29 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud

Bible Verses About Peace

What does the Bible say about peace?

In the Bible, peace starts with God. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you" (John 14:27). Through Christ we have "peace with God" (Romans 5:1), His peace guards anxious hearts (Philippians 4:6-7), and His people are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).

The peace Jesus gives
Peace of mind in hard times
Peace with God

Bible verses about peace: The peace Jesus gives

6 verses

John 14:27

KJV

King James Version

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

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.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 14:27

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used as a promise of inner calm: Jesus gives a peace that the world cannot, so a believer need not be anxious or afraid.

First spoken: Said at the Last Supper, just before His arrest, to the eleven disciples who were troubled that He was leaving (14:1, 14:28-29).

The early Christians: Cyprian quotes it to call Christians to live in peace and unity with one another, and says Christ's gifts are promised through keeping that peace. Chrysostom says it is a peace with Christ that the world's troubles cannot harm, a peace in which the disciples are at peace with one another.

“Among His divine commands and saving teachings, when the Lord was very near His passion, He added this one, saying, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you," John 14:27. He gave this to us as an inheritance. He promised all the gifts and rewards He spoke of through the keeping of peace. If we are fellow heirs with Christ, let us remain in the peace of Christ.” Cyprian, Treatises

“But I give you a kind of peace in which you are at peace with one another, and this makes you stronger.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on John

The difference: Today the verse is mostly taken as a calm inside the person. Chrysostom agrees it is a peace the world's troubles cannot harm, but he and Cyprian put first a peace with one another, a gift kept by those who stay united and live as peacemakers.

John 16:33

KJV

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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

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!”

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 16:33

How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used as a promise of peace in Christ in the middle of hard times, because Jesus has already won over the world.

First spoken: Jesus said it at the Last Supper, hours before His arrest, to disciples who would soon scatter (John 16:32). "Peace" and "tribulation" are said in the same breath.

The early Christians: Chrysostom says it is comfort, not a doctrine, and that trouble will keep coming; then he says we too conquer by following Christ and despising the world's pleasures. Cyprian uses the verse to teach patience in persecution, and Origen uses it for trusting God's protection.

“As long as you are in the world, you will have sorrow, not only now when I am betrayed, but also afterward.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on John

“But we too are allowed to conquer, by looking to the Author of our faith and walking on the road He opened for us. Then death will not master us either.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on John

Where they agree: Both read it as comfort in trouble through Christ's victory. The early Christians stress that trouble continues and that we win by following Him and holding to Him with patience.

2 Thessalonians 3:16

KJV

King James Version

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Thessalonians 3:16

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Often claimed as a promise of personal, inner calm: the Lord of peace gives me peace in any situation.

First spoken: Paul prays this right after telling the church to keep away from idle brothers who ignore his teaching, and to warn them as brothers, not enemies (3:6-15).

The early Christians: John Chrysostom reads the prayer as peace among the believers: after hard talk about discipline, Paul prays they may have no reason for conflict from any side.

“Since it was likely that arguments would come from these matters, with some people becoming irritated and others no longer helping such persons as readily as before, he rightly offers this prayer for them now, saying, "Give you peace at all times." For this is what is being sought: that they may always have peace. "In every way," he says. What does "in every way" mean? It means that they may have no reason for conflict from any side.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Second Thessalonians

The difference: Today this verse is often used for personal calm of mind. Chrysostom read it as Paul praying for peace inside the church, after the correction of idle brothers, so there is no cause for quarrel.

Mark 4:39

KJV

King James Version

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Mark 4:39

Isaiah 9:6

KJV

King James Version

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 9:6

Numbers 6:24-26

KJV

King James Version

²⁴The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: ²⁵The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: ²⁶The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

‘May the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Numbers 6:24-26

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used as a personal and family blessing: God promises to bless me and my family, keep us safe and give us peace.

First spoken: God told Moses to have Aaron and his sons, the priests, speak these words over the people of Israel (Numbers 6:22-27). The next verse (27) says by this the priests "put My name on" Israel.

The early Christians: The only early use in our library is the Apostolic Constitutions (a 4th-century church order, not an early Father): after the prayers and the kiss of peace, the high priest (bishop) blesses the gathered people with these words, as Moses commanded the priests.

“After this let the high priest pray for peace upon the people and bless them, as Moses commanded the priests to bless the people, in these words: "The Lord bless you, and keep you: the Lord make His face shine upon you, and give you peace."” Apostolic Constitutions (4th-century church order), Apostolic Constitutions

The difference: Today it is often taken as a blessing I can claim for my own family. A 4th-century church order (the Apostolic Constitutions) shows it spoken by the clergy over the whole gathered church as part of the service, as the priests did for Israel.

Bible verses about peace: Peace of mind in hard times

6 verses

Philippians 4:6-7

KJV

King James Version

⁶Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ⁷And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Philippians 4:6-7

How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used as the cure for worry: pray about everything with thanks instead of being anxious, and God's peace will guard your heart, though not always giving what you ask.

First spoken: Paul wrote this from prison to the church at Philippi, which was under pressure and had quarrels inside it (Philippians 4:2-5). Verse 5, "The Lord is at hand," comes just before it and is the reason not to worry.

The early Christians: Chrysostom reads it the same way: prayer with thanksgiving is the medicine for grief, and the Lord being near is the comfort. He adds that God's peace includes being at peace with enemies, and that it keeps us firm in the faith.

“Behold another consolation, a medicine that heals grief, and distress, and all that is painful. And what is this? Prayer, thanksgiving in all things. And so He wills that our prayers should not simply be requests, but thanksgivings too for what we have. For how should he ask for future things, who is not thankful for the past?” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Philippians

“What does “in Christ Jesus” mean? He will guard us in Him, so that you may remain firm and not fall away from His faith.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Philippians

Where they agree: Both say bring everything to God with thanks and He will guard your heart. Chrysostom also ties the peace to the Lord's nearness (judgment and reward) and to staying firm in Christ's faith, not only to feeling calm.

Isaiah 26:3

KJV

King James Version

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 26:3

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Often used as a promise that if I keep my thoughts on God, He will give me perfect peace and calm in a stressful life.

First spoken: Part of a song Judah will sing in a future day of deliverance (26:1). The peace is for the steadfast, righteous nation who trust the LORD as an everlasting rock (26:4) while the proud city is brought down.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No Father in our library explains this verse. It was first a song for God's faithful people looking to His coming rescue.

Psalms 4:8

KJV

King James Version

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 4:8

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Claimed as a promise that God gives me peaceful sleep and safety, even when life is chaotic.

First spoken: David's evening prayer while enemies pressed him; he ends trusting that the LORD alone keeps him safe.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No Father in our library comments on it. It was first David's own prayer of trust in a time of danger.

Psalms 29:11

KJV

King James Version

The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The LORD gives His people strength; the LORD blesses His people with peace.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 29:11

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Claimed as a promise that God will give me strength and bless me with peace in my own troubles.

First spoken: David's psalm praising the LORD's mighty voice in a thunderstorm. Verse 11 closes it: the God who rules the storm gives strength and peace to "His people," Israel.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No Father in our library comments on it. It was first the closing blessing on Israel after a song about God's power over the storm.

Colossians 3:15

KJV

King James Version

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Colossians 3:15

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used as a promise of personal inner calm: if I let God's peace rule my heart, I can keep calm inside whatever happens around me.

First spoken: Paul wrote to the church at Colossae. The verses just before tell them to forgive one another and put on love (3:12-14); the verse says they were called to peace "in one body", so it is about how Christians treat each other.

The early Christians: John Chrysostom, preaching on this verse, says the peace of God must act as umpire when two thoughts fight inside us, one urging revenge and one urging patience, and it must hand the prize to patience. Being thankful means treating a fellow servant as God treats us, and giving thanks even when insulted.

“For example, suppose someone has been insulted unjustly. From that insult two thoughts are born. One tells him to take revenge. The other tells him to endure it.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Colossians

“Not this, he says. Not this is what I want. Do not go too far. Instead, just as God made peace with you, so you also should make peace. How did He make peace? By His own will, without receiving anything from you.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Colossians

The difference: Today this verse is often read as a promise that I can stay calm inside. Chrysostom reads it as a command about how we treat people who wrong us: let God's peace win over revenge, forgive as God made peace with us, and stay at peace with our brothers in the one body.

Romans 15:13

KJV

King James Version

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 15:13

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Prayed as a blessing that God gives joy, peace and overflowing hope to those who simply trust Him, by the power of the Spirit.

First spoken: Paul closes his teaching on Jews and Gentiles living in unity with a prayer that the Roman believers, Jew and Gentile, would be filled with hope and joy together.

The early Christians: Chrysostom says the joy and hope come from the Holy Spirit, but not from the Spirit alone: we must do our part by believing, and if we have no good works the Spirit leaves.

“But it is not simply from the Spirit, but on the condition that we also do our part.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans

“As also, on the other hand, if we have no works, the Spirit flies away.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans

The difference: Today the verse is often heard as joy and peace given freely to anyone who trusts. Chrysostom taught that the Spirit's gifts are real but are kept by our own effort and good works, and are lost if we stop.

Bible verses about peace: Peace with God

5 verses

Romans 5:1

KJV

King James Version

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 5:1

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used to teach justification by faith alone: God declares the believer righteous once for all, as a legal verdict, so the believer has a settled peace with God and assurance of salvation that does not depend on his later conduct.

First spoken: Paul wrote this to the church in Rome. Romans 4 ends with Christ "raised for our justification"; 5:2-5 go on to grace, hope and suffering; 5:10 says we were reconciled to God "when we were enemies"; and Romans 6 at once warns, "Shall we continue in sin? Certainly not!" and speaks of being buried with Christ in baptism.

The early Christians: Chrysostom agrees that we are made right by faith and grace, not by works, but he reads verse 1 as "let us have peace": stop sinning and do not go back, because sinning again is making war on God. Tertullian likewise says the peace is the end of a real war of rebellion against God.

“After saying much about faith, he had put it ahead of the righteousness that comes by works. So that no one would think his words were an excuse for carelessness, he says, “Let us have peace.” That is, let us sin no more, and let us not go back to our former condition. For this is making war against God.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans

“What grace is this? Tell me. It is being counted worthy of the knowledge of God, being forced from error, coming to a knowledge of the Truth, obtaining all the blessings that come through Baptism.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans

The difference: Today this verse is used to teach that faith brings a settled legal peace with God that later sins cannot undo. The early Christians agreed we are made right by faith, not works, but Chrysostom reads it as "let us have peace": now stop sinning, because going back to sin is making war against God again.

Ephesians 2:13-14

KJV

King James Version

¹³But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 2:13-14

Colossians 1:20

KJV

King James Version

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Colossians 1:20

Romans 8:6

KJV

King James Version

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace,

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 8:6

Isaiah 54:10

KJV

King James Version

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

5 verses

Galatians 5:22-23

KJV

King James Version

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, ²³Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Galatians 5:22-23

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used to teach that the fruit of the Spirit is what the Holy Spirit grows in a person who is already saved, not something we make by our own effort, so it is the evidence that we belong to Christ, not a condition for being saved.

First spoken: Paul wrote this to the churches of Galatia, who were being pushed to keep the Law of Moses. Just before it (verses 19-21) he lists the works of the flesh and warns that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God"; just after it (verses 24-25) he says those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh, so "let us also walk by the Spirit."

The early Christians: John Chrysostom says Paul calls evil "works" because they come from us alone, but calls the good "fruit" because good needs both our own effort and God's kindness, and the soul chooses which way it goes. Irenaeus says the one who brings forth the fruit of the Spirit is saved, while the one who keeps on in the works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom.

“And why does he say, "the fruit of the Spirit"? It is because evil works come from ourselves alone, and so he calls them works. But good works require not only our own diligence, but also God's loving kindness.” John Chrysostom, Commentary on Galatians

“Therefore, he who has progressed to better things and has brought forth the fruit of the Spirit is saved completely because of the communion of the Spirit; likewise, he who has persisted in the aforementioned works of the flesh, being truly regarded as carnal, because he did not receive the Spirit of God, shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book V

The difference: Today this verse is often used to teach that the fruit is only a sign that someone is already saved. The early Christians read it as a choice set before every believer: with God's help we must work to bear this fruit, and those who keep living by the flesh instead will not inherit the kingdom.

Philippians 4:8-9

KJV

King James Version

⁸Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ⁹Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think on these things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Philippians 4:8-9

Psalms 119:165

KJV

King James Version

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your law; nothing can make them stumble.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 119:165

Proverbs 16:7

KJV

King James Version

When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 16:7

2 Corinthians 13:11

KJV

King James Version

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Corinthians 13:11

Short Bible verses about peace

Easy to memorize, to write in a card, or to send to a friend.

7 verses

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

Romans 5:1 KJV · 15 words
Listen
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

Matthew 5:9 KJV · 13 words
Listen
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

Romans 12:18 KJV · 15 words
Listen
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”

Hebrews 12:14 KJV · 15 words
Listen
“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.”

Psalms 34:14 KJV · 11 words
Listen
“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Ephesians 4:3 KJV · 13 words
Listen
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.”

Psalms 119:165 KJV · 13 words
Listen

What the first Christians said about peace

Exact words from our library of the early church writers. Each one opens at the place it was written.

“The son of peace ought to seek peace and pursue it. He who knows and loves the bond of charity ought to keep his tongue from the evil of dissension.”

Cyprian of CarthageTreatise 1: On the Unity of the Church

Read and listen to Cyprian of Carthage

The Greek and Hebrew words for peace

The words behind the English. Each word page has a Listen button for how it is said.

eirene Greek · Strong’s G1515

peace, quietness, rest
Hear it & see its verses
shalom Hebrew · Strong’s H7965

peace, wholeness, well-being
Hear it & see its verses

Questions people ask about peace in the Bible

What does the Bible say about peace?

Peace is a gift from God through Jesus (John 14:27), it begins with being made right with God (Romans 5:1), it guards the heart in hard times (Philippians 4:7), and it is something we pursue with others (Romans 12:18).

Listen: Romans 5:1

What is the peace that passes all understanding?

Philippians 4:6-7 says that when we bring our requests to God with thanksgiving, "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding" will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. It is a calm that does not depend on circumstances.

Listen: Philippians 4:7

What is a Bible verse for peace of mind?

Isaiah 26:3: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." John 14:27 and Philippians 4:6-7 are also widely loved.

Listen: Isaiah 26:3

What does "Peace, be still" mean?

Jesus spoke these words to a storm on the Sea of Galilee, and "there was a great calm" (Mark 4:39). The disciples learned that the wind and waves obey Him, and so can the storms in our lives.

Listen: Mark 4:39

Who are the peacemakers in the Bible?

Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9). Peacemakers seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:14), love their enemies, and work to heal broken relationships.

Listen: Matthew 5:9

Why did Jesus say He came not to send peace?

In Matthew 10:34 Jesus warned that following Him would divide even families, as some accept Him and others do not. The same Jesus gives His own peace to His followers (John 14:27) and blesses peacemakers.

Listen: Matthew 10:34

Bible verses about peace: The peace Jesus gives

Bible verses about peace: Peace of mind in hard times

Bible verses about peace: Peace with God

Bible verses about peace: Blessed are the peacemakers

Bible verses about peace: Walking in peace

Short Bible verses about peace

What the first Christians said about peace

The Greek and Hebrew words for peace

Questions people ask about peace in the Bible

What does the Bible say about peace?

What is the peace that passes all understanding?

What is a Bible verse for peace of mind?

What does "Peace, be still" mean?

Who are the peacemakers in the Bible?

Why did Jesus say He came not to send peace?

Related Bible topics

Keep studying

Where this comes from: verse sources and licences