King James Version

What Does 1 John 5:14 Mean?

1 John 5:14 in the King James Version says “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: in: or, ...” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 John 5:14 · KJV

Context

12

He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

13

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

14

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

15

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

16

If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

Read 1 John 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. This verse establishes the foundation for bold, assured prayer. "Confidence" (parrēsia) means boldness, freedom of speech, or fearless access—used for citizens' right to address governing authorities. Believers have parrēsia before God, not because of merit but because of Christ's mediation and our adoption as children.

The confidence is "in him" (pros auton)—toward God, in relationship with Him. Prayer isn't manipulating an impersonal force but approaching our Father who loves us. The conditional "if we ask any thing according to his will" (ean ti aitōmetha kata to thelēma autou) defines the scope of confident prayer. "Anything" (ti) is broad, but "according to his will" provides the boundary. This isn't limitation but liberation—it frees us from anxiety about whether our prayers "work" and directs us to seek God's will, not merely our desires.

"He heareth us" (akouei hēmōn) means more than auditory reception—it implies favorable response and attention to act. God doesn't merely hear; He hears with intent to answer according to His perfect will. This presumes we know God's will, which comes through Scripture, the Spirit's illumination, and alignment with God's revealed character. Prayers "according to his will" are necessarily answered because they align with what God has already purposed. This provides tremendous assurance while keeping us God-centered in prayer.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the ancient world, approaching deity was often fraught with fear and uncertainty. Pagan worshipers offered sacrifices hoping to appease capricious gods but had no assurance of being heard. Mystery religions promised special access through initiation but maintained hierarchical systems. Even in Judaism, direct access to God's presence was mediated through priests, with the Holy of Holies entered only by the high priest once annually.

John's declaration that believers have confident access to God through Christ was revolutionary. Hebrews 4:16 similarly calls believers to "come boldly unto the throne of grace." Christ's death tore the temple veil (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing direct access to God for all believers. This doctrine of parrēsia democratized prayer—no priestly mediators needed beyond Christ Himself.

The phrase "according to his will" protected against both presumption and despair. Gnostics claimed special knowledge enabling them to control spiritual forces. John insists prayer aligns with God's sovereign will, not human manipulation. Meanwhile, some Jewish groups emphasized God's transcendence so much that prayer felt futile. John assures that God hears and responds when we pray according to His will—which is knowable through His revealed word.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we discern God's will in order to pray 'according to his will'?
  2. What's the difference between praying according to God's will and praying with resignation ('Thy will be done' as pessimistic surrender)?
  3. How does confidence in prayer relate to faith—can we have boldness while acknowledging God may answer differently than we expect?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αὕτη2 of 19

“this”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστὶν3 of 19

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἡ4 of 19
G3588

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

παῤῥησία5 of 19

“the confidence”

G3954

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

ἣν6 of 19

“that”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἔχομεν7 of 19

“we have”

G2192

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

πρὸς8 of 19

“in”

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,

αὐτοῦ9 of 19

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὅτι10 of 19

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐάν11 of 19

“if”

G1437

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

τι12 of 19

“any thing”

G5100

some or any person or object

αἰτώμεθα13 of 19

“we ask”

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

κατὰ14 of 19

“according”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὸ15 of 19
G3588

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

θέλημα16 of 19

“will”

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

αὐτοῦ17 of 19

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀκούει18 of 19

“he heareth”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ἡμῶν19 of 19

“us”

G2257

of (or from) us

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 5:14 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 5:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 14:13Jeremiah 33:3Jeremiah 29:12-131 John 3:21-22John 15:7Matthew 7:7-11

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1 John 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 John Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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