1 John 3:21 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

²¹ Loved ones, if our hearts do not condemn us [i.e., because we are showing love by helping the needy], we can have boldness before God [in prayer for our own needs];

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

²¹ Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

²¹ And, beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us [if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us], we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God,

American Standard Version (1901)

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

Common English Bible

²¹ Dear friends, if our hearts don’t condemn us, we have confidence in relationship to God.

Catholic Public Domain Version

²¹ Most beloved, if our heart does not reproach us, we can have confidence toward God;

1 John 3:21 Cross References

1 John 2:28

And now, little children [i.e., dear ones], continue to live in [fellowship with] Christ, so that when He appears, we may have boldness and not have [any reason] to be ashamed in front of Him at His [second] coming.

Hebrews 4:16

So, with confidence we should approach God’s throne of unearned favor, so we can receive mercy and obtain that favor to help us when we need it.

2 Corinthians 1:12

For this is what we boast of: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, in holiness and godly sincerity, not with human wisdom, but with the favor of God.

1 John 5:14

And this is [how we can express] boldness in our relationship with God: Whatever we ask [of God, in prayer], so long as it is in harmony with His will for us, [we know] He hears our request.

1 John 4:17

Here is what a complete love will do for us: It will give us boldness in [facing] the judgment day, because the way Jesus acts [regarding love] is the way we should act [while] in this world.

Hebrews 10:22

we should draw close [to God] with a sincere heart and a fully assured faith, having had our hearts sprinkled from a guilty conscience [See 9:13-14] and having had our bodies washed with clean water [i.e., in our immersion].

1 Corinthians 4:4

For I am not aware of anything [wrong] against myself, but that does not make me right. But the One who judges me is the Lord.

1 Timothy 2:8

Therefore, I want the men to pray in every place [i.e., in all worship assemblies. See verses 1-2], lifting up holy hands without being angry or argumentative. [Note: This passage stresses both the physical and spiritual aspects of prayer].

Romans 14:22

Therefore, whatever you believe about this matter should be held between you and God. That person is happy who does not condemn himself for practicing something he believes is right.

Ephesians 3:12

It is in [fellowship with] Christ that we have boldness and confident access [to God] through our faith in Him.

1 John 2:7

My dearly loved ones, I am not writing to you about a new commandment, but about an old one. [It is the one] you had learned about from the beginning. [Note: This is the commandment to love one another (3:1; II John 5) which Jesus had taught his disciples during His earthly ministry. See Mark 12:31]. This old commandment is the word [of God] which you heard [previously].

1 John 3:2

Dearly loved ones, we are God’s children now, but it has not yet been revealed [to us] what we will be [in the future life, Luke 20:34-36]. But, we do know this, however, that when Jesus is revealed [i.e., at His second coming], we will be like Him [I Cor. 15:49], for we will see what He really looks like!

1 John 3:20

But, if our hearts condemn us [for not demonstrating God’s love for others], surely God, who is greater than our hearts [will also condemn us], because He knows all things.