John 14:1
What does John 14:1 mean?
A plain-English look at John 14:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 14:1 means
Jesus speaks directly to the disciples’ fear. Their hearts are agitated by the news of His departure, but He calls them to steady trust. Faith in God is not enough if it stops short of Him; He places faith in Himself alongside faith in the Father, showing His divine authority and reliability. He does not dismiss their trouble but answers it with Himself. The cure for inward turmoil is not denial, but believing reliance on His person and promise. To believe in Jesus here means to rest the weight of one’s future and present on Him, expecting that what He says about leaving and returning will prove wise, good, and sufficient for them.
John 14:1 in context
John 14 — I Am the Way
On the night before his crucifixion Jesus comforts his disciples. He is going to prepare a place for them; he is the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by him. He promises another Comforter — the Holy Spirit — who will dwell in them and bring his words to remembrance. The peace he gives is not as the world gives. Even with the cross hours away, he turns from his own sorrow to steady theirs.
- Heaven
- Exclusivity of Christ
- Holy Spirit promised
- Christ's peace
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let not your heart be troubled: have faith in God and have faith in me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Let not your heart be troubled, believe in God, also in me believe;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God: believe also in me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe onGod, believe also on me.
Context
This opening word of comfort follows Jesus’ prediction of departure and the disciples’ distress. He has spoken of betrayal and denial in the larger setting of the meal, heightening anxiety. Now He turns from exposing darkness to strengthening weak hearts. Verse 1 frames the whole chapter: promises about a prepared place, His return, answered prayer, the coming Spirit, and His unique peace all flow from this command and invitation to trust. The reader should hold this verse as the thread tying together the rest of the assurances that follow.
v.1This passage
v.2In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9
And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
- John 14:27
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 fearful.
- Isaiah 43:1
But now thus saith Jehovah that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine.
- Ephesians 1:12
to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ:
- Psalms 77:10
And I said, This is my infirmity; But I will rememberthe years of the right hand of the Most High.
- John 12:44
And Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
Sermon ideas from John 14:1
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What John 14:1 teaches us about heaven
What John 14:1 teaches us about exclusivity of christ
What John 14:1 teaches us about holy spirit promised
What John 14:1 teaches us about christ's peace
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