The Bible promises a peace that comes from God, not circumstances. Key verses: John 14:27 ("Peace I leave with you"), Isaiah 26:3 (perfect peace for the mind stayed on God), Philippians 4:6-7 (the peace that passes understanding), and Romans 5:1 (peace with God through Christ).
Biblical peace (Hebrew shalom) means more than quiet; it is wholeness and well-being. Scripture speaks of peace with God, the peace of God in our hearts, and peace with others. Here are ten KJV passages.
Peace with God
1. Romans 5:1
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"
The foundation of all other peace: being justified by faith, we are no longer God's enemies.
2. John 16:33
"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."
Jesus is realistic: there will be tribulation. But peace is found "in me," because He has overcome the world.
The peace of God in your heart
3. 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 afraid."
Jesus' farewell gift to His disciples: a peace unlike the world's, which does not depend on circumstances.
4. Isaiah 26:3
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
"Perfect peace" is literally "peace, peace" in Hebrew. It belongs to the mind that stays fixed on God.
5. Philippians 4:6-7
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Prayer with thanksgiving is the path; God's peace guarding the heart and mind is the promise.
6. Psalms 4:8
"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety."
A bedtime verse: David lies down and sleeps in peace because God keeps him safe.
7. Colossians 3:15
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."
Let Christ's peace "rule," acting like an umpire, in your heart and relationships.
Living at peace with others
8. Romans 12:18
"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
Paul is realistic here too: "if it be possible, as much as lieth in you." Do your part to live peaceably.
9. Matthew 5:9
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Jesus blesses those who make peace, not just those who keep it.
10. Numbers 6:24-26
"The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."
The priestly blessing God gave Aaron to speak over Israel. It ends with "and give thee peace."
A short prayer
Prince of Peace, quiet my heart. I bring You what is troubling me and thank You for what You have already done. Keep my mind fixed on You, give me Your peace that the world cannot give, and make me a peacemaker today. In Jesus' name, amen.
Go deeper: a SOAP study prompt
Pick one verse above and write: - Scripture: copy the verse by hand. - Observation: what does it say? Who is speaking, to whom? - Application: what does it mean for you today? - Prayer: turn it into a two-line prayer.
New to this method? See our Bible study guide or pick a Bible reading plan.
[Download our free SOAP study page | Get the 30-page SOAP Bible Study Journal]
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Bible verse for peace?
John 14:27, Isaiah 26:3, and Philippians 4:6-7 are the most frequently cited.
What does "the peace that passeth all understanding" mean?
It comes from Philippians 4:7. God's peace is deeper than our ability to explain it, and it can be present even when circumstances make no sense.
What is a Bible verse for peace at night?
Psalm 4:8: "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety."
Sources: All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), public domain in the United States. References were checked against the KJV text from bible-api.com.
Related: Bible verses about anxiety · Bible verses about worrying · Bible verses about trusting God
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