable prospect of Jesus leaving them and the shattering of their hopes for an earthly kingdom. Jesus' words in [John 14:1](/john/14-1 "John 14:1 - Let not your heart be troubled") are a direct response to their palpable anxiety and confusion, setting the tone for the profound theological truths and comforting promises that unfold in the subsequent chapters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The disciples, as first-century Jews, lived with a deep-seated expectation of a Messiah who would liberate Israel from Roman oppression and establish a glorious earthly kingdom. Jesus' repeated allusions to His departure, suffering, and death were utterly confounding and deeply unsettling to their worldview. Their understanding of God's plan and the Messiah's role was being radically redefined. The setting, likely the Upper Room in Jerusalem, was a private, intimate space where Jesus could offer His closest followers final, crucial instructions and comfort before His passion. This context underscores the disciples' vulnerability and their need for a new framework of understanding and hope, one that transcended their earthly political aspirations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several pivotal themes that permeate [John 14](/john/14 "John 14 - Jesus' Comfort and Promises") and the broader Farewell Discourse. The most prominent is **Comfort in Distress**, as Jesus explicitly commands His disciples not to be troubled, offering Himself as the ultimate source of peace amidst turmoil. This leads directly to the theme of **Faith in God and Christ**, where Jesus elevates belief in Himself to the same level as belief in the Father, a radical assertion of His divine identity and unity with God, as seen in [John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - I and the Father are one"). Finally, [John 14:1](/john/14-1 "John 14:1 - Let not your heart be troubled") lays the groundwork for **Divine Assurance and Future Hope**, as Jesus' command is immediately followed by promises of a dwelling place in the Father's house ([John 14:2](/john/14-2 "John 14:2 - Many Rooms in My Father's House")), His return ([John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - I will come again")), and the coming of the Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), all designed to alleviate their anxiety and establish an enduring, spiritual hope.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **troubled (Greek, _tarássō'_):** (G5015) This word signifies a deep agitation, disturbance, or stirring up, often referring to internal commotion or emotional distress. It's not merely a superficial worry but a profound unsettling of the mind and spirit, akin to water being stirred until it's murky. Jesus uses this same word to describe His own spirit being troubled before His betrayal ([John 13:21](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Troubled in Spirit")). The command "Let not your heart be troubled" is therefore a powerful imperative against succumbing to overwhelming anxiety.
* **heart (Greek, _kardía'_):** (G2588) In biblical thought, the "heart" is far more than just the physical organ; it represents the very core of a person's being—the center of intellect, emotion, will, and conscience. When Jesus says "your heart," He is addressing the disciples' innermost being, their thoughts, feelings, and decisions. A troubled heart implies a disturbance at the deepest level of one's existence, affecting one's entire outlook and capacity for peace.
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** (G4100) This verb means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." It denotes an active, continuous trust and reliance, not merely intellectual assent. The repetition of this imperative ("ye believe in God, believe also in me") underscores its critical importance as the antidote to a troubled heart, demanding an active commitment of trust in both the Father and the Son.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let not your heart be troubled":** This is a direct, emphatic command from Jesus, not a suggestion. The Greek construction implies "Stop letting your heart be troubled" or "Do not begin to let your heart be troubled." It acknowledges the disciples' current state of distress but issues an imperative to resist succumbing to it. It's an invitation to exercise control over their inner world, empowered by His words and presence.
* **"ye believe in God":** Jesus acknowledges the disciples' existing faith in Yahweh, the God of Israel. They were monotheists, raised in the tradition of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This phrase serves as a foundational premise, a point of common ground from which Jesus builds His next, revolutionary statement. It confirms their established spiritual orientation.
* **"believe also in me":** This is the pivotal and revolutionary clause. By placing belief in Himself on par with belief in God the Father, Jesus makes an implicit but profound claim to divinity and equality with God. The same kind of trust and reliance they place in the Creator of the universe, they are now commanded to place in Him. This is the ultimate antidote to their troubled hearts, asserting that faith in Jesus is the pathway to true peace and security, regardless of external circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
John 14:1 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood** ("Let not," "believe"), which conveys Jesus' authority and the urgency of His command. This is not a gentle suggestion but a direct instruction to actively resist fear and embrace faith. The verse also exhibits striking **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Synonymous Parallelism** or **Climactic Parallelism** in the repetition of "believe in God, believe also in me." This structure emphasizes the equality and shared nature of the faith required, drawing a direct parallel between the Father and the Son as objects of ultimate trust. The "heart" functions as a potent **Symbolism**, representing the totality of the inner person—the seat of emotion, intellect, and will. By addressing the "heart," Jesus targets the very core of their being where anxiety takes root, offering a spiritual remedy for an emotional and existential crisis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 14:1 stands as a profound theological statement, asserting the co-equality and unity of the Father and the Son as objects of saving faith. By commanding His disciples to place the same quality of belief in Him as they do in God, Jesus unequivocally declares His divine nature and His essential role in humanity's salvation and peace. This verse underscores that true peace is not found in the absence of external troubles, but in the unwavering presence of Christ and the active exercise of faith in Him. It redefines the source of security from earthly circumstances to a divine relationship, providing a spiritual anchor for the soul amidst life's storms. This foundational truth sets the stage for the subsequent promises of the Holy Spirit and the Father's house, all predicated on this radical call to trust in Christ.

* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - The Peace of God")
* [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 14:1 offers timeless comfort and a powerful directive for believers facing any form of distress in a world often characterized by uncertainty and turmoil. Jesus' command, "Let not your heart be troubled," is not a passive suggestion but an active invitation to engage our will and faith. It calls us to consciously choose trust over anxiety, to reorient our focus from the overwhelming circumstances to the unwavering character and promises of God and His Son. In moments of personal hardship, global crises, or existential doubt, this verse encourages us to shift our gaze from what is seen and temporal to what is unseen and eternal. Practical application involves intentionally surrendering our worries to God in prayer, meditating on His sovereignty, and actively recalling His faithfulness. It means making a deliberate choice to believe that Jesus Christ, who is one with the Father, is fully capable of sustaining us, providing peace that transcends human understanding, and guiding us through every challenge. This faith is not a one-time event but a continuous posture of reliance on the living Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific anxieties or circumstances are currently troubling your heart, and how might Jesus' command speak directly to them?**
* **How does Jesus' call to "believe also in me" challenge or deepen your understanding of faith in Him as co-equal with the Father?**
* **In what practical ways can you actively choose to trust Christ's sovereignty and presence amidst your troubles this week, moving from a troubled heart to a trusting heart?**

### FAQ

**Why were the disciples troubled, and what exactly was Jesus addressing?**

Answer: The disciples were deeply troubled for several reasons, all stemming from Jesus' recent announcements. Firstly, Jesus had just revealed that one of them would betray Him ([John 13:21](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Troubled in Spirit")), creating suspicion and fear within their close-knit group. Secondly, He had announced His imminent departure, stating, "Whither I go, ye cannot come" ([John 13:33](/john/13-33 "John 13:33 - Jesus' Imminent Departure")). This was devastating, as they had left everything to follow Him, expecting Him to establish an earthly kingdom. The idea of Him leaving shattered their hopes and left them feeling abandoned and without direction. Lastly, Peter's predicted denial ([John 13:38](/john/13-38 "John 13:38 - Peter's Denial Predicted")) added to the atmosphere of foreboding and personal failure. Jesus was addressing their profound emotional and spiritual distress, their confusion regarding His future, and the perceived collapse of their Messianic expectations.

**Does "believe also in me" imply Jesus is God?**

Answer: Yes, by placing belief in Himself on the same level as belief in God the Father, Jesus makes a profound and unmistakable claim to His divine nature and co-equality with God. The Greek structure "ye believe in God, believe also in me" (πιστεύετε εἰς τὸν θεόν, καὶ εἰς ἐμὲ πιστεύετε) uses the same verb and prepositional phrase for both God and Jesus, indicating that the same quality and object of faith should be directed toward both. This is a clear assertion of His deity, consistent with other claims He makes throughout John's Gospel, such as "I and my Father are one" ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - I and the Father are one")) and "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - He Who Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father")). For the disciples, who were strict monotheists, this statement would have been revolutionary, demanding a radical re-evaluation of Jesus' identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 14:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is not merely a messenger of peace but the very embodiment of it. His command, "Let not your heart be troubled," is empowered by His divine authority and His unique relationship with the Father. The peace He offers is not contingent on external circumstances but flows from His completed work on the cross, His glorious resurrection, and His ongoing intercession. He is the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")) who has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - I Have Overcome the World")). The call to "believe also in me" is a summons to trust in Him as the "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), the only mediator through whom we can access the Father. His departure, which initially troubled the disciples, was necessary for the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Advantage of Jesus' Departure")), who continues to apply Christ's peace to troubled hearts. Ultimately, Jesus Himself is the promised dwelling place, the "Father's house" where believers will find eternal rest and security ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Many Rooms and Jesus' Return")), fulfilling His promise to remove all trouble and bring us into perfect union with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.