Devine Scripture

1 John 3:22

What does 1 John 3:22 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 John 3:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 John 3:22 means

John links effective prayer with obedient living: “whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.” This is not a blank check for selfish desires. It assumes hearts shaped by God’s will, walking in His ways. Obedience aligns requests with God’s pleasure; such prayers are heard and answered. The promise encourages believers to pursue a life that delights God, expecting His gracious response. Prayer and holiness are friends: as we abide in His commands, our petitions reflect His purposes, and we experience the Father’s generous provision.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he gives us all our requests, because we keep his laws and do the things which are pleasing in his eyes.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and whatever we may ask, we receive from Him, because His commands we keep, and the things pleasing before Him we do,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and whatsoever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments, and practise the things which are pleasing in his sight.

Context

This verse develops the boldness of verse 21 by describing its fruit in prayer. It also sets the stage for verse 23, which will summarize God’s command as faith in Jesus Christ and mutual love. The flow is cohesive: assurance produces confidence, confidence expresses itself in prayer, and prayer is effective in the context of obedient, God-pleasing lives. John thus keeps doctrine, ethics, and devotion interwoven. The specific content of obedience is not left vague; the next verse will name it clearly, grounding answered prayer in Christ-centered faith and love.

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

v.22This passage

v.23And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, even as he gave us commandment.

Cross references

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

  • Philippians 4:18

    But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.

  • John 14:13

    And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

  • John 8:29

    And he that sent me is with me; he hath not left me alone; for I do always the things that are pleasing to him.

  • Psalms 34:4

    I sought Jehovah, and he answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.

  • Luke 11:9

    And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

  • John 16:23

    And in that day ye shall ask me no question. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If ye shall ask anything of the Father, he will give it you in my name.

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