John 16

These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Of sin, because they believe not on me;

Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?

They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.

Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.

At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.

Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?

Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

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.

What does John 16:33 mean?

Explanation

John 16:33 speaks directly to the dichotomy of peace and tribulation in the lives of Jesus' followers.

The verse starts with Jesus telling his disciples that He has imparted His teachings to them so that they might find peace in Him.

This peace is not the absence of trouble but a profound sense of well-being and purpose despite life's difficulties.

The second part of the verse contrasts this peace with the inevitable tribulation (troubles, trials, and sufferings) that believers will face in the world.

Finally, Jesus encourages His disciples to take heart (“be of good cheer”) because He has “overcome the world.” The implication here is that through His death and resurrection, Jesus has triumphed over the forces of sin, evil, and death, providing hope and victory for His followers.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of Jesus' farewell discourse delivered to His disciples shortly before His crucifixion.

It is a part of the Gospel of John, which was written to a primarily Jewish-Christian audience sometime between A.D. 90 and 110.

John's Gospel contrasts the light of Christ with the darkness of the world and emphasizes Jesus as the source of eternal life.

This particular message of comfort and victory in John 16:33 was delivered during a time of impending crisis, as Jesus was preparing His disciples for His departure and the persecution they would face from the world.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse encapsulates several key concepts: 1.

The Christian understanding of peace, which goes beyond the mere absence of conflict and enters into the realm of spiritual tranquility despite external circumstances. 2.

The acknowledgment of tribulation reflects the New Testament theme that believers will face opposition and suffering for their faith. 3.

The victory (“I have overcome the world”) emphasizes the Christian belief in Christ's triumph over sin and death, offering redemption for humanity.

This statement bears eschatological significance, assuring believers that despite the current strife, the ultimate victory has been secured.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of John 16:33 are numerous:

Believers are encouraged to seek peace in their relationship with Jesus, particularly when facing life's challenges.

The verse also serves as a source of encouragement to remain steadfast in the face of trials, knowing that such experiences are expected in a world that is often at odds with Christian values. 3.

It reinforces the importance of hope and the perspective that any suffering is temporary compared to the eternal victory through Christ.

Cross-References

Romans 5:1: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"
Romans 8:35,37: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ...

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Revelation 3:21: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek language of this verse include:

"Peace" (εἰρήνη, eirēnē): Often refers to a state of tranquility or harmony, but in a biblical context, it suggest wholeness or well-being.
"Tribulation" (θλῖψις, thlipsis): Refers to pressure or affliction, and by extension, trials or suffering.
"Overcome" (νενίκηκα, nenikēka): Meaning to conquer, to carry off the victory.

The term implies a struggle followed by a triumph.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of a god or hero overcoming worldly struggles can be found in various ancient myths, such as the trials of Hercules in Greek mythology or the trials of Odysseus.

In religious parallels, many belief systems have teachings on conquering suffering or finding peace through spiritual enlightenment or divine aid, such as the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism or the role of the Messiah in Judaism.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly relate to scientific understandings, the concepts of peace and handling stress have been widely studied in the fields of psychology and health sciences.

The idea of finding peace through spiritual or religious means aligns with research indicating that faith and spirituality can contribute positively to mental health and coping strategies.

commentaries

Commentators offer varying perspectives on John 16:33:

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the consoling aspect of the verse, indicating that Jesus speaks for the comfort of His disciples, reminding them of the peace they can find in Him amidst the tribulations of the world.
The MacArthur Study Bible notes that the peace Jesus refers to is a deep-seated confidence that God is sovereign and in control, even when life seems chaotic.
The Believer's Bible Commentary highlights that the victory Jesus speaks of is not a promise of an easy life, but a guarantee of ultimate triumph for believers, calling them to a confident attitude.

These commentaries and others enrich the understanding of the complexities and the depth of promise contained in this single verse.

John 16

John 16

What does John 16:33 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 16:33 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?