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1 John 3:21 Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God,
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 John 3:21 Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/62_1Jn_03_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 John 3:21 - Love One Another" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God," /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_john/3-20.htm" title="1 John 3:20">◄</a> 1 John 3:21 <a href="/1_john/3-22.htm" title="1 John 3:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_john/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_john/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_john/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_john/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_john/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart should not condemn <i>us</i>, we have confidence toward God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_john/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, <i>then</i> have we confidence toward God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_john/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_john/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_john/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart does not convict us [of guilt], we have confidence [complete assurance and boldness] before God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Dear friends, if our hearts don’t condemn us, we have confidence before God<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Dear friends, if our conscience doesn’t condemn us, we have confidence before God<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_john/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Dear friends, if we feel at ease in the presence of God, we will have the courage to come near him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Dear friends, if our conscience doesn't condemn us, we can boldly look to God<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />And so, my dear friends, if our conscience does not condemn us, we have courage in God's presence. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence in the presence of God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_john/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Dear friends, if our conscience does not condemn us, we have confidence in the presence of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart doth not condemn us, then have we confidence towards God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have perfect confidence towards God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_john/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Beloved, if our hearts don’t condemn us, we have boldness toward God; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart may not condemn us, we have boldness toward God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart should not condemn <i>us</i>, we have confidence toward God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Beloved, if our heart may not condemn us, we have boldness toward God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Dearly beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have freedom of speech towards God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Dearly beloved, if our heart do not reprehend us, we have confidence towards God: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Most beloved, if our heart does not reproach us, we can have confidence toward God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_john/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Beloved, if [our] hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence in God<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />My beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, then we have confidence before God.<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 />Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have boldness before God.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have confidence to ward God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart may not condemn us, we have boldness toward God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have confidence towards God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we may securely confide in God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have perfect confidence towards God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have confidence toward God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, <i>then</i> have we confidence towards God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_john/3-21.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=628" 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">20</span>Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/27.htm" title="27: Agapētoi (Adj-VMP) -- From agapao; beloved.">Beloved,</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/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></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.">do not condemn us,</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echomen (V-PIA-1P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">we have</a> <a href="/greek/3954.htm" title="3954: parrēsian (N-AFS) -- From pas and a derivative of rheo; all out-spokenness, i.e. Frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance.">confidence</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">before</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- 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: Theon (N-AMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">22</span>and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight.…<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="/hebrews/10-22.htm">Hebrews 10:22</a></span><br />let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-16.htm">Romans 8:16</a></span><br />The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6</a></span><br />But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">1 John 5:14</a></span><br />And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-16.htm">Hebrews 4:16</a></span><br />Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-15.htm">Romans 8:15</a></span><br />For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6-7</a></span><br />Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/3-12.htm">Ephesians 3:12</a></span><br />In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-13.htm">John 14:13-14</a></span><br />And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. / If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-22.htm">Matthew 21:22</a></span><br />If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-15.htm">Psalm 34:15</a></span><br />The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-26.htm">Proverbs 3:26</a></span><br />for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-4.htm">Psalm 37:4</a></span><br />Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-7.htm">Jeremiah 17:7-8</a></span><br />But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. / He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/66-18.htm">Psalm 66:18-19</a></span><br />If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. / But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/2-28.htm">1 John 2:28</a></b></br> And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/4-17.htm">1 John 4:17</a></b></br> Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/22-26.htm">Job 22:26</a></b></br> For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_john/3-2.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/1_john/2-28.htm">Boldness</a> <a href="/1_john/3-20.htm">Condemn</a> <a href="/1_john/2-28.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/1_john/3-18.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/1_john/2-28.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/1_john/3-2.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/1_john/3-20.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_john/3-20.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/1_john/3-2.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/1_john/3-2.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/1_john/2-28.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/1_john/3-20.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/1_john/4-17.htm">Boldness</a> <a href="/exodus/22-9.htm">Condemn</a> <a href="/1_john/4-17.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/1_john/4-17.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/1_john/5-10.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_john/4-12.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/1_john/4-17.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/1_john/4-9.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/3_john/1-11.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>Beloved</b><br>The term "Beloved" is a term of endearment used by the Apostle John to address his readers, indicating a close, familial relationship within the body of Christ. This reflects the early Christian community's emphasis on love and unity, as seen in other New Testament writings (e.g., <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">1 Peter 2:11</a>, <a href="/jude/1-3.htm">Jude 1:3</a>). The use of "Beloved" underscores the importance of love as a central theme in John's epistles, aligning with Jesus' commandment to love one another (<a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34</a>).<p><b>if our hearts do not condemn us</b><br>This phrase suggests an introspective examination of one's conscience. In the biblical context, the heart is often seen as the seat of emotions and moral decision-making (<a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9-10</a>). The idea of the heart not condemning implies a state of inner peace and assurance of one's standing before God. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching on the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting believers of sin and guiding them into truth (<a href="/john/16-8.htm">John 16:8-13</a>). The absence of condemnation in one's heart can be seen as evidence of living in accordance with God's commandments and experiencing His forgiveness (<a href="/romans/8.htm">Romans 8:1</a>).<p><b>we have confidence before God</b><br>Confidence before God refers to the boldness and assurance believers can have in their relationship with Him. This confidence is rooted in the work of Jesus Christ, who, through His sacrifice, has made a way for believers to approach God without fear (<a href="/hebrews/4-16.htm">Hebrews 4:16</a>). The concept of confidence is also linked to the idea of faith and trust in God's promises (<a href="/hebrews/10-19.htm">Hebrews 10:19-22</a>). In the cultural context of the early church, where believers often faced persecution and uncertainty, having confidence before God would have been a source of great encouragement and strength. This assurance is further supported by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who testifies to the believer's status as a child of God (<a href="/romans/8-15.htm">Romans 8:15-16</a>).<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 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/early_christian_community.htm">Early Christian Community</a></b><br>The recipients of John's letter, likely facing challenges of false teachings and needing reassurance of their faith.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate authority and the one before whom believers seek confidence and assurance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_heart.htm">The Role of the Heart</a></b><br>Our hearts play a crucial role in our spiritual confidence. A heart aligned with God's truth will not condemn us, allowing us to stand confidently before Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/confidence_in_prayer.htm">Confidence in Prayer</a></b><br>When our hearts are clear, we can approach God with boldness in prayer, knowing that He hears us and desires to answer according to His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Regular self-examination is vital to ensure our hearts are not harboring sin or guilt, which can hinder our relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/assurance_of_salvation.htm">Assurance of Salvation</a></b><br>Understanding that our confidence before God is rooted in the finished work of Christ, not our own merits, provides assurance of our salvation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_truth_and_love.htm">Living in Truth and Love</a></b><br>A lifestyle characterized by truth and love aligns our hearts with God's will, fostering confidence and peace in our relationship with Him.<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/what_are_the_signs_of_saving_faith.htm">What are the signs of saving faith?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_nones_impact_bible_interpretation.htm">When is it appropriate to weep or laugh?</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/who_was_the_disciple_whom_jesus_loved.htm">Who was the disciple whom Jesus loved?</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 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Beloved</span> (<a href="/1_john/2-7.htm">1 John 2:7</a>; <a href="/1_john/3-2.htm">1 John 3:2</a>), there is a still more blessed possibility. If the consciousness of genuine love will sustain us before God when our heart reproaches us, much more may we have confidence towards him (<a href="/1_john/2-28.htm">1 John 2:28</a>) when it does not reproach us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_john/3-21.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">Beloved,</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἀγαπητοί</span> <span class="translit">(Agapētoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Vocative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_27.htm">Strong's 27: </a> </span><span class="str2">From agapao; beloved.</span><br /><br /><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">do not 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">we have</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχομεν</span> <span class="translit">(echomen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">confidence</span><br /><span class="grk">παρρησίαν</span> <span class="translit">(parrēsian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3954.htm">Strong's 3954: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pas and a derivative of rheo; all out-spokenness, i.e. Frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="grk">πρὸς</span> <span class="translit">(pros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> </span><span class="str2">To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God,</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεόν</span> <span class="translit">(Theon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative 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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/3-21.htm">1 John 3:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_john/3-21.htm">1 John 3:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_john/3-21.htm">1 John 3:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_john/3-21.htm">1 John 3:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_john/3-21.htm">1 John 3:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/3-21.htm">1 John 3:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/3-21.htm">1 John 3:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/3-21.htm">1 John 3:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/3-21.htm">1 John 3:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_john/3-21.htm">1 John 3:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_john/3-21.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 3:21 Beloved if our hearts don't condemn us (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/3-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 3:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 3:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/3-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 3:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 3:22" /></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>