1 John 3:19

And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

And {G2532} hereby {G1722}{G5129} we know {G1097} that {G3754} we are {G2070} of {G1537} the truth {G225}, and {G2532} shall assure {G3982} our {G2257} hearts {G2588} before {G1715} him {G846}.

Here is how we will know that we are from the truth and will set our hearts at rest in his presence:

And by this we will know that we belong to the truth, and will assure our hearts in His presence:

Hereby shall we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our heart before him:

1 John 3:19 (KJV): "And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him."

This verse offers profound insight into how believers can gain confidence and assurance in their relationship with God, linking it directly to their actions and character.

Context

This verse follows immediately after 1 John 3:18, which exhorts believers: "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." The "hereby" in verse 19 refers back to this command to love practically and genuinely. The Apostle John is contrasting superficial or merely verbal faith with a faith that is demonstrated through actions, particularly loving others. This passage is part of a larger section discussing the nature of true believers, the difference between children of God and children of the devil, and the importance of love as a sign of spiritual life (1 John 3:10-17).

Key Themes

  • Assurance of Truth and Salvation: The verse provides a method ("hereby") for knowing that one is genuinely connected to God's truth. This assurance is linked not just to belief, but to the evidence of that belief in one's life.
  • Love in Action: The preceding verse emphasizes loving "in deed and in truth." Verse 19 shows that this practical, sincere love is the very evidence that confirms our standing in the truth. Genuine love for others is a marker of being "of the truth."
  • Confidence Before God: The phrase "assure our hearts before him" speaks to gaining confidence in God's presence, particularly in prayer or in facing judgment. When our lives reflect the truth through love, our hearts can be settled and confident, free from condemnation (see 1 John 3:21).

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "know" is the Greek verb ginosko (γινώσκω), which often implies a deep, experiential knowledge, not just intellectual assent. The word "truth" is aletheia (ἀλήθεια), signifying reality, sincerity, and divine truth as revealed in Christ. The phrase "assure our hearts" comes from the Greek verb peitho (πείθω), which means to persuade, convince, or satisfy. It suggests an internal conviction or settling of the heart, removing doubt or guilt when standing "before him" (God).

Reflection and Application

This verse teaches that our actions matter as indicators of our spiritual state. While salvation is by grace through faith, the genuineness of that faith is often validated by its fruit, especially love for fellow believers and humanity (see Matthew 7:20). If we struggle with assurance, examining our lives for evidence of sincere love manifested in deeds can be a source of conviction. Living a life characterized by love "in deed and in truth" helps to quiet the accusations of our own hearts or external doubts, allowing us to approach God with greater confidence and a settled assurance.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 10:22

    Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

  • Isaiah 32:17

    And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

  • 1 John 3:21

    Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God.

  • Hebrews 6:10

    For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

  • Hebrews 6:11

    And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

  • John 18:37

    Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

  • 1 John 1:8

    ¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

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