Devine Scripture

1 John 3:19

What does 1 John 3:19 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 John 3:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 John 3:19 means

By loving in deed and truth, believers “know that we are of the truth.” Practical love is a sign that God’s truth has taken root in us. This knowledge then “assure[s] our heart before him,” quieting doubts and fears as we stand in God’s presence. Assurance grows not from introspective analysis alone but from walking in the truth we profess. When love operates, it testifies that God’s life is at work, giving the conscience peace. We are not saved by our love, but our love confirms that we belong to the God who is truth and love.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Hereby shall we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our heart before him:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Hereby shall we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our heart before him:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

In this way we may be certain that we are true, and may give our heart comfort before him,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and in this we know that of the truth we are, and before Him we shall assure our hearts,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

In this we know that we are of the truth and in his sight shall persuade our hearts.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And hereby we shall know that we are of the truth, and shall persuade our hearts before him —

Context

This verse launches a brief section on assurance (verses 19–21) that flows directly from the call to love tangibly (verses 16–18). The order matters: action in truth yields assurance. Verse 20 will address times when our hearts still condemn us, reminding us that God’s knowledge is greater than our self-assessment. Then verse 21 will describe the boldness that comes when conscience is clear. John shepherds tender believers: let your obedience fortify your confidence before God, and when doubts arise, rest in God’s greater, gracious knowledge.

v.18My little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth.

v.19This passage

v.20because if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Timothy 1:12

    For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day.

  • 1 John 3:14

    We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth in death.

  • Hebrews 10:22

    let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water,

  • Hebrews 6:10

    for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister.

  • John 13:35

    By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

  • 1 John 3:21

    Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God;

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