16:33a
I have told you these things: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as these things refers to all that Jesus had said that night. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
I have told you this (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
I have told you all this (New Living Translation (2004))
so that in Me you may have peace: This is a purpose clause. Jesus said what he did in order to give his disciples inner peace. They would have this peace as a result of their relationship with him. The Greek text emphasizes the phrase in Me to contrast with “in the world” in 16:33b. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
so that my peace will be with you (God’s Word)
-or-
so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
so that you will have peace by being united to me (Good News Translation)
peace: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as peace here refers to spiritual and emotional welfare. That means unity with God and an absence of worry and fear, even in bad circumstances. See Peace Key Biblical Terms 3(c). See how you translated this word in 14:27.
16:33b
In the world: This phrase means “in this world full of evil and unbelief.” The Greek text emphasizes this phrase to contrast with “in me” in 16:33a. Jesus gives peace, but the world gives persecution.
you will have tribulation: This clause means “people will persecute you” or “people will make you suffer.” For example:
you will have trouble (New International Version)
-or-
you will have to suffer (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
you have trouble and suffering (NET Bible)
-or-
you will have many trials and sorrows (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
The world will make you suffer. (Good News Translation)
16:33c
But: This conjunction introduces what the disciples should do when unbelievers persecute them. The conjunction indicates that what follows is not expected. Instead of being afraid as you might expect someone to be when facing persecution, Jesus tells them to take courage.
take courage: The word the Berean Standard Bible has translated as take courage means “be cheerful.” It is a command. For example:
take heart (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
cheer up! (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
be brave! (New Century Version)
I have overcome the world!: This clause indicates the reason that the disciples could be cheerful and brave when they were persecuted. They could be cheerful and brave because Jesus had defeated this evil world system. See 12:31. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
I have defeated the world! (Good News Translation)
-or-
because I have overcome the world (New Living Translation (2004))
In some languages it may be necessary to indicate that this was not a military victory or a battle against the world’s people. It was a victory against the evil world system under the influence of Satan. For example:
I have destroyed the power of this world. (TH)
-or-
I have defeated the boss of my enemies. (Manobo Back Translation)
I: The Greek text emphasizes this pronoun. For example:
I myself have conquered the world!
General Comment on 16:33b–c
In some languages it may be difficult to just use the word “world” in both places in this verse. You may need to add some information to make the meaning clear. For example:
Here in this world you will be persecuted by the people who do not follow God. But do not be afraid. I have defeated their leader. (Yakan Back Translation)
-or-
It’s true that you will be persecuted in this world. But be brave because I have already defeated ⌊the evil that is in⌋ this world.
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