The Real Meaning of John 14:27 KJV NIV - Complete Answer

Peace as described by most people is a state of freedom of the mind from anxieties, troubles, and worries that may confront us at any time in life. This is actually what it is when we talk about the peace that a man can give to you.

This kind of peace is temporary and can last until another trouble sets in.

John chapter 14 verse 27 talks about God’s kind of peace. The peace that remains in you forever irrespective of your situation.

It quenches every trouble even before they come. Jesus referred to such peace in Philippians 4 verse 7 as the peace that surpasses all human understanding.

Jesus knew his disciples will face some challenges after his death, He did not leave them comfortless, so He promised them the Holy Spirit whom His Father will send in His name who will comfort them and sustain them till the end of time.

John chapter 14:26 says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you”

This verse is an assurance of eternal glory and the real peace of God for all believers that love and live for Christ. 

Who wrote John 14:27 and when was it written?

The Gospel of John 14:27 was written by Apostle John. It was written between 130 -200 AD.

 

What is the context of John 14?

The context of John 14 is about the assurance of eternal glory and the promise of the Holy Spirit to the followers of Christ. 

In the preceding chapter (John 13), after Jesus had completed His public ministry in Jerusalem, He knew His hour had come to go to the Father which prompted Him to predict His betrayal.

The responses from the disciples necessitated the assurance from Him that they will not be left alone.

John 13:1 says, “Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.”

This chapter gave an account of how Jesus prepared his disciples to stand strong amid the storms of life.

He encouraged them not to let their heart be troubled or afraid, assuring them of great and mighty mansions prepared for them at the end of their journey on earth if they continue to believe in Him.

Jesus said to Thomas in verse 6 of the chapter, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Jesus also revealed who the Father is to them and how they can have access to Him. He further explained to them that He is in the Father and the Father is in Him. He who has seen Him has seen the Father. 

Jesus admonished the disciples to love and keep His commandments and to achieve this, He promised to give them the Holy Spirit, who is our Helper, the Spirit of truth, who will teach them all things, and bring to their remembrance all things that He said to them.

This is the first promise of the Holy Spirit to the disciples. The chapter ended with the strong assurance of the peace of God that passes human understanding.

What is the message of John 14:27?

The message of John 14:27 is a promise of eternal peace to all believers in the midst of troubles.

Peace is the translation from the Hebrew word “Shalom”. This is usually a common greeting by the Jews. The word 'Shalom does not mean the absence of troubles or worries. It refers to a deep sense of wholeness which can also be translated as wellness.

Shalom may therefore be used to describe a personal inward and lasting peace but it is now adopted by everyone including unbelievers.

The peace Jesus is talking about here is the inner peace or calmness in your heart despite troubles.

It does not depend on your circumstances, nor does it eradicate worries or anxieties but gives you the ability to endure with strong confidence that God will see you through.

I Peter 5:10 says, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”

This verse also expresses the undying love of Jesus for us. Before Jesus was crucified, He was greatly concerned about what will happen to His followers. He cares about their peace, joy, and faith in God through Him.

He wanted them to keep their faith awake till the end. Jesus gave them a great legacy they will live to remember, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and His peace. He cautiously referred to it as ‘My Peace”

Campbell Morgan described this peace as “a heart untroubled and unfearful despite all the suffering and conflict ahead of Him.”  

Who else can give you real peace or return peace to you except the source of peace? Jesus was referred to as the Prince of Prince in Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a Child is born,

 Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”

May He continue to give you His peace at all times and in every way. 

What is the meaning of  “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you”?

‘Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you means He (Jesus) gave us peace and personalize the peace. 

Peace (Shalom) is generally used in Jewish culture as greetings. People say it mostly when they meet or depart from a place (peace, I leave with you).

It is still common today. Jesus repeated this same farewell message to his disciples but this time with emphasis. “My Peace” as He mentioned means a spiritual peace that He offers as a special gift to only believers.

The New Living Translations refers to this peace as “Peace of mind and heart”.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace and the Lord of Peace. 

2 Thessalonians 3:16 mentioned, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. ”

He will strengthen you in troubles, He will bless you with His peace.

What is the meaning of “Not as the world gives do I give to you”?

“Not as the world gives do I give to you” means an assurance of eternal peace that gives all round rest to believers.

The peace the world gives is the peace that occurs when there is no war or conflict, the one people experience when everything looks good while the peace of God does not depend on our situations.

It is an inner peace that can be seen. It gives believers confidence that God is at work and reminds us of divine presence.

Psalms 23:4 says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

The troubles are there but they have been overshadowed by the peace of God so you can’t see them. 

What is the meaning of “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”?

“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” means worry less and fear not but depend on God in all circumstances. ”

This is the main context of Jesus’ message in this chapter. It was first mentioned in verse 1, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” 

The promise of the Holy Spirit and inner peace to them with having the Father and the son abiding in them is more than enough to cast out every fear or trouble that may set in, 

Fear will always come but how can we overcome it? The way out is to replace fear with peace by trusting in Jesus.

Psalms 56:3-4 says, “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God I will praise His word, In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?”

Trust Him in all situations, embrace His word, He is too faithful to fail. 

 

What is the difference in biblical translations of John 14:27 (NKJV, NIV & ESV)?

John 14:27 NKJV biblical translation

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”

John 14:27 NIV biblical translation

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

 John 14:27 ESV biblical translation

“ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

 

There is no difference in the three translations between NKJV, NIV and ESV

The three translations are written almost the same way and have the same meaning.

What are the Different types of Peace in the Bible?

The Bible talks about three different types of peace. Peace with God, Peace within and Peace for others.

“ Peace with God”

We experience peace with God through redemption. Redemption automatically positions us for peace with God through Christ Jesus.

We are free from what we used to fear or being tormented of. It is often referred to as the gift of peace from our Lord Jesus. This is the same reason the Gospel of Christ is referred to as the Gospel of Peace in the bible.

Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Peace with God is the first and a necessary step towards getting other types of peace.

“Peace within Yourself”

The peace with God is what leads into the peace within. Peace within is the gift of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 says, 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”  

This is oftentimes referred to as the “peace of God”. It is the heritage of matured believers that truly love God and obey His commandments.

This Peace calms us when troubles or anxieties seem overwhelming and reminds us that God is good and that He works all things together for our good.

This type of Peace is also being referred to in John 14:27.

“Peace with Others”

It is easier to relate peacefully with relations and friends when we have peace ruling our hearts. 

Peace with others is the kind of peace we have to demonstrate when people around us offend us. It often leaves the responsibility of forgiveness with us.  

The scripture admonishes us in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”  

For us to also have access to God, we must live in peace with people. Hebrews 12:14 says, “Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.”  

How do I apply John 14:27 to my life?

Applying John 14:27 to my life is to feel at peace within ourselves everyday not minding the situations around. It requires our constant and close relationship with God by the Holy Spirit.

We need to constantly build up ourselves by prayers and meditation of the word of God. 2 Peter 3:18 says, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The troubles may be there and seen by all but the peace of God gives you rest in the midst of them.

What is a John 14:27 prayer?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the assurance of peace. I pray for Your peace in all areas of my life and help me to live at peace with all men I come in contact with. May the peace of God, which passes all human understanding, guard and govern my hearts and minds, through Christ Jesus our Lord. AMEN.

 

Conclusion

The world today is faced with turmoil and troubles. Everyone is seeking the peace of God.

Jesus is still in the business of giving peace today. This peace does not just rub on people but requires action on our part as believers. How? Spend quality time with God in prayers and His words. In-depth knowledge of God will enhance your relationship with Him and you can enjoy His divine peace and have rest for your soul. Be passionate about God and obey His commandments to prove that you love him.

Take heed and cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.