The short answer: the Bible speaks of peace in three ways. First, peace with God: "since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1, ESV). Second, the peace of God, which guards our hearts in every circumstance (Philippians 4:7). Third, peace with others, which Jesus calls His followers to make (Matthew 5:9). Below are 20 Bible verses about peace in the ESV, each with a short note.
Peace With God
Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Every other peace starts here. The war between us and God is over because of Jesus.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
Our peace cost Him the cross. See why Jesus died on the cross.
Ephesians 2:14
For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility
Peace is not only something Jesus gives. He is our peace.
Colossians 1:19–20
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
God's plan is to put everything right through Jesus.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Promised centuries before His birth: the Prince of Peace.
Luke 2:14
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!
The angels' song the night Jesus was born.
The Peace of God
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
The world's peace depends on circumstances. His does not.
Philippians 4:6–7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Prayer with thanksgiving is the path. Peace is the guard. See 20 Bible verses about anxiety.
Isaiah 26:3
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Peace follows where the mind rests.
John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Peace "in me," even while there is trouble "in the world."
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Let His peace be the referee in your heart and in your church.
Psalm 4:8
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
A verse to pray when sleep will not come.
Psalm 29:11
May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!
Strength and peace come from the same hand.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
At all times. In every way. A blessing to pray over someone today.
Numbers 6:24–26
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
The blessing God gave the priests to speak over His people.
Peace With Others
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Not peacekeepers who avoid conflict, but peacemakers who step in to mend it.
Romans 12:18
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
You cannot control the other person. You can do your part. See how to forgive.
Hebrews 12:14
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Peace takes effort. "Strive" is a strong word.
James 3:18
And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Peacemaking plants seeds that grow into something good.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Joy, peace, and hope arrive together, as a gift. See 20 Bible verses about hope.
How to Walk in Peace This Week
- Start with peace with God. If you have never trusted Jesus, begin there. See Know Jesus.
- Trade worry for prayer. Each time anxiety rises, turn it into a request with thanks (Philippians 4:6).
- Fix your mind. Choose one verse and return to it through the day (Isaiah 26:3).
- Make one thing right. Is there someone you need to forgive or apologise to? Take the first step (Romans 12:18).
- Speak a blessing. Pray Numbers 6:24–26 over your family or a friend.
- Carry peace to someone. The gospel is "the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15). Share it.
Common Questions
What does the Bible say about peace? The Bible teaches peace with God through Jesus (Romans 5:1), the peace of God that guards hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7), and peace with others, which believers are called to make (Matthew 5:9, Romans 12:18).
What is the best Bible verse about peace? John 14:27 and Philippians 4:6–7 are two of the most loved. In John 14:27 Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you," and Philippians 4:7 promises the peace of God will guard your heart and mind.
What is the difference between peace with God and the peace of God? Peace with God is a restored relationship: we are justified by faith and no longer God's enemies (Romans 5:1). The peace of God is the inner calm He gives His people as they trust and pray (Philippians 4:6–7).
How do I find peace in hard times? Bring every worry to God in prayer with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6), keep your mind on Him (Isaiah 26:3), and remember Jesus' words: in the world you will have trouble, but He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
He Himself is our peace.
