John 16:33

Context

John 13–17 contains the lengthy farewell discourse and prayer that Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper. John 16:33 is the final sentence of this discourse, and the prayer of chapter 17 begins immediately afterward. Just before this verse, the disciples confess, "by this we believe that thou camest forth from God" (16:30), but Jesus foretells that they will soon be scattered and will leave him alone (16:31–32). This verse is the closing word that follows that prediction. The opening phrase "these things" is understood to refer to the entire preceding discourse.

Interpretation

• As Christ's victory: "I have overcome" is in the Greek perfect tense, which denotes an action already completed whose results continue. Many commentators see it as a declaration of the victory as already accomplished, even though it was spoken before the cross and the resurrection.
• The meaning of "the world": In the Johannine writings, "the world" often refers less to the natural order than to human society and its order set against God (John 15:18–19). On this reading, tribulation is not random misfortune but hostility suffered because one lives as a disciple.
• Pastoral reading: The verse contrasts the peace found "in me" with the tribulation experienced "in the world." It is therefore read not as a promise that believers will be spared tribulation, but as a word that grounds their peace in Christ in the midst of tribulation. It is read alongside the promise of peace in John 14:27, and 1 John 5:4–5 extends this victory to those who believe.

Questions of Application

Interpretations of this verse do not differ significantly among denominations. However, the phrase "I have overcome the world" is sometimes isolated and used as a slogan for success or prosperity. Some point out that such usage takes the verse out of context, since the same sentence presupposes tribulation; this criticism is frequently raised by critics of prosperity theology.

The verb rendered "ye shall have" in "ye shall have tribulation" is in the present tense in most manuscripts, though some manuscripts reportedly have the future tense. Either way, the difference in meaning is slight.

Among Korean Bible translations, the Korean Revised Version and the New Korean Revised Version render the command as "be bold," while the New Korean Standard Version renders it "take courage."

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

In Korean churches, the verse is frequently used as a sermon text on suffering, persecution, and trials. It is one of the best-known passages read aloud or quoted there in settings where comfort is needed.

Related Passages

• John 14:27
• John 15:18–19
• 1 John 5:4–5
• Romans 8:37
• Acts 14:22