1 John 3:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Beloved {G27}, if {G3362} our {G2257} heart {G2588} condemn {G2607} us {G2257} not {G3362}, then have we {G2192} confidence {G3954} toward {G4314} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Dear friends, if our hearts know nothing against us, we have confidence in approaching God;

Berean Standard Bible

Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God,

American Standard Version

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 3:21 offers profound assurance to believers, asserting that when their conscience does not condemn them, they can approach God with unhindered confidence. This internal peace is not based on sinless perfection, but on a life characterized by genuine love for others and a sincere pursuit of obedience to God's commands, fostering a direct and bold relationship with the Heavenly Father.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a broader discussion in [1 John 3](/1_john/3 "1 John 3 - Children of God") that distinguishes true children of God from those who belong to the devil. John emphasizes that genuine faith is evidenced by righteous living and active love for fellow believers. Immediately preceding [1 John 3:21](/1_john/3-21 "1 John 3:21 - Confidence Toward God"), verse [1 John 3:20](/1_john/3-20 "1 John 3:20 - God is greater than our heart") acknowledges the reality of a condemning heart, stating, "For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things." Verse 21 then provides the hopeful counterpoint, offering the positive outcome when the heart is not condemning. This flow highlights that while self-condemnation can occur, the ultimate ground of assurance lies in God's perfect knowledge and grace, which then enables a clear conscience to experience confidence. The preceding verses, particularly [1 John 3:18-19](/1_john/3-18-19 "1 John 3:18-19 - Loving in deed and truth"), stress that love must be "in deed and in truth," not merely in word, which then leads to the assurance of belonging to the truth and the quieting of a condemning heart.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Apostle John was writing to a community facing internal strife and external pressures, particularly from proto-Gnostic teachers who denied the full humanity of Christ and often promoted antinomianism (the idea that moral laws are not binding) or, conversely, a rigid perfectionism. These false teachings could lead to either a lax conscience or an overly scrupulous one, undermining the assurance of genuine believers. John's epistle, therefore, aims to provide clear ethical and theological markers for true Christianity. In this context, the concept of a "condemning heart" would resonate deeply with believers struggling to discern truth from error and to live righteously in a challenging environment. The emphasis on "confidence toward God" was crucial for a community that needed to maintain a vibrant prayer life and a secure sense of their identity in Christ amidst doctrinal confusion and moral compromise.
* **Key Themes:** [1 John 3:21](/1_john/3-21 "1 John 3:21 - Confidence Toward God") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in John's first epistle. Foremost is the theme of **Assurance of Salvation**, where a non-condemning heart serves as an internal witness to one's genuine relationship with God. This assurance is inextricably linked to **Righteous Living and Obedience**, as a clear conscience stems from a life striving to walk in God's ways, as seen in [1 John 2:3-6](/1_john/2-3-6 "1 John 2:3-6 - Knowing God through Obedience"). The theme of **Love (Agape)** is also paramount; John repeatedly links love for God with love for fellow believers, and a heart free from condemnation is often a heart that has actively demonstrated this love ([1 John 3:14](/1_john/3-14 "1 John 3:14 - We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren")). Finally, the verse speaks to **Boldness in Prayer**, indicating that a clear conscience enables unhindered communion with God, a concept further developed in [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beloved (Greek, _agapētós'_):** This term, used frequently by John, is an affectionate and pastoral address, emphasizing the deep love God has for His children and the familial bond among believers. It sets a tone of grace and reassurance, indicating that the following instruction comes from a place of care and divine affection.
* **condemn (Greek, _kataginṓskō'_):** Derived from "to know against," this verb signifies an internal judgment, accusation, or finding fault with oneself. It describes the conscience's painful indictment of one's actions or failures. The implication is that a heart that does not "condemn" is one that is at peace, having dealt with sin through confession and repentance, and striving for a life consistent with God's will.
* **confidence (Greek, _parrhēsía'_):** This powerful word denotes "all out-spokenness," frankness, boldness, freedom of speech, and by implication, assurance. In a spiritual context, it describes the privilege and right to approach God without fear, hesitation, or shame. It is the opposite of a timid or cowering spirit, signifying a secure and open relationship with the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Beloved, if our heart condemn us not":** John begins with a tender address, "Beloved," setting a pastoral tone. The conditional clause "if our heart condemn us not" points to the internal state of the believer's conscience. The "heart" here refers to the inner moral compass, the seat of self-awareness and moral judgment. When this inner witness is clear, free from the burden of unconfessed sin or willful disobedience, it signifies a state of peace and alignment with God's revealed will. This does not imply a state of sinless perfection, but rather a life marked by genuine repentance, a desire for holiness, and active love.
* **"then have we confidence toward God":** This is the glorious consequence of a non-condemning heart. The "confidence" (Greek: _parrhēsía_) is not arrogance or presumption, but a profound assurance and boldness in God's presence. It is the freedom to approach Him in prayer, worship, and daily life without fear or hesitation, knowing that one is in right standing with Him. This confidence is directed "toward God," indicating an unhindered, direct, and intimate relationship with the Creator, enabled by the work of Christ and maintained by a Spirit-empowered life of obedience and love.

#### Literary Devices
John employs several literary devices to convey his message effectively. The primary structure is a **Conditional Statement** ("if... then..."), which clearly links the state of the heart to the outcome of confidence. This logical construction provides a straightforward pathway to understanding the spiritual principle. There is also an element of **Personification** as the "heart" is depicted as having the capacity to "condemn" or not, giving an internal, almost judicial, quality to the conscience. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Contrast** to the preceding verse, [1 John 3:20](/1_john/3-20 "1 John 3:20 - God is greater than our heart"), where a condemning heart is addressed. Here, the focus shifts to the positive state of a non-condemning heart, creating a hopeful and encouraging counterpoint. John's consistent use of the term "Beloved" at the outset of such profound statements also establishes a warm, **Pastoral Tone**, reinforcing the compassionate and encouraging nature of his message to the struggling believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological significance of [1 John 3:21](/1_john/3-21 "1 John 3:21 - Confidence Toward God") lies in its articulation of Christian assurance and the basis for unhindered communion with God. It teaches that while God's knowledge is ultimately greater than our hearts' condemnation ([1 John 3:20](/1_john/3-20 "1 John 3:20 - God is greater than our heart")), a clear conscience, cultivated through a life of repentance, love, and obedience, is the experiential ground for confidence in prayer and in our relationship with God. This confidence is not earned by perfect performance, but flows from a genuine faith that expresses itself in righteousness, acknowledging that our standing before God is ultimately secured by Christ's work, which then empowers us to live in a way that aligns our conscience with His truth. It underscores the New Covenant reality of direct access to God, a privilege that should be embraced with boldness.

* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the throne of grace with boldness")
* [1 John 2:28](/1_john/2-28 "1 John 2:28 - Confidence at Christ's coming")
* [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No condemnation for those in Christ Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 3:21 serves as both a profound encouragement and a practical challenge for believers today. It encourages us that a life lived in sincere pursuit of God's will, marked by genuine love for others and quick repentance for sin, leads to an inner peace that empowers us to approach God without fear. This means actively cultivating a conscience that is sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, promptly confessing sin ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confess your sins")), and striving to walk in obedience. When our actions align with our faith, our hearts are quieted, and we experience the profound freedom of knowing we are in right standing with God. This confidence is vital for a vibrant prayer life, enabling us to make our requests known with assurance, trusting in God's willingness to hear and respond. It calls us to examine our lives not for a legalistic perfection, but for a sincere desire to please God, knowing that His grace covers our imperfections and empowers our obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my conscience typically function in my daily walk with God? Does it often condemn me, or do I experience a sense of peace?**
* **In what specific ways can I cultivate a heart that "condemns me not," recognizing that this is rooted in grace and genuine effort?**
* **What impact does my level of confidence toward God have on my prayer life and my overall spiritual intimacy with Him?**
* **How does the balance between God's greater knowledge ([1 John 3:20](/1_john/3-20 "1 John 3:20 - God is greater than our heart")) and a non-condemning heart ([1 John 3:21](/1_john/3-21 "1 John 3:21 - Confidence Toward God")) inform my understanding of assurance?**

### FAQ

**Does "our heart condemn us not" imply sinless perfection?**

Answer: No, the phrase "if our heart condemn us not" does not imply sinless perfection. John himself states in [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - If we say that we have no sin") that "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." Instead, it refers to a conscience that is clear because the believer is living a life characterized by genuine repentance, a sincere desire to obey God's commands, and active love for fellow believers ([1 John 3:18](/1_john/3-18 "1 John 3:18 - Loving in deed and truth")). When sins are confessed ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confess your sins")) and the believer strives to walk in the light, the conscience is at peace, fostering confidence toward God.

**What is the relationship between 1 John 3:21 and the preceding verse, 1 John 3:20?**

Answer: [1 John 3:20](/1_john/3-20 "1 John 3:20 - God is greater than our heart") and [1 John 3:21](/1_john/3-21 "1 John 3:21 - Confidence Toward God") are complementary verses that address the issue of a condemning heart from different angles. Verse 20 acknowledges the reality of self-condemnation ("if our heart condemn us"), but immediately offers profound reassurance: "God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things." This means that even when our conscience accuses us, God's perfect knowledge and boundless grace supersede our internal judgment. Verse 21 then presents the positive scenario: if our heart *does not* condemn us (because we are living in obedience and love, and have dealt with sin through repentance), then we experience the resulting "confidence toward God." Together, they provide a balanced perspective: God's grace is always sufficient, and a clear conscience, enabled by that grace, leads to a bold relationship with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The confidence described in [1 John 3:21](/1_john/3-21 "1 John 3:21 - Confidence Toward God") finds its ultimate and only true basis in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our heart does not condemn us, and we have confidence toward God, not because of our own inherent goodness or perfect obedience, but because Christ has fully dealt with the sin that would otherwise condemn us. It is through His atoning sacrifice that we are justified and declared righteous, removing the very ground of condemnation ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No condemnation for those in Christ Jesus")). The "confidence" (parrhēsía) John speaks of is precisely the boldness to enter God's presence, a privilege secured by the blood of Jesus, who has opened a new and living way for us into the Most Holy Place ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Boldness to enter the Most Holy Place")). Our ability to live a life that quiets our conscience—a life of love and obedience—is itself a fruit of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent to indwell believers ([John 14:15-17](/john/14-15-17 "John 14:15-17 - The Spirit of Truth")). Thus, the non-condemning heart and the resulting confidence are not self-generated but are direct outcomes of being "in Christ," whose righteousness is imputed to us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")) and whose Spirit empowers us to walk in newness of life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 2:28

¶ And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Psalms 7:3

O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;

Psalms 7:5

Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take [it]; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.

2 Corinthians 1:12

¶ For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

Psalms 101:2

I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

1 John 5:14

¶ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: