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1 John 3:20 Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things.
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for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />whenever our heart convicts us [in guilt]; for God is greater than our heart and He knows all things [nothing is hidden from Him because we are in His hands].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />even if our conscience condemns us, that God is greater than our conscience, and He knows all things. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />because if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_john/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But even if we don't feel at ease, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />whereinsoever our heart condemn us; because God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whenever our conscience condemns us, we will be reassured that God is greater than our conscience and knows everything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If our conscience condemns us, we know that God is greater than our conscience and that he knows everything. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts and knows everything. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_john/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />that if our conscience condemns us, that God is greater than our conscience and knows all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />because if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For if our heart condemneth us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />in whatever matters our hearts condemn us--because God is greater than our hearts and knows everything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_john/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />because if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />because if our heart may condemn—because greater is God than our heart, and He knows all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />that if our heart should condemn <i>us</i>, that God is greater than our heart, and He knows all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> because if our heart may condemn -- because greater is God than our heart, and He doth know all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For if our heart condemn us, for God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For if our heart reprehend us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For even if our heart reproaches us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_john/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />in whatever our hearts condemn, for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For if our hearts condemns us, how much more, then, will God who is greater than our hearts and knows all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For if our heart condemns us, how much greater is God than our heart? And he knows all things.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />for if our heart condemn us, we know that God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />because if our heart may condemn us, it is because God is greater than our heart, and he knows all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For should our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for if our conscience condemn us, God knows us better than we do our selves, he knoweth all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />in whatever matters our hearts condemn us--because God is greater than our hearts and knows everything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />because, if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For, if our heart condemn us, God is <i>still</i> greater than our heart, and knoweth all <i>things.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_john/3-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rlZ5ywDtQGE?start=620" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_john/3.htm">Love One Another</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>And by this we will know that we belong to the truth, and will assure our hearts in His presence: <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">Even</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">our</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardia (N-NFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">hearts</a> <a href="/greek/2607.htm" title="2607: kataginōskē (V-PSA-3S) -- To condemn, blame. From kata and ginosko; to note against, i.e. Find fault with.">condemn us,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: meizōn (Adj-NMS-C) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">greater than</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">our</a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardias (N-GFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">hearts,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: ginōskei (V-PIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">He knows</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: panta (Adj-ANP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all things.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">21</span>Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/139-1.htm">Psalm 139:1-4</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me. / You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. / You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-10.htm">Jeremiah 17:10</a></span><br />I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-13.htm">Hebrews 4:13</a></span><br />Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-27.htm">Romans 8:27</a></span><br />And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-11.htm">Proverbs 15:11</a></span><br />Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/44-21.htm">Psalm 44:21</a></span><br />would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:4-5</a></span><br />My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me. / Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/2-24.htm">John 2:24-25</a></span><br />But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. / He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-8.htm">Acts 15:8</a></span><br />And God, who knows the heart, showed His approval by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/2-23.htm">Revelation 2:23</a></span><br />Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/34-21.htm">Job 34:21-22</a></span><br />For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step. / There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/147-5.htm">Psalm 147:5</a></span><br />Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-28.htm">Isaiah 40:28</a></span><br />Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/9-4.htm">Matthew 9:4</a></span><br />But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-15.htm">Luke 16:15</a></span><br />So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.</p><p class="hdg">if.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/27-6.htm">Job 27:6</a></b></br> My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach <i>me</i> so long as I live.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/8-9.htm">John 8:9</a></b></br> And they which heard <i>it</i>, being convicted by <i>their own</i> conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, <i>even</i> unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/5-33.htm">Acts 5:33</a></b></br> When they heard <i>that</i>, they were cut <i>to the heart</i>, and took counsel to slay them.</p><p class="hdg">God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/4-4.htm">1 John 4:4</a></b></br> Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/33-12.htm">Job 33:12</a></b></br> Behold, <i>in</i> this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/10-29.htm">John 10:29,30</a></b></br> My Father, which gave <i>them</i> me, is greater than all; and no <i>man</i> is able to pluck <i>them</i> out of my Father's hand… </p><p class="hdg">and.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/44-20.htm">Psalm 44:20,21</a></b></br> If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/90-8.htm">Psalm 90:8</a></b></br> Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret <i>sins</i> in the light of thy countenance.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/139-1.htm">Psalm 139:1-4</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known <i>me</i>… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/5-6.htm">Condemn</a> <a href="/romans/14-22.htm">Condemneth</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-9.htm">Condemns</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-11.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/1_john/3-19.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_john/3-19.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-16.htm">Matters</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-19.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/james/1-2.htm">Whenever</a> <a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/3-21.htm">Condemn</a> <a href="/job/15-6.htm">Condemneth</a> <a href="/exodus/22-9.htm">Condemns</a> <a href="/1_john/4-4.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/1_john/3-21.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_john/3-21.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/jude/1-10.htm">Matters</a> <a href="/1_john/3-22.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">Whenever</a> <a href="/1_john/3-21.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">He declares the singular love of God toward us, in making us his sons;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/3-3.htm">who therefore ought obediently to keep his commandments;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_john/3-11.htm">as also to love one another as brothers.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_john/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Even if our hearts condemn us</b><br>This phrase addresses the internal struggle believers often face with guilt and self-condemnation. In the biblical context, the heart is seen as the center of emotions and moral consciousness. The Apostle John acknowledges that believers may experience feelings of guilt or inadequacy, even when they are living in accordance with God's will. This reflects the human condition and the ongoing battle between the flesh and the spirit, as discussed in <a href="/romans/7-15.htm">Romans 7:15-25</a>. The heart's condemnation can be a result of sin, but it can also stem from an overly sensitive conscience or spiritual attack. Understanding this helps believers recognize that their feelings are not always aligned with God's truth.<p><b>God is greater than our hearts</b><br>This statement emphasizes God's supremacy and His ability to transcend human emotions and limitations. It reassures believers that God's judgment and understanding surpass human self-assessment. In the broader biblical narrative, God's greatness is a recurring theme, as seen in passages like <a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>, which highlights the difference between God's thoughts and ways and those of humans. This phrase encourages believers to trust in God's character and His promises, rather than relying solely on their own feelings or perceptions. It also reflects the nature of God as omnipotent and omniscient, qualities that provide comfort and assurance to those who may doubt their standing before Him.<p><b>and He knows all things</b><br>This final phrase underscores God's omniscience, affirming that He is fully aware of every aspect of our lives, including our struggles, intentions, and the sincerity of our faith. This knowledge is not limited to external actions but extends to the deepest thoughts and motivations of the heart, as seen in <a href="/psalms/139.htm">Psalm 139:1-4</a>. The assurance that God knows all things provides comfort to believers, as it means that He understands their true intentions and the context of their actions, even when they themselves are confused or uncertain. This knowledge also implies that God is just and fair in His judgments, as He sees beyond the surface and into the heart of each individual.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the epistle, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Christ and his emphasis on love and truth.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/early_christian_communities.htm">Early Christian Communities</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, likely facing internal and external challenges, including false teachings and moral dilemmas.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The omniscient and omnipotent being who is greater than human emotions and understanding.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_human_heart.htm">The Human Heart</a></b><br>Symbolic of the inner self, including emotions, conscience, and moral compass, which can sometimes lead to self-condemnation.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/condemnation.htm">Condemnation</a></b><br>The feeling of guilt or judgment that can arise from one's conscience or heart.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_omniscience_and_omnipotence.htm">God's Omniscience and Omnipotence</a></b><br>Trust in God's greater knowledge and power over our limited understanding and emotions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/freedom_from_self-condemnation.htm">Freedom from Self-Condemnation</a></b><br>Embrace the freedom found in Christ, knowing that God's grace and forgiveness surpass our self-judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_conscience.htm">The Role of Conscience</a></b><br>Understand the importance of a well-informed conscience, guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit, while recognizing its limitations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/assurance_in_god's_love.htm">Assurance in God's Love</a></b><br>Find assurance in God's unwavering love and acceptance, even when our hearts feel guilty or condemned.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_confidence.htm">Living in Confidence</a></b><br>Live confidently in faith, knowing that God knows our true intentions and desires to guide us in righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_john_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 John 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_god_greater_than_our_hearts.htm">Is God greater than our hearts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_cleopatra.htm">Is God greater than our hearts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_tenderhearted_in_eph._4_32.htm">Is it sinful for him?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_create_people_destined_for_hell.htm">Why would God create people knowing they would end up in Hell?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Our heart</span> means our conscience, not the affections, which would be <span class="greek">σπάγχνα</span> (verse 17). If we are conscious of sincere and habitual love, this will calm us when conscience reproaches us (comp. <a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">1 John 1:9</a>; <a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">1 John 2:1, 2</a>). St. John never uses the more technical term <span class="greek">συνείδησις</span>, which occurs in the Acts and 1 Peter, and is very frequent in St. Paul. <span class="cmt_word">God is greater than our heart.</span> It is asked whether this means that he is more merciful or more rigorous. Neither the one nor the other. It means that, although our conscience is not infallible, God is. Our hearts may be deceived; he cannot be. <span class="cmt_word">He knoweth all things.</span> An awful thought for the impenitent, a blessed and encouraging thought for the penitent, He knows our sins; but he also knows our temptations, our struggles, our sorrow, and our love. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_john/3-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">If</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐὰν</span> <span class="translit">(ean)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">our</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμῶν</span> <span class="translit">(hēmōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hearts</span><br /><span class="grk">καρδία</span> <span class="translit">(kardia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> </span><span class="str2">Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">condemn [us],</span><br /><span class="grk">καταγινώσκῃ</span> <span class="translit">(kataginōskē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2607.htm">Strong's 2607: </a> </span><span class="str2">To condemn, blame. From kata and ginosko; to note against, i.e. Find fault with.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεὸς</span> <span class="translit">(Theos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστὶν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">greater than</span><br /><span class="grk">μείζων</span> <span class="translit">(meizōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> </span><span class="str2">Large, great, in the widest sense. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">our</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμῶν</span> <span class="translit">(hēmōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hearts,</span><br /><span class="grk">καρδίας</span> <span class="translit">(kardias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> </span><span class="str2">Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">He knows</span><br /><span class="grk">γινώσκει</span> <span class="translit">(ginōskei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all things.</span><br /><span class="grk">πάντα</span> <span class="translit">(panta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/3-20.htm">1 John 3:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_john/3-20.htm">1 John 3:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_john/3-20.htm">1 John 3:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_john/3-20.htm">1 John 3:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_john/3-20.htm">1 John 3:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/3-20.htm">1 John 3:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/3-20.htm">1 John 3:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/3-20.htm">1 John 3:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/3-20.htm">1 John 3:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_john/3-20.htm">1 John 3:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_john/3-20.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 3:20 Because if our heart condemns us God (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/3-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 3:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 3:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/3-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 3:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 3:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>