John 14:27 Text
King James Version (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.
World English Bible (WEB)
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.
What John 14:27 Means
Jesus leaves his friends something personal: his own peace. He contrasts it with the world's kind, which usually means the absence of trouble or a brief feeling of calm that depends on circumstances. The common greeting shalom, which Jesus probably spoke in its Aramaic form, meant wholeness and wellbeing, not just quiet. The peace he gives is meant to stand even when circumstances are not calm, and he says it in the face of his coming arrest and death. The final line is a command and also a comfort: do not let your heart be troubled or afraid. It is not a rebuke for feeling anxious. A common misreading treats it as a demand to feel calm at once. It reads more like an offer, a gift that is received, rather than a feeling that must be manufactured.
Context of John 14:27
This comes from the Last Supper discourse in John's Gospel, traditionally attributed to the apostle John. Jesus has told the disciples that he will leave them, that Peter will deny him, and that one will betray him. Just before this verse he promises the Holy Spirit as a Helper who will teach and remind them. Just after, he says he is going to the Father and that he has told them in advance so they will believe. To read the whole book, see random verse from John.
How to Apply John 14:27
Peace like this is usually received rather than achieved, so it may begin with a simple pause: name what is troubling you, say it to God, and ask for his peace, even if you do not feel it right away. Calm may arrive slowly. Pairing prayer with practical steps, rest, a conversation, or help, is also reasonable.
Related Verses
- Philippians 4:6-7 – Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
- Isaiah 26:3 – Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
- 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.
- 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.
Looking for more verses on this theme? Browse Bible Verses About Peace, each with a short note on its context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does John 14:27 mean?
Jesus gives his followers a lasting peace that is different from what the world offers. It does not depend on easy circumstances, and he spoke it just before his arrest to calm his disciples.
How is Jesus' peace different from the world's peace?
The world's peace usually means no conflict or a temporary calm that depends on how things are going. Jesus offers a deeper wholeness rooted in his presence, one that can remain steady even in hardship and fear.
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