1 John 5:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} this {G3778} is {G2076} the confidence {G3954} that {G3739} we have {G2192} in {G4314} him {G846}, that {G3754}, if {G1437} we ask {G154} any thing {G5100} according {G2596} to his {G846} will {G2307}, he heareth {G191} us {G2257}:

Complete Jewish Bible

This is the confidence we have in his presence: if we ask anything that accords with his will, he hears us.

Berean Standard Bible

And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

American Standard Version

And this is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 5:14 serves as a foundational declaration regarding the efficacy of prayer, asserting that believers can approach God with unwavering confidence, knowing that if their requests align with His divine will, He actively hears and responds. This verse encapsulates a profound truth about the believer's privileged access to God, emphasizing that the effectiveness of prayer is rooted not in human eloquence or persistence alone, but in a Spirit-led alignment with God's perfect purposes for His children and His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the concluding section of John's First Epistle, following a powerful affirmation of the believer's eternal life and preceding a further elaboration on answered prayer. In [1 John 5:13](/1_john/5-13 "Assurance of Eternal Life"), John explicitly states his purpose: "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye may have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." This establishes a bedrock of assurance in salvation, which then naturally extends to the assurance in prayer. [Verse 15](/1_john/5-15 "Knowing God Hears Us") immediately follows, reinforcing the promise: "And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." Thus, [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "Confidence in Prayer") acts as the pivotal link, connecting the certainty of salvation with the certainty of answered prayer, provided it meets the crucial condition of alignment with God's will. The entire chapter, [1 John 5](/1_john/5 "Faith, Love, and Assurance"), weaves together themes of faith, love, obedience, and the assurance of salvation, culminating in practical implications for the believer's walk, including prayer.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's First Epistle was written to a community of believers facing internal strife and external pressures, particularly from emerging Gnostic heresies. These false teachings denied the true humanity of Christ, minimized the importance of obedience, and promoted a pseudo-spiritual "knowledge" that often led to moral laxity or spiritual arrogance. In this context, John emphasizes foundational truths: the reality of Christ's incarnation, the necessity of love for one another, and the importance of obedience to God's commands as true marks of genuine faith. The concept of "confidence" (παρρησία, _parrēsía_) would have resonated deeply, as it implied open access and freedom of speech, a stark contrast to the esoteric "knowledge" claimed by the Gnostics. John reassures his audience that their access to God is not through secret rituals or special knowledge, but through their relationship with Christ, granting them the boldness to approach God directly and confidently, a privilege denied to those outside of true fellowship with God.

* **Key Themes:** [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "Confidence in Prayer") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in John's epistle. Firstly, **Assurance** is paramount; John consistently aims to provide his readers with certainty regarding their salvation and their relationship with God. This verse extends that assurance to the realm of prayer, guaranteeing that God hears prayers offered according to His will. Secondly, the theme of **Knowing God** is central. John repeatedly uses the verb "to know" (οἴδαμεν, _oidamen_) to denote a deep, experiential understanding of God, not just intellectual assent. This knowing informs the believer's confidence in prayer, as they grow in discerning God's character and will. Thirdly, **God's Will and Sovereignty** are underscored. The efficacy of prayer is not about manipulating God, but about aligning human desires with divine purposes. This theme echoes the Lord's Prayer in [Matthew 6:10](/matthew/6-10 "Thy Will Be Done"), where believers are taught to pray, "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." Finally, **Fellowship with God** is the ultimate goal. Confident, Spirit-led prayer is a vital expression of this fellowship, demonstrating the intimate, relational access believers have to their Heavenly Father through Christ, as highlighted throughout [1 John](/1_john/1 "Fellowship with God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **confidence (Greek, _parrēsía'_):** From G3954. This term conveys "all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance." It signifies a boldness, freedom of speech, and open access, not a timid or hesitant approach. In the context of prayer, it speaks to the believer's privileged right to approach God directly and without fear, a privilege secured through Christ.
* **ask (Greek, _aitéō'_):** From G154. This verb means "to ask (in genitive case); ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, require." It describes the act of making a request or petition. Unlike some other Greek words for asking (e.g., ἐρωτάω, _erōtaō_, which implies asking as an equal or superior), _aitéō_ often suggests a request from an inferior to a superior, or a child to a parent, fitting the dynamic of a believer appealing to God.
* **heareth (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191. A primary verb meaning "to hear (in various senses); give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand." In this context, "heareth" implies more than just perceiving sound; it denotes attentive listening, understanding, and a readiness to respond or grant the request. It signifies God's active engagement and benevolent reception of the believer's prayer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this is the confidence that we have in him,"**: This opening clause establishes the premise of the verse: the believer possesses a specific "confidence" or boldness. The phrase "in him" (πρὸς αὐτόν, _pros auton_) refers to God, indicating that this confidence is directed towards Him and derived from the relationship believers have with Him. It is not an inherent human trait but a spiritual assurance granted through faith.
* **"that, if we ask any thing according to his will,"**: This is the crucial condition for the confidence to be realized in answered prayer. The conjunction "that" (ὅτι, _hoti_) introduces the content of the confidence. The phrase "if we ask any thing" (ἐάν τι αἰτώμεθα, _ean ti aitōmetha_) indicates the scope of prayer—it can be "any thing." However, the critical qualifier "according to his will" (κατὰ τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ, _kata to thelēma autou_) sets the boundary. This is not a limitation but a guiding principle, ensuring that prayers align with God's perfect plan and purposes, which are always good, pleasing, and perfect.
* **"he heareth us:"**: This is the divine assurance and promise. If the condition of praying according to God's will is met, then God "heareth us." As analyzed in the key word section, "heareth" (ἀκούει, _akouei_) implies not just passive reception but active attention, understanding, and a readiness to respond. It signifies that God is attentive to the prayers of His children and will act in accordance with His divine nature and will.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Assurance** is a pervasive theme, communicated directly through the word "confidence" (παρρησία) and reinforced by the definitive statement "he heareth us." This provides a strong sense of certainty to the reader. The structure of the verse itself is a **Conditional Promise**, presented with an "if... then" construction ("if we ask... he heareth us"). This highlights the reciprocal nature of prayer: human petition is met with divine response, contingent upon alignment with God's will. There is also an element of **Relational Language**, as the confidence is "in him" and "he heareth us," emphasizing the personal, intimate connection between the believer and God. Finally, the phrase "according to his will" serves as a form of **Theological Qualification**, ensuring that the promise of answered prayer is understood within the framework of God's sovereignty and wisdom, preventing a misinterpretation that prayer is a means to manipulate God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound truth of [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "Confidence in Prayer") resonates throughout Christian theology, forming a cornerstone for understanding the nature of prayer, God's sovereignty, and the believer's relationship with Him. It teaches that genuine prayer is not merely a human endeavor but a divine-human encounter, where the believer, empowered by the Spirit, aligns their desires with God's perfect will. This alignment transforms prayer from a list of demands into an act of communion and submission, fostering deeper intimacy and trust. The confidence spoken of is not presumption, but a Spirit-given assurance rooted in God's character and His covenant faithfulness. It underscores that God is not a distant deity but an attentive Father who delights in hearing and responding to His children, always acting in accordance with His good and perfect plan.

* [Matthew 7:7-8](/matthew/7-7-8 "Ask, Seek, Knock")
* [Romans 8:26-27](/romans/8-26-27 "The Spirit Intercedes")
* [James 4:3](/james/4-3 "Asking Amiss")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the contemporary believer, [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "Confidence in Prayer") offers both immense encouragement and a crucial corrective for our prayer lives. It invites us to approach God with a bold and unshakeable confidence, knowing that we have full access to His throne of grace through Christ. This confidence liberates us from timidity and doubt, empowering us to lay all our concerns before Him. However, the vital qualifier "according to his will" serves as a powerful reminder that true prayer is not about bending God's will to ours, but about aligning our hearts and desires with His perfect, good, and sovereign purposes. This requires spiritual discernment, a willingness to listen, and a trust that God's plan is always superior to our own. When we pray in alignment with His will, we are not merely making requests; we are participating in His divine work, experiencing the joy of seeing His kingdom purposes unfold through our petitions. This transforms prayer from a transactional exercise into a profound act of worship and partnership with the Almighty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "confidence" in prayer truly mean for you, and how does it differ from presumption?**
* **How can you grow in discerning God's will when you pray, and what practical steps can you take to align your desires with His?**
* **Reflect on a time when God answered a prayer differently than you expected, and how that experience shaped your understanding of His will and faithfulness.**
* **How does the assurance that God "heareth us" impact your persistence and faith in prayer, especially when answers are delayed or unclear?**

### FAQ
**Does "according to his will" mean I can only pray for things I'm sure God already wants?**

Answer: Not necessarily. "According to his will" does not imply that we can only pray for things we already know are explicitly stated in Scripture as God's will, nor does it mean we should only pray for things we are absolutely certain God desires. Rather, it encourages a posture of submission and discernment. It means praying with a heart that seeks God's glory and purposes above personal desires, trusting that His will is always good. As we grow in our relationship with God and in understanding His Word, our desires naturally begin to align with His. Furthermore, [Romans 8:26](/romans/8-26 "The Spirit Helps Us Pray") reminds us that "the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." This indicates that the Holy Spirit guides our prayers, helping us to pray in alignment with God's will even when we don't fully know it ourselves. So, we pray boldly for "any thing," but with an open hand, trusting God's wisdom to grant or deny according to His perfect plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The confidence and access to God described in [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "Confidence in Prayer") are profoundly Christ-centered. It is through Jesus Christ, and Him alone, that believers gain such unhindered access to the Father. The "confidence that we have in him" is not a self-generated boldness but a divine privilege secured by Christ's atoning work on the cross. His sacrifice tore the veil, opening the way into the holiest place, as described in [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Boldness to Enter the Holy Place"), allowing us to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith." Furthermore, Christ Himself perfectly exemplified praying "according to his will," most poignantly in [Gethsemane](/luke/22-42 "Gethsemane Prayer"), where He prayed, "nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." His life and ministry continually demonstrated perfect alignment with the Father's will, providing the ultimate model for our own prayer lives. Moreover, Jesus serves as our great High Priest, interceding for us at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ's Intercession")), ensuring that our Spirit-led prayers are presented and heard in perfect accordance with the Father's purposes. Thus, the efficacy of our prayers, and the confidence with which we offer them, are entirely dependent on our union with Christ and His ongoing mediatorial 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 14:13

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Jeremiah 33:3

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Jeremiah 29:12

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Jeremiah 29:13

And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

1 John 3:21

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

1 John 3:22

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

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.