John 14:27

Context

Chapters 13–17 of the Gospel of John record the words that Jesus spoke to his disciples at the final meal on the night before he was crucified. This section is commonly called the "Farewell Discourse," because it is an extended teaching given as he prepared to part from them.

After Judas Iscariot leaves, Jesus announces that he will soon depart. To his troubled disciples he speaks of the way to the Father and promises to send the Holy Spirit as the "Comforter" (John 14:16, 26), a term meaning one who stands alongside to help. Verse 27 follows immediately after this promise. Because the words of John 14:1, "Let not your heart be troubled," recur in verse 27, the phrase frames chapter 14 at its beginning and end.

Interpretation

"Peace" translates the Greek eirēnē. It is commonly read as equivalent to the Hebrew shalom, which goes beyond the absence of conflict to encompass wholeness and a right relationship with God. "Leave with you" carries the sense of leaving something behind upon departure.

• As a farewell blessing: In light of the Jewish custom of greeting and parting with "shalom," this reading takes the verse as a blessing and last bequest from a departing teacher. Many interpreters see it as paired with the scenes in which the risen Jesus greets the disciples with "Peace be unto you" (John 20:19, 21, 26).
• As the presence of the Spirit: This reading connects the verse with the promise of the Spirit immediately preceding it and understands the peace as that which believers enjoy because Jesus remains with them through the Spirit even after his departure.
• As the peace of reconciliation: This reading links the verse with Romans 5:1, "we have peace with God." It regards reconciliation with God through Christ's death as the foundation of this peace.
• As a contrast with the world: The common interpretation takes "as the world giveth" to refer to the temporary security that comes when circumstances are favorable. Some scholars read it as a contrast with the "peace of Rome" (Pax Romana) proclaimed by the Roman Empire of the time.

Questions of Application

The verse is not the subject of significant controversy among denominations. Some point out, however, that this peace is often narrowed to a mere state of mind free from worry. John 16:33, in the same Farewell Discourse, says, "In the world ye shall have tribulation." In light of this, many interpreters explain that this peace is not the absence of hardship but something given in the midst of hardship.

Among Korean Bible translations, the Korean Revised Version and the New Korean Revised Version render the word as pyeongan ("peace, tranquility"), while the Revised New Korean Standard Version renders it as pyeonghwa ("peace").

Perspective: Korean Protestant practiceHow this idea is used in Korean churches, kept from the original Korean article.

In Korean churches, the verse is frequently read in settings where comfort is needed. It is often read aloud or used as a sermon text during pastoral visitation and at funeral services.

Related Passages

• John 14:1
• John 16:33
• Isaiah 26:3
• Philippians 4:6-7
• Ephesians 2:14-17