Devine Scripture

1 John 3:20

What does 1 John 3:20 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 John 3:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 John 3:20 means

Our hearts are not infallible judges. Sometimes a sensitive conscience accuses even when we are walking in the truth. In such moments, believers remember that “God is greater than our heart and knoweth all things.” His omniscient verdict is final. He sees the fruit of love, the sincerity of faith, and the cleansing of Christ. This comforts the scrupulous and corrects the presumptuous: assurance does not rest on fluctuating feelings or partial self-knowledge but on God’s perfect knowledge and grace. When our heart condemns, we appeal to His greater knowledge revealed in the gospel and evidenced in lived obedience.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

When our heart says that we have done wrong; because God is greater than our heart, and has knowledge of all things.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

because if our heart may condemn--because greater is God than our heart, and He doth know all things.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that if our heart condemn us,God is greater than our heart and knows all things.

Context

In the assurance sequence, verse 20 addresses the problem of self-condemnation that can persist despite genuine love in action (verse 19). It provides a theological remedy—God’s greater knowledge—before moving in verse 21 to the freedom of a clear conscience. This balance protects against both despair and self-deception. The flow then extends assurance into prayer in verse 22, linking obedience and answered requests. John thus connects love, assurance, and communion with God, anchoring all in God’s character rather than in variable human perception.

v.19Hereby shall we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our heart before him:

v.20This passage

v.21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God;

Cross references

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

  • Job 33:12

    Behold, I will answer thee, in this thou art not just; For God is greater than man.

  • Psalms 44:20

    If we have forgotten the name of our God, Or spread forth our hands to a strange god;

  • 1 John 4:4

    Ye are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.

  • John 2:24

    But Jesus did not trust himself unto them, for that he knew all men,

  • Job 27:6

    My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: My heart shall not reproachmeso long as I live.

  • John 10:29

    My Father, who hath given them unto me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

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