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?
Here is a plain declaration of Christ's coming from the Father, and his return to him. The Redeemer, in his entrance, was God manifest in the flesh, and in his departure was received up into glory.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside John 16:31-33 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on John 16:33
In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. In me - In my presence, and in the aid which I shall render you by the Holy Spirit. In the world - Among the men to whom you are going. You must expect to be persecuted, afflicted, tormented. I have overcome the world - He overcame the prince of this world by his death, John 12:31 . He vanquished the great foe of man, and triumphed over all that would work our ruin.
Key words
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These things I have spoken unto you,.
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These things I have spoken unto you,.
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In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Context in John 16
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John 16 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as passion, resurrection, and epilogue. John presents Jesus in contemplative, symbolic, and theological richness as the Word, Lamb, Light, Bread, Shepherd, Resurrection, Way, Vine, and Son. Read this chapter with the wider themes of incarnation, life, and light in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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