1 John 5:15

Contextual Overview

¹⁴ This is the confidence we have in his presence: if we ask anything that accords with his will, he hears us. ¹⁴ And this is the boldness which we have towards him, that if we ask him anything according to his will he hears us. ¹⁴ This is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us. ¹⁴ And this is the confidence that we have in him: if we ask for anything according to his will, he listens to us.1 John 3:22;">[xr] ¹⁴ And this is the assurance that we have toward him, that all that we ask of him according to his will, he heareth us. ¹⁴ And this is the confidence that we have towards him, that whatever we ask of him, agreeably to his will, he heareth us. ¹⁴ And this is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: ¹⁴ And we are certain that if we make any request to him which is right in his eyes, he will give ear to us: ¹⁴ And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. ¹⁴ And this is that assurance, that we haue in him, that if we aske any thing according to his will, he heareth vs.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

if: Proverbs 15:29, Jeremiah 15:12, Jeremiah 15:13

we know: Mark 11:24, Luke 11:9, Luke 11:10

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:32 - Oh Exodus 33:17 - I will do 1 Samuel 1:27 - and the Lord 1 Kings 3:5 - Ask what 1 Kings 3:12 - I have done 2 Kings 19:20 - I have heard 1 Chronicles 17:25 - found 2 Chronicles 1:7 - Ask 2 Chronicles 7:12 - I have heard Job 22:27 - make thy Psalms 5:1 - Give Psalms 20:4 - General Psalms 37:4 - and Psalms 65:2 - thou Psalms 145:19 - fulfil Proverbs 10:24 - the desire Isaiah 30:19 - he will Isaiah 38:5 - I have heard Isaiah 65:24 - General Micah 7:7 - my God Matthew 7:7 - and it Matthew 21:22 - General Acts 12:12 - where Romans 8:27 - according Romans 12:12 - continuing 2 Corinthians 6:13 - be James 1:5 - let 2 John 1:6 - this is love

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 1:2
Keinan, Mahalal'el, Yered,

1 Chronicles 1:2
Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared,

1 Chronicles 1:2
Kenan, Mahalal'el, Yered,

1 Chronicles 1:2
Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared;

1 Chronicles 1:2
Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared,

1 Chronicles 1:2
Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared,

1 Chronicles 1:2
Kenan, Mahalchel, Iared.

1 Chronicles 1:2
Kenan, Mahalaleel, Iered,

1 Chronicles 1:2
Kenan, Mahalalael, Jered,

1 Chronicles 1:2
and Cainan, Maleleel, Jared,

Gill's Notes on the Bible

And if we know that he hear us,.... As it may be assured he does hear and answer all such persons that ask according to his will:

whatsoever we ask, we know, or are assured,

that we have the petitions that we desired of him: for as it is the nature of that holy confidence, which believers have in God, to believe whatever they ask according to his will, in general, shall be grappled, so every request in particular; yea, before the mercy desired, or the favour asked for is conferred, they are as sure of having it in God's own time and way, as if they now had it in hand and fact.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

And if we know that he hear us - That is, if we are assured of this as a true doctrine, then, even though we may not “see” immediately that the prayer is answered, we may have the utmost confidence that it is not disregarded, and that it will be answered in the way best adapted to promote our good. The specific thing that we asked may not indeed be granted, (compare Luke 22:42; 2 Corinthians 12:8-9), but the prayer will not be disregarded, and the thing which is most for our good will be bestowed upon us. The “argument” here is derived from the faithfulness of God; from the assurance which we feel that when he has promised to hear us, there will be, sooner or later, a real answer to the prayer.

We know that we have the petitions ... - That is, evidently, we now that we “shall” have them, or that the prayer will be answered. It cannot mean that we already have the precise thing for which we prayed, or that will be a real answer to the prayer, for

(a)The prayer may relate to something future, as protection on a journey, or a harvest, or restoration to health, or the safe return of a son from a voyage at sea, or the salvation of our souls - all of which are “future,” and which cannot be expected to be granted at once; and,

(b)The answer to prayer is sometimes delayed, though ultimately granted. There may be reasons why the answer should be deferred, and the promise is not that it shall be immediate. The “delay” may arise from such causes as these:

1. To try our faith, and see whether the blessing is earnestly desired.

(2)Perhaps it could not be at once answered without a miracle.

(3)It might not be consistent with the divine arrangements respecting others to grant it to us at once.

(4)Our own condition may not be such that it would be best to answer it at once.

We may need further trial, further chastisement, before the affliction, for example, shall be removed; and the answer to the prayer may be delayed for months or years. Yet, in the meantime, we may have the firmest assurance that the prayer is heard, and that it will be answered in the way and at the period when God shall see it to be best.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 15. And if we know that he hear us — Seeing we are satisfied that he hears the prayer of faith, requesting the things which himself has promised; we know, consequently, that we have the petitions-the answer to the petitions, that we desired of him; for he cannot deny himself; and we may consider them as sure as if we had them; and we shall have them as soon as we plead for and need them. We are not to ask to-day for mercy that we now need, and not receive it till to-morrow, or some future time. God gives it to him who prays, when it is needful.