Bible Strands
John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples in the Farewell Discourse, immediately after telling them they will scatter and leave him (16:32). This is the closing beat before his departure to the cross.
The words — λελάληκα (lelalēka), "I have spoken," is perfect tense: the speaking is finished but its effect remains in force. The peace (εἰρήνην) is framed as a possession held in Christ, not a feeling produced by circumstances.
The thread — The same peace is given, not merely wished, in John 14:27, and the same overcoming is shared by believers in 1 John 5:4. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 echoes the peace as a gift from the Lord himself.
Why it lands — It asks the reader to hold two facts at once: tribulation is real and peace is available, and to locate that peace in Christ's past victory rather than in present conditions. The command "take courage" rests on a completed act, not a future hope.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- John 14:27 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.
- 1 John 5:4 because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
- 1 John 4:4 You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
- Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well.
- 1 Peter 5:9 Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
- 2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
- Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
- John 15:18 If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first.