King James Version

What Does 1 John 3:21 Mean?

1 John 3:21 in the King James Version says “Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.”

1 John 3:21 · KJV

Context

19

And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. assure: Gr. persuade

20

For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

21

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

22

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

23

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. John addresses the opposite situation—when conscience doesn't condemn. "Beloved" (agapētoi) again expresses affection. "If our heart condemn us not" (ean hē kardia hēmōn mē kataginōskē)—when our conscience is clear, not accusing us. This assumes we've examined ourselves and found evidence of genuine love in deed and truth (vv. 18-19).

"Then have we confidence toward God" (parrēsian echomen pros ton theon). Parrēsia (παρρησία) means boldness, confidence, or freedom of speech—the right to speak openly. This confidence is directed "toward God" (pros ton theon)—in our relationship with Him, in prayer, and in anticipation of final judgment. When our love for the brethren evidences genuine faith, we can approach God with confidence, not cowering in fear or doubt.

This confidence rests on assurance of salvation and acceptance before God. It's not presumption or self-righteousness but the appropriate posture of children before their Father (Romans 8:15, Hebrews 10:19-22). However, this confidence requires an informed conscience—not ignoring sin or refusing self-examination, but honestly assessing our lives and finding genuine evidence of saving faith through love demonstrated in deeds.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of parrēsia had political meaning in Greek democracy—the right of citizens to speak freely in the assembly. In religious contexts, it meant the privilege of approaching deity without fear. Ancient pagans approached their gods with terror, offering sacrifices to appease anger. Judaism's temple system, while God-ordained, involved mediated access through priests and sacrifices.

Christianity revolutionized access to God—believers approach Him directly with confidence through Christ. This wasn't irreverent familiarity but the security of adopted children before a loving Father. The writer of Hebrews similarly exhorts believers to come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). John connects this confidence to the evidence of love, showing that assurance and holy living are intertwined.

Reflection Questions

  1. What confidence toward God do you currently have, and on what basis does that confidence rest?
  2. How can you cultivate a clear conscience through genuine love in deed and truth?
  3. What's the difference between biblical confidence toward God and presumption or false assurance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἀγαπητοί,1 of 13

“Beloved”

G27

beloved

ἐὰν2 of 13
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ἡ3 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καρδία4 of 13

“heart”

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

ἡμῶν5 of 13

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

μὴ6 of 13
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

καταγινώσκῃ7 of 13

“condemn”

G2607

to note against, i.e., find fault with

ἡμῶν8 of 13

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

παῤῥησίαν9 of 13

“confidence”

G3954

all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance

ἔχομεν10 of 13

“then have we”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

πρὸς11 of 13

“toward”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν12 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Θεόν13 of 13

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 John 3:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 John 3:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 2:28Hebrews 4:16Psalms 101:22 Corinthians 1:12Psalms 7:3-51 John 5:14

Test Your Knowledge

1 John 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 John Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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