1 John 3:21

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

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

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

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

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

1 John 3:21 offers a profound insight into the believer's relationship with God, emphasizing the role of a clear conscience in fostering spiritual confidence. The Apostle John reassures believers that when their inner moral compass does not accuse them, they can approach God with boldness and certainty.

Context of 1 John 3:21

This verse is nestled within a section of 1 John that distinguishes true children of God from those who are not, focusing on the twin pillars of righteousness and love. John has just discussed the internal struggle of the heart, particularly in 1 John 3:20, where he acknowledges that "if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things." Verse 21 provides the hopeful counterpoint: if the heart *doesn't* condemn, then assurance is possible. This assurance is rooted not in sinless perfection, but in a life characterized by genuine love for fellow believers (1 John 3:18) and a striving for obedience to God's commandments.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Role of Conscience: The verse highlights the importance of an unburdened conscience. A heart that "condemn us not" implies a life lived in accordance with God's revealed will, marked by repentance for sin and a sincere desire to please Him. It's about genuine faith expressed through righteous living and love.
  • Confidence Toward God: The core message is the resulting "confidence toward God." This isn't arrogance but a deep sense of trust and boldness in His presence. It speaks to the freedom to approach God in prayer, knowing that one is in right standing with Him through Christ. This confidence is crucial for a vibrant spiritual life and effective prayer.
  • Assurance of Salvation: While not explicitly stating "salvation," the confidence spoken of here is directly linked to the assurance of one's relationship with God. When our actions align with our confession of faith, our inner being confirms our belonging to God, providing a solid foundation for our hope.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "condemn" is kataginōskō (καταγινώσκω), meaning "to know against," "to find fault with," or "to condemn." It describes an internal judgment or accusation. The contrast here is powerful: a heart that accuses versus a heart that is at peace.

The term for "confidence" is parrēsia (παρρησία). This is a significant word in John's writings and elsewhere in the New Testament. It denotes boldness, frankness, freedom of speech, and the right to speak openly. In a spiritual context, it signifies the privilege of approaching God without fear or hesitation, a privilege secured by Christ's work and maintained through a life of obedience and love. This same confidence is mentioned in 1 John 2:28 regarding Christ's return, and in Hebrews 4:16 concerning approaching the throne of grace.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 John 3:21 serves as both an encouragement and a challenge. It encourages us to live in such a way that our conscience, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, does not accuse us of unconfessed sin or willful disobedience. This doesn't mean a life free from all sin (which is impossible), but a life marked by quick repentance and a genuine desire to walk in God's ways. When we strive to obey His commands and love our brothers and sisters, our hearts are at peace, and we can approach God with genuine boldness and confidence in prayer, knowing He hears and answers us.

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.

  • 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:

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back