1 John 5 14

1 John 5:14 kjv

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

1 John 5:14 nkjv

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

1 John 5:14 niv

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

1 John 5:14 esv

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

1 John 5:14 nlt

And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.

1 John 5 verses

1 John 5 14 Meaning

This verse encapsulates the assurance believers have in their relationship with God through Jesus Christ, stating that our prayers, when aligned with God's divine will, are heard and acted upon by Him. This confidence stems from our intimate fellowship with God, knowing that He desires to grant what is good and in harmony with His purposes. It assures us that when our petitions resonate with His desires for us and His kingdom, we have direct access to Him and His positive response.

1 John 5 14 Context

1 John 5:14 appears within a section of John's first epistle dedicated to Christian assurance, especially regarding eternal life (v. 13) and the power of prayer. The verses preceding it establish the believer's victory over the world through faith in Jesus (v. 4), the importance of belief in Jesus as the Son of God (v. 5-12), and the certainty of possessing eternal life (v. 13). Following verse 14, John expands on prayer related to sin (v. 16-17) and reaffirms core truths about Christ and the believer's standing (v. 18-20). The broader purpose of the letter is to foster true fellowship with God and other believers, distinguish genuine faith from false teaching (especially Gnostic tendencies denying Christ's humanity), and provide assurance of salvation through knowing God. This verse provides assurance regarding direct communication with God based on genuine belief and a shared will.

1 John 5 14 Word analysis

• And (καὶ, kai): A simple conjunction connecting this thought to the preceding affirmation of eternal life in verse 13. It implies a natural progression: because we have assurance of eternal life, we also have confidence in prayer.
• this (αὕτη, hautē): Feminine singular pronoun, referring to the "confidence" (παρρησία, parrēsia) that is about to be explained. It points forward to the entire statement that follows as the definition of this confidence.
• is (ἐστιν, estin): Present tense, indicative verb "to be," asserting a present reality and enduring truth.
• the confidence (ἡ παρρησία, hē parrēsia): This significant Greek word means "boldness," "frankness," "fearless confidence," or "freedom of speech." In the New Testament, it denotes unhindered access and privilege to speak openly before a superior. It's the opposite of being timid or hesitant. Its use here signifies a privileged, intimate standing with God, enabling direct, unreserved prayer. It is not an arrogant self-assurance, but a trust born from proper relationship and Christ's work.
• that we have (ἔχομεν, echomen): Present tense verb "to have," emphasizing that believers presently possess this confidence, it is an active and available reality for them.
• in Him (ἐν αὐτῷ, en autō): This refers to God, the Father, but implicitly through the Son, Jesus Christ. Our confidence is rooted in His character, faithfulness, and the access provided by Christ. It signifies our union with Him and our standing in Him.
• that (ὅτι, hoti): Can introduce either the content of the confidence or the result of it. Here, it introduces the specific nature of this confidence – the condition for prayer being heard.
• if (ἐάν, ean): Introduces a conditional clause. The efficacy of "asking anything" is dependent upon the fulfillment of the condition.
• we ask (αἰτώμεθα, aitōmetha): Present tense, subjunctive verb "to ask." Aitō implies a petition, requesting something out of need from a superior, contrasted with erōtaō (often asking a question or a peer). This signifies genuine, personal supplication.
• anything (τι, ti): An indefinite pronoun, indicating a broad scope—nothing is too small or too big to ask. This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of what can be brought to God.
• according to His will (κατὰ τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ, kata to thelēma autou): This is the pivotal qualifying phrase.
  • κατὰ (kata): Means "according to," "in conformity with," or "in agreement with."
  • τὸ θέλημα (to thelēma): Refers to God's "will," "desire," or "purpose." This is God's sovereign intent, moral design, and pre-ordained plan.
  • αὐτοῦ (autou): Refers to God.
  • This phrase clarifies the boundaries of "anything." While the scope is broad, the condition is strict. It does not mean our every whim will be granted, but that anything we ask that aligns with God's perfect plan and righteous character will be heard. It requires discernment and a heart aligned with God.
• He hears (ἀκούει, akouei): Present tense verb "to hear," "to listen," "to pay attention." In this context, it carries the strong connotation of listening with the intent to act or respond affirmatively. It's not merely auditory perception but a responsive listening, indicating positive consideration leading to an answer (even if the answer is "wait" or "no" for a particular manifestation, the prayer is heard and addressed according to His will).
• us (ἡμῶν, hēmōn): Objective genitive pronoun, referring to believers. It reinforces the personal nature of God's attentiveness to His children.

1 John 5 14 Bonus section

The "will of God" is not always explicitly known or precisely defined for every single life circumstance. Believers mature in understanding God's will through prayer, meditation on Scripture, guidance of the Holy Spirit, and wise counsel. This isn't a passive waiting, but an active pursuit of knowing God's mind and heart. The very act of praying "according to His will" helps to refine and sanctify our desires, shaping them to mirror God's own purposes rather than conforming Him to ours. Therefore, genuine prayer often begins with humble submission to God's ultimate good, recognizing that His plan is always superior to our limited understanding. The assurance is not about getting whatever we want, but about always getting what God wants for us and for His glory.

1 John 5 14 Commentary

1 John 5:14 is a profound declaration of the Christian's prayer privilege and a foundational assurance for our spiritual walk. The confidence (parrēsia) we possess is not presumptuous boldness but a God-given certainty derived from our reconciliation through Christ. This confidence enables us to approach God without fear, knowing our prayers are heard. The critical condition for this effective prayer is alignment with God's will. This doesn't limit God, but it limits our potentially misguided or selfish requests.

Asking "according to His will" implies a growing understanding of God's character, purposes, and desires, often nurtured by knowing His Word and being led by the Holy Spirit (who intercedes for us according to God's will). It shifts the focus from our self-centered desires to God's redemptive plan and glory. When our petitions are in harmony with what God desires, we are guaranteed His responsive hearing and answer, not necessarily as we expect, but always according to His perfect wisdom and love. This truth encourages deep dependence on God and strengthens our faith that He is actively involved and responsive to His children.

Examples:

• Praying for spiritual growth, wisdom, or perseverance in faith, which are explicitly part of God's revealed will.
• Praying for lost loved ones to come to salvation, aligning with God's desire that all should come to repentance.
• Praying for discernment in a difficult decision, trusting God to reveal His path.