John 14:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Peace {G1515} I leave {G863} with you {G5213}, my {G1699} peace {G1515} I give {G1325} unto you {G5213}: not {G3756} as {G2531} the world {G2889} giveth {G1325}, give {G1325} I {G1473} unto you {G5213}. Let {G5015} not {G3361} your {G5216} heart {G2588} be troubled {G5015}, neither {G3366} let it be afraid {G1168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“What I am leaving with you is shalom — I am giving you my shalom. I don’t give the way the world gives. Don’t let yourselves be upset or frightened.

Berean Standard Bible

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.

American Standard Version

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 fearful.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this profound farewell discourse, Jesus bestows upon His disciples a unique and enduring gift of peace, distinct from any tranquility the world can offer. He assures them that this divine peace, rooted in His very nature and presence, is the antidote to the fear and anxiety that naturally arise from His impending departure and the trials they are destined to face. This promise serves as a foundational comfort, empowering believers to maintain inner calm and trust, regardless of external circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 14:27 is nestled within Jesus' extensive farewell discourse to His disciples, spanning chapters 13-17 of John's Gospel. This particular chapter begins with Jesus comforting His disciples, who are troubled by His announcement of departure and the betrayal of Judas ([John 14:1](/john/14-1 "John 14:1 - Jesus Comforts His Disciples")). He promises them a place in His Father's house, reveals Himself as "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and assures them of the Father's love and the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). The gift of peace in [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace") directly follows His promise that He and the Father will make their dwelling with those who love Him and keep His word ([John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - Dwelling with God")), and precedes His final instructions and the declaration that the "prince of this world" is coming ([John 14:30](/john/14-30 "John 14:30 - The Prince of This World")). Thus, the peace offered is a divine provision for the intense spiritual warfare and personal distress that lie ahead.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, "peace" (Hebrew: _shalom_; Greek: _eirḗnē_) was a highly valued concept, often signifying the absence of war, political stability, and material prosperity. However, this worldly peace was always precarious, dependent on shifting alliances, military strength, or favorable circumstances. For the Jewish people, _shalom_ carried a deeper, holistic meaning encompassing well-being, wholeness, completeness, and right relationship with God and others. Jesus' disciples, living under Roman occupation and facing the imminent loss of their Messiah, would have understood the fragility of worldly peace. Their immediate context was one of fear, confusion, and impending persecution. Jesus' declaration of "my peace" would have resonated profoundly, distinguishing His gift from the superficial and fleeting peace offered by human systems or the temporary cessation of conflict. It pointed to a peace that transcended their current anxieties and the turbulent world around them.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within John's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' Divine Authority and Unique Nature**, as He alone possesses and can impart a peace that surpasses worldly understanding. This peace is not merely a feeling but a spiritual reality, a direct outflow of His divine essence. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Comfort and Assurance in the Face of Adversity**. Jesus anticipates the disciples' distress and provides a divine remedy, teaching them that true tranquility is an internal state sustained by faith, not by external conditions. This theme is echoed later when Jesus declares, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Transformative Power of Christ's Presence**. The peace Jesus gives is intrinsically linked to His abiding presence through the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to overcome fear and anxiety and live with steadfast hearts, even amidst chaos.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** From a primary verb meaning "to join," this term signifies more than the absence of conflict. It encompasses wholeness, well-being, harmony, prosperity, and a deep sense of contentment and security. In a theological sense, it denotes reconciliation with God and an inner completeness, a state of spiritual tranquility that Jesus uniquely provides.
* **give (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** A versatile verb meaning "to give" in a very wide application, whether literally or figuratively. Here, it emphasizes Jesus' active impartation of this unique peace, not merely an offer but a divine bestowal. It highlights His sovereign authority and generosity in bestowing a gift that is intrinsically His own.
* **troubled (Greek, _tarássō'_):** Of uncertain affinity, this word means "to stir or agitate," like roiling water. It describes an inner disturbance, anxiety, or emotional turmoil. Jesus' command to "let not your heart be troubled" directly addresses the disciples' inner disquiet, urging them to resist this agitation by embracing His peace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:"** This clause highlights Jesus' deliberate act of bequeathing peace as a legacy to His disciples. The repetition of "peace" emphasizes its profound importance, and the possessive "my peace" distinguishes it as uniquely His, a divine quality rather than a human construct. The use of both "leave" (ἀφίημι, _aphíēmi_) and "give" (δίδωμι, _dídōmi_) underscores the intentionality and permanence of this gift, suggesting both a spiritual inheritance and an active, ongoing impartation.
* **"not as the world giveth, give I unto you."** This stark contrast defines the nature of Jesus' peace. Worldly peace is conditional, external, and fleeting, often dependent on the absence of conflict or favorable circumstances. In contrast, Jesus' peace is unconditional, internal, and enduring, flowing from His divine nature and presence. It is a peace that transcends external turmoil and is not contingent upon the world's standards or provisions.
* **"Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."** This is a direct command and a profound invitation to trust. It addresses the disciples' immediate fear and anxiety regarding Jesus' impending departure and the trials they would face. The peace He gives empowers them to resist inner agitation (ταράσσω, _tarássō_) and timidity (δειλιάω, _deiliáō_), fostering a profound inner calm rooted in faith and reliance on His divine provision. It is an exhortation to actively choose peace over fear.

#### Literary Devices
John 14:27 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, specifically the antithesis between "my peace" and the peace "as the world giveth." This sharp distinction underscores the unique and superior nature of Jesus' divine gift, highlighting its spiritual depth and enduring quality compared to the superficial and transient tranquility offered by worldly conditions. **Repetition** of the word "peace" (εἰρήνη, _eirḗnē_) emphasizes its centrality and significance as Jesus' farewell bequest. The repeated verb "give" (δίδωμι, _dídōmi_) further reinforces the active, intentional, and generous impartation of this peace by Jesus. Finally, the verse concludes with a powerful **Imperative Mood** in the commands "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." These are not mere suggestions but direct exhortations, calling the disciples to an active response of faith and trust in the peace Jesus has provided, thereby empowering them to overcome fear and anxiety.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The peace Jesus offers in John 14:27 is a profound theological concept, deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of _shalom_ and God's redemptive plan. It is not merely a psychological state but a spiritual reality, a gift of reconciliation with God and an inner wholeness that flows from His presence. This peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and a hallmark of the new covenant, enabling believers to stand firm amidst tribulation because their ultimate security rests in Christ. It anticipates the peace that Christ would secure through His atoning work, establishing a right relationship between God and humanity, and reconciling all things to Himself. This divine tranquility empowers believers to live without fear, knowing that God's sovereign hand is at work, even in the most challenging circumstances.

* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "The Peace of God")
* [Colossians 3:15](/colossians/3-15 "Let the Peace of Christ Rule")
* [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Perfect Peace for Those Who Trust")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 14:27 offers an enduring source of comfort and a powerful call to faith for believers across all generations. In a world often characterized by anxiety, uncertainty, and conflict, Jesus' promise of "my peace" stands as an unwavering anchor. It reminds us that true tranquility is not found in the absence of external trouble, but in the abiding presence of Christ within us. To "let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" is an active choice, a conscious decision to trust in God's sovereignty and His unfailing love, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. This peace enables us to navigate life's storms with a quiet confidence, knowing that the Prince of Peace Himself indwells us, guarding our hearts and minds. It challenges us to surrender our fears to Him, to cultivate a spirit of reliance, and to allow His divine peace to rule in our hearts, transforming our perspective and empowering our witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary sources of "trouble" or "fear" in your heart today, and how does Jesus' promise of peace speak to these specific anxieties?**
* **In what ways does the "peace of the world" differ from "Jesus' peace," and how can you discern between the two in your daily life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more fully embrace and live in the peace that Jesus offers, rather than succumbing to fear or anxiety?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jesus saying "my peace" instead of just "peace"?**

Answer: When Jesus says "my peace," He is emphasizing that the peace He gives is fundamentally different and superior to any peace the world can offer. Worldly peace (or the absence of conflict) is external, temporary, and dependent on circumstances. "My peace" (Greek: _eirḗnē_) is an internal, spiritual, and enduring tranquility that flows from His divine nature. It is the peace He Himself possesses, a perfect wholeness and reconciliation with God, which He now imparts to His followers. This peace is independent of external conditions and remains even amidst tribulation, as He later states in [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "Overcoming the World").

**How can I "let not my heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" when facing difficult circumstances?**

Answer: This command is not a denial of natural human emotions but an exhortation to actively choose faith over fear, trusting in Jesus' promise and presence. It involves several spiritual disciplines. Firstly, it requires a conscious decision to surrender anxieties to God through prayer and supplication, as encouraged in [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Do Not Be Anxious"). Secondly, it means fixing your thoughts on Christ and His truth, rather than dwelling on the problems, as urged in [Colossians 3:2](/colossians/3-2 "Set Your Minds on Things Above"). Thirdly, it relies on the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised as the Comforter ([John 14:16](/john/14-16 "The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), who empowers believers to experience inner calm. Ultimately, it is an act of faith, trusting that Jesus has overcome the world and is sovereign over all circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 14:27 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the embodiment of peace. He is the "Prince of Peace" prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "The Prince of Peace"), and His entire mission was to establish true peace between God and humanity. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus broke down the wall of hostility, making peace with God possible for all who believe ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Peace with God Through Faith")). He is "our peace," having reconciled both Jew and Gentile into one body through the cross ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")). The peace Jesus leaves and gives is not merely a concept but a spiritual reality made possible by His finished work, allowing believers to have "peace with God" and the "peace of God" that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "The Peace of God")). His resurrection and ascension further solidify this peace, as He now reigns as Lord, interceding for His people and ensuring that His divine tranquility remains accessible through the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live in confident assurance amidst a troubled world.

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

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

2 Thessalonians 3:16

¶ Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord [be] with you all.

Colossians 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Romans 15:13

¶ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.