1 John 5:15

KJV

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if {G1437} we know {G1492} that {G3754} he hear {G191} us {G2257}, whatsoever {G3739}{G302} we ask {G154}, we know {G1492} that {G3754} we have {G2192} the petitions {G155} that {G3739} we desired {G154} of {G3844} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — then we know that we have what we have asked from him.

Berean Standard Bible

And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him.

American Standard Version

and if we know that he heareth us whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 5:15 is a profound declaration of the believer's unwavering confidence in prayer, building directly upon the foundational truth of the preceding verse. It assures us that when our petitions align with God's divine will, we can rest in the certainty that He not only hears us but has already granted the very desires we have brought before Him, establishing a present reality of received answers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of John's concluding remarks in his first epistle, specifically within a section (1 John 5:13-21) dedicated to assuring believers of their salvation and the practical implications of their faith. Verse 15 serves as the logical and confident outcome of the condition set forth in [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14 - The Confidence of Prayer According to God's Will"): "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us." John's epistle as a whole aims to provide criteria for genuine fellowship with God, combat false teachings (like Gnosticism), and offer assurance of eternal life to those who believe in the Son of God. The theme of answered prayer, therefore, is directly tied to the authenticity and vitality of one's faith.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written likely in the late first century, John's first epistle addresses a community grappling with internal divisions and external pressures from emerging Gnostic heresies. These false teachers denied the full humanity of Christ, leading to distorted views of sin, salvation, and the nature of God. In this context, John emphasizes the tangible realities of Christian faith—love for one another, obedience to God's commands, and the power of prayer—as hallmarks of true belief. The concept of prayer was deeply embedded in both Jewish tradition and early Christian practice, but John reframes it with a new covenant confidence, rooted in the finished work of Christ and the indwelling Spirit, distinguishing it from pagan practices or legalistic rituals.

* **Key Themes:** First John 5:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the epistle and broader New Testament theology. It underscores the **Assurance of Faith**, which is a central purpose of John's letter, as stated explicitly in [1 John 5:13](/1_john/5-13 "1 John 5:13 - Purpose of John's Epistle"). This verse particularly highlights **Confidence in Prayer**, asserting that believers can approach God with boldness, knowing He is attentive and responsive. This confidence is intrinsically linked to the theme of **Divine Will**, which is the prerequisite for effective prayer introduced in the preceding verse. The promise of "having the petitions" also speaks to **God's Responsiveness and Faithfulness**, demonstrating that His hearing is not passive but active, leading to the granting of requests that align with His purposes. This divine engagement with human petitions reinforces the intimate relationship God desires with His children, as seen in passages like [Matthew 7:7-8](/matthew/7-7-8 "Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask, Seek, Knock").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Greek, _eídō'_):** This word (G1492) signifies a settled, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual understanding. It implies a deep conviction that comes from a personal relationship with God and a history of His faithfulness. It's a knowledge that is certain and established, forming the bedrock of the believer's confidence.
* **Hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** The term (G191) means more than just perceiving sound; it denotes an attentive hearing that leads to action. When applied to God, it signifies His active engagement with our prayers, implying not just reception of the request but a readiness and intention to respond and intervene.
* **Petitions (Greek, _aítēma'_):** Derived from the verb "to ask," this noun (G155) refers to the specific things asked for, emphasizing the tangible nature of the requests made and, significantly, the tangible reality of what is being received. It highlights that God's answers are concrete and real.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if we know that he hear us,"**: This opening clause establishes the foundational premise for confident prayer. The "if" (G1437, _eán_) here functions not as an expression of doubt, but rather as a conditional particle introducing a premise that is assumed to be true for the believer. It builds on the assurance of [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14 - The Confidence of Prayer According to God's Will") that God hears us when we pray according to His will. The "knowing" (G1492, _eídō_) is a deep, settled conviction, rooted in experience and divine revelation, that God is attentive to His children's cries.
* **"whatsoever we ask,"**: This phrase indicates the broad scope of what believers can bring before God. It implies that no petition is too small or too large, provided it falls within the parameters of God's will. This breadth encourages believers to be open and honest in their prayer life, holding nothing back from their Heavenly Father.
* **"we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."**: This is the climactic declaration of the verse, expressing a profound assurance. The repetition of "we know" reinforces the certainty. The most striking element is "we have" (G2192, _échō_), which is in the present tense, suggesting a present possession or a guaranteed future reality. When our prayers align with God's will, the answer is so certain that it can be spoken of as already possessed, a divine guarantee that transcends immediate temporal manifestation. The petitions are "desired of him," emphasizing that the source of the answer is God Himself.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of assurance. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "we know... we know," which serves to emphasize and reinforce the certainty of the believer's confidence in God's responsiveness. This repetition creates a sense of unwavering conviction. The structure of the verse also demonstrates a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship: because we know God hears us (when we ask according to His will, as per v.14), the effect is that we know we have what we asked for. This logical progression builds a strong argument for confident prayer. Furthermore, the use of the present tense for "we have" (G2192, _échō_) functions as a form of **Proleptic Declaration** or **Prophetic Perfect**, where a future certainty is spoken of as if it is already accomplished. This device powerfully conveys the absolute reliability of God's promise, instilling deep assurance in the praying believer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of prayer, not as a mere human endeavor, but as a dynamic, confident interaction with a responsive God. It underscores the theological truth that God is not distant or indifferent, but intimately involved in the lives of His children, actively listening and acting on their behalf. The confidence articulated here is not born of human merit or cleverness in prayer, but from the character of God Himself—His faithfulness, His love, and His sovereign will. It teaches us that true prayer is less about bending God's will to ours and more about aligning our desires with His perfect purposes, trusting that His "yes" is always for our ultimate good and His glory. This intimate communion transforms our petitions into a participation in God's ongoing work in the world.

* [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock")
* [James 4:3](/james/4-3 "James 4:3 - You Ask and Do Not Receive")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Boldness to Approach the Throne of Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 5:15 offers a profound invitation to a vibrant and confident prayer life, urging believers to approach God's throne with an unwavering assurance that He hears and responds. This confidence is not a naive presumption that God will grant every whim, but a deep conviction rooted in His character and promises, particularly when our desires are shaped by His revealed will. For us today, this means cultivating a discerning heart that seeks to understand God's purposes through His Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. It encourages us to pray boldly for big things, knowing that God is able to do "far more abundantly than all that we ask or think" ([Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Power to Do Abundantly More")). Furthermore, it calls for patience and persistent faith, recognizing that while the "having" of the petition is a present reality in God's divine plan, its manifestation in our temporal experience may unfold according to His perfect timing and wisdom. This verse ultimately transforms our prayer life from a hopeful request into a confident declaration of faith, knowing that in Christ, our petitions aligned with God's will are already secured.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty expressed in 1 John 5:15 challenge or affirm my current approach to prayer?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "know" that God hears my prayers, and how can I deepen this experiential knowledge?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to more intentionally seek to align my desires with God's will before presenting my petitions?**
* **How does the promise of "having the petitions" encourage me to persevere in prayer, even when answers are not immediately apparent?**

### FAQ
**Does 1 John 5:15 guarantee that God will give me everything I ask for?**

Answer: No, 1 John 5:15 does not guarantee that God will give you absolutely everything you ask for without qualification. The crucial context is found in the preceding verse, [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14 - The Confidence of Prayer According to God's Will"), which states, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us." Therefore, the promise of 1 John 5:15 is conditional upon asking "according to his will." God, in His perfect wisdom and love, always acts in accordance with His divine purposes, which are ultimately for our good and His glory. When our desires align with His will, we can be confident that He hears and grants our petitions, even if the answer is not always in the timing or manner we expect.

**How can I be sure my prayers are aligned with God's will?**

Answer: Aligning your prayers with God's will involves a combination of spiritual practices and a growing relationship with Him. Firstly, immerse yourself in God's Word, the Bible. As you study Scripture, you learn God's character, His revealed purposes, and what pleases Him. For example, [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed") emphasizes the Bible's role in equipping us. Secondly, cultivate a close relationship with God through consistent prayer and communion, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and desires ([Romans 8:26-27](/romans/8-26-27 "Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit Intercedes for Us")). The Spirit intercedes for us according to God's will. Thirdly, seek godly counsel and wisdom from mature believers. Finally, practice surrender and trust, being willing to accept God's "yes," "no," or "wait" as the best answer, knowing that His plans are always superior to our own ([Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound assurance of 1 John 5:15 finds its ultimate fulfillment and enabling power in Jesus Christ. It is through Him that we gain access to the Father and can pray with such confidence. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of God's will, declaring, "I always do what pleases him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Therefore, when we pray "in His name," as Jesus taught in [John 14:13-14](/john/14-13-14 "John 14:13-14 - Asking in Jesus' Name"), we are not merely appending a phrase, but praying in alignment with His character, His authority, and His redemptive purposes. Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection have opened the way for us to approach God's throne of grace with boldness ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")), making us righteous in Him so that our prayers are heard. He is our great High Priest, interceding for us at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession for Us")), ensuring that our petitions, when aligned with the Father's will, are received and granted. Thus, the confidence of 1 John 5:15 is not a human achievement but a divine privilege, secured and sustained by our union with Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Luke 11:9

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Luke 11:10

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

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].

Proverbs 15:29

¶ The LORD [is] far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

1 John 5:18

¶ We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

1 John 5:20

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Jeremiah 15:12

Shall iron break the northern iron and the steel?