1 John 3:22

KJV

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} whatsoever {G3739}{G1437} we ask {G154}, we receive {G2983} of {G3844} him {G846}, because {G3754} we keep {G5083} his {G846} commandments {G1785}, and {G2532} do {G4160} those things that are pleasing {G701} in his {G846} sight {G1799}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then, whatever we ask for, we receive from him; because we are obeying his commands and doing the things that please him.

Berean Standard Bible

and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight.

American Standard Version

and whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 3:22 presents a profound promise regarding prayer, assuring believers that their requests will be granted by God. This assurance, however, is not unconditional; it is directly linked to a life characterized by obedience to God's commandments and a genuine desire to do what is pleasing in His sight. The verse underscores the intimate connection between a believer's walk with God and the efficacy of their prayers, emphasizing that a heart aligned with divine will is foundational to receiving from the Father.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader discussion in 1 John 3 about the nature of God's children and the practical outworking of their new identity in Christ. John has just contrasted the children of God with the children of the devil, emphasizing that righteousness and love for one another are distinguishing marks of true believers ([1 John 3:10](/1_john/3-10 "1 John 3:10 - Children of God and Children of the Devil")). Immediately preceding this verse, John speaks of the confidence believers can have before God when their hearts do not condemn them, especially when they walk in love ([1 John 3:21](/1_john/3-21 "1 John 3:21 - Confidence Before God")). Therefore, [1 John 3:22](/1_john/3-22 "1 John 3:22 - Answered Prayer and Obedience") naturally follows, presenting answered prayer as a tangible outcome of this confident, righteous, and obedient walk, further reinforcing the assurance of their relationship with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written likely towards the end of the first century, John’s epistle addresses a Christian community grappling with emerging false teachings, often identified as proto-Gnosticism, which promoted a disconnect between spiritual knowledge and ethical behavior. These teachers often claimed spiritual superiority while neglecting moral conduct. In this context, John's emphasis on "keeping His commandments" and "doing what is pleasing in His sight" directly counters such antinomian tendencies, asserting that genuine faith is always evidenced by righteous living. The early church communities also relied heavily on communal prayer and divine provision, making the promise of answered prayer deeply significant for their daily lives and mission amidst a pagan world.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout 1 John. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Answered Prayer**, portraying God as a responsive Father who hears and grants the requests of His children. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Obedience**, presenting it not as a legalistic burden but as a vital condition for intimacy with God and the effective functioning of prayer. This obedience is intrinsically linked to **Righteousness** and **Love**, which John consistently identifies as the core of God's commandments ([1 John 3:23](/1_john/3-23 "1 John 3:23 - God's Commandment to Believe and Love")). Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Confidence Before God**, building upon the preceding verse by showing that a life lived in alignment with God's will fosters an unhindered access to His presence and provision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ask (Greek, _aitéō'_):** This term (G154) signifies to "ask (in general case)," "beg," "call for," or "desire." It implies a request made by an inferior to a superior, or by one who needs something from one who can provide. In the context of prayer, it denotes a humble yet earnest petition to God, acknowledging His authority and ability to grant.
* **receive (Greek, _lambánō'_):** This word (G2983) means "to take," "get hold of," or "obtain." It emphasizes the objective act of gaining possession of something. When used in connection with prayer, it assures the believer of actually acquiring what was requested, indicating God's affirmative response and provision.
* **commandments (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to enjoin," this term (G1785) refers to an "injunction" or "authoritative prescription." In John's writings, "commandments" are not merely a list of rules but encompass the overarching divine will, particularly the dual command to believe in Jesus Christ and to love one another ([1 John 3:23](/1_john/3-23 "1 John 3:23 - God's Commandment to Believe and Love")). Keeping these commandments signifies a life lived in active faith and loving obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whatsoever we ask":** This opening phrase establishes the broad scope of the promise. It suggests that the believer's requests are not limited in subject matter, indicating God's willingness to hear and consider a wide range of petitions. The emphasis is on the act of asking, highlighting the active participation of the believer in prayer.
* **"we receive of him":** This clause delivers the core promise: God grants what is asked. The preposition "of him" (Greek, _pará autou'_) emphasizes that the source of the reception is God Himself, underscoring His benevolent and responsive nature as the giver of good gifts. This is a direct declaration of God's faithfulness to His children.
* **"because we keep his commandments":** Here, the condition for receiving is explicitly stated. "Keeping His commandments" (Greek, _tēroūmen autou tas entolás'_) implies a continuous, active adherence to God's revealed will. This is not a transactional quid pro quo, but rather a description of a life lived in loving obedience, where the believer's desires naturally align with God's purposes, making their prayers harmonious with His will.
* **"and do those things that are pleasing in his sight":** This phrase further clarifies and deepens the nature of the required obedience. "Doing those things that are pleasing" (Greek, _poioumen ta arestá enōpion autou'_) goes beyond mere external conformity to rules. It speaks to a heart attitude that genuinely seeks to honor God, reflecting His character and desires, and living in a way that is agreeable and acceptable to Him in His presence. This suggests an intimate relationship where the believer's life is lived with God's approval as a primary motivation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. It functions as a **Conditional Statement**, clearly outlining a cause-and-effect relationship: "If we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing, then we receive what we ask." This structure highlights the necessary prerequisites for answered prayer. There is also a strong sense of **Parallelism** in the two conditions presented: "keep his commandments" and "do those things that are pleasing in His sight." While distinct, these phrases are complementary, emphasizing both the adherence to explicit divine instructions and the cultivation of a heart attitude that seeks God's approval in all aspects of life. The use of "whatsoever" (Greek, _ho eán'_) indicates **Indefiniteness** or **Broad Scope**, suggesting that the promise applies to a wide range of requests, provided the conditions are met.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of prayer and the divine-human relationship. It debunks the notion of prayer as a mere wish-list or a magical formula, instead presenting it as an organic outflow of a life lived in communion with God. The promise of receiving "whatsoever we ask" is not a blank check for selfish desires, but rather an assurance that when our will is aligned with God's through active obedience and a desire to please Him, our petitions naturally reflect His purposes. This alignment transforms prayer from a self-centered activity into a God-centered one, where the believer participates in the unfolding of God's will. It underscores that true spiritual power in prayer comes from a righteous walk and a heart devoted to God, fostering a deeper intimacy and trust between the Father and His children.

* [John 15:7](/john/15-7 "John 15:7 - Abiding in Christ and Answered Prayer")
* [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer According to God's Will")
* [James 4:3](/james/4-3 "James 4:3 - Asking Amiss")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 3:22 serves as both an incredible promise and a profound challenge for believers. It invites us to examine the authenticity of our walk with God: are our lives genuinely marked by obedience to His revealed will and a sincere desire to please Him? This verse encourages us to move beyond a superficial understanding of faith, urging us to cultivate a deep, abiding relationship where our desires become increasingly conformed to God's. When we prioritize God's commandments and His pleasure, our prayers naturally shift from self-serving requests to petitions that align with His divine purposes, leading to a greater experience of answered prayer and a deeper spiritual maturity. This doesn't mean our prayers are always answered exactly as we expect, but rather that our hearts are being transformed to desire what God desires, leading to true spiritual flourishing and confidence in His benevolent nature.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a commitment to "keeping His commandments" and "doing those things that are pleasing in His sight?"**
* **In what ways might my prayer life be hindered by a lack of obedience or a focus on self-pleasing desires rather than God's will?**
* **What specific "commandments" of God, particularly those related to love and faith, might I need to more intentionally embrace to align my heart with His?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper desire to "do those things that are pleasing in His sight," moving beyond mere duty to genuine devotion?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean God will give me anything I ask for, as long as I try to be good?**

Answer: No, this verse does not offer a "blank check" for any desire, nor does it promote a works-based salvation or a transactional view of God. The key is the phrase "because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." This describes a life of genuine alignment with God's will, not simply "trying to be good." When a believer's heart and life are truly conformed to God's character and purposes, their desires in prayer naturally become God-centered. As [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14 - Asking According to God's Will") clarifies, "if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us." The obedience spoken of in [1 John 3:22](/1_john/3-22 "1 John 3:22 - Answered Prayer and Obedience") is evidence of a heart that desires God's will, not merely its own.

**What are "his commandments" in this context?**

Answer: In John's writings, "His commandments" (Greek, _entolḗ'_) are not limited to the Mosaic Law but primarily refer to the new covenant commands given by Jesus. As [1 John 3:23](/1_john/3-23 "1 John 3:23 - God's Commandment to Believe and Love") immediately states, "And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment." Therefore, "keeping His commandments" involves both faith in Jesus Christ and a life characterized by genuine, sacrificial love for fellow believers and humanity, which is the fulfillment of the law ([Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")).

**What if I feel like I'm trying to obey, but my prayers aren't being answered?**

Answer: It's important to remember that God's answers to prayer are not always "yes" or immediate. Sometimes the answer is "no," "wait," or "something better." The purpose of [1 John 3:22](/1_john/3-22 "1 John 3:22 - Answered Prayer and Obedience") is to assure us of God's responsiveness when our hearts are aligned with Him, not to guarantee every specific request. Our obedience fosters intimacy, which refines our desires. If prayers seem unanswered, it's an invitation to deeper self-examination (as [James 4:3](/james/4-3 "James 4:3 - Asking Amiss") suggests, we might be asking "amiss") and to seek God's wisdom, trusting in His perfect timing and sovereign plan ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 John 3:22 emphasizes the believer's obedience as a condition for answered prayer, its ultimate fulfillment and power are found in Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly "kept his commandments" and "did those things that are pleasing in his sight" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Our ability to obey and please God is not inherent but is a result of our union with Christ through faith and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. It is through Christ that we are made righteous ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")), and it is His Spirit who empowers us to walk in obedience ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking According to the Spirit")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself serves as our great High Priest, interceding for us before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor")), ensuring that our prayers, though imperfect, are heard and presented acceptably through His merit. Thus, [1 John 3:22](/1_john/3-22 "1 John 3:22 - Answered Prayer and Obedience") is not a call to earn God's favor through our own efforts, but an assurance that when we abide in Christ and His words abide in us ([John 15:7](/john/15-7 "John 15:7 - Abiding in Christ and Answered Prayer")), our desires are shaped by His will, and our access to the Father's generous provision is secured through His perfect work.

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

John 15:7

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

John 9:31

Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

Matthew 21:22

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Mark 11:24

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them].

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:

John 16:23

¶ And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you.

John 16:24

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.