Devine Scripture

1 John 3:21

What does 1 John 3:21 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 John 3:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 John 3:21 means

When the conscience is at peace—when our heart does not condemn—we enjoy “boldness toward God.” This is not brashness but filial confidence, the freedom of children who know they are welcome. Such boldness flows from walking in the truth and from trusting God’s greater knowledge (verse 20). It expresses itself in prayer, worship, and joyful nearness. The verse portrays the normal Christian posture: not cringing fear but confident approach, grounded in Christ and confirmed by a life aligned with His commands. God delights in giving His children freedom to draw near without dread.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

My loved ones, if our heart does not say that we have done wrong, we have no fear before him;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Dearly beloved, if our heart do not reprehend us, we have confidence towards God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness towardsGod,

Context

This follows the comfort of verse 20 and anticipates verse 22’s connection between obedience and answered prayer. The logic is sequential: action in truth assures the heart (verse 19), God overrules undue self-condemnation (verse 20), and a quieted heart enjoys bold access (verse 21). This connects with earlier themes of abiding and sonship from the chapter’s start. The confidence of children of God leads naturally to asking and receiving, which John will qualify by obedience and doing what pleases God (verse 22). Thus, assurance blossoms into lively communion.

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

v.21This passage

v.22and whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.

Cross references

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

  • Job 27:6

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

  • Psalms 101:2

    I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way: Oh when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:12

    For our glorying is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:4

    For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

  • Job 22:26

    For then shalt thou delight thyself in the Almighty, And shalt lift up thy face unto God.

  • 1 John 5:14

    And this is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us:

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